1st Semester Peaks & Valleys

     Integrating technology along with the Common Core requirements has been a challenge. Although I see technology as a necessary and normal part of everyday learning, the integration and implementation have been an uphill part of the journey. Many of my students have had little experience using technology on a regular basis in the classroom. I created instruction sheets for each learning labs, but students typically panicked instead of reading the instructions. I walked them through the instructions for the first few weeks, then guided them to the instruction sheet to help them become more independent. We also had some technical issues that were finally worked out about mid-October. The second nine weeks has started off a lot smoother since students are more comfortable using technology and knowing what to do in each learning lab.

     We have been using laptops for in our weekly learning labs to view science videos, blog, and create a Voicethread. Students were learning about concepts required by Common Core Curriculum . They then journaled about their learning after they viewed content specific science videos. Students blogged about our novels and shared reading stories and used Voicethread to complete literature circles.

Each one of the learning labs allowed students to make choices and take ownership of their learning either individually or in a small group. These activities were chosen because they do fully support Common Core Curriculum, student-centered learning and support 21st Century learning themes. 

Blogging sample- this question came from our first read-aloud, Top Secret. I love Kidblog because it allows students to contribute to a conversation in a non-threatening way. It's also relevant to how they communicate and share ideas in their world. The blog was used to discuss character traits, one of the focus skills during the first nine weeks.

Think about Allen…How would you describe his actions? Did Allen show courage, perseverance or honesty?Choose one character trait and describe a scene from the story to support your answer.

E20October 9, 2012 at 10:13 AM

yes allen did show honesty when he told the newspapper pepole and all the other pepole he was a plant but they didnt belieave him only his teacher at the end.

E17October 9, 2012 at 10:13 AM

He did show perseverance when his techer ,mom and dad did not belive him. He tryed something diffinet and told the newspaper.

     Voicethread really helped ignite student learning and participation in literature circles. Here's a sample of what students discussed in our first literature circle using Voicethread. Students identify vocabulary, text connections, narrative elements and favorite parts of the story. Meanwhile they are also learning how to use the microphone, and gain experience with Voicethread.

4th Grade Lit Circles-Voicethread

     Although I discuss the challenges that technology brings, I believe the opportunities and inspiration that it also brings makes it worth it! The benefits far outweigh the challenges. Students are excited about learning and displaying their learning using technology tools. I believe technology helps make teaching and learning more efficient.

     In thinking about ways to improve the technology experiences for the students, I plan to have students create a digital journal in Google Docs. Students will begin these digital journals beginning with the third nine weeks.