Reflecting on our new activity

Allowing students to use the familiar jigsaw activity, but present their learning in so many ways definitely shows the use of diverity in one's plans.
As a teacher, I must change the status quo of projects in my classroom and become the facilitator rather than that dispenser of knowledge. Using these activities helps me to see my students' true learning and personalities. These skills are important to continue to see myself as a continuing learner and communicate with the the 21st century students.

Homework on Chapter 3: A Whole New Mind

While reading this chapter, I began to think of a short video clip that I showed to the students this last year in an effort to show the way different designers work together to design a new car. One of the team created a draft sketch of the car, while another had to design parts to make it work. A third designer concentrated on the aesthetic qualities of the interior such as car seat fabric and carpets. This venture required a great deal of creativity and collaboration among them to create a protype car to present at a new car show in Chicago. These jobs involved the creation of a new car, not the actual building of it.
From what I read, it's obvious that right- brain thinking is becoming more of a necessity in this world we're in. The Rainbow Project is a wonderful addition to recognize the value of those students who may not excell at the left-brained designed SAT tests.

Thing4: Thoughts on blogging

1) I love reading the comments of others because I learn so much from other people. I really dislike commenting because I am not a good writer or thinker.

2) I must admit that I was happy that someone thought I wrote something worth commenting on.
3) Commenting is so important for the exchange of new ideas. Isn't that the whole point of blogging?
4) I can see this as a major advantage for those students who do not want to speak out in class,but have wonderful ideas and thoughts to share.
5)Sort of: the Arkansas state science list serve.

Thing3: Adding Widgets

I've successfully add one widget from the site we were at, but I was unable to add a weather widget from another site. The widget I did add was a current calendar because I'm forever losing a calendar when I need one. This allows me access at all time.

I need to explore more widgets to add and change my blog design. Unfortunately, this allows me to be easily distracted and not complete first things first.

Thing2: Thoughts about Web 2.0

This old dog is definitely going to need multiple opportunities to get the hang of all this new stuff.
All of my teaching years, I've had teachers tell me that education runs in cycles every 20-30 years just the words change. I really don't think there are old words for this stuff!!

Consider the ways in which Web 2.0 tools might change (or have already changed) your professional practice.
1) What a different way of communication among so many people.
2) accessing more relevant and up-to-date info for my students.

How might you be able to use these new tools to engage today's "digital learners"?
The example that Lisa used at the beginning of this class. To view how the opinion poll changes with each vote is a great confident building tool for students to still be anonymous, but cast their opinion.
To network with other educators? No more running down the hall on prep time to get info from a colleague.
To communicate and collaborate with our teachers, parents, community? This will help me keep up-to-date in my profession. I think there willl be more sharing of ideas and new strategies of learning among all the people who interact with our students.

Why would you want to? I don't want to stagnate in my teaching or my life as I age. When I learn new things, it revitalizes me to share with the students. Of course, the students know much more than I do about this electronic age.