WPP Presentation

    I created my WPP presentation for an audience of elementary teachers in a district.  This presentation focuses on the pedagogy of collaborative learning through the technology of web 2.0 tools in a variety of content areas.
      Providing 21st Century learning to our classroom is essential for our students. One of the elements that is so crucial to that learning is collaboration.  Even though we know the idea of collaboration is crucial for connections and achievements, many teachers today are not incorporating this into their classroom.  According to a poll taken by Edutopia, only 14% of the teachers said that their students are ready for the "Collaboration Age".
    I plan to address this issue by providing professional development to our  elementary staff about the importance of collaborative learning through the use of technology into the classroom. All of our classrooms have already been equipped with tools such as computers and projectors. Incorporating this idea does not require any basic costs or start up fees. However, one simply cannot be asked to do something "just because". The idea of 21st Century learning must be introduced.  I plan to "pull" them into the idea of 21st century collaboration by showing them the "why" of collaborative learning- through research and resources, and the "how" through curriculum examples. 
         The pedagogy of collaboration empowers students and gives them ownership towards their learning.  Students have the opportunity to share ideas, use a variety of informational sources, and create a display of the knowledge they have learned.  Combining the pedagogy of collaborative learning with content using technology of web 2.0 tools provides the opportunity for students to engage in 21st century learning.
      Using the technology of web 2.0 tools such as blogs, wikis, and Skype  provides the opportunity for other students to connect with the material at home and at school.  This teaching opportunity provides direction and choice from the teacher  that can be accessed by student, teacher, and parent.  Using this technology also provides opportunities for diverse learners. A teacher can provide choice to the student to best meet their needs, whether it be visual, audio, or simply a written blog post.  Using these web 2.0 tools also allows the possibility of extended learning based on passion and motivation. Collaborative learning is connected and meaningful.    Students are already using technology for social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter, Webkinz, etc.   
      The use of technology allows the content to come alive!  One of the curriculum standards in our class was to cover the geography of the United States.  Our class turned this standard into a game with other classrooms throughout the United States.  We played the game called "Mystery Skype"where we would skype with other classrooms and give them 10 "clues" about our location. The other classroom would reciprocate.  When we completed our clues, we would guess the state! My class had the opportunity to learn about Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, Illinois, Indiana, and many other states from actual students  that live in that state.   Students would use a variety of maps to solve the clues!  It was such a powerful collaborative learning tool! This is only one example of how technology makes the use of collaborative learning more meaningful and connected to students.   This brings content and technology together to reach a common goal.
       Once I have pulled them into the benefits of collaboration, I would share a Livebinder full of resources and tools that would allow for collaborative learning.  I understand that it takes time to feel comfortable with the tools. Therefore, my long term goal would be to provide staff development once a month after school focusing on a particular technology tool that would provide the benefits of collaboration.   We need to see collaboration as an interconnected tool that is essential for the future.    The indicator of success can be provided in the first few minutes of a bi- monthly staff meeting where staff shares their success in the classroom.  Sharing the benefits with others is such a powerful motivator!  The more we share, the more we are successful as to the integration of collaboration in our classrooms!
Livebinder on Web 2.0 tools
Collaborative Learning Resources

Multi- Genre Project

    One of my favorite children authors is Andrew Clements.  His novels are captivating and mesmerizing to students. In my classroom we have studied a few of the novels in our literary circles.  I wanted to add another one of his novels into my classroom, which prompted the study of the novel, "Extra Credit".  I am hoping to use this multi- genre project in my classroom in the future.  Therefore, I placed all of my projects, as well as a book summary on a website to allow for accessibility for students.
     One of my projects was using the tool Voki to give the characters a "voice".  Voki is a great audio and visual tool that allows you to add voice, through a variety of means, to the character you are creating.  I created a Voki for the two main characters, Abby and Sadeed.
     I also created a Glog for one of the projects. In the story Abby is to create a bulletin board about her extra credit assignment.  Glogster was a great tool that allowed me to provide an image of the bulletin board.
    The next project was a video of my personal experience of learning how to rock climb.  Throughout the story we continually hear about Abby's love of mountains.  In the beginning we are first introduced to Abby when she is climbing on a rock wall at school.  I have always wanted to try to climb a rock wall, but was very afraid that I might fall.  I decided for this project I would take the risk and try something new!  I was so nervous that my hands kept sweating- which is not the ideal thing for rock climbing! However, I did accomplish my task- I made it up the wall (almost to the top!).  My daughter was very generous to capture the moment, which led to the production of my iMovie.
     My next project uses two web 2.0 tools.  I wanted to provide a visual about Abby's love for the outdoors.  The novel goes into great detail about her experiences in the woods. I used the tool, Popplet , to create this visual.  I also added a Wordle of the contents of Abby's green backpack that she brings with her every time she goes out to the woods.
      I also provided a "blog entry" for Abby.  At the end of Abby's experience, she is supposed to write about her experience.  Blogging allows Abby to share her experience with not only her classroom, but the whole world!  The blog shares her thoughts and experiences of the extra credit project.
     The last tool that I used on the website, was a "bonus" feature!  When Abby agreed to do an extra credit assignment, she was to choose a paper out of the box that contained several extra credit choices.  When she chose the pen pal assignment choice, she decided to write Afghanistan from the list of geographic locations.  She chose Afghanistan because of the mountains that they have there.    I decided to create an "extra credit machine" that provides a random choice.
        This project was such a wonderful opportunity to provide a variety of tools to demonstrate the novel of our choice!  This would be such an amazing activity to do with your classroom! It provides a choice for diverse learners to share their knowledge of the book.

      http://extracreditmgp.weebly.com/

Scholarship of Teaching

    
Throughout my years as a teacher, I have seen the progression I have made on my ideas on the scholarship of teaching.. When I first began, I would research the information for my students, and "teach" them the material the way that I thought would be most appropriate.   I felt that I must know all the content and all the answers...When I student asked a question that I didn't know, I would research it and come back to them with the answer.
       Through time and experience, I have grown to see teaching to be more than just one person"giving" the information.  Teaching and learning go hand in hand in my classroom.  Finding the passion for the topic "what" and generating discussion about the "why" and the "how" ignite the classroom!   Giving kids meaning and connections to content are so important!  Providing a framework that allows them to be creative and collaborative has been my goal!  
      Recently, I have read an amazing book titled, "The Passion-Driven Classroom " By Angela Maiers and Amy Sandvold that provides an insider's look as to how to create a framework for teaching and learning in your classroom that corresponds to 21st century learning.   Providing the opportunity for students to navigate their learning through collaboration and creativity is so essential!  I want my students to be passionate about their learning!  I want to learn with them, not teach to them!
    I have also found my PLN to be an invaluable tool as a teacher. Working with others and generating new ways to look at common core standards provides a community that extends your perspective as a teacher and a learner.
    In my classroom I hope to see a community of learners that work together for a common goal.  I hope to see expression and motivation towards learning.  Teaching and learning are collaborative projects.  I cannot wait to see what the future brings...

My First Week of MAET Reflection

During this past week of the MAET program, I have learned a lot about my passion and dedication towards the applications of technology. It has been an intense, yet worthwhile experience. I have had the opportunity to extend my basic knowledge of the web 2.0 tools  that I  have previously learned.  This week wasn’t necessarily learning about the tools, but more about the opportunity to incorporate these tools and the applications of use in the classroom. One of my favorite experiences this week was learning about QR codes.   I have previously been exposed to QR codes. However, I had the opportunity to create one and see its purpose in the classroom. This week I created a QR code for my class website to include on my professional website.  Once I "tweeted" out my QR code on Twitter, I received feedback from another professional that had a google document as to how I can incorporate them into my classroom!  My PLN continues to amaze me!  

 This week was also my first experience learning about TPACK,which stands for Technology, Pedagogy, and Content Knowledge.  We watched a short clip about the idea of TPACK, and it has remained with me ever since. How can I as an educator provide that perfect culmination of content, pedagogy and technology into my classroom? My goal over the next few weeks of the MAET program is to extend my knowledge and application of TPACK for my classroom as well as my district.

I Believe..

Untitled from kim powell on Vimeo.

21st Century Learning Map

I believe this map will be a work in progress throughout my own path towards 21st Century Learning. I look forward to the building and changing of this map while I am in the MAET program.