Reflective Blog: Testing the Only Way?

Retrieved from http://literacyminute.blogspot.com/

In my Grand Canyon University class, TEC 538:  Learning in the Digital Age, we've been give a 4th and final task to answer the following question:

Reflect on the idea that tests are the only objective assessments of student learning.

Here is my response: ABSOLUTELY NOT! But let's define the word "test".  

A Google inquiry reveals that a "test" is "a procedure intended to establish the quality, performance, or reliability of something, especially before it is taken into widespread use." But what I tend to see in education as a test being the end all, be all to a student's academic journey which happens to determine whether or not a school is doing it's job or not.  It's been given a lot of debate and have returned a lot of stress to both students, teachers, administrators, and parents.  

I like to think that there is really no end-of-the-line assessment, just a record of what you know so you can build your skills to perfection later. I also believe in alternative assessments in conjunction with a test to show hidden trends and areas no seen on a test, whether it be standardized or teacher-created.

A group of colleagues and myself created this wonderful e-Book to highlight several assessment tools that can be used either formative, summative, or as a diagnostic.  Some of these tools can be used more than one way and I would caution any educator to look into each tool first to determine it is right for the situation.

25+ Assessment Tools For Learning (e-Book)

Reflective Blog: Technology-Infused Classrooms of the Future

Picture retrieved from http://www.careerhubblog.com/main/2013/01/i-wonder.html

In my Grand Canyon University class, TEC 538:  Learning in the Digital Age, we've been give a 3rd task to answer the following question:

Reflect on the idea of what a technology-infused classroom looks like. 

How do you plan to have a technology-infused classroom?

Here is my response:

Microsoft Hololens is amazing!  Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lttveKXDaXg

A technology-infused classroom would have to be a classroom dedicated to exploring the vast information networks and be student-friendly with the correct equipment not only for students to research, but to create and work collaboratively and cooperatively.  Students will need to work in groups of different backgrounds and have an inviting space to practice skills together.  Being able to critically analyze and evaluate from information to projects in a respectable way will also be needed in this classroom of mine.  

How to fund for technology?

Crowdfunding explained.  Retrieved from https://youtu.be/h-yff2Ord80

As for technology acquisition, I will need to rely on crowdfunding sites like gofundme.com, kiva.org, and donorschoose.org.  The goal would be to get funding for a 2:1 or 1:1 ratio of student to technology.  I would also rely on the school district to support the technology through the technology support department for any upgrades or repairs that may be needed, and to house any technology in case of excess equipment or for summer storage.   

Reflective Blog: Visual Literacy and the Internet

Picture obtained from http://barbarabray.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/see-think-wonder.gif

In my Grand Canyon University class, TEC 538:  Learning in the Digital Age, we've been give a 2nd task to answer the following question:  

How can visual literacy and the use of the Internet impact the teaching and learning process in the classroom? What are some visual-thinking strategies you would like to use in your classroom? What role do you want the Internet play in your classroom?

This is my response:

Visual Literacy is the concept that students and teachers demonstrate the ability to interpret graphics that surround our world. We are visual creatures by design and nature, so it would be only fitting if the interaction with the Internet be visual by design.   There are elements used in the Internet that we see in daily life as the examples below show. 

Picture obtained from http://bigthink.com/design-for-good/the-noun-project-a-global-database-of-visual-literacy-symbols

These images must be meaningful and help move the user from one point of the Internet to the other.  Just like the driver that uses signs on the road and icons in the car to help them get from point A to point B, we use the graphical information to navigate from site to site. They show us that we’ve connected to destination or if there is a glitch in the system and access is denied.  In the classroom these graphics can play double roles.  What the students understand and respond to in the World Wide Web can be used to guide students to information or give instructions in a teacher’s presentation to the classroom.  Or be used to provide the graphical assistance in a project the student is sharing with peers. 

I believe the role of visual literacy and the Internet will have a big part in the student’s and teacher’s life.  Just like the ability to be literate in the library was a skill teachers stressed to students in the past, visual literacy is just evolving it’s form and function to keep up with our Internet-savvy students, who need those skills to develop more understanding in our multimedia world.

Reflective Blog: Variety and Value of Instructional Strategies.

picture obtained from http://bradleystevenson.com/?p=4970

In my Grand Canyon University class, TEC 538:  Learning in the Digital Age, we've been give a task to answer the following question:  

Describe the importance of the using a variety of instructional strategies and the value they add to education of students in the 21st century. Evaluate the role technology plays in the implementation of various instructional strategies. How will this affect your teaching of students?

So my response: In our fast pace, multimedia world educators need to be ready with a multitude of ways and methods to bring content in a meaningful and engaging way to the students. As I develop my art of teaching I'm becoming more aware of the need for a diverse arsenal of strategies.

"Tech Infomercial" from TeacherTube.com (http://www.teachertube.com/video/tech-infomercial-174340)

As a music teacher I find myself in the need for many ways to not only get content to the students, but to keep them motivated and engaged.  I have students that have a rich background in music and have support from family. I also see the opposite.  So  what's a teacher to do?

Providing a variety of strategies bring a sense of covering all the bases and loose ends of students that might not get the gist with one method.  It makes sense educational to provided as many different ways to communicate the content to really cement that learning for the student.  

Using technology is a way to also reach students and provide many ways to deliver content to the students.  I use many different theories, from the behaviorism to the constructivist’s way, and many different strategies, from presentation to games and simulations.  In the 15 plus years teaching, I still try to hit the visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners as well as incorporate the reading and writing practice the students all need. By doing so I ensure that the lesson reaches all students and the message gets across to the students.

How technology plays a part in my music room is that its a new and exciting element of the music curriculum, it provides the tools need to give content in a more clear and concise way, and I can reuse the elements over and over without delay.  I can also upgrade the content to keep up with the trends, which relates to the students I see.  When students see familiarity, they gravitate to you more and tend to be more motivated to learn more.  They trust you and you build on that trust.