Module 6 Reflections

One way I feel would help my students in becoming self-directed learners is by setting goals with the students. Revisiting and followup of the goals throughout a project is one way to assist the kids in directing their learning. Giving them feedback that encourages their learning will promote them in being self-starters and finishers. Providing guidelines/expectations allows the students to see where they are going and lets them take charge of their learning.

I support diverse needs of learners by providing a variety of ways of presenting material/instruction and adapting as we go along. Observing and conferencing with the students will allow me to check for their understanding and make the needed changes in their learning and how they present their learning to me.

Module 5 Reflection

I use rubrics for every project I have the students complete; however, I haven't included them in the process of creating the rubric. In the future I will have the students have input but it will be a slow process for me. I find the kids don't have the high expectations that I like, but I think this is just from their experiences in the past. I could guide them in the direction I want.I will use more assessments throughout the projects thought.

Module 4 Reflection

How can technology be used most effectively to support and assess student learning?
This module has required me to take a second look at my planning and use of technology. To keep up with the 21st century, technology has to be included every opportunity possible.

I feel the most effective use of technology to assess learning would be the use of a blog. Students could reflect on their learning and the teacher could use the blog as a tool to check for understanding. Students would be able to see others interpretation on the learning objective and they could compare their thoughts. The blog allows students the opportunity to expand on their peers views and points, resulting in self-assessment.

I want to incorporate the use of technology in my classroom; however, I need to able to differentiate between the student’s knowledge of technology and the understanding of the material to be learned. I have students that are pros at technology but would have a difficult time demonstrating their knowledge of a subject matter. (life cycles) This is where modeling and practice comes into play. Maybe the use of technology would encourage students to pay more attention to what they are studying. I am up for doing whatever it takes!

Module 3 Reflection

The Internet allows students to search the world and all its resources for information. It allows students to communicate with people they may never had an opportunity to prior to the Internet.

Students can have access to information that once was only available by going to the actual location. (Library of Congress, University libraries, etc.)

As for me, I am on information overload!!!!!!!!!!

Module 2 Reflections

Standards were never a real issue for me; however, prior to this course I only thought about what I wanted as an end product. Learning about CFQs has made me think more about the standards and how I want the students to learn them as they are completing the project. I hope I will get better at forming questions.I have always used a rubric for all projects and have made sure the students knew my expectations for the "final" project. Creating formative assessments gives me guidelines and expectations for following how my students are working throughout the entire project.

Reflections

I can do pretty well as an instructional designer as long as someone is either standing or sitting right beside me walking me through every step. The only question I have is will I make it through this course.

I am a little overwhelmed because there is a lot of information and it is coming at me fast!

I did it!

I know it's plain but it is a project in progress!