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| #FluBites |
Description - This week, since being on my flu-induced sick bed, I've spent reading more about blended learning. The classes I've had at LR have helped for when I feel stuck that I won't be able to pace out the modules in Canvas, or what I want to say about the decisions I think ELA teachers make in regard to utilizing technology.
There are two books that I'm working with that broaden my thinking. One is Creatively Teach the Common Core with Technology by Catlin Tucker, a California teacher and Blended Learning coach. The other is Dr. Linton's book, The Blended Learning Blueprint For Elementary Teachers.
Feelings - I'm getting frustrated, truthfully; plus, I think I'm stuck. Although I'm reading and taking notes, I'm worried that my project will be a bust, since all I really know is what I'm reading. I did use my lesson plans this week to "process" the choices I made for the tech we used in class, but I don't always have the technology available (we aren't 1:1). This is where Tucker's books come in handy because her school isn't 1:1 either. But what if I'm just regurgitating her work?
Evaluation - Tucker's books show me specifically how to walk through a lesson utilizing technology to the fullest. Linton's book, while geared to elementary teachers, provides the thinking process I need to make critical decisions - she's like the theory behind blended learning, I guess. Again, though, how do I make the project mine and not merely revise what they are saying?
Feelings - I'm getting frustrated, truthfully; plus, I think I'm stuck. Although I'm reading and taking notes, I'm worried that my project will be a bust, since all I really know is what I'm reading. I did use my lesson plans this week to "process" the choices I made for the tech we used in class, but I don't always have the technology available (we aren't 1:1). This is where Tucker's books come in handy because her school isn't 1:1 either. But what if I'm just regurgitating her work?
Evaluation - Tucker's books show me specifically how to walk through a lesson utilizing technology to the fullest. Linton's book, while geared to elementary teachers, provides the thinking process I need to make critical decisions - she's like the theory behind blended learning, I guess. Again, though, how do I make the project mine and not merely revise what they are saying?
Analysis - I usually worry about big projects like this, especially that my voice doesn't matter in the crowd of researchers in educational technology. I don't want to just repeat what others say; however, I don't feel like I'm the best person to preach Blended Learning. I can't use tech every day, and this makes me feel like a fraud.
Conclusion - Do I need to survey ELA teachers about the types of tech they already use/integrate?
Action Plan - I'm just going to keep working as best as I can and start getting the modules filled out some this week. Some of my module work will be adding different apps/programs that I've used with my students, and some will be those I want to try --or link to blog posts about how they should work.
Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteI hope you feel better and all your family members!!!!!!! I have sickness in my home too! It is the worst!
I think surveying your ELA teachers is good idea. The survey may help you find new tools or give you ideas of how to design your training. I would suggest that when you survey them, have some examples of tools that you are thinking of using to see they are familiar with them. It will allow you to see if you should include them or if you need to create tutorials for them.
Also, do not feel like a fraud!!! You are trying to figure out ways to include technology to foster Blended Learning in an non 1:1 learning environment. I will add one suggestion to help with this----stations. I know in high schools we tend to move away from them but don't!! Have a station or two where students engage with technology. One station can be a VoiceThread were they individually respond to questions and engage in a discussion. Another can be a research station or creation station using Pixton or Smores. I think this will help as you will only need 6 computers not 1:1.
I hope this helps a bit,and hang in there!!
Amy
Stephanie, please get well! During that first year of teaching you are bombarded with 30+ sets of germs every day... Keep the faith.
ReplyDeleteYou are making progress...and finding ways to continue to move forward. I wish you had more support at work for this creation, but just think what a marvelous addition this is to your portfolio and something you can use in job interviews.