Here is the link to my simple presentation On Learning Management Systems on Voicethread. Your comments and suggestions are welcome.
http://voicethread.com/?#e1539880
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Learning Management Systems
I investigated free web-based Learning Management Systems to determine if the current mathematics curriculum I teach can be adapted to either Moodle or RCampus. By doing so I think differentiated in instruction will be more effective and what I accomplish can be used as a model so that other teachers could possibly model their use of web-based learning after.
Let me begin by stating that I think Moodle is one of the only practical forms of technology that would fit with the mathematics curriculum I currently use. Moodle makes it possible to develop a course of study or individual lessons that follow the text I must follow. One other Learning Management System (LMS) that appears to much easier to or with is RCampus. I created accounts with both programs; with Moodle I have been unable to login to the account and technical support is not helpful, with RCampus it as a bit easier to create the account and the navigation through the program is also easier. I am hoping to use either one and create an online course for my classes. I have also enlisted the help of Harrison’s technology instructor to create the courses. The programs will make it possible to differentiate instruction within the parameters of the curriculum I must follow.
I have students at various levels of ability; some are high achievers and are board with an instructional pace that suits the average student an LMS program would benefit those students by allowing them to proceed at a faster pace. Whereas the students that are having a difficult time with instruction suited for the average students would also benefit by having the opportunity to proceed at a pace they are comfortable with and a curriculum that is adapted to them.
Let me begin by stating that I think Moodle is one of the only practical forms of technology that would fit with the mathematics curriculum I currently use. Moodle makes it possible to develop a course of study or individual lessons that follow the text I must follow. One other Learning Management System (LMS) that appears to much easier to or with is RCampus. I created accounts with both programs; with Moodle I have been unable to login to the account and technical support is not helpful, with RCampus it as a bit easier to create the account and the navigation through the program is also easier. I am hoping to use either one and create an online course for my classes. I have also enlisted the help of Harrison’s technology instructor to create the courses. The programs will make it possible to differentiate instruction within the parameters of the curriculum I must follow.
I have students at various levels of ability; some are high achievers and are board with an instructional pace that suits the average student an LMS program would benefit those students by allowing them to proceed at a faster pace. Whereas the students that are having a difficult time with instruction suited for the average students would also benefit by having the opportunity to proceed at a pace they are comfortable with and a curriculum that is adapted to them.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Reflection on Differentiation Station and Application of UDL and DI in the Classroom
Differentiation Station social networking with teachers I believe is a wonderful idea. I think it would be more beneficial if, as is the case with middle school and high school teachers, networks were created in content areas. Elementary teachers share the same core programs to some extent, and so by grouping them together they have much more in common than would a group of middle school teachers or high school teachers who teach in different content areas.
This course gave me the incentive I needed to reflect on the strategies and methods I have felt comfortable with for the last eleven years of teaching. One of the steps that needs to be taken to begin effectively implement of the principles of UDL a DI is to design a curriculum that recognizes the differences between students and make the necessary accommodations. At the same time the curriculum must also be closely aligned with the Illinois State Standards. It is also important that both administration and parents share, support, and is committed to the implementation of the principles of UDL and DI.
At this point I have applied some of the strategies, methods and principle of UDL and DI in the classroom in the following ways. I did not can, nor will I ever be able to adopt a curriculum the follows those principles, that is a task that administration hold on to very tightly. The first step I took was to have the students participate in online learning styles, and multiple intelligence assessment surveys. They then supplied me with the results on three by five cards along with answering concerning their personal interests. I had these same students in sixth grade, and felt very comfortable about understanding their academic strengths and weaknesses, so there was at this time no need for pre-assessment. I then chose group leaders and they selected groups of students that would work with. I have at my disposal the use of Netbooks, so each group has at least to or more Netbooks to work with to answer the question by accessing the web or Powerpoint presentation I have designed for their use. They also have access to the answers to the question on the assignments. When the flexible grouping first started all the students were starting from the same place in the Pre-Algebra text. I will let the students know what lesson they will be working on and supply them with several questions I want them to answer concerning the material to be learned; I usually require several examples of related problems to demonstrate their knowledge. They then work together on the assignment until completed. Two groups in each class are moving ahead of the rest of the groups the equivalent of about five days. I am able to circulate and conduct mush more meaning full conversations with the students now that they are in small groups, it also gives me the opportunity to work more closely with students who are struggling. I feel confident in that my attempt to integrate the principle of UDL and DI are the best I could due given the curriculum I have to follow. The students seem to be more engaged in the learning process and the last to test shoed an improvement in the student’s performance.
This course gave me the incentive I needed to reflect on the strategies and methods I have felt comfortable with for the last eleven years of teaching. One of the steps that needs to be taken to begin effectively implement of the principles of UDL a DI is to design a curriculum that recognizes the differences between students and make the necessary accommodations. At the same time the curriculum must also be closely aligned with the Illinois State Standards. It is also important that both administration and parents share, support, and is committed to the implementation of the principles of UDL and DI.
At this point I have applied some of the strategies, methods and principle of UDL and DI in the classroom in the following ways. I did not can, nor will I ever be able to adopt a curriculum the follows those principles, that is a task that administration hold on to very tightly. The first step I took was to have the students participate in online learning styles, and multiple intelligence assessment surveys. They then supplied me with the results on three by five cards along with answering concerning their personal interests. I had these same students in sixth grade, and felt very comfortable about understanding their academic strengths and weaknesses, so there was at this time no need for pre-assessment. I then chose group leaders and they selected groups of students that would work with. I have at my disposal the use of Netbooks, so each group has at least to or more Netbooks to work with to answer the question by accessing the web or Powerpoint presentation I have designed for their use. They also have access to the answers to the question on the assignments. When the flexible grouping first started all the students were starting from the same place in the Pre-Algebra text. I will let the students know what lesson they will be working on and supply them with several questions I want them to answer concerning the material to be learned; I usually require several examples of related problems to demonstrate their knowledge. They then work together on the assignment until completed. Two groups in each class are moving ahead of the rest of the groups the equivalent of about five days. I am able to circulate and conduct mush more meaning full conversations with the students now that they are in small groups, it also gives me the opportunity to work more closely with students who are struggling. I feel confident in that my attempt to integrate the principle of UDL and DI are the best I could due given the curriculum I have to follow. The students seem to be more engaged in the learning process and the last to test shoed an improvement in the student’s performance.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Final Relection
The game plan that I developed has provided me with the motivation I need to effectively develop and execute a lesson plans that bring authentic problem-based learning to the students.
Authentic instruction from my point of view, which has been greatly influenced by what I have learned over the past eight weeks, engages the students in learning content and brings real life situations and problems into the classroom and makes it possible to meet the needs of diverse earners through the use of technology, Assessing content area learning through problem-based learning lesson provides the teacher with a much more accurate measure of what the student has learned. Learning content by it self is not a true measure of understand but when that knowledge can be applied successfully by solving an authentic problem the student benefits significantly
The first action I intend to take once school starts this year is to reserve the Netbook cart for at least two to three days a week to work with the students on technology ethics, researching on the web and networking sites available o the students through the schools network.
Authentic instruction from my point of view, which has been greatly influenced by what I have learned over the past eight weeks, engages the students in learning content and brings real life situations and problems into the classroom and makes it possible to meet the needs of diverse earners through the use of technology, Assessing content area learning through problem-based learning lesson provides the teacher with a much more accurate measure of what the student has learned. Learning content by it self is not a true measure of understand but when that knowledge can be applied successfully by solving an authentic problem the student benefits significantly
The first action I intend to take once school starts this year is to reserve the Netbook cart for at least two to three days a week to work with the students on technology ethics, researching on the web and networking sites available o the students through the schools network.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Achieving My Goal
I will be very honest; I have not accomplished much towards my goal this past week. Some rather significant changes are taking place and my thoughts have been preoccupied with other issues. I will be returning to school on Monday of next with great excitement, and I am planning on bring new and more interesting ways for the students to become more engaged in learning.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
During the past week while working on my online collaborative lesson I realized there are valuable resources students can access with a little thinking on their part. So the only progress I have made towards my goal is that of developing the lessons over the last couple of weeks and becoming more aware of the tools that are available to both myself and my students.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Evaluating My GAME Plan
Well I have to say my GAME plan hit a snag this week. I really have not do much in the way of working on a PBL except for the lesson developed for my Wiki.
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