Reflections

=** Week 1 - Constructivism, Connectivism and Cyborg Theories **= There was a lot of knowledge to be gained in this week's readings and videos. I was surprised by all of theories being named examples of approaching teaching. I have about 30 years in classroom teaching experiences and have seen so many teachers who have educated as constructivist or connectivist even though it was unnamed at the time. The teachers who were the most effective have used student success as the measure and shown the most flexibility in dealing with unusual needs as the guide for instruction. I see this as being a greater influence now more than ever. It is apparent to me that now with new technologies emerging rapidly, we must use our time and talents to effectively tap the prior learning that our students have to show them that the continum of learning doesn't have a beginning or end and they can use what they know to build on situations throughout life. It is important to recognize that there are a large contingency of former teachers and administrators who for years did school in a teacher center approach. Many university and college courses are still taught in the lecture method where learners are not the focus of the delivery as well. The reality is that it was pretty successful for a long time. It seems that technology advances and new cultural norms have made this theory and approach so much less successful. It isn't that we have smarter students than ever before but the kinds of expereinces that students bring to education are more diverse and with a greater range of experiences to bring to our classrooms. In reading the discussion board I also realized the impact that good teachers have on the students. When I say good teachers it refers to those who see and meet the differences in our students with specialized instruction. The one size for all is not what students will respond to in our schools today. I am looking forward to the opportunity to learn more from the awesome colleagues in this course.

Week 2 - The information that I have learned about greater ways to diversify the instructional strategies was great. I was already have a lot of ideas but the readings and materials were really expanding to me this week. There are many ways that you don't think of when you are so focused on that which is in front of you each week. The use of the google doc and the website were really new experiences for me and I loved them.

Week 3 - UDL is a terrific tool and the CAST site is a resource that all teachers MUST know about. It is so complete and easy to use. The document provides excellent methods to see that your lessons are contributing to the standards you are accountable to include in your lesson and it is not one that makes too much busy work. What I love about the CAST sites is that they are full of ideas that you can modify and develop to address any grade level and subject that is available. My viewpoint of the technology argument is that technology is certainly the great equalizer for students but is a deep gorge for many teachers to cross. It makes sense to students to use technology but teachers are not all there yet. As more retire, that will be different but we are still very vested in the traditional methods. I loved the various teaching models that were presented in the readings.

Week 4 - This week was really great for me. I love the actual planning and development of projects that students can do. I especially liked the videos of students at work in so many different settings and the one in which the teacher mentioned that she didn't have to know the technology and was learning about it from students. WHAT A GUIDE!! I liked the meetings at High Tech high as well. That was a great way to build the culture that the students own the learning. As a rule the attitude of Rosenstock was hard on traditionalism but made great sense to me. Making learning memorable is what real learning is most about. The importance and significance of learning would surprise most of us. If we realized that projects were such an impact then they would really realize that they must teach the way they learn. I have to use this with my teachers. And finally, the idea that cross curricular involvement among teachers and classes is fabulous.

The readings were really helpful. I especially appreciate the McREL study. I work all the time with teacher who are struggling with comfort with technology and try to work through those struggles and develop mentoring programs across the campus. This will be very helpful in a practical sense.

Week 5 What a week this has been. I really liked seeing the experts analyze the big ideas. Competition has had a bad reputation for several years but as we have begun to reintroduce games into the school we are learning ways in which healthy competition can be established and the simple aspect of a game like approach to learning whether or not there is competition between or among students, gives the challenges that most learners are seeking. Professor Baraba was so right in the understanding that media is no longer a sit back and soak in but more participatory and that as teacher enthusiasm is improved they see the power of the use of the things they learn in school to solve problems in a media venue. I loved the field trip video as well because it is not really very futuristic anymore. This was over 2 years ago that it was made and the technology for it is really available through products like Connect or elluminate.

I have been attending an institute sponsored by TASA and featuring Alan November and this past week we were confronted with the idea that we are out of date by talking about 21st century skills. as a general new idea. We are already there. This is the 21st century and the second decade of it as well. There is not getting on board there is only being on board or left behind. Like so many of these videos we need to recognize that to fail to move forward is to fall behind. I am on board and moving forward.