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Discussion: Using Two Strategies for Medial & Collaboration Fluency

In this blog post, I wanted to spend some time discussing how I am supporting media and collaboration fluencies in my junior high school computer science classroom. For the purposes of this post, I will discuss two current strategies I have recently started using based on the media and collaboration fluencies as defined by Crockett, Jukes, and Churches (2011). I will be discussing these two strategies based on how they each support my students’ development of media and collaboration fluencies and how they benefit my evolving teaching practice. The first strategy I have implemented in the classroom has been a multimedia Project Based Learning (PBL) task. I have asked students to form groups to begin a new First Nations Metis and Inuit (FNMI) multimedia PBL assignment. The goal is to have students research, design, and present digital content that addresses real issues within the local FNMI community. For instance, students could create a short video or infographic addressing issues su...
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Using VoiceThread with Project Based Learning

  VoiceThread: https://voicethread.com/myvoice/thread/29667987 As part of the next two weeks for our “Build a Better Space Station” Project-Based Learning (PBL) task, I am introducing my students to the International Space Station (ISS) through VoiceThread. This unique platform will allow the students to explore the ISS structure, the importance of the station and things to think about for their design. Students will be able to use VoiceThread to engage each other on different topics, ask questions and voice responses. This interactive introduction will not only enrich student understanding of the ISS but also serve as a motivator for their designs of a better space station. The next phase would involve students planning and designing their space stations and putting the CAD designs on VoiceThread for class input. The combination of VoiceThread and PBL will help to empower students to immerse themselves in the world of space exploration and push the boundaries of their im...
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Constructivist Learning Theory, Teaching and Learning

In this blog post, I will be discussing the use of constructivism, constructivist-based instructional strategies and educational technology tools in my junior high school classroom. I will discuss this in the following steps. First, what is the relationship between constructivism, constructionist learning theories, my current instructional strategies, and the educational technology tools used in my classroom? Second, how are constructivist-based instructional strategy and educational technology tools used in my classroom and what International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards for educators and students are addressed by doing so? Finally, how will constructivist-based instructional strategy and the educational technology tools in my classroom be used with the Genius Hour plan I previously proposed in my classroom? By addressing these questions, I hope to cover this discussion in complete depth. Constructivist learning theories focus on the active role of students in ...
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Using Graphic Organizers and Virtual Field Trips for Exploring Rockets in the Classroom

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  Using Graphic Organizers and Virtual Field Trips ( https://www.mindomo.com/mindmap/how-are-rockets-designed-and-tested-at-nasas-langley-research-center-cf9e12d7e4b74ca6ba9889bfa6cf5335 ) I decided to use the virtual field trip model as part of our unit plan on rockets. I set the virtual field trip to NASA’s Langley Research Center with my class. The Mindomo graphic organizer was an important instructional tool to guide the student groups in exploring rocket design and the testing process. At the start of the virtual field trip, I introduced the central question: “How are rockets designed and tested at NASA Langley Research Center?” This essential question was placed at the heart of the graphic organizer to help students focus on the main objective of the trip. As we navigated through different sections and buildings within the research center, the organizer helped structure the learning by breaking down complex abstract concepts into more manageable subtopics. Each subtopic was t...
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Using Graphic Organizers and Virtual Field Trips

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 Graphic Organizer Used: https://www.mindomo.com/mindmap/how-are-rockets-designed-and-tested-at-nasas-langley-research-center-cf9e12d7e4b74ca6ba9889bfa6cf5335           I decided that I would use the virtual field trip model as part of our unit plan on rockets. I set the virtual field trip to NASA’s Langley Research Center with my class. The Mindomo graphic organizer was an important instructional tool to guide the student groups on their exploration of rocket design and the testing process. At the start of the virtual field trip, I introduced the central question: “How are rockets designed and tested at NASA Langley Research Center?” This essential question was placed at the heart of the graphic organizer in order to help students focus on the main objective of the trip. As we navigated through different sections and buildings within the research center, the organizer helped structure the learning by breaking down complex abstract concepts into more m...
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Behaviorist Learning Theory, Instructional Strategies, and Technology Tools

Behaviorism, instructional strategies and technology are interconnected with one another while fostering effective learning environments. In this discussion, I will attempt to discuss the relationship between all three, how they work together and equally important, why they work together. I will also explain how I use behavior-based instructional strategies and educational technology tools in my classroom. Additionally, what are the ISTE standards for both educators and students addressed by the educational technology tools currently used in my classroom? Finally, I wanted to discuss my intended use of Genius Hour (GH) and how I can apply the sources I researched to enhance the GH approach by integrating behaviorist learning principles effectively. The behaviorist learning theory believes that behavior can be conditioned through either positive or negative reinforcement and punishment. The theory focuses on measurable changes in behaviour and disregards internal cognitive processes. ...
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Final Reflection and Blog Posting on the Impact of Technology

In this reflection essay, I will reflect on how the resources and activities in this course have helped me continue developing my technology skills as a teacher. I’d like to discuss this in the following steps. First, I’d like to discuss the role social bookmarking, wikis, and blogs have played in the continuing development of my teaching technological skills. Second, I’d like to discuss how I have deepened my knowledge from this course and regarding integrating technology in the classroom. Third, of all the technologies discussed in this course, why am I most open to using podcasting in my practice, and where do I see any potential obstacles to its implementation? Fourth, I’d like to specify two long-term SMART goals to help me transform my classroom to better support students in their 21st-century skill development. Finally, what topic of interest do I wish to pursue for further research and understanding? I believe it will be the biggest change in the classroom since the emergence o...
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