Module 8

 Reflect on the idea that tests are the only objective assessments of student learning.

        As I reflect on the idea that tests are the only objective assessments of student learning, I have to disagree with the statement.  Tests are a tool to assess student learning but do not serve as then only method for assessing student learning.  There are many tools we can utilize to assess student learning.  Learning does not always have to be assessed with a pencil and paper.  Student learning can be assessed through observation, projects, portfolios, performance tasks, and   many other methods.

        The goal of assessment is to evaluate the student’s understanding of concepts/content.  Any method that provides the measurement of their understanding is considered an assessment.  Students should be given a variety of assessments to demonstrate their understanding.  I believe assessments should provide real life connections where they are able to apply their understanding.  Providing a variety of assessments meets the needs of learners.  In education, we have come to the reality that all students can learn but learn differently.  The assessments should also represent the learners in the classroom.  Teachers should have multiple ways to assess students’ learning.  Multiple ways to assess student learning will also provide the opportunity for learners to apply their learning in different ways.  Allowing the opportunity for learners to apply their learning in different ways gives them more experience and the teacher more data/evidence to determine the level of understanding of the students.

    Take a look at the following Edutopia video that discusses assessments.

Module 6: Blog 3

Reflect on the idea of what a technology-infused classroom looks like. How do you plan to have a technology-infused classroom?

A technology-infused classroom looks like a student-centered classroom.  The teacher is the facilitator of the classroom.  Classroom materials are all accessible through the usage of technology tools such as blogs, learning management systems, podcasts, and the Internet.  In a technology-infused classroom, students not only utilize technology tools as resources but also as platforms to create artifacts that represent their learning.  In a technology-fused classroom, their learning has a real world connection.  In a technology-infused classroom, the possibilities are endless.

I plan to have a technology-infused classroom by integrating more technology tools and changing the focus from teacher directed to student-centered learning in the classroom.  If the technology resources are available, the possibilities are endless.  Students will be able to access classroom materials through our classroom blog.  Students will interact and collaborate with classmates through a learning management system.  Differentiation will take place as students will learn and complete tasks at different rates.  Students will utilize a variety of technology tools to create artifacts of their learning.  Students will experience real word experiences through simulations and discovery learning.  Students will not only communicate with their peers through technology but also communicate with leaders and other significant figures in our world.  My technology-infused classroom will prepare students to compete globally through creation, collaboration, and innovation.

 

 

Module 4



As I think of a classroom without the usage of visual literacy, I think of a classroom that doesn’t adapt to different learners.  I also think of a classroom where instruction isn’t enhanced as much as those who utilize visual tools in the classrooms.  Visuals literacy allows the usage of visual tools to enhance the teaching and learning experience.

I would like to utilize visuals as teaching tools in my classroom to motivate learners during the introduction of a lesson.  Utilizing a visual at the beginning of a lesson can motivate students about learning and ease any existing anxieties about the subject.  I would utilize visuals as a learning tool by allowing students to begin a discussion with a visual.  Students could interpret the visual and share their thoughts with their peers.  Students are able to collaborate with their peers and see things from different perspectives. Visuals can also be utilized as a learning tool to help students remember complex of challenging concepts.

The Internet allows the teacher and students to connect to the outside world.  This is imperative because we want our students and teachers to compete globally. A classroom with the Internet provides opportunities for networking and project web-based learning. 

The 21^st century has been deeply impacted by the usage of the Internet.  The Internet opens doors in the classroom by allowing the teacher or learner to access information with the click of a button.  The Internet serves as valuable tool in the teaching and learning process in my classroom.   For the teacher and student, the Internet serves a valuable resource tool.  As a teacher, I am able to collaborate with other teachers across the globe through the Internet.  I gain valuable methods or strategies to utilize in my classroom through networking on the Internet.  Students are able to utilize the Internet as a resource tool for projects, reports, and concepts. This eliminates a student traveling to the library or searching through encyclopedias.  The internet is a resourceful place. Teachers and students are able to access free resources that enhance instruction such as software, games, and applications.  The Internet is a valuable to tool to utilize in a classroom.

 

 

Module 2

Utilizing a variety of instructional strategies is imperative to the students in the 21^st century.  The students of the 21^st century represent a spectrum of different learning types and abilities.  As an instructor, it is our role to ensure that all students have an equal and fair chance of learning in the classroom. To ensure all students have an equal and fair chance of learning and reaching their highest potential, we must employ different instructional strategies to build upon their strengths and strengthen areas of weaknesses.  With the variety of instructional methods, students will have the added value of the ability to apply their learning in various ways and compete nationally.

Technology plays a vital role in the implementation of various instructional strategies. Technology is a major component of a 21^st century student.  Technology allows instructional strategies to be effective in the application of real life connections.  Technology has the ability to allow students to see the entire world without leaving the room.  Technology allows learners to connect situations to real life through simulations, virtual field trips, and observations.  Technology has the ability to not only enhance the instruction but also the learning of all students.