Well it seems that I have been in great demand lately. I have been asked to do another blog. Hop on over to my page at http://finesteachingandlearning.weebly.com/technology-links.html. Here I provide links for all sorts of things: technology, Common Core resources, iPad information. Whatever Ms. Fine comes up with or whatever I discover on my own. We keep the site fairly current. So check it out!
Educational articles
What does a 21st Century Music Classroom look like?
Not much different from any other music classroom. Except for the rolling metal cart with the laptop, LCD projector, iPod docking station that doubles as an amplifier, with a microphone and other sound inputs and a document reader. These tools help the 21st Century skills teacher use pdf files, mp3 files, YouTube, wikis and GarageBand in every day applications. The iPad connected to the TV is helpful, as well.
The rhythm sticks still get a lot of use, as do the guitars, Orff instruments and maracas. But, student learning is enhanced when we can go to Google Earth and look at where something is in live-time and see the topography of a country or location as we study a song.
Stay tuned for more tools from my “Every day 21st Century” classroom!
Virtual Worlds
I have spent the last 5 weeks exploring Second Life as my avatar Davina DaTeacher. Led by Lucas Gillespie of LearnNC.org and the COLT online certification program, my classmates and I explored Second Life. At first I was very hesitant and unsure of why this was important to education. I had spent time in Second Life before and wandered around aimlessly. I chose to take this class, because I always like to have someone prove me wrong!
Lucas DID prove me wrong! His expert guidance gently led us through exploring NASA learning islands, to building fascinating shapes, to meeting docents at ISTE Island. We changed outfits, learned how to interact in the space, and fly. Yes, I said fly. It is a most convenient way to get around.
Schools, businesses and Universities are using Virtual World technology to teach classes, collaborate with others around the world, and develop new ways to assess and educate. The possibilities are truly endless.
My concern was with using Second Life in my day-to-day existence as an elementary school teacher. I have been guided, however, to Reaction Grid which is suitable for younger students. I will spend some time this week exploring Reaction Grid and hope for positive outcomes to share with my Technology students at school. Stay tuned!
Teachers as Professionals
I am fortunate that my principal treats her staff as professionals. I have been very blessed to have several principals throughout my career that were in this same category. Staff members are expected to do what needs to be done, provide quality education, integrate technology into daily teaching and continue professional development with very little intervention. I feel valued and respected in my job.
So why aren’t there more principals like this? My principal makes it look easy. But I’m sure that there are many facets to developing a good leader that allows for autonomy while nurturing growth.
Our educational system needs reform. Of that there is no doubt. The Boston Globe article “Learning from Finland” has valid information to share. Not pitting school against school. Not relying on standardized tests. Providing state funded education for teachers to encourage the best and the brightest. Should we be listening?
A parent’s guide to standards based grading
Educators hear the words assessment, rubrics and standards all the time. But what do those things mean for you as a parent? Assessment is the ability to measure your child’s progress towards a particular goal. Usually those goals are set by your state and/or by your school district. Read the entire article at:
A parent’s guide to standards based grading
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Will Parents Need To Take Over Education?
How comfortable are you with educating your own children? If your local school can’t afford to educate your child, are you willing to step up and take on that responsibility? Read the entire article:
Will Parents Need To Take Over Education?
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Vinal Tech Blog 