Back Channelling for Classroom Discussion

Friday January 27th, 2012 I attended the Brock Technology Showcase. Teacher Candidates, Teachers and Principals all travelled to Brock University, Hamilton Campus in hopes of gaining insight to this new, scary world, known as technology in the classroom.

I attended 3 workshops; Teaching Technology by Microsoft, Web 2.0 in the classroom and Google. All were great (minus showing up to a Microsoft workshop with a Macbook!)

The most engaging of the three was Royan Lee's Web 2.0 in the classroom. He created a chatroom for the day using TodaysMeet.com. A simple tool that requires no account and creates a temporary chat room (will last as long as the teacher requires it). A URL is created and sent out to students.

Royan used TodaysMeet as a source of back channelling. Through this tool he promoted classroom discussion, higher order thinking and questioning. As a guide he used FQR - Facts, Questions and Responses. These three letters guided the discussion and ensured accountable talk. The FQR process was encouraged during all activities of the class.

This chatroom allowed a platform for all students to participate in. Shy and outgoing students become alike and everyone's answers are heard. This then becomes an important tool for assessment. Royan described situations of diagnostic assessment and formative assessment all through questioning and FQR process.

As a participant in the workshop, I found myself more engaged in the story telling because of the constant questioning and discussion taking place on TodaysMeet.

Overall, the Technology Showcase truly was a showcase of all things technology. I was exposed to a variety of tools and technologies all guided towards students. It truly is an exciting time to be a student and to be a teacher facilitating this new paradigm.

New Look

As you may have noticed I've given my blog a new look.

I was playing around with the choices and found the birds. I felt the birds best suited the journey I am on. As they fly, I fly. We are not too sure where the birds are flying, just as we cannot be sure where I am flying to.

Life is full of excitement and opportunities, it's just up to you to choose which opportunities to take.

Through this blog we'll soar together and fly high.

Universal Language

Have you ever heard a presentation start with "Everyone, please open your Facebook."? Probably not. I hadn't until Monday, when a few peers began their presentation.

The reaction of the students was rather shocking. No "Woo Hoos", no "Ah mans" and more importantly no "how do I do that?" or "what is Facebook?"

Facebook is just one technology tool and it was great to see it used in an educational sense. But it wasn't how it was used, rather why it was used that got me thinking. As a 21st century teacher candidate, majority of our population has a Facebook account and is Facebook literate. Facebook was chosen for this presentation for that reason. It is a common ground, and something familiar - a universal language.

Typically, coming from a physical education background, I have always thought of sport as a universal language. Any one from any country, speaking any language can pick up a ball and play. Technology has now become that ball. Anyone from any country, speaking any language can pick up a tool of technology and play.

Children can navigate iPads, cell phones and gaming systems better than they can navigate their own neighbourhoods. Technology - especially those educational technology tools are becoming more and more user friendly. All it takes is a little exploring. 

Technology is a language of the world. Whether you believe it or not - everyone understands it. (You had to navigate the technology to be able read this post!)

So don't be afraid, go ahead, pick up that ball and play!

My TPACK Journey

Throughout my Technology in the Classroom course we have been exploring the system of TPACK. TPACK refers to the pedagogy, content and knowledge associated with using technology in the classroom. In order to gain an understanding of TPACK we were exposed to SlideRocket. SlideRocket is an online presentation tool and works much like the traditionally used Powerpoint.

Attached below is My TPACK journey. This presentation includes graphics, videos and animated text. But more so exemplifies my understanding of TPACK. I have always been rather tech literate, so the actual technology itself was not something I needed to learn; I already had the knowledge of using the program. For me, this was more of an exploration of the pedagogy chosen and becoming familiar with the content. Zoe, my instructor chose the pedagogy of making this assignment self guided. She provided excellent step by step instructions for those that needed them, but made the study of TPACK essentially an independent study.

 I personally enjoyed this approach. I enjoyed working at my own pace, exploring the tool and the content. It was nice to have Zoe there for questions or to show other neat tricks SlideRocket has to offer. But the completion of the project (as with all projects in this class) are student lead. I believe this approach was chosen because when it comes to technology everyone is at different rates, all different levels of experience, understanding and how fast people can pick it up. By allowing us our own time to work on it we were spared listening to redundant instructions and able to use our time effectively. However, through Google Documents those instructions were provided. This approach is excellent in terms of its differentiated instruction.

 During this reflection, I was also able to realize the impact and everything accomplished in such a small task. Through the creation of this SlideRocket presentation I have generated and understanding of TPACK and its place in the Technology Classroom. We could have had a few dry lectures given on the theory of TPACK and created some final project, but instead we explored TPACK and the TPACK process. We were engaged and the lesson was interactive. I have an understanding of TPACK rather than a mere knowing of TPACK.

 This process brings back the age ole saying of "It's not what you teach, but how you teach!"


 

Connectivity

On Monday I attended a National Geographic lecture on genealogy. Dr. Spencer Wells gave a presentation on the genealogy project and his research through DNA and family generations. His research finds the latest ancestors in one's family through DNA mutations. As a total biology nerd I found this information absolutely fascinating.
Wells confirmed Darwin's theory of everyone being descendants from Africa, as well common ancestry amongst people. He was able to find migration patterns due to climate and culture and map out a genetic lineage. Essentially, Dr. Wells has presented tangible, viable evidence to theory of everyone being related.

This had me thinking of the two classes I am currently enrolled in; Technology in the Classroom and International Education.

The obvious parallel, International Education - Dr. Wells spoke of the rapid loss of culture and language amongst small indigenous tribes all over the world, and the creation of cultures through climate changes. This got me thinking of how each culture is just a branch off of one main culture. Through stories, adaptations to climate and migration culture has been transformed, defined and redefined for each specific area. This has sparked an interest within me to begin travelling more, but not just to teach and to sight see, but to experience the different cultures, the authentic cultures of the land - and to find the parallels with my culture.

The comparison to technology came for me through the whole idea of connectivity. Dr. Spencer Wells discussed everyone being connected through their genetic code and these genetic mutations identify a relative. Everyone being connected through their DNA is much like everyone in the education world being connected through technology. The computer is much like a little human body with the internet being the DNA. Through the internet we are all connected, we are all or can be related through technological educational experiences, such as Skype or Google Hang Outs. We can build a network through Twitter and Facebook, and these trends keep replicating. Just as DNA replicates and evolves, technology is continually replicating and evolving.

Dr. Spencer Wells has made groundbreaking research in terms of genealogy, the impact he has made with this information is remarkable. Just as the opportunities education has for the entire world through technology.

For more information on Dr. Spencer Wells and the Genographic Project click here

International Learning

I am now taking an international education class and travelling to Africa in April for my 3rd placement. I will write about my journey through this blog to open your eyes not only to technology in the classroom, but international and alternative education opportunities! 

After class I was amazed by the amount of international knowledge shared amongst such a small group. It gave me a sense of excitement and motivation for the classes to come. Everyone has so much to offer and so much to share. The stories each of us can bring will definitely make the class very interesting. However, this also kind of clouded my judgement on the international knowledge most people possess. Sitting in a room of people with the same views and dreams as me I began to believe everyone has the international education bug - or at least the travel, explore and learn bug. But I was jolted back to reality a few days ago. Waiting in line - a long line that was not moving - ahead of me and my friends was a group of German exchange students. Being a natural social butterfly I began to talk to them and their time in Canada and why Canada, etc. These students had only been in the country for four days. But there was one particular individual that stood out. This gentleman was to put it bluntly - rude. He showed an ingnorance for learning Canadian beliefs and traditions and was accustomed to his German ways and those were the only ways he wanted to go about life. However, that wasn't it. Although he was not willing to learn - he apparently knew everything about Canada and proceeded to tell us about our laws and regulations and even some history (all of which was incorrect). 

From this experience I realized that there are some people - no matter how well traveled still have little to none international education or global perspective. To me, it doesn't make sense to go to a new place and only be willing to stick with what you know. Travel is a learning experience - probably the best one you can ever have. I know from my experiences it has definitely shaped who I am and where I am today.

This is why this class excites me and I am so interested to take it. I have done international teaching, but I have not fully learned about it in theory. I am interested to find more about it and hope that this class can then bring that much more to my experiences. I am also excited that I am so fortunate to be in a class with people full of stories and experience. 

The King's Speech

Special Education and Technology seem to go pretty much hand in hand nowadays. Typically when people think of medicine, some sort of science and technology connection is made. But what if you were to ask to someone from the 20th century? What about the 19th century? They probably would not see the connection. Personally, I never really thought about the technology available then (even though the foundations of our technology today came from then).

This weekend I was watching The King's Speech. For those that have not seen the movie, it explores the journey King George VI goes through having a severe "stammer" (also known as stutter). The movie shows the emotional battle he has as he rises to the throne and the self confidence issues that arise by having a disability and a job that requires public speaking. Excellent movie - I would definitely recommend everyone to watch it!

King George VI embarks on his battle with the help of doctor Lionel. I was amazed to see the use of technology to aid in the King's speech. With the help of music and a recording device the King was able to hear himself read. This was the first time in his life he heard himself speak without a stammer. The look on his face was a mixture of disbelief, amazement and hope. The technology played such an important role in helping the King gain his confidence.

Compared to today, this technology is minimal, but it was available and worked for the betterment of someone, all because another was willing to help and knew how to use the technology.

I consider myself rather competent with technology, but watching this movie, I was given a new appreciation for technology and for my technology class. Having the opportunity to explore a fraction of what is out there and learning how to use it inspires me to do what the doctor did.

Technology is a part of a 21st century learning journey. As 21st educators I believe we owe it to our learners to know the technology, present other opportunities and allow all possibilities. Who knows how it may help our students - but lets try give them that same feeling of amazement and hope King George VI had.

Twitter

When Twitter first came out I was one of those sceptics, didn't quite understand it or it's purpose. But now after having it for a few weeks I have lost all scepticism and am a complete fan. I find myself continually checking it and fascinated by the resources I have now obtained. I sometimes get caught up in the information and forget to post and share resources.
As I continue to explore, I have noticed there are two groups of users; those who use it as another social media outlet and those who are interested in networking. Originally, I thought Twitter was just another social media outlet.
Those in the first group only follow their friends and celebrities. They have conversations using Twitter and update us on their every move.
Those in the second group use it to expand their digital footprint, resume and create a global network. My view changed in discovery of the second group. It changed because of a posting saying NOW HIRING. The job is in all areas of the United States including Florida and Hawaii. This tweet wasn't even from an organization I follow, rather a retweet by OPHEA - an organization I follow. This showed me the power of networking and the opportunities it provides.
I have become a complete Twitter fanatic and advid user. (But, I still don't understand why those in group one use Twitter - does anyone really care if you're brushing your teeth right now?)

A 21st Century Canadian Student

In a recent technology class I was introduced to Google Plus and all of the pluses Google offers. Google is no longer just a search engine, but rather an all service tool. Calendar, e-mail, circles, documents, scholar are just a few of what Google has to offer. Google has become a revolutionary tool. I believe this revolution will begin in the field of education.
A part of particular interest is the aspect of Google Hang Outs. This is a part of the Google Circles field. Google Hang Outs is a webcam conversation tool. Typically Skype, or Google Hang Outs is used between friends in replace of a phone conversation or a more economical resource to have a conversation with someone on the other side of the world.
Now, just imagine Google Hang Outs as a tool for education. What does this mean for pen pals? Video conversations with anyone, all over the world? Online classes for elementary school?
Google is becoming a common tool in many schools - a form of communication between peers and students, a way of submitting documents and an area for resources. But what about Google Hang Outs? At first I thought, what a great tool for group work. Rather than meeting in the same place, meet at the same time and work via web cam. But that thought expanded in my technology class.
Snow days.
Every Canadian students favourite day. The anticipation the night before, the excitement finding out there's no school, and a day full of playing in the snow.
Google Hang Outs now provides the teacher the opportunity to run class for students. School has now become accessible from anywhere for students. Education is all around us.
As a teacher in training I love the idea. Being able to reach students on those days. Continuing classes as if Mother Nature was never a problem. However as a Canadian child, snow days were some of my favourite days. Some of my greatest stories with my friends happened on snow days.
The technology to me is fascinating and I continually am mind blown by the possibilities and opportunities it provides. But how do we integrate traditional with modern? How do we instil the life lessons learned from snow days while still using the technology? Do we just move forward and hope there will be new experiences for children today, or try and hold onto those experiences we had growing up?
I am curious to hear your thoughts and ideas on the tradition vs modern battle.