Final post

1.     What have you learned in this class? What are your major takeaways?

I have learned much in this class. I took a similar class several years ago and didn't feel that I took much away that I could actually use in the classroom. I loved creating a web quest and feel that it is something that I will definitely use in my teaching. The class website I feel is helpful for not only me as a teacher but for students and parents as well. I like that I can post announcements and a calendar that lets everyone know what is coming up and what is expected. It leaves the guessing out of schoolwork and class expectations.

2.     How has your attitude toward educational technology changed, if at all? Why? 

I was nervous coming into this class because of many rumors going around campus. I was also nervous because I am an older student and have not had the opportunity to see technology used in a junior high or high school classroom. I was unsure of how to implement it and if I would even be capable of presenting it to my students in a knowledgeable way.

I think the things that I have learned in this class have made me more confident and competent in my ability to use technology. What I thought would be a difficult task ended up being fun and enjoyable. I also liked working with others and seeing their ideas.

3.     How will you and your students use technology to improve instruction and learning? Provide a few specific examples. Why will you use technology in these ways?

I really liked the podcast idea. I like that I could use it as a newsletter or something that could provide a quick summary of something I want my students to grasp. I feel they are more personal than a letter or hand out. It shows you put effort into your students learning and that you care enough to spend time getting that information to them in a fun and engaging way.

Using Animoto and other story telling programs were fun and something I would love for my students to use. I think getting the students involved in creating something out of what they are learning is important. It uses higher order thinking and the students learn as they are having fun.

4.     How might I improve this class for future students so that it is more meaningful?

I loved the environment of this class. I felt comfortable and accepted in my ability level and really appreciated the one on one help and conversations. All my emails were answered promptly and provided answers to my questions.

Only thing I could think of as improvement would be to purposely have the students stop what they are doing before giving instruction on the main screen. I missed some things because I was focused on what was in front of me. Being a visual learner I need that extra second to bring my focus to you or else I just continue looking around and saying “squirrel!”

Digital Storytelling

I would use digital storytelling in my classroom by:

1. Including it as an end of unit project for my students. For example students who are unable to attend the human development unit would have a digital story to complete while spending their time in the computer lab. This will keep the student engaged and on task. I would include as part of a web-quest or just a separate assignment with a specific topic.

2. I think that creating a digital story would be great when we discuss friendship and/or family relationships. The students could compile their own photos and write a story about that specific relationship. It could be related to a particular event or person.

3. As a teacher I could create a digital story that would relate to a specific topic we are discussing such as eating disorders, adoption, fitness, mental illness, or any others. A digital story could reach the students much better than a lecture. It would also be great added into a flipped classroom module.

Flipped Classroom Ideas

I got ideas about how to flip a health classroom by visiting Mr. Troeger’s health class site. He has videos and ideas about how he has used the flipped classroom format and how the students have reacted to it.

I think I would utilize the flipped classroom model so I could spend more time in the classroom doing activities related to the information rather than focusing on direct instruction. The students would then have the opportunity to use higher order thinking skills while creating, performing, and practicing the information learned online. I also like the idea of the students having the opportunity to pause the videos and rewind to better grasp what is being taught.

I would hold my students accountable for the instruction by providing short quizzes such as bell quizzes, activities, short essays, or projects to assess whether they had reviewed the information.

I would provide information through you tube videos, and podcasts.

I think a great lesson to use in the flipped classroom is CPR and first aid. CPR and first aid requires a great amount of time spent watching videos. If the students are able to watch the videos at home, on the bus, or in the car then I can spend more time in the classroom practicing those skills with the students and making sure they fully grasp the skills. It would save me several days’ worth of class time to have the students watch at home rather than in the classroom.

I would know if my students were watching the videos through a formative assessment. I would have them practice what they learned in class. If they didn't watch they wouldn't know how to perform the task. I could also have small projects such as bringing in an example, like a doll or drawing, of how you would splint certain parts of the body.

Podcasts

3  Podcast Ideas that I could use in my health classroom

1. Recording of lectures, for students who were absent, posted to class website or emailed. I could embed it into a web-quest for use when their is a substitute (make my presence known when I'm not even there Wahahaha)

2. Class newsletters. Podcasts can be updated on a certain time table and posted to the class website for students and parents to hear/see what the class has been up to. Each newsletter could pose a specific challenge such as diet/exercise tips, self esteem quizzes, communication strategies, or random facts about what we are learning.

3. Student's could create a 'how to" podcast about a certain topic that we are covering such as a relaxation/meditation chant, explanation of yoga poses, descriptions of how to construct a human brain model, etc.

Ha ha Totally Playing with Go Animate

Cyber bullying ...or something by leeshalovesgabe on GoAnimate

Voki and Voicethread

2 ways to use Voki OR Voicethread 

1. I really liked that the whole class can participate in voice thread and listen or read each others response. Students can learn from each other and get ideas from others that they may not have otherwise thought about. I would have my students create responses regarding diet tips, stress management ideas, or weigh in on class activities.

2.  Voki is fun and evokes a sense of adventure and creativity. It has the creator create a character that either represents themselves or the concept that they are trying to convey. I would have my students create a Voki to get them participating within a lesson and differentiate for those students who would rather play with technology than listen to my boring voice all class long.

QR Codes

Ideas for QR Codes

1. Place codes on a picture (or model) of a human body and have the students scan the codes which link to descriptions and videos regarding that particular body system.

2. Have a worksheet about mental health issues and place QR codes around the room which will connect students to descriptions about each disorder and another which will help with treatment.