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Summer reflection
Over the summer it has been a whirl wind of experiences. On the first day of classes, the class hit the ground running. We learned how to use a surface. In addition, the class began the organizational period through creating our groups. In the class, it is demonstrating how important technology is in our daily life and the transition for the students. Furthermore, it is demonstrating how to utilize the tools available to us and how to stimulate the students to utilize them in new ways.
During our time, the class completed administrative activities similar to what is expected for us to complete with the students such as completing surveys, etc. We discussed webpages and their creation. In addition, the class looked at past cohort’s information to assist with our completion of tasks. In addition, we participated in our first quickfire challenge. It was an activity that completed a one-minute video along with questions regarding our topic which was the discussion of speed. The next activity was to locate a quote from chapter 4 of the Cosmos book, find an image that represents the quote, and produce it for the class.
Next, the class discussed google classroom and its features. The group was able to jigsaw the concepts discussed our reading and completed skits regarding discipline versus content. We learned about some wow moments with “Why is there dust on our car after a rain and not on us?” “Why eat meat?” The technology spoke about opening multiple tabs while shopping by using the ctrl click key. Hacking the curriculum and its components.
The next day the class talked about the number of generations ago various things came into existence. Our wow moment discussed the mirror imaging of the front camera and the double rainbow. We created our foundation of the webpage. Individually, we are preparing for our mini lesson to be performed on Tuesday. The class completed some TPACK activities combining discipline, pedagogy, and resources.
Another activity was to individually make a mask. In addition, each individual created meme’s and images that represented a letter. Individually, each made hyperlinks to our webpages. The class investigated our ImagineIT project. The class started using various types of software products in order to convey our thoughts. In addition, we were able to complete more discussions regarding our unpacking of our lesson.
Our group presented on our WOW and Tech Tip. We all demoed our lesson and reflected. As a team, we were able to determine key components regarding our overlay of the lessons. Once compiled, the group was able to come up with the top 5 commonalities.
One really fun activity the class was able to participate in improv and went to the museum of science and industry. Individually, we worked on our big ideas. In addition, we were able to really think about re-purposing and using items in our environment.
The class had an opportunity to work on our webpage, big idea project, and i-images to be produced on the webpage. The reading included information regarding repurposing of items. Furthermore, the class found out that google draw works better than pixlr. Plus many class members determined that Weebly can be very finicky when trying to publish.
The next project the class worked on was our Image and F2F. In addition, each individual worked on our bio for the book. The MacGyver challenge to create an instrument out of common objects was very interesting and again supports re-purposing of everyday items. This was a very long week. Organization is key to the success in the classes.
This was validating my past feelings regarding pushing students to “think outside of the box”. It is really nice to find individuals with the same belief system and understand the need we have in our schools for students to become problem solvers. The class pushed me to experience a new way of thinking and made my mind run wild. The possibilities are endless on how we can use the techniques and skills learned. Furthermore, it is really important to take a more director role for the students. The students need to guide their education and we are there to support the student learning versus control.
The mask activity really encompassed the concept. We were given the directive to make a mask. That was the only instructions given. The class was provided a vast array of common items to complete the task. It was very interesting to see how many different variations our classmates produced based on the set of directions. This really made me realize that too many directions can restrict the creativity of the students. It is important to allow our students to be creative. This will support our students becoming problem solvers and individuals that re-purpose items.
The experience this summer has made me re-evaluate some of my teaching techniques. It made me wonder if I were stifling my student’s creativity. It made me reflect on how many opportunities we provide students to utilize their creativity within mathematics. Thankfully, I have the opportunity to begin the school year with a different format for the students. It is much easier to begin with a new group of students when making such changes.
Beginning on the first day of classes, the students are going to participate in team building activities. Groups will be formulated and the students are immediately going to begin re-purposing items. In addition, instructions will be given in the way that allows for the students to demonstrate their creativity. There will be mini projects during each unit. Students will be working in more of a team environment. Furthermore, students will have the opportunity to participate in service learning activities that will stimulate them to begin to solve the various environmental, socioeconomic, and aging problems facing our society today.
This experience has shifted my teaching pedagogy. It has increase my knowledge about ways our teaching can be even more student centered. The expectations will be for the students to perform to a higher level than previously expected based on their diverse learning background.
During our time, the class completed administrative activities similar to what is expected for us to complete with the students such as completing surveys, etc. We discussed webpages and their creation. In addition, the class looked at past cohort’s information to assist with our completion of tasks. In addition, we participated in our first quickfire challenge. It was an activity that completed a one-minute video along with questions regarding our topic which was the discussion of speed. The next activity was to locate a quote from chapter 4 of the Cosmos book, find an image that represents the quote, and produce it for the class.
Next, the class discussed google classroom and its features. The group was able to jigsaw the concepts discussed our reading and completed skits regarding discipline versus content. We learned about some wow moments with “Why is there dust on our car after a rain and not on us?” “Why eat meat?” The technology spoke about opening multiple tabs while shopping by using the ctrl click key. Hacking the curriculum and its components.
The next day the class talked about the number of generations ago various things came into existence. Our wow moment discussed the mirror imaging of the front camera and the double rainbow. We created our foundation of the webpage. Individually, we are preparing for our mini lesson to be performed on Tuesday. The class completed some TPACK activities combining discipline, pedagogy, and resources.
Another activity was to individually make a mask. In addition, each individual created meme’s and images that represented a letter. Individually, each made hyperlinks to our webpages. The class investigated our ImagineIT project. The class started using various types of software products in order to convey our thoughts. In addition, we were able to complete more discussions regarding our unpacking of our lesson.
Our group presented on our WOW and Tech Tip. We all demoed our lesson and reflected. As a team, we were able to determine key components regarding our overlay of the lessons. Once compiled, the group was able to come up with the top 5 commonalities.
One really fun activity the class was able to participate in improv and went to the museum of science and industry. Individually, we worked on our big ideas. In addition, we were able to really think about re-purposing and using items in our environment.
The class had an opportunity to work on our webpage, big idea project, and i-images to be produced on the webpage. The reading included information regarding repurposing of items. Furthermore, the class found out that google draw works better than pixlr. Plus many class members determined that Weebly can be very finicky when trying to publish.
The next project the class worked on was our Image and F2F. In addition, each individual worked on our bio for the book. The MacGyver challenge to create an instrument out of common objects was very interesting and again supports re-purposing of everyday items. This was a very long week. Organization is key to the success in the classes.
This was validating my past feelings regarding pushing students to “think outside of the box”. It is really nice to find individuals with the same belief system and understand the need we have in our schools for students to become problem solvers. The class pushed me to experience a new way of thinking and made my mind run wild. The possibilities are endless on how we can use the techniques and skills learned. Furthermore, it is really important to take a more director role for the students. The students need to guide their education and we are there to support the student learning versus control.
The mask activity really encompassed the concept. We were given the directive to make a mask. That was the only instructions given. The class was provided a vast array of common items to complete the task. It was very interesting to see how many different variations our classmates produced based on the set of directions. This really made me realize that too many directions can restrict the creativity of the students. It is important to allow our students to be creative. This will support our students becoming problem solvers and individuals that re-purpose items.
The experience this summer has made me re-evaluate some of my teaching techniques. It made me wonder if I were stifling my student’s creativity. It made me reflect on how many opportunities we provide students to utilize their creativity within mathematics. Thankfully, I have the opportunity to begin the school year with a different format for the students. It is much easier to begin with a new group of students when making such changes.
Beginning on the first day of classes, the students are going to participate in team building activities. Groups will be formulated and the students are immediately going to begin re-purposing items. In addition, instructions will be given in the way that allows for the students to demonstrate their creativity. There will be mini projects during each unit. Students will be working in more of a team environment. Furthermore, students will have the opportunity to participate in service learning activities that will stimulate them to begin to solve the various environmental, socioeconomic, and aging problems facing our society today.
This experience has shifted my teaching pedagogy. It has increase my knowledge about ways our teaching can be even more student centered. The expectations will be for the students to perform to a higher level than previously expected based on their diverse learning background.