Week 10 and 11

These past weeks, we reflected on models that could be used to evaluate levels of technological integration within the classroom. I found myself leaning toward Bloom and TRUDACOT model Aas a general means of assessing current use of technology in the classroom and as tool for planning better implementation of technology. I also found the TRUDACOTS emphasis on evaluating technologies use in making learning more personalized interesting.

Week 11: Scratch!

This week we explored the beginners world of coding and I tested out the online program scratch. I found the tutorials and the interface to be totally welcoming and I could see this easily being integrated as a tool for creating learning artifacts. At first I attempted to make an underwater game where a diver collects starfish, but I scrapped that and decided to follow one of the nifty tutorials provided. This tutorial on how to make a pong game lent a good introduction to the basics of making a game using the drag and drop Scratch boxes. After completing the tutorial I decided to spiff my game up, making a one level Arkanoid clone. There's still a few bugs... like sometimes the ball gets stuck in a perpetual loop between two walls, the ball doesn't always bounce off the paddle the right way... and for some reason I can't figure out, one has to click the green flag twice to reset the game. The rest works just fine. Enjoy!

Audio Project: The Tell Tale Heart

The Tell-Tale Heart

For this project we were faced with the creation of an audio project. I decided to do a rendition of the Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allen Poe. I have a small recording set up for voice work. This includes a Blue Yeti microphone and a large box with lined with sound proof padding. I used Audacity for the initial recording. Using it's tools to normalize the sound and reduce background noise. I also used it's echo tool for parts of the narration. I toyed around with the idea of using audacity to mix the sound effects and music but eventually settled on wevideo since that app already provides the user with a nice library of free and open source sounds. So, I added some effects and music, threw together a graphic, using google slides for the bloody text, and Hipstomatic for the rest and there it was! It was late, so I neglected to perfect the opening transition... I tried remedying this using the Youtube editor. I think it came out alright.

Mesopotamia Simulation Review

Mesopotamia Simulation Review

   The 7/8 grade students concluded their Mesopotamian Simulations last week. The process was found to be a great success. There are 13 students and only five computer stations able to play Minecraft in the classroom and I wanted to see how this would work logistically. As for previous activities I usually take the entire class into the computer lab. Rotating 5 stations worked great. Some students were unable to participate as they had not completed their research task, while others opted to create physical projects. From those students a chariot and several clay cuneiform tablets were created.

Among those playing Minecraft I saw a great deal of cooperation as each student assumed their individual caste roles. The trade and work contracts were initially created and were followed through, however as the simulation progressed students needed to be consistently reminded to utilize the contracts.

In the future a student self-assessment/reflection would also be implemented at the end of the activity.

OCT Collaborative Project

As the midterm for my Online Collaborative Tools class, I had to be paired with another student, whom I have never met face-to-face, and collaboratively create an artifact about how online tools could aid in making a school environment more creative. The most difficult part was creating a project idea, as the online brainstorm discussion took several days due to our busy schedules. We ended up combining our ideas into a collaborative Wevideo project that can be viewed below. There was some confusion on what the objectives of the project were, but were luckily clarified by the instructor. Ultimately, my partner and my ideas were found to be similar and we created a great little video.

Educational Design

This week we discussed the ADDIE (analysis, design, develop, implement, evaluate)  model of instructional design. I found this systemic approach to designing courses extremely interesting and relevant. I find that too often school systems settle on buying packaged curriculum without going through a coherent and structured system of design that addresses the needs of their specific students and school climate. The ADDIE model offers an important scaffolding for making curricular decisions.

From my own experience, I've found than introducing any element of change will somewhat mimic the ADDIE system as that's just the nature of the thing. But, without any type of structure as a guide, initiatives can become overwhelming and implementation chaotic. Or once implemented the initiative is never evaluated again and redeveloped. It's important to consider the design process as constant and ever evolving and changing with the times. Education is fluid and as time progresses so need the system.

Week 7 Reflection

I began my minecraft simulation this past week. There were a few hick ups at first. Some of the students were not following their roles. After another round of instruction and discussion they were off. I noticed some great collaboration using the work and trade contracts. Some of the students chose not to play minecraft and instead created a few acrostic poems and cunieform clay tablets. I think I might let the simulation go one or two more days to see what else develops.

It was also good to read about the networked student model as I realized I'm already kind of doing that. There's more structure and still traditional instruction at times, as I think that's necessary with a younger age group.