Module 4 Discussion

I think it is important to incorporate technology into the classroom; however, it must be done with planning. Having technology present in the classroom does not suddenly change things; the technology must be implemented correctly. My school is a Title one school and we have an abundance of technology. I like to incorporate technology as much as possible. I teach math, and I have a hard time getting them to understand the importance of studying and completing math homework. I use a comparison to texting, video games, and facebook. They seem to get the connection then. We also use laptops and computers on a weekly basis in each class.

For online learning I focused on the various aspects that I felt were important according to the resources we have explored. Here is a link to my graphic organizer
http://www.slideshare.net/mhtilson/graphic-organizer-module-4-2982805

Collaboration:
1. Wiki: Wikis are a great tool to set up a learning group and a small group. Wikis can be used to organize assignments in class, monitor participation, and small groups.
2. Blogs: Blogs are similar to wikis in their purpose for online learning. One might set up a blog as a journal entry on a topic throughout the course.
3. Learning Groups: Learning groups can be a great resource for students. They can provide help, feedback, and encouragement. Also, learning groups can be used to help break down a large class into smaller groups for learning.
4. Peer Evaluations: Peer Evaluation is a great tool. When working with a group or collaborating on an assignment, students can critic and provide feedback before the instructor grades the final product.
5. Group Projects: Group projects have the potential to be great if everyone participates. With group projects you can collaborate and work with each others strengths to put together the final product.

Content
1. Vodcast: Vodcast are a great tool to present information in another form besides reading out of a textbook. Vodcast also reach the auditory learner.
2. Online Journals and Articles: From the convenience of home, students can look up journals and articles that are relevant to class. This can relive stress of not having to leave home and worry about having a magazine or reference book on your topic.
3. Modules: Modules help break down the course work. It makes it easier and organizes the work for the students.
4. Constructivist Learning: This is key in having students create an understanding instead of leaning by memorization. The student is actually applying it.
5. Relevant to Real Life: In completing this degree, most students are teachers, so the content can be related to the classroom and applied to our personal lives.

Compatibility
1. Choice:Choice is key to accommodating all learners. Each student is different and should be able to choose which method of assessment would best suite them.
2. Rubrics: Rubrics are a great tool to help the learner know if they are completing the requirements of the assignment.
3. Flexibility: Online learning allows flexibility for the student to complete assignments at his/her convenience.
4. Instructor Feedback: Instructor feedback is important to learning. This helps the students know what aspects of the assignment were satisfactory and which parts need improvement.
5. Computer Based: With advances in technology many tasks have become computer based. Online learning utilizes the computer.

Module 3 Discussion

My classroom is set up in groups. I have six groups of 4. Each of my students are expected to work in groups throughout the week. At the beginning of the year we have a conversation of creating a classroom community. I discuss how each person is expected to contribute to the group as a whole. I connect it to out of school and the workforce. I explain to my students how we are expected to work with our co-workers regardless of if we like them or not. We must be respectful and cannot "shut down" because we don't like who we are sitting next to. ( I teach 7th grade)

I an effort to help encourage students to work well with one another I do a positive reward system. I keep a point system for each group. Groups get points for all having homework, being on task when others are not, working exceptionally well together, and so on. They loose points for being too loud, not working together, leaving their group a mess, and being off task. At the end of the week the group with the most points gets a small prize; candy, homework pass, extra credit pass, ice cream pass, sit where you want pass. At the end of the nine weeks, the group with the most points gets to eat in my room and I bring an assortment of desserts. I change groups each nine weeks.

I group my students in flexible groups. I have one high, one low and two medium. It is amazing how the high person can motivate the lower student to stay on task. Also, candy goes a long way for a student who does not stay on task. The students will tell on each other when they don't all participate. I don't give the same grade for all members unless they all contributed equally. I am a big fan of rubrics, that have the jobs for each member.

Siemens discusses the struggling student making great improvements compared to the more advanced student making minimal improvement. I feel that groups have the potential to help the struggling student even more. Sometimes that struggling student needs a little more motivation and push to help him get over the edge. As for their grades, I often grade on ability. If they give their best effort then their grade reflects it. I do a lot of effort grades in math. I don't know what the experts have to say on it, but so far I have had great results on our end of the year state test!

I have attached a template that I modify for group work. I often use it when I do a game so they have a role. The turn it clockwise each round so each person gets a different job. I change it with jobs as well.
http://www.slideshare.net/mhtilson/group-game-2909805
Here is a short clip that summarizes collaborative learning. It is funny and cheesy, but it explains exactly what it is. It made me laugh! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brcjODFBEuE

Story Board: Virtual Classrooms Online Learning K-12 Sector

http://www.slideshare.net/mhtilson/virtual-classrooms

Here is the story board for my video presentation.