Blog Post #2

Mr. Dancealot

The movie Mr. Dancealot demonstrated the incorrect way to teach, this shows me what not to do when teaching my future students. He taught his dance course in a lecture hall where students could not participate. If the class was placed I an open area the instructor could provide visual examples rather than standing behind a desk where the students could not see. When students are placed in a boring and unfit environment it causes the students to lose interest and not do well in the course. The students were confused on the material being taught. The key to making students successful starts with the professor by getting the students involved. Providing ways to interact with the students allows the professor to distinguish the student's strengths and weaknesses. As a result, the students are more engaged in the material and are eager to learn.

Teaching in the 21st Century

Kevin Roberts is certain of what it will mean to teach in the 21st century. I think Mr. Roberts is providing society with another glimpse of how much more advanced technology has gotten over the years and how it will progress in the near future. Anyone can learn anything they could possibly imagine by using such amazing resources like Google Docs, Smart board, YouTube, Internet etc. to find relevant information. With the help from teachers the resources can be put to good use to gain knowledge on anything imaginable. Mr. Roberts has inspired me to be a "filter" in my future students' lives. I will help them to grow individually, understand what information is correct and to use technology to their advantage. Students need to be taught to apply, understand, analyze, evaluate, and to be creative based on the things they explore through technology. This video has added excitement about what new technology will I will embrace in my future classroom. As the teacher I will provide professional teaching styles to engage my students in learning.

The Network Student

After watching The Networked Student by Wendy Drexler, I was enlightened on how beneficial it is for students to network in order to build independent learning. Through various tools technology can be learned by diverse connections and social networking. Why do students need a teacher? Teachers are a guide to motivate students, help when stuck and to point us in the right direction. Although students have access to tons of resources teachers still play a major role in the classroom. I think there should be a balance between teacher interaction and independent learning. This will allow students to have open learning to discover their interests. Boundaries have to be set to show the students how to communicate properly with others and differentiate good and bad information. Teachers hope that when the students leave their classroom that the students maintain the learning network and help use it to solve the world's problems. Overall the theory of connectivism is beneficial. I'm excited to utilize these techniques in the future.

Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts

The video Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts is definitely an eye opener to the usage of technology. Vickie Davis believes that every child is capable of learning, the use of paper and pencil limits the type of learners that are going to succeed. Mrs. Davis classroom is constructed in a way that her students are able to learn the same material but customizes it according to the students' interests. Mrs. Davis teaches her students how to use technology to share their assignments with others around the world. When Mrs. Davis introduces a term that her students are unfamiliar with, she expects them to use Google to gather information to get a better understanding. The students are responsible for completing assignments and being able to teach the lessons to their classmates. This method allows the student to gain an understanding of the material being presented to the class and discuss it in a way the class will understand. Allowing the students to use technology to their advantage gives them the skills to strive to become better learners. This video provided a great insight of burback information helps the students become more knowledgeable about technology.

Flipping the Classroom

Upon watching the video Flipping the Classroom I had no knowledge on this strategy. I think this approach will be very useful in my future classroom. As a teacher I will be able to create strategies for all types of learners. This approach allows the students to work at their own pace or work ahead when mastered the material. I can imagine teachers being overwhelmed with not enough time for effective differentiation within the classroom. Allowing the students to creatively use technology at school and home brings learning to new level. Students are able to obtain background knowledge on the material and even provide discussions around the material. I think with this approach it will allow all students to become engaged and challenged.