Create and Reflect

Hello! 

Today I learned how to make a word cloud using ABCya.com and how it can be used to create and reflect my own learning experience. The picture represents words that are meaningful to me as a future educator. This was a very creative tool to use and I am already planning to reuse this tool in another class for a presentation! 

The words that I choose to include relate to teaching and learning from my personal perspective. A few words that really stand out to me as a teacher are knowledge, citizenship, advocate, community, and create. As a teacher, I think it's important to continue learning and building upon our initial knowledge, especially when it comes to digital teaching. Continuous learning is not only for students but for teachers as well and with the continuous change in technology there is an infinite about of new learning! Citizenship has been a topic that I believe is crucial to my character as a teacher. I also want to advocate for the use of digital technology within the classroom and encourage others to see the benefits. Being apart a community about digital teaching and learning is great for sharing ideas and having a support system. I think it's important to have catalysts for your own learning as a teacher - someone who will provoke thought and challenge your perspectives. Lastly, I think that digital technology provides an abundance of creative tools that can be incorporated into the classroom to engage students. It also gives students the opportunity to actively participate in their own learning which will create an exceptional experience.

Virtual Me

Hello! Allow me to introduce you to ... ME!

I created my very own avatar using blue robot and I must say, it was a lot of fun! I mentioned in one of my previous posts (THINK before you post) the importance of digital citizenship and protecting yourself online. Creating an avatar would be a great way to maintain a sense of privacy while still maintaining your own personal flare.

There are many other resources available for creating avatars such as Voki where you can also include voice - so cool! Students can learn through a virtual YOU which would make for a very interesting and engaging lesson plan. Do you think you would ever use an avatar and if so, how would you use it to engage students? 

THINK before you post!

Hello!

Todays class was all about awareness! The internet has become an integral part of everyday life but more often than not, we take it for granted and we abuse our privileges. The feeling of being an anonymous resident is what urges people to write whatever they want without any consideration. The problem is that once you've posted something on the internet you've left your digital imprint and no matter how many times you hit delete it will forever be in the cloud.

Okay, so it's not all doom and gloom - the positive is that we have an opportunity to teach kids about how to become a good digital citizen and what that actually means.

The picture to your left shows what the internet means to me and my life as a digital citizen!

Being a good digital citizen refers to being respectful and responsible when using the internet.  It should be at the forefront of our minds when participating on any form of digital platform. Similar to how we are all citizens of the world and we treat others with respect, we are all digital citizens of the internet the minute we sign in. Many of the qualities that represent a good citizen can also be applied to being a good digital citizen. For example,  a good citizen would not damage or steal another persons property and yet, plagiarism continues to be a grand issue that is mentioned in every class. There is no difference between being a good citizen vs. being a good digital citizen!

I believe that part of our jobs as teachers is to teach students about the importance of being a digital citizen so that they can better understand how to use the internet in a safe, positive, and productive way. What are some ways that you practice being a good digital citizen? 

Below I have created my own image of some questions to THINK about before posting online.

Standards for Teachers

Today we learned about the SAMR model that is used as a framework for incorporating technology in the classroom in an effort to work towards efficiency and make the entire learning experience more interesting for our students.

I am particularly interested in utilizing the SAMR model to redefine my teaching method and finding new ways to enhance my teaching.

Standards for Teachers

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) provides the standards of practice for teachers and students and can be used as a guide to incorporate digital media in the classroom. These standards directly impact me as a teacher because I am able to improve my method of teaching to allow for a more meaningful lesson plan. I think it's important that teachers are constantly adapting to their changing environment in order to inspire students and provide efficient outlets for creativity.

My First Blog Post

Hello! If you haven't already figured it out .. this is my first time blogging. I am a perfectionist when it comes to design and I must admit that creating a blog has been a little bit (okay..a LOT) overwhelming. Lucky for me, I have an entire class that is learning together and we have a teacher who is very passionate about digital media and learning in the classroom. 

Discuss being a resident/visitor - what did we learn in class? 

I think sharing what we've learned in all areas of life is a great way to help each other out! So that is what you'll find on my blog - authentic conversations filled with encouragement, support and honest truths about the lessons we have learned.  Until next class...