Wiki Assignment - Project Based Learning

I chose this topic because it is something that I believe in and want to learn more about it. I am a kindergarten teacher and I feel that children learn best by hands-on experiences. Project Based Learning requires the student to be an active participant in the learning process. Teachers become facilitators and children take on the responsibility for their own learning. Project Based Learning incorporates cooperative learning, peer instruction, individual and collaborative learning as well as problem solving skills. Children acquire knowledge and apply what they have learned. It also encourages the development of higher level thinking skills.

I agree with the quote from Confucius which states, “I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand”. This holds true for me and for all learners. When children are allowed to actively participate in the learning process, they gain understanding. Project Based Learning provides the opportunity for children to understand what they are learning. We, as teachers, should always teach children by using best practice which offers a learning environment that encourages children to acquire knowledge and apply this new knowledge which will reflect understanding. Teachers should provide the tools to enhance student learning. Project Based Learning engages children in the learning process and provides authentic and meaningful learning opportunities. Project Based Learning provides skills needed for life-long learning.

Technology enhances the learning process through Project Based Learning. So much information can be obtained from the Internet such as websites, virtual field trips, and interactive software, to research and interact with the project theme.

Assessments are an important part of the learning process. Instead of giving tests to check for comprehension, children are assessed throughout the project. This is done through teacher observations, conferencing, self assessments, peer assessments. Assessments include the process, product, performance, presentation, representation, and through reflection. Portfolios are a great assessment tool.

I love teaching using Project Based Learning. It does require more organizational skills than teaching from a textbook. But, what an exciting learning experience you have provided for a child which will spark high interest and a love for learning! I believe that is what teaching is all about.

Comments on Lesson Plans and Technology Integration

Comments on Lesson Plans and Technology Integration

• WOW! Your definition really goes in depth. I like that you included that learning is acquired through physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development. I also, like the fact that you said that learning empowers individuals to make wise choices and solve problems. These are all important to learning. You did a great job!
  Janet
• I like your lesson plan. I did not realize that young children are exposed to email accounts. Would this be a problem with parents?
  I like the social constructivist theory and try to implement this approach in my classroom. This is my favorite learning approach as far as student learning. I feel that children learn best from working with each other as opposed to working independently. They can gain new knowledge and understanding based on the opinions and reflections of others that help them construct their own knowledge.
  I also like that the teacher emailed an electronic musical birthday card to the child. I am sure this sparked interest.
• I think this is a wonderful lesson plan. The only question I have is if students are working in groups, is this still considered behaviorism?
  This is a great activity to use with students.
• I saw your interview on the News this morning. I am glad your students are all getting laptop computers. I think that is great! Wish my school system would do the same thing. Let me know how it goes. Congratulations!
  Janet
• I really liked your lesson plan on earthquakes. It will promote interest and allow the students to learn valuable information through the use of the Internet. This will allow students to construct knowledge using real life events and not rely on just textbook information. Great job!

• I agree with you as to drill and practice but I can see how the use of the Internet website can promote high interest. The website allows the student to move at their own pace. Students are able to apply knowledge and understanding through the reading of the decodable books. As students become more proficient at reading and comprehension of the text, they build on what they already know and apply it as they proceed through other books at higher reading levels. The learning of sight words and short vowel sounds in words can be boring but with the use of the computer, students are motivated through the reading of words in a real and meaningful text. This lesson plan takes a mundane skill and brings it to life, so to speak.

Comments on Learning Theories

Comments on Learning Theories

• I realize it is getting close to the deadline and no one has volunteered to be the group leader. I know I haven't been a group leader but I am not leadership material. I do realize that I am required to do this. I am afraid that I will cause the group grade to be lowered because of my lack of leadership abilities. I may need your help as I take on this task. I want to do my part and be a team member but I do not like to be in a position that could cause the group not to do well. I am afraid to take on this challenge but I know I must. I will need your help in the organization of this task. Please help me get through this. You all have done such a great job as leaders and I hope I can get through this assignment.
  Please feel free to offer any assistance, positive or negative. I want to do a good job.
• I really like your suggestion about splitting the learning theories among everyone in the group and answering the questions. I do feel that since you and Tiffany have already submitted all theories that it would not be fair to you both because you have already put in all this time and work. Since we are in the final hours, maybe we could all contribute and then I will use all responses to submit a draft including everyone's answers. I know we are about to reach the deadline so if everyone could please send ideas and thoughts by tomorrow night then I will have time to prepare the draft for Wednesday's deadline. Is this fair in your opinion? I am willing to do whatever the group wants to do. I can go either way. We can see how the group feels about it.
• I will have my answers posted tomorrow (oops! It is already tomorrow!) I will post mine by tonight for your review, comments and suggestions.
  Have a great April Fool's Day! Don't get fooled!! Ha!
  Janet
• Tiffany,
  I think I have until tomorrow to post our draft summary. Tomorrow is the 2nd. Thanks for reminding me. I will get mine posted in a little while. If I'm wrong let me know.
  Janet
• I am compiling the summary as we speak and will have it on our group space when I get it completed. I will get it up as soon as possible. Please try to get on again later tonight to see if you like what I have done. I know it is getting late but I am working hard on it right now.
  Janet
• Thank you. I am still in the process of compiling ours. It will be very informal and I will put it in the format using bullets for the final draft. Sorry I haven't finished for you to see at this point. I hope to finish soon.
• I promise I will get the final draft posted before the deadline tonight.(I say tonight because it is after 2 AM.!). I will use everyone's input to provide the summary for our group discussions. I will post the final draft here first so there will still be time to make corrections if needed. I hope to get it posted early enough this afternoon so you can reflect on the final draft before the final post on the discussion board. PLEASE let me know if you see a need for corrections! This is where I really need input from you. I want everyone to be happy with it before it is posted.
  Thank you for your patience.
  Janet
• Just tried to open the draft document and I couldn't. I will repost this afternoon in a different format. I am so sorry for the delay.

• Trying to get this to post as a doc. instead of a docx. document. This way everyone should be able to open. Please let me know if you can open it. I am waiting to see if there are problems. I will keep checking until I go to bed tonight. I need someone to respond who does not have Windows Vista.
  Thanks for all your support.
  Janet
• YES! It worked!!!!! I am so relieved! Let's discuss how you want me to post the final group summary. I am not good as charts or columns or spreadsheets. I am open to ideas! If I do not hear from you I will use the format I used for my discussion outline. I am sorry you are stuck with a group leader who is not computer savvy.
• I am posting our learning theories and need to know if I should bullet the first 2 questions like I did in my individual answers or leave it like I did the summary draft? Please let me know ASAP. I want to post.
• I want to thank everyone in the group for your input, help, and support as I represented the ideas of each person in the group. I wish I were most computer savvy and could make charts and spreadsheets to represent our information. I am pleased with our results! Great job everyone!
  
  Thanks again,
  Janet
  Group Leader
  Learning Theories assignment.
• Next we have to create lesson plans for each learning theory. We need to get this started. Where do we start? Who has ideas on how we need to do this?
  Janet
• I will take the last theory on cognitivism and develop a lesson plan.
  Janet
• I'm not sure, either. I know someone in another group and they have a group leader. That's why I was asking.
  Janet
• Do you think Dr. Wang wants us to create a new lesson plan or do you think we can use one from the Internet that fits our theory. What do you think?
  Janet
• I think everyone but one has been a group leader. If I am not mistaken we have had 5 assignments where a group leader was required.
  Janet
• Who has not been a group leader?
  I was for the last assignment.
  Janet

POWER of Collaborative Learning!

I have learned so much from the Learning Theories assignment. I read the materials and was able to answer the questions independently as it related to each learning theory. But, I learned so much more when I was working within my collaborative group. I was able to view information from another’s perspective. This truly does build understanding. It was even more meaningful because after I posted my groups summary, I began to read other groups presentations. I gained new perspectives and was able to get a deeper understanding of each learning theory and how it pertains to learning from the assignment. I am a social being and I do learn best when working collaboratively with a group. I feel that children are the same way and can learn more effectively within a social setting where issues, problems, and ideas are discussed, analyzed, and reflected.

Now that I am a part of this technology class in a collaborative group I see the power of learning collaboratively. If I had not experienced it for myself, I would not know the impact of this form of learning or the need to incorporate it into my classroom.

I am continually amazed at what I am learning in this technology class. I am also intrigued by the possibilities that I can implement into my classroom. I am already using more technology this year than I ever have in the past 30 years. This is a big accomplishment for me because I have always been afraid of making serious mistakes while using computers. As I learn more skills on the computer I am becoming more confident. I am glad this course has forced me to learn more about using technology in the classroom as well as in my personal life. It is helping me to become the best teacher I can be for my students and provide the best learning experiences for my students.

Exciting New Experience!

Today, I am excited because I was able to use technology in a new way. I was printing the course reading materials for this class online and had to bring my kindergarten students into the computer lab so I could get the 78 pages copied so I could read them at my convenience. As my students were sitting around waiting on the papers to print I began to start opening computers to www.starfall.com. I am using the little readers and we have read about 7 in class. As I moved around the room and put students on the computers, I could see the joy and excitement on their faces. You could have heard a pin drop in that room. We were there for 30 minutes and they were amazed! Every student was able to read books that we have used in class and participate in the learning activities each book provides. We do have 3 computers in our classroom and one is set on the starfall website. Up to this point I have only put my readers on this computer. The children rotate through the literacy stations once every 7 days. I was able to provide assistance to individual children as they worked at the computer.

I wasn't sure I could manage a group of 20 five year olds all on the computers at once but it was so easy. I was able to challenge my readers and also provide letter recognition and letter sound skills for those students needing extra support. Different ability levels are provided on the website. This experience ran so smoothly and I was impressed with the interest, motivation, and utter joy on their faces. They were all excited and I was able to secure another day this week for the lab. This is the first time I have used the computer lab with my students. Usually, all the times are taken when I would need to use it.

I am so excited about our success today and I am eager to find other useful websites that provide interactive activities for kindergarten students. As we left the computer lab, several students said they had so much fun and wanted to go again. I feel I am spreading my wings by using technology to teach literacy and reading skills as well as all other subjects. By achieving this hurdle today, I feel more confident using the computer lab with my students. I plan to sign up for a regular time if I can find one. This has been a great opportunity for my students.

This class is teaching me to integrate technology in all areas of the curriculum. Now I am hoping to add more new experiences for my students in the future! Learning is GREAT!

Integrating the Internet into the Curriculum

In reading the chapter on Integrating the Internet into the Curriculum, I began to understand what the terms in technology mean. Many of the terms I have heard before but had no idea what it was. Simple terms that people expect everyone to know for example like PDF, HTML, JPEG, GIF, Java, and plug-ins. The explanations of these terms have helped me better understand the world of technology.

Another area in which I gained knowledge was in the integration strategies used to implement technology in the classroom. Strategies include promoting activities and projects that provide rich resources and other learning experiences. Web-based projects and activities provide support for children’s research, motivate writing, practice literacy skills, visual learning, problem solving, collaborative skills and multicultural experiences. There is a whole wide world out there awaiting children’s curiosity and discovery. We, as classroom teachers, need to insure the best possible learning experiences and provide real and meaningful experiences. I have learned that I need to become more computer literate so I can provide learning that is exciting and highly motivational to entice children to want to seek knowledge. Computers can be accessed in the classroom to provide electronic penpals or keypals, provide electronic mentoring, vertical field trips, electronic publishing, group products, problem-based learning which can motivate collaborative learning and encourage social action or social justice projects. What a wonderful learning opportunity to provide to children and teach them to take action in making this world a better place in which to live. Technology can be used to enrich any subject, from science, social studies, math, history and geography to literacy and reading.

I know I am learning things that I can implement into my classroom. Technology has transformed learning in today’s society. Our students are very lucky to have rich technology to enhance learning, and make knowledge come alive! How exciting to be a teacher exposing children to great learning opportunities using technology in the curriculum.

Comments in Technology Class

Definition of Learning – Comments

• I agree with you. My definition was about the same as yours. I also agree with your example of all the knowledge you gain in school but that does not prepare you for the role of teaching. It is only truly gained through experience and by applying what you have learned. In order to apply it you must understand it.

• · WOW! Your definition really goes in depth. I like that you included that learning is acquired through physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development. I also, like the fact that you said that learning empower individuals to make wise choices and solve problems. These are all important to learning. You did a great job!

LESSON PLAN CRITIQUE – Comments

• I really liked your lesson plan choice. We know that children learn best when they are allowed to choose a topic that interests them. This lesson plan provides for that. Children can be grouped according to interests. This in itself will motivate children to want to learn more about the topic. They can work together as they progress in the process of learning about using PowerPoint technology. Great job!
  

• I liked your lesson plan critique. I think your objectives are very appropriate for first grade students. I like the way that the students are not overwhelmed with too many objectives. The two you listed are important. I would use this to allow my kindergarten students to become familiar with the keyboard and have time to practice using the computer. We must provide the time to become proficient. I also like your quotes from your book references. This really backs up the lesson plan as a way to introduce students to the keyboard and word processing skills. In kindergarten, many skills are an introduction and do not require mastery but do move toward proficiency through practice. Computer technology is a hands-on experience.

• Great job!

• I really liked your critique. I am not familiar with Excel and wonder with what grade level this lesson plan would be appropriate. I like your choice of lesson plans as it is a real and meaningful way to learn skills that show significance with real world math concepts. I like the way it is a collaborative project. Concepts should be taught in authentic ways such as this one. The concepts of the lesson plan are teaching math skills but technology plays a big part in the learning process.

• Great job!

• What a wonderful idea. I want to incorporate this activity into my classroom. Our school does have a digital camera I can use for this purpose. Thank you for sharing this idea with me. I am always looking for new ways to teach skills. This is one I will try. Thanks!

• WOW ! What a great lesson plan choice. What grade level would you use this with? I am overwhelmed with the amount of technology required in this lesson plan. The use of digital cameras, PowerPoint, and word processing is amazing. This is a great way to incorporate the skills learned about the parts of speech and provide a way of expressing this learning. Remember, I am a kindergarten teacher and am amazed at what students can accomplish through technology. I am learning more and more every day.

• Great job!

• I really liked your critique. I am not familiar with Excel and wonder with what grade level this lesson plan would be appropriate. I like your choice of lesson plans as it is a real and meaningful way to learn skills that show significance with real world math concepts. I like the way it is a collaborative project. Concepts should be taught in authentic ways such as this one. The concepts of the lesson plan are teaching math skills but technology plays a big part in the learning process.

• Great job!

AFFORDANCE ANALYSIS – Comments

• I agree with you. I love to read to my children and I want my students to develop a love for books. For young children, crawling up in a parent's(or grandparent's) lap for a story is priceless. I want children to want to go to the book display case and have a burning desire to read and experience a good book. I like to watch their excitement as they share a good book with a friend. I read to my students several times during the school day. This is a very special time for my class. I do use the internet to download free readers that I use with my students. I see the value in these as well. But in the end, nothing beats a real book.

• You did an excellent job organizing the information. I am very impressed with the Venn Diagram. You made it so easy to see how each tool is utilized. I love how you used color to help distinguish types of tools. Great visual! Janet

• I re-posted my analysis. Please try it again and let me know if it will open now. Thanks for letting me know there was a problem.

• Because a couple of people could not open my affordances, I will try to re-post it. I hope this helps. If not, please let me know. Janet
  

• I'm sorry you can't open my attachment on my Blogs/Email assignment. I do not know what to do. I have re-posted it and I can pull it up with no problem. I need to find out what I am doing wrong. Any suggestions?

• Paula, Thank you so much for your help with this. I finally figured that out with the help of Dr. Wang. Hopefully, I will not have any more problems. I appreciate your response.

Ja

• I like the way you set up your affordances. I wanted to put mine in a chart form but didn't have time to figure out how to do it. Yours is neat and organized. I have enjoyed learning about the different affordances each tool provides along with the learning activities that can be implemented. I am beginning to use the internet more frequently than in the past. I still like the fact that young children can get a real tangible book to hold and enjoy. The internet opens so many doors and has fast access to anything you want to know about. Great job! Janet
  

• I am not sure I did mine right either. Hopefully we will jointly figure this out

• I love the way to set yours up. It looks great! Easy to read. I may need to go back and set mine up differently. Mine does not reflect color or creativity so I will try to make some changes on my final draft. Again, yours looks great! Janet
  

• Your affordances look great! The only thing I can think of is maybe that with MSWord you can add graphics. Can't it? I'm not sure.

• I hope to learn to do PowerPoint soon. Again, great job! And it looks so professional!

• Your comments will be kindly received. I hope I did it right.

• Thanks for your comments. I would like to make it more appealing to readers but I am not skilled at making charts or doing PowerPoint presentations. Is it complicated to do?

• Your affordances look really good. I could only think of one more affordance for internet that you might want to include and that is the internet can be easily accessed from computers, cell phones, and ipods. This is only a suggestion. You did a great job.

• Please read mine and give me some suggestions to add. Janet

• YEA!!!! I am up and running!!!! Computer problems fixed! I am so excited!

• Tiffany,your affordances look so professional! Great job.

BLOGS – Comments

janet said... to Melanie’s blog.

The things you do in your classroom with technology amaze me. I would love to observe in your classroom. I know I would learn some new things to incorporate into my classroom. You have to remember that I have been teaching for many years. Technology is new to me and I am not familiar with using PowerPoint and other things like this in the classroom. It's nice to see what the younger teachers are doing in their classrooms. You inspire me to learn more. It goes to show that one is never too old to learn! You being a year older than my oldest daughter really age me! Great job! I'm proud of you!

janet said... to Aaryn’s blog

What a great idea to post favorite websites. These are very helpful and I want to visit them. I do use Starfall in my classroom but many of the others are new to me. It's always nice to get information like this. It makes my search easier. Thanks for sharing these educational websites.

janet said... to Lyn’s blog

I, also agree with you. I, too, was impressed with the alex website. I was able to look up a subject for my grade level and get all the objectives and step by step procedures. Although, I usually get ideas and use the parts that I feel are relevent to what I am teaching. Other teachers provide a wealth of ideas and resources. It was great to find this website. I will use it when needing ideas or just a fresh approach to a learning objective. I never dreamed there were places like this that provide actual lesson plans for a particular subject. This will be a great resource for me in the future. I am learning so much from this class about the internet. Sometimes it is fun to play around on here and find interesting things like this but "time" is always an issue. I am glad to find helpful resources to make my job easier and more effective.

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES – Comments-

· Most of my comments were sent by email which I cannot retrieve. Sorry! This was when I was having major problems with my computer.

• I like the way your group put the technologies into a Venn Diagram. It is easy to see how these all relate to each other and overlap. Great job!

• I agree with you. They did a good job! I, too, have problems with the language of technology and like to get the information in layman's terms.

• I am glad you explained SharePoint. I am not familiar with it. I am learning so much about different technologies.

INTRODUCTION:

My name is Janet White and I am a kindergarten teacher at Leeds Elementary. I have been teaching kindergarten for 30 years. I am looking forward to learning new things that I can use in my classroom. I have not met any of you in our group but you have been very helpful to me as I have struggled with computer problems. I want to thank you for that. I am not confident with technology and am not familiar with the technology that is available to us but with some practice I hope to be able to bring what I learn into my classroom. Thank you for all your patience with my posting problems.