Apply and Discover 10.1

Here are the three screen cast presentations I am commenting on:

“FrebQuest” (Freb)

My first reaction to this webquest was that Freb has the perfect voice for this!  She could do voice-overs.  It is engaging to listen to and sounds like a professional talking.  The websites had engaging videos with lyrics to also read.  Students will find using Glogster interesting and exciting to work on.

“Ms. M and M’s Periodic Table Webquest”  (Tiffany)

I liked the introduction page.  It hooks the students in with a funny picture, joke and drawing.  Crating an advertisement or birth announcement is a really good idea.  I remember having to just fill out a worksheet when I was learning about elements and wish I had had a project like this.  The birth announcement gives something for students to relate each piece of information to.  I also liked that there were things for students to do who finish early. 

“Story2Tell”  (Dawn)

I liked that there were multiple examples for students to look at and refer back to while working on their own story.  The steps seemed to be written out clearly as well.  Now that we’ve had to do similar projects, we can relate to how the students may feel about our own assignments!

Apply and Discovery 9.1

Every student learns in their own way.  It is the teacher’s job to make sure information is being delivered in ways that is suitable for everyone.  Universal Design for Learning is a great way to accomplish this.  According to the website, cast.com, there are three important areas and they each target a different section of the brain.  Information needs to be presented in multiple formats.  Some students are better at visuals while others are more kinesthetic or auditory.  Information needs to be engaging to the students and touch upon their interests.  Just like how students need multiple ways for the information to be presented to them, they need to be able to show what they know or be assessed in different ways as well.

It may be hard to incorporate technology into the classroom if the technology isn’t available but it is important to incorporate whatever technology there is.  If needed, students can work in a group or groups can take turns.  Either way, every student should have the opportunity.  As Mark Prensky writes, “I suggest we begin thinking of ourselves as “digital multipliers” – i.e. people who find creative solutions that bring every student, no matter what his or her background or income level, into the digital world – and get the job done.”  Technology in the classroom can be beneficial for all students.  Because technology can do so much, it should be incorporated with each student based on their strengths and weaknesses.