Today we had the opportunity to video call Valerie Irvine from the University of Victoria. During this presentation the concepts of modality and methods of teaching were discussed. Something that really struck to me was the bias of face to face learning and online learning. I do believe that face to face learning can be more meaningful because it helps strengthen the bond between the teacher and students. It also allows everyone to participate in hands on learning, co-create and collaborate. However, that does not mean that face to face learning is more beneficial. It all comes down to pedagogy and the method of teaching. Therefore, online learning can be just as beneficial to students and with the advances in technology there are so many options to create a valuable learning environment. As teachers we need to provide options to students and be able to accommodate our diverse learners and their needs. Teachers should not be fixed in their ways in terms of their methods because that is not inclusion. The most meaningful and beneficial way of learning is to meet students where they are at.
Author: amund
Today we had the opportunity to explore ozobots with Noelle Pepin at Nusdeh Yoh Elementary School. This was my first experience with coding and using ozobots. I thought it was challenging at first because I wasn’t too sure what I was doing. However, I observed others while they were creating their own coding circuits and with some trial and error I was able to create a successful circuit. I find it amazing how children as young as 5 years old are being exposed to coding and are able to practice these skills. As my fellow teacher candidates mentioned, we were all super engaged the entire time playing with ozobots. Teachers could also incorporate ozobots with storytelling which is a great way to tie in the First Peoples Principles of Learning. I believe this is a great piece of technology that could be used and adapted for all grade levels, although it is an investment, it truly engages students while they learn.
Today Sandra McAulay from Smithers came into our Ed Tech classroom and blew my mind with her knowledge of using Ipads in a classroom. After today I see technology in a whole different light. It is important to realize that students can use technology in so many ways without the focus being on playing games. I love how Ipads could be accessible to all students and adapted to suit various student needs. Allowing all students to use an Ipad also promotes inclusiveness within a classroom. For example, students have the option to either type or speak their thoughts. There are many apps that teachers could incorporate into their classroom across all subject areas and across all age groups (camera, pic collage, skitch, mark up, chatterpix). It is amazing how students can take pictures of worksheets on Ipads and then use the various apps to work on them. Learning becomes a lot more fun when students are given that ownership. I also really appreciate the idea of using Ipads during big buddies. I have found from my previous experience that teachers struggle with finding ideas for big buddy activities; however, with the option of an Ipad the possibilities are endless. As Sandra mentioned, big buddies can help their little buddies become more responsible with an Ipad and work together to do a number scavenger hunt for instance. I am looking forward to exploring these apps and then hopefully having the ability to find creative ways to use these apps in my practicum. Sandra’s learning intention was being able to implement one thing into our own classroom for practicum and I am happy to say that I have found multiple ways to incorporate technology into my classroom.
Today we got a more in depth look into the reasoning behind E Portfolios. We had the pleasure of having Ian Landy, a principal from Powell River, Skype into our Ed Tech classroom. A portfolio is a way for educators to archive and share their learning while pushing themselves professionally. I think the best part about using a portfolio is that you can go back and reflect on your learning which helps motivate you as a person, educator, and a learner. I also learned that a portfolio is an effective way to keep track of a students journey; therefore, it could be used in exchange for report cards, which I believe is a fantastic idea. It it important to know the value of portfolios especially for someone who hasn’t been exposed to them previously. It was also nice to know that nobody is perfect at using portfolios right away as I am still learning and struggling with putting together my portfolio. I would love to learn more about incorporating a portfolio in a classroom instead of a report card. For example, would you use a different portfolio for each subject area or have a cross-curricular portfolio?