tammi+h

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__//**Reflection #1:**//__ I feel that a huge barrier for teachers is that we are over-extended. We are given so many responsibilities, that sometimes I feel like I can't get it all done. For example: Meetings: 504, IEP, cohort, department ,parent-teacher conferences, faculty,professional development, and the list goes on and on. Sometimes, I feel that there are literally not enough hours in the day for me to feel productive/successful. If I could just concentrate on planning lessons that are "teachable", I would be able to come up with more creative lessons. Additionally, I feel like more and more responsibilities are being piled on our plates,with no additional time to get it all done. It really stresses me out, because sometimes I think I am shortchanging my students.=====

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One more barrier that I am encountering is effectively challenging ALL of my students in a classroom with an extrememly diverse group of learners. I feel that I am doing a disservice to my top students, because I am so worried about making sure that the lower students have mastered the material. I realize that D.I. supposedly addresses this concern, but I am struggling with this issue.=====

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This was really interesting to look at, because it actually gave a model lesson plan. Within the lesson plan, it lists many barriers to learning. Some of these barriers were issues that I never really thought about. Well, actually I am familiar with the barriers, but it is cool how they are all put in a neat, tidy package. To be honest, I would like to print a copy of these barriers, because it opens my mind to more ideas. The listed barriers also brought my mind to my current students, and some of these barriers definitely apply to them. I have a student who is an amazing artist (not being tapped in my class). Earlier in the year, we were studying the elements of plot. So, instead of having Jacob (my resident artist) complete the “plot mountain” that I had printed for the class, I gave him the option to “draw” the mountain for me. He was thrilled to do it. Well, fast forward 6 months, and we are getting ready to review elements of plot for our novel. Guess who the first one was to correctly identify all of the elements?- Jacob! - typically disengaged Jacob had his hand waving in the breeze, begging me to call on him. So, I guess my point is that this tutorial reminded me of possible barriers to learning, and good ideas on how to remove those barriers. =====

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As I read this article, I thought the author had put up a camera in my classroom, and was reporting out on ME. Wow, could I relate to this article. A typical classroom consists of English learners, students who struggle with comprehension, students who are bored with the curriculum, et… This article discusses how easy it is to use technology to support differentiation. Teachers need to provide materials and tasks at varied levels of difficulty, along with varied modes of support. This article discusses the variety of options available on word processors, like text to talk, grammar corrections. It also discusses other tools available on a modern computer, and the vast amount of information available at your fingertips, via the keyboard. I have never used the “talking text” feature, but I am very excited to try it out. I know it would be so beneficial for my English learners (helping with grammatical errors, learning the language, etc…) The article also mentions that schools/districts must support technology use through in-services and training for teachers. =====

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I looked at principal 3- Means of Engagement and checked out the “Prezi” website. That was so cool! It reminded me a lot of “smart notebook”, and “power point”, but with more intriguing and exciting options. I watched the 6 minute tutorial and I actually understood how to use it. (which means it must be user friendly!) I love the way the “prezi” moves around on the page, and I can definitely see how it would keep the student’s attention. I am going to use this “prezi” to set up a review of the elements of plot. If this goes well, I am going to plan on creating informational prezis throughout the fourth marking period, to use as recaps on units we have already covered. I may also use a prezi to introduce each of the books for our “literature circles”, that we will be doing in the fourth marking period. =====

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One of the main barriers is that traditional assessments are designed in a “one size fits all” mentality, and that doesn’t work with the diversity in today’s student population. Multiple choice (selected response) and short answer test questions don’t accommodate differing learning styles found in today’s student population. In addition, often times the assessment isn’t even assessing what it is supposed to be. A traditional math assessment often relies on the student’s proficiency in reading comprehension in order to successfully pass the “math” test. Challenges to vary assessments would be maintaining the test’s validity and realibility. =====

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 * // Given the realities of our modern age and the demands of our children’s future, is it really okay to allow teachers to choose whether or not they incorporate modern technologies into their instruction? //**=====

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Teachers must keep on the cutting edge in order to keep up with society’s educational demands. Modern technology is an integral part of today’s education, and it is teachers’ responsibility to reach their students and take their students to the highest level. Teachers must adapt to this new “digital age”, and as they continue to grow with the modern technology age, they will continue to “reach” and “challenge” their students through classroom instruction. =====

//Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants// (course binder, tab 3)

 * 1) ===== According to Marc Prensky, define the term, “Digital Native.” =====

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It means that although we use modern technology, we still refer to our “roots”, our “old school” ways of doing things, too. We don’t lose these “roots”, although we do incorporate the new technology. =====

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Lecturing is receiving information too slowly. It doesn’t allow for multi-tasking, nor is it instantaneous. Step-by-step is “one thing at a time”, rather than being bombarded with a series of information, which is what the “digital natives” prefer. =====

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Left side of the chart: “Learning that is relevant, active, instantly useful, and fun”: I agree, because that is the way that I most enjoy learning new things. It keeps your brain turned on, and activated/stimulated. Right side of the chart: “Teaching memorization in preparation for standardized tests” DISAGREE: Memorization does nothing in enhancing education, nor application of anything learned. It is rote, it is boring, it does not stimulate the brain. =====

http://edudemic.com/2012/02/digital-classroom-guide/

 * 1) ===== Highlight 3 interesting points shared in this article. =====

http://www.searchenginejournal.com/need-a-cheat-sheet-for-socal- media/39546/

 * 1) ===== Explain in 5 – 10 sentences. Did the organization of this graphic help you compare and contrast the information, or did the organization confuse you? Why? Why not? =====

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I love this organizational/graphic aid. I am a very black and white person, and I thought it was very well organized. I like the use of the icon for each different social media site, and I thought it was very easy to navigate the chart. If you want to see how to use a particular component of Facebook, find the icon, find the question you need help with, and there is your answer! It is a side by side comparison, and I find that set up very easy to use and helpful. In addition, it actually lets you know what social media tools are out there, which many of us may not have even known existed, let alone what their purposes are. I love “cheat sheets” because there is a lot of basic information put together in a neat, orderly manner. =====

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I think Gaggle.Net could be a very valuable tool for teachers. It sounds to me like what we already use to post assignments (Blackboard). I like being able to post assignments that students can easily access. I don’t like the idea of teaching my students how to use a social media site during school time, though, to be honest. I think they already know how to navigate these sites. =====