What a cool experience! As a teacher who feels so isolated in Rural MB, it is great to be in a room with other educators who are learning together. Also, it is so good to know that I a not alone in NOT knowing about everything that is out there.
Session 1 - iPads in the classroom
I find it so overwhelming to have technology tossed around without guidance. It was cool to hear about how teachers in other schools are using iPads - not so much as tools for finding information but for documenting learning. Discussion focused on different apps that people are using and what they are using it for.
Apps talked about: Edmondo, show me, aurasma, word lens
Other topics: scoop it, knowing what apps to use and how to use them
Lingering questions
What does using iPads actually look like in other people's classrooms? How do you structure on task learning with so many other apps which are not on task?
Session 2: Flipped Classrooms
I love the idea of the flipped classroom, ever since I saw the TedTalks featuring the Khan Academy creator. I feel like it is an invaluable tool, especially in my split PreCal classroom. I'm interested in, again, what does this actually look like in the classes?
Things you can use:
- Live Scribe Pens ($129 for pen and book, can photocopy)
- Khan Academy, if not using videos then using modules
Lingering questions:
- who does it benefit in the classroom? Intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation as a factor?
Restitution
Building intrinsic motivation for students to make cognitive decisions about their behavior. That is the goal. Hearing the discussions in this room has really given me perspective on what we need to do in order to be able to help students understand their role in decision making.
Starting point: What do you need?
Plan of action: how can you fulfill your needs? Can you do this in a way that allows you to still be productive? Can you do this in a way that does not interfere with other people's needs?
Follow up: Was that the best decision that I could have made? Why or why not? What could I have done differently?
Books to check out:
Alvie Kohn - Punishment by Reward
Lingering question:
Would high school students take advantage of this system?
Session 3: Inquiry, Project based learning, and Debate
This was the conversation I was able to participate in the most. It was great to hear so many people experiencing this type of learning in their classrooms.
