Responses to Module 6

Tracy Snow

I have responded to Tiffany Harrell and Laura Lee.

Module 6: Learning in a Digital World

As a student of higher education later in life, I have experience in traditional face to face and distant education.  I am both a teacher and a student.  I believe it is critical and non negotiable that each child learn in a safe and loving environment.   I love Harry Wong’s theory that school is not a place but a concept where students are welcome to learn and enhance the quality of their lives without fear of intimidation or safety for their lives.  They should be guided by hospitable and caring teachers in a clean and orderly environment (Wong, 1991).    In a face to face environment and in distant education, I feel it is important to incorporate collaboration.  Students retain knowledge when they are responsible for their own learning.  Students who participate in collaborative learning perform much better on critical- thinking and problem solving skills. 

I believe that technology enhances learning in a supportive and non intimidating way.  There are many games that develop students’ critical thinking skills and engage learners. It incorporates skills, strategies, and fun together to keep students engaged in learning.  Technology also highly motivates students.  Technology also supports creative thinking.  According to our text students are expected to make choices based on learning goals and self monitoring of the problem-solving processes (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2010).  There are so many ways that technology enhances the way we learn.  When I take my students to the computer lab, they ask me if they can “play” Education City.   Education City is an award-winning online teaching and learning resource that is mapped to our state and common core standards. 

Resources:

Cennamo, K., Ross, J., Ertmer, P. (2010).  Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standard-based approach. Belmont, CA:  Wadsworth.

Wong, H., & Wong, R. (1991).  The first days of school: How to be an effective teacher. Sunnyvale, CA: Author.

Response to New Technologies - Tracy Snow

Module 5: Responses to New Technologies.

I responded to Laura Lee and Tawana Stiff.

Mod 5: New Technologies

Module 5:  New Technologies

Through this and other graduate courses, I have learned about Edmodo.  This is a secure social learning network for students and teachers.  I was excited about it and wanted to utilize it at my school.  I asked several teachers at my school about it and no one knew anything about it.  I told my assistant principal about it and asked if I could set it up.  She was excited about it and received the approval from the principal to let me set it up.  Without knowing anything about Edmodo, I set it up and enrolled all my students.  We have gone to the computer lab and communicated with each other.  I have also set assignments in which the students have to respond to, complete and turn in.  I have tried to get other teachers on my grade level and others to join so that we could collaborate.  They refused!  They gave excuses that they didn’t have time, it was too complicated, and students wouldn’t get it.  I told them if I can do it, anyone can.  The students will get it and love it!  I am the only teacher at my school who utilizes Edmodo.  I have made contact with a classmate from Walden, hoping that our students could collaborate together.  We are still working out the details.

The Keller’s ARCS model that I could use to change the motivation of these people to encourage success would be gaining and sustaining attention.  I stimulate lasting curiosity with problems that invoke mystery (Driscoll, 2005).  I talk about what my students do when we go to the lab and how they go home and message me about their homework.  One student even sent me a note when he was absent.  He stated that he had to go to the hospital because he had gotten sick.  Finally, I will teach a professional development class in the Fall on Edmodo.  I believe that once teachers are shown what it is and how to use it, they will come on board.

Resource:

Driscoll, M. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction. (Third edition). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.