Blog 4

1. As teachers, we are preparing students for life beyond the classroom. We are hopeful that our students will become productive members of society. HPI is a movement that focuses on valued accomplishments through people. A teacher is always looking for ways to have students achieve goals, and this is an outside of the box path. I was interested in the findings of Gilbert (1978, 1996). He focused on variables that affect the workplace performance. These can easOnily be translated to a classroom. For example, it is important that students know what is expected. Effective communication is so important in a classroom, with a clear statement of purpose and expectations. Appropriate feedback is also necessary for students, feedback in a consistent and immediate manner.
I think it is always important for a teacher to assess their classroom and look for ways to improve. The concept of human performance improvement has lots of ideas on running a successful classroom, with only a few adaptations needed.
2. One definition I located from Dictionary.com: “A system that provides electronic task guidance and support to the user at the moment of need. EPSS can provide application　help, reference information, guided instructions and/or tutorials, subject matter expert advice and hints on how to perform a task more efficiently. An EPSS can combine various technologies to present the desired information. The information can be in the form of text, graphical displays, sound, and video　presentations.”
Another, Electronic Performance Support Systems (Gery, 1991)"an integrated electronic environment that is available to and easily accessible by each employee and is structured to provide immediate, individualized on-line access to the full range of information, software, guidance, advice and assistance, data, images, tools, and assessment and monitoring systems to permit job performance with minimal support and intervention by others." An electronic performance support system can also be described as any computer software program or component that improves employee performance by:
1. reducing the complexity or number of steps required to perform a task,
2. providing the performance information an employee needs to perform a task, or
3. providing a decision support system that enables an employee to identify the action that is appropriate for a particular set of conditions.
The first definition is easy to understand. The second give more details.
I think the biggest reason EPSS is not utilized more in schools is the cost. Even though the benefit outweighs the cost, it is still expensive to start a program such as this. Training would need to take place and trainers would need to stay on hand to help with problems that might arise. There is a big risk in purchasing these tools, with many teachers not willing to use them.
4. The first thing that came to mind when reading about knowledge management was standardized tests. Looking at the results and analyzing the scores is important in understanding how to raise those scores. Codification is important so the data is easily accessible to teachers. Collaboration with others is the best way to figure out how to help students in their area of need.
“The learning needs of people only increase as they apply to their jobs what they’ve been taught in a formal training session.” Application is an extremely important part of the learning process. Having students create something with their new knowledge is the only way we can know for certain they understood.
5. My favorite type of informal learning comes from inside my classroom, but is beyond my control. When students offer up ideas, thoughts, and answers to my questions that I had never thought of, I learn something new. English literature is a subjective class. Many answers can be correct, as long as students prove what they have to say. This often happens in class discussions and I am always amazed that my students grasp a concept I had missed.
Using my Iphone has also been another great way of informal learning. Answers to questions are now available at my fingertips. Whenever I am curious about a topic, I pull out my phone and look it up. Playing Words With Friends has helped my spelling and vocabulary. Runkeeper has helped my track my runs and figure out minutes per mile. My daughter practices her ABCs. The learning is endless!

Blog 3

1. One very interesting evaluation model that I discovered was the Goals-Free Model created by Michael Scriven. This model is just like it sounds, the evaluator does not set prior outcomes, goals, or achievements. According to Scriven, “Evaluators who do not know what the program is supposed to be doing look more thoroughly for what it is doing.” The goals free evaluation has the “purpose of finding out what the program is actually DOING without being cued to what it is TRYING to do. That is, the evaluator doesn’t know the purpose of the program.” If the program is doing what it is supposed to be doing, according to Scriven, “then these achievements should show up. Scriven says, “That evaluators who do not know what the program is supposed to be doing look more thoroughly for what it is doing.” The goals free evaluator avoids learning the stated purpose of the program prior to or during the evaluation. Instead, the evaluator observes actual outcomes. This prevents looking so hard at the outcomes and goals that you overlook side effects, whether they are positive or negative. Of course, this sounds crazy to most educators. Without goals set, then how will you know what outcomes you want your students to achieve? However, teachers stay focused on ONE goal, they might miss the opportunity for their students to grow in a way they never imagined. We want to teach our students to think for themselves, set their own goals, and try to reach them. One way that I thought the goals free model would work in the classroom is by having students choose a topic of interest to research. They would write a research paper over this topic. The knowledge they would gain from this assignment would be different for every student, and the outcomes would also vary.

Another model is the Responsive Evaluation created by Bob Stake. In explaining responsive evaluation, Stake says, “An educational evaluation is responsive evaluation if it orients more directly to program activities than to program intents; responds to audience requirements for information; and if the different value-perspectives present are referred to in reporting the success and failure of the program.” An evaluation is responsive if the evaluator makes a plan of observations and negotiations. Others should observe the program, and the evaluator should find out what is valuable to the audience. Much of this is done informally, with a record being kept of action and reaction. Responsive evaluation procedures allow the evaluator to respond to emerging issues as well as to preconceived issues. The key to this model is flexibility, with the evaluator willing to observe outcomes and react to change. I believe any educator must be responsive while teaching. Activities must be changed to meet the needs of students. Teachers should work with other teachers and administrators to make sure the way the classroom is being run is best for students.

2. Two years ago, I received a class set of ITouches to use in my English 1 classroom. The attributes of the technological innovations were increase in student motivation, test scores would go up, and interest in classroom instruction would go up. The program was designed for at-risk freshmen. These students were identified as those students who needed the biggest push in the areas of need. Training was received over the summer and lesson plans were prepared. There were many obstacles to overcome the first year of use. Mainly, connectivity issues. This arose very quickly and made the ITouches almost useless for about six months. Once that problem was corrected, the ITouches became much more useful. There are many apps that are great for reference, citations, and information. However, it was found to be difficult to include projects to use with the ITouch in the fast paced curriculum of my district. The ITouches are very hard to create something to showcase in class. Since I only have a class set, students cannot use them outside the room. There are some activities that work great; the ITouches are great for response presentations. They use the ITouch to answer questions, and the answers are displayed. This has been great for reviews. However, more training is needed, and the curriculum should be altered to allow for more time with the ITouches.

In this 2 minute video, a teacher explains how he uses his IPod touches in his class.



3. The hardest thing about creating a series of professional development series for teachers based on technology is gauging the current ability of teachers. Many will be inexperienced and unsure, but others will know about the technology, and even possibly be using it in class. I would pair the inexperienced with the experienced in order to help them gain a base knowledge of the project. As the inexperienced teacher gains confidence, I would have them work on their own. I will give teachers direct instruction on a project to complete, one they would be able to use in a lesson. This will give teachers something they can actually use in class. I think this is a very important aspect of technology training, often left out. Teachers need something tangible to use in their classroom. Show me how I can use this, added on to something already in place, and the training will be a success. Communication is vitally important throughout this process. Teachers must be able to feel that they can discuss problems and ideas with me and others. This will make the training run more smoothly. With the proper goals set, and support provided, I think technology training can be successful to help bring teachers into the 21st century classroom.

Blog 2

Laurillard's diagram of 12 activities for teaching and learning.

1. My learning goal is for my students to understand literary elements such as plot, conflict, characters, and setting.
The first learning theory I would use to achieve this goal is constructivism. Students will choose a fiction book from the library. They will read the book and create either a prezi or glogster to explain the literary elements as they relate to their book. Through this activity, students are engaging in authentic activities, regulating their learning and reflecting on what and how they are learning.
The second learning theory is situated learning theory. Students will choose a children’s fiction book and read it to elementary students. Students would point out the literary elements through a creative poster. This activity would engage students in the practices of a community. Students would understand the interconnectedness of our community, and how they can give back.
2.
Student Activity: Show students YouTube clip of Little Red Riding Hood. Gain attention
Teacher will explain the goals of the lesson- to understand literary elements. Inform learner of objective
Students will get out notes previously taken on literary elements. Stimulate recall of prior learning Activate
Teacher will show students a poster created with the literary elements of Little Red Riding Hood. Present stimulus material Demonstrate
Students will choose a children’s book and create their own poster. Provide learner guidance Apply
Students will read the story, and present the poster, to elementary children. Elicit performance Integrate
Teacher will approve of poster before it is presented. Provide feedback
Teacher will grade performance based on a rubric previously given to students. Assess performance
Students will be quizzed on literary elements. Enhance retention and transfer

3. My goal for students is to understand the characters in a novel.
Whole-Task Approach: This approach states that learners must be confronted with learning activities that encourage them to develop an integrated knowledge base. Those meaningful tasks must be based on real-life tasks. My idea for my goal is to have create a resume for one of the characters from the novel. Students will be preparing for real-life with this task, and it will help them understand the character they choose.
Scaffolding: This learning method is based on the results of task analysis. The learner should start their training with the simplest version of the task. The resume project would begin with a few examples of proper resumes. This would give students an idea on what their resume should look like in the finished stage. The next step would be to brainstorm key details that describe their character. What types of jobs would this character be interested in? Do they have previous work experience? Education? Finally, students would create an outline for their resume.
Mathemagenic: For this learning method, student’s actions should be relevant to the achievement of specified instructional objectives. I believe this can be achieved through the constant monitoring of students as they complete the learning tasks.

4. Attention: To grab students’ attention, starting with a song related to the topic is a great motivator.
Relevance: Using technology throughout the lesson and having students apply their new knowledge through technology. Teachers must constantly monitor students while they are using their new technology.
Confidence: It is important for teachers to facilitate learning and encourage their students to create their own learning experiences.
Satisfaction: Students should create real world examples and teachers need to create assessments that support their learning.
5. Teachers must understand there are many different ways students learn. It is important for teacher to understand their students and create lessons that touch on the different learning methods. Teachers should rotate the learning methods so students receive many different types. Keeping the learning environment different each time will motivate and encourage students. This will also increase performance.

Blog 1

1. While reading the many versions of the definition of educational technology, I was very interested in the way the definition was shaped throughout the years. As technology has advanced, it is so very important for this definition to continue to evolve. I believe education technology should be “viewed as a way of looking at instructional problems and examining solutions.” Our “digital native” students have grown up with technology being a way of life. Teachers should view technology as a tool to help students understand what they are learning. The book stated that it should be “used alongside the teacher” to help facilitate learning. Teachers should be looking at ways for students to create something using technology to show their skills. Another important aspect of my definition is the use of technology should be appropriate and professional. There are many great ways to incorporate technology, but there are also many dangerous sites. Teachers must be aware of the way their students are using technology by constantly monitoring their use.

2. As a teacher, it is extremely important to plan a unit thoughtfully with the end goals in mind from the beginning. It is necessary to think about what you want your students to learn, and the best way they will learn it. The way your students learn best must also be considered. What types of technology can be included? The Dick, Carey, and Carey model has all the elements of the instructional design process. However, the order is somewhat confusing to me. I think an assessment should be developed last, not first. Many times, my best laid plans are not followed and I am not able to cover everything intended, or students do not grasp a concept as well as I had hoped. For this reason, I create assessments at the end.

3. It is surprising at how fast technology has evolved in the past 10 years. When I graduated from high school in 1997 I wrote my research paper the “old-fashioned” way- books that I found in the library. In the past 14 years, the Internet has completely taken over. In fact, I cannot imagine my life without it. That goes for my teaching as well. I am always using the Internet for lesson plan ideas, appropriate YouTube clips, and projects for my students. Blogging is a great way for students to journal. When we read Romeo and Juliet, students will take on the persona of a favorite character and create a blog from their viewpoint. As a graduate student, I have completed my degree completely online. This has made it possible for me to work toward my master’s and maintain my responsibilities to my family. In K12, technology has made it possible for students to work at their pace, and recover credit they are missing. This is just one possibility, it seems they are endless!