March 11, 2017

1.  How is purposeful use of technology able to transform learning?

There are so many ways that technology can transform learning.  I will discuss the ways learning was transformed in my classroom by technology.

• Researching:  I was able to put together a nutrition presentation on Google Slides that included content information and a list of other resources (with links) that students could explore on their own at their own pace during class time.  This allowed students that need more help to get help from the teacher or from students who were able to move through to content quickly.  It provided one-one instruction and support where needed.
• Padlet Post:  Students were asked to post the answer to the questions "What is a healthy meal for my family?" on Padlet.  The Padlet was shared with not only there class, but the other three classes as well.  I witnessed students outside of class talking with other kids about their Padlet posts in the hallways - that was way cool.  We held many class discussion based on the Padlet post within each classroom as well.  The fact that students could help one another because they were able to view each others work was very transforming. 
• Google Slide Meal Planning:  Students were asked to plan their healthy meal for their family using a google slide.  Each class had a google slide from one slide presentation to complete.  Students were able to look at other student's slides to help them with their meal planning when they had questions.  Student's helped other students who had questions once they completed their slides.  I was able to see if kids were on task and working from my computer and go and help those who I noticed might need help even if they were not asking. 

2.  What impact on students does such learning make?

• Most students become more engaged when they get to use technology in their learning.  I say this because I see them get lost in what they are doing and I do not have to manage behaviors or keep them on task, they naturally do it themselves.  I do have to sometimes keep them moving on their projects though and give them deadlines to keep them on pace.  
• I see students helping other students more with their learning when technology is involved.  Students move at their pace and it works, without technology it gets difficult to keep the faster paced students on task once they complete assignments where with technology, they enjoy going and helping other students.  
• Class discussions are richer with technology.  Students can see as well as hear about others work and it creates more rich discussion.  I also hear them talking in the halls more about what they are doing with the other classes, not just their own class.  I love that.  Collaboration between classes with discussions.  (I hope to step this up a notch in the future with some feedback between classes and not just peers with the use of technology).
• Students reflections are guided by the technology.  whether it is a final product, or a sharing of information on technology, I see that they can use their experience to guide their reflection.
• Students enjoy their learning more, so hopefully it will be a lasting learning experience.