Online learning has changed the way we learn in today's society. Online classes in a high school setting is to provide a rigorous, relevant, and personalized education in a highly interactive virtual environment. As an alternative school, we are committed to educating all students seeking a high school diploma while re-engaging students who are credit deficient.
This website presentation I created outlines the benefits of using Online Education:
https://sites.google.com/site/onlinelearningk12/home
Mike Benson
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Reflection- 6714 Reaching/ Engaging All Learners Through Technology
Throughout this course I have learned many different ways to teach instruction to my
students with the use of technology. Each student learns concepts at a different pace. Differentiated instruction is extremely important when trying to teach various skills. Students tend to learn at different levels. Some students are auditory learners and others are more visual. The upcoming unit is going to be centered on dance and movement. Technology can be incorporated into this unit by adding various game consoles like Dance Dance Revolution (DDR), Just Dance (Xbox Kinect), And Wii Dance. These technology tools allow students to explore by following certain cues on the screen to popular dance songs. It also allows students to help them with movement instruction. All these activities will “provide multiple representations, multiple means of expressing, and multiple means of engagement.” (laureate Education, 2009)
Technology helps students who have physical impairments become more successful in the classroom. The main concern is how to integrate technology with my APE classes. Every student has a disability which limits them to physical activity in the classroom. It is hard for many students to follow directions to dance steps. This is where the technology tool of DDR becomes helpful. There are various settings for each skill level. Students can use DDR to work on coordination with rhythm and dance sequences while stepping on the correct arrow. The learning environment may not be developmentally appropriate for certain students, since there are many diverse learners. In my APE classes I assess their skill levels to see what activities they can participate in. The learning environment should be a safe, fun, enjoyable, but yet challenging for all students. Dr Stephanie Throne discussed that educators “have to be learners in order to be able to meet our students and to provide learning opportunities they need to thrive.”(Tomlinson, 2009) Every lesson can be modified to adapt to the learners skill level.
Another Instructional practice I learned from this class is the use of choice boards. Choice boards allow the student to choose various different activities to complete to learn the skill. It focuses on learning different skills. One way students can implement this strategy in my classroom is by using visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile styles. They can implement this by recording a video of them doing various fitness activities. By using choice boards this allows students to use a wide range of learning styles. It challenges students, but motivates them to use various different options to complete the activity.
Overall this class was great to learn about various ways to incorporate technology into my lessons. The use of the social networking site for education was a useful tool. Throughout the course fellow group members worked together to discuss applications and provide helpful resource links.
References:
Hall, T., Strangman, N., & Meyer, A. (2003). Differentiated instruction and implications for UDL implementation. National Center on Accessing the General Curriculum.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Putting It All Together, Baltimore: Dr. Carol Ann Tomlinson
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Reaching and engaging all learners through technology. Baltimore: Dr. Carol Ann Tomlinson.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Reaching and engaging all learners through technology: Brain Research and Universal Design for Learning. Baltimore: Author.
National Center on Universal Design for learning. (2009). About Universal Design for Learning. Retrieved April 16, 2011 from http://www.cast.org/udl/index.html
students with the use of technology. Each student learns concepts at a different pace. Differentiated instruction is extremely important when trying to teach various skills. Students tend to learn at different levels. Some students are auditory learners and others are more visual. The upcoming unit is going to be centered on dance and movement. Technology can be incorporated into this unit by adding various game consoles like Dance Dance Revolution (DDR), Just Dance (Xbox Kinect), And Wii Dance. These technology tools allow students to explore by following certain cues on the screen to popular dance songs. It also allows students to help them with movement instruction. All these activities will “provide multiple representations, multiple means of expressing, and multiple means of engagement.” (laureate Education, 2009)
Technology helps students who have physical impairments become more successful in the classroom. The main concern is how to integrate technology with my APE classes. Every student has a disability which limits them to physical activity in the classroom. It is hard for many students to follow directions to dance steps. This is where the technology tool of DDR becomes helpful. There are various settings for each skill level. Students can use DDR to work on coordination with rhythm and dance sequences while stepping on the correct arrow. The learning environment may not be developmentally appropriate for certain students, since there are many diverse learners. In my APE classes I assess their skill levels to see what activities they can participate in. The learning environment should be a safe, fun, enjoyable, but yet challenging for all students. Dr Stephanie Throne discussed that educators “have to be learners in order to be able to meet our students and to provide learning opportunities they need to thrive.”(Tomlinson, 2009) Every lesson can be modified to adapt to the learners skill level.
Another Instructional practice I learned from this class is the use of choice boards. Choice boards allow the student to choose various different activities to complete to learn the skill. It focuses on learning different skills. One way students can implement this strategy in my classroom is by using visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile styles. They can implement this by recording a video of them doing various fitness activities. By using choice boards this allows students to use a wide range of learning styles. It challenges students, but motivates them to use various different options to complete the activity.
Overall this class was great to learn about various ways to incorporate technology into my lessons. The use of the social networking site for education was a useful tool. Throughout the course fellow group members worked together to discuss applications and provide helpful resource links.
References:
Hall, T., Strangman, N., & Meyer, A. (2003). Differentiated instruction and implications for UDL implementation. National Center on Accessing the General Curriculum.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Putting It All Together, Baltimore: Dr. Carol Ann Tomlinson
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Reaching and engaging all learners through technology. Baltimore: Dr. Carol Ann Tomlinson.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Reaching and engaging all learners through technology: Brain Research and Universal Design for Learning. Baltimore: Author.
National Center on Universal Design for learning. (2009). About Universal Design for Learning. Retrieved April 16, 2011 from http://www.cast.org/udl/index.html
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Final Reflection
Throughout this class I have constantly updated and worked on my GAME plan. The two areas I focused on throughout my game plan were the net standards 1b engaging students in real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources. The other standard was 3a demonstrate fluency in technology systems and transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations. I believe I am more confident now to incorporate technology into my lessons. The main issue was understanding the technology that I was going to implement in my class. In order to teach the content correctly being confident in your knowledge of the tools was crucial. The positive criticism from my classmates has helped me make my lessons much better for my students to understand the concepts.
I learned many new things from following my GAME plan. At first implementing these lessons it was trial and error. What would work with my students? Did they understand the concepts? And was it enjoyable and engaging? All these questions cross my mind. But implementing the lessons I was able to see what worked and what didn’t. Some students had difficulty using the technology for various lessons. I realized what areas I need to focus on more with my students so they can understand what is expected of them.
The immediate adjustments I am making to my instructional practice are the use of digital tools. In P.E. I’m trying to change the mentality of just one component of being in “gym” class. The second component would be health/nutrition where students would learn outside of the class using blogs. I would like to add digital storytelling for my students to understand more concepts and answer a ten question quiz weekly about health and nutrition. I feel that physical education is extremely important especially when heart disease is the number one related deaths in America. This should be an important situation addressed in all districts. Another classmate gave me the idea to use FLIP cameras to have my student’s record their dance routines. This digital tool would be a great addition in helping students understanding the content material.
Overall technology is extremely important in today’s society. It is always advancing faster than most educators can keep up. I am a firm believer of being a life long learner. Being able to adapt to today’s standards makes you a highly qualified educator.
Mike Benson
I learned many new things from following my GAME plan. At first implementing these lessons it was trial and error. What would work with my students? Did they understand the concepts? And was it enjoyable and engaging? All these questions cross my mind. But implementing the lessons I was able to see what worked and what didn’t. Some students had difficulty using the technology for various lessons. I realized what areas I need to focus on more with my students so they can understand what is expected of them.
The immediate adjustments I am making to my instructional practice are the use of digital tools. In P.E. I’m trying to change the mentality of just one component of being in “gym” class. The second component would be health/nutrition where students would learn outside of the class using blogs. I would like to add digital storytelling for my students to understand more concepts and answer a ten question quiz weekly about health and nutrition. I feel that physical education is extremely important especially when heart disease is the number one related deaths in America. This should be an important situation addressed in all districts. Another classmate gave me the idea to use FLIP cameras to have my student’s record their dance routines. This digital tool would be a great addition in helping students understanding the content material.
Overall technology is extremely important in today’s society. It is always advancing faster than most educators can keep up. I am a firm believer of being a life long learner. Being able to adapt to today’s standards makes you a highly qualified educator.
Mike Benson
Thursday, February 17, 2011
GAME Plan Process With Students
There were many different NETS standards that could be applied to an instructional strategy in the classroom. The two standards that I thought were important to explore in my classroom were: 1b-engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources. The other standard was 3a-demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations. I believe it is really important that students explore real world issues in their learning. When students can relate to the standard that needs to be met, the concept is easier to comprehend.
I would like to incorporate many projects that revolve around the two standards I set for my GAME plan. With the amount of technological tools getting more advanced, the need to incorporate them into the curriculum is ever most important. Students need to understand and grasp the importance of the digital tools and resources that are readily available to them. To continue on making sure my students develop proficiency in the technology standards educators need to be up to date on the current technologies. Being able to relay that information to the students is extremely important.
Reference:
International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf.
Mike Benson
I would like to incorporate many projects that revolve around the two standards I set for my GAME plan. With the amount of technological tools getting more advanced, the need to incorporate them into the curriculum is ever most important. Students need to understand and grasp the importance of the digital tools and resources that are readily available to them. To continue on making sure my students develop proficiency in the technology standards educators need to be up to date on the current technologies. Being able to relay that information to the students is extremely important.
Reference:
International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf.
Mike Benson
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Revising My GAME Plan
Revising my GAME plan
1b-engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources.
2. 2. 3a-demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations.
These are the Goals that I established for my GAME plan at the beginning of the class.
What have you learned so far that you can apply in your instructional practice?
There are many things I have learned so far about using technology in physical education. I knew about some of these technologies that were being used. But integrating them in my classroom with proper instruction was a challenge for me. Vicki Davis discussed in this weeks lecture about Educational networking. She listed many benefits students got out of blogging and managing their own network education site.
What goals are you still working toward?
The goals I’m working towards are engaging students with real world problems and issues using digital tools. I am also demonstrating to students how to use a pedometer, hr monitor, GPS-geocache etc. My ability to learn material will allow my students to learn and be successful as well.
Based on the NETS-T, what new learning goals will you set for yourself?
Id like to learn more about how I can incorporate technology and projects where children can learn about health and nutrition outside of P.E class. I believe that P.E has two components the physical movement in class, and the knowledge of nutrition, health etc. I heard today from a student, why are we taking a quiz in gym class? Because to give you knowledge to retain for the future to benefit you.
What learning approaches will you try next time to improve your learning?
I think next time I would like to find more individual learning projects. I think that students can collaborate with each other to help, but for them to learn on their own. I think that having group projects limits the individual in each group to be successful.
Reference:
International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf.
Mike Benson
1b-engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources.
2. 2. 3a-demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations.
These are the Goals that I established for my GAME plan at the beginning of the class.
What have you learned so far that you can apply in your instructional practice?
There are many things I have learned so far about using technology in physical education. I knew about some of these technologies that were being used. But integrating them in my classroom with proper instruction was a challenge for me. Vicki Davis discussed in this weeks lecture about Educational networking. She listed many benefits students got out of blogging and managing their own network education site.
What goals are you still working toward?
The goals I’m working towards are engaging students with real world problems and issues using digital tools. I am also demonstrating to students how to use a pedometer, hr monitor, GPS-geocache etc. My ability to learn material will allow my students to learn and be successful as well.
Based on the NETS-T, what new learning goals will you set for yourself?
Id like to learn more about how I can incorporate technology and projects where children can learn about health and nutrition outside of P.E class. I believe that P.E has two components the physical movement in class, and the knowledge of nutrition, health etc. I heard today from a student, why are we taking a quiz in gym class? Because to give you knowledge to retain for the future to benefit you.
What learning approaches will you try next time to improve your learning?
I think next time I would like to find more individual learning projects. I think that students can collaborate with each other to help, but for them to learn on their own. I think that having group projects limits the individual in each group to be successful.
Reference:
International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf.
Mike Benson
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Evaluating GAME Plan Progress
Evaluating Your GAME Plan Progress
1. 1b-engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources.
2. 2. 3a-demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations.
These are the Goals that I established for my GAME plan at the beginning of the class.
I have been introducing to my students different real world issues. One thing that we are talking about is jump rope for heart. This is a campaign that is done at pretty much every school to raise money for heart disease. I discussed with the students the importance of having a healthy heart by proper nutrition and physical fitness. At a young age many of them don’t really care or understand what it means. Every year the school raises a tremendous amount of money for jump rope for heart. This year I thought about creating a website that includes top money raisers in each grade. They have prizes that are pretty cheap for students who raise a certain amount. I would like to incorporate a more incentive for my students, maybe create your own game day, some prizes that I might provide, Various gift cards or video games.
Lately I have been working with other teachers to setup a blog that students would have to work on outside of P.E class. This concept would be working with science, and math concepts. I want to correlate what students are learning in other classes with P.E.
I will have to learn more about certain technology components I want to incorporate into my plan. I want to be able to understand fully the concept and how it works before I ask the students to develop a project using that technology. I also gained a new idea from a fellow classmate. I am the assistant coach for freshman softball. The other coach and I have a website where we update scores, practice times, highlights, etc. This is great for the students and parents to be on the same schedule and to find information. Aka 15 or so parents don’t call and leave messages everyday about game times and practices. One of our classmates has made a website too. But the idea I gained from her was to incorporate the athletes in ideas of what they would like to add to the website or see. Their opinions would be greatly appreciated! I will discuss that with the other coach and some of the players as well.
The adjustments I need to make is to demonstrate fluency in the technology that I will be using for the project. So far I think im on the right track to accomplish my goals for my GAME plan.
Reference:
International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T).
Retrieved
http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/
2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf
1. 1b-engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources.
2. 2. 3a-demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations.
These are the Goals that I established for my GAME plan at the beginning of the class.
I have been introducing to my students different real world issues. One thing that we are talking about is jump rope for heart. This is a campaign that is done at pretty much every school to raise money for heart disease. I discussed with the students the importance of having a healthy heart by proper nutrition and physical fitness. At a young age many of them don’t really care or understand what it means. Every year the school raises a tremendous amount of money for jump rope for heart. This year I thought about creating a website that includes top money raisers in each grade. They have prizes that are pretty cheap for students who raise a certain amount. I would like to incorporate a more incentive for my students, maybe create your own game day, some prizes that I might provide, Various gift cards or video games.
Lately I have been working with other teachers to setup a blog that students would have to work on outside of P.E class. This concept would be working with science, and math concepts. I want to correlate what students are learning in other classes with P.E.
I will have to learn more about certain technology components I want to incorporate into my plan. I want to be able to understand fully the concept and how it works before I ask the students to develop a project using that technology. I also gained a new idea from a fellow classmate. I am the assistant coach for freshman softball. The other coach and I have a website where we update scores, practice times, highlights, etc. This is great for the students and parents to be on the same schedule and to find information. Aka 15 or so parents don’t call and leave messages everyday about game times and practices. One of our classmates has made a website too. But the idea I gained from her was to incorporate the athletes in ideas of what they would like to add to the website or see. Their opinions would be greatly appreciated! I will discuss that with the other coach and some of the players as well.
The adjustments I need to make is to demonstrate fluency in the technology that I will be using for the project. So far I think im on the right track to accomplish my goals for my GAME plan.
Reference:
International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T).
Retrieved
http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/
2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Monitoring My GAME plan
Monitoring my GAME plan
There are a few goals that I’m trying to accomplish for my GAME plan. One is engaging students in real world issues and solving problems. This is the use of digital media to help give students the access information to complete. The great thing about physical education there are so many great websites regarding teaching skills and about health and nutrition. This website gives the Top 10 websites for health and physical education. Top Ten Websites for Physical Education and Health Education Education.com A great tool to learn different activities and information pertaining health and fitness.
Another goal is to keep current in different technologies. I am currently exploring new ideas that other P.E teachers have use in their classrooms regarding technology. But even taking ideas that were never used prior and applying them to my own classroom using technology.
I have learned various different technology uses for the classroom. There are many great websites for information pertaining healthy and nutrition. In the reading this week it discussed many different assessment formats that I can incorporate into my own lessons. There are many different assessment formats that educators use for their students. In the chapter Assessing student learning the following types of assessment formats were listed. There are four types of assessments that were described: Forced-option format, Open-ended response format, Performance-based format, and Project-based format.” (Cennamo, Ross & Ertmer, 2009)
The questions that concern me about the project is developing a way to introduce this technology that students understand and grasp the concept correctly. This has to be taught in one class period. If it is more than one class period than students are not getting the exercise needed. The hard part is using the technology, and accessing it as well. Hopefully working with the tech employees at my school they will have some ideas that will work better in the classroom for my students.
References:
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach (Laureate Education custom edition). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Mike Benson
There are a few goals that I’m trying to accomplish for my GAME plan. One is engaging students in real world issues and solving problems. This is the use of digital media to help give students the access information to complete. The great thing about physical education there are so many great websites regarding teaching skills and about health and nutrition. This website gives the Top 10 websites for health and physical education. Top Ten Websites for Physical Education and Health Education Education.com A great tool to learn different activities and information pertaining health and fitness.
Another goal is to keep current in different technologies. I am currently exploring new ideas that other P.E teachers have use in their classrooms regarding technology. But even taking ideas that were never used prior and applying them to my own classroom using technology.
I have learned various different technology uses for the classroom. There are many great websites for information pertaining healthy and nutrition. In the reading this week it discussed many different assessment formats that I can incorporate into my own lessons. There are many different assessment formats that educators use for their students. In the chapter Assessing student learning the following types of assessment formats were listed. There are four types of assessments that were described: Forced-option format, Open-ended response format, Performance-based format, and Project-based format.” (Cennamo, Ross & Ertmer, 2009)
The questions that concern me about the project is developing a way to introduce this technology that students understand and grasp the concept correctly. This has to be taught in one class period. If it is more than one class period than students are not getting the exercise needed. The hard part is using the technology, and accessing it as well. Hopefully working with the tech employees at my school they will have some ideas that will work better in the classroom for my students.
References:
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach (Laureate Education custom edition). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Mike Benson
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)