Positive Learning Tools

Coming into this course I felt nervous yet excited. I had no idea what to expect. Coming up to the end I feel like a superhero compared to when I started. Like Ian's superhero with a tool belt jam packed with weapons to implement into my own teaching environment.

I said it last week that my favorite was Screencasting, and I based that decision on how easy it would be to implement. Upon further reflection learning about Schoology and Prezi really opened my eyes. Schoology would make course management much more efficient. Prezi will allow me to deliver a pimped up version of a presentation.

Blogging has been perhaps the most influential tool from a selfish point of view. It opened me up to other perspectives. I have not only enjoyed meeting all my classmates, but reading their blogs, and seeing how they look at things. I don't know if my current teaching environment will be suited for blogging but I see it's relevance, and will no doubt continue to blog.

Many many thanks to Professor Katz for his guidance and wisdom. Thank you.

Kia Manuia

Jah Bless

Positive Audio Recording

Positive Prezi

Positive Presentation Unit

Positive Audio Unit

Positive Movie Unit

Positive Movie Unit

Positive Website

I never thought I would ever create a website on my own, but here it is. Massive room for improvement but you have to start somewhere.

I decided because this was my first time I would use it as a practice for the real thing at a later date. So this is the location for my Movie unit. Students can obtain all the information they need for the assignment.

http://dreadgriffith.wix.com/rave-griffith

Much Aroha

Positive Tools

This class has given me an ample number of tools that will be invaluable in my own class. Schoology, screen casting, blogging, and making a website to name just a few. I can see myself implementing almost all of these new tools. However, armed with the task of only choosing one. I base my selection on the easiest to implement immediately. Therefore, the heavyweight champ after twelve rounds is Screen casting.

Without mincing words too much. The screencast was fun, basic, and new. It is a great way to demonstrate something either very simple or complex. I can use it in multiple ways in my classes.

Firstly, I can demonstrate anything technical that I expect from my students like attaching documents to e-mails, how I want them to name assignments, how to upload files and the like.

Secondly, I could assign it as homework where students have to create their own screencast. The reason this is great is because they have to prepare a script and then execute it orally. Korean students can be shy in front of the camera at times, so this method will be less daunting.

Lastly, I believe anything structured around an oral delivery is positive for language learners. Obviously perfect practice is desired but any practice is better than no practice.

Positive Research Skills

http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2012/03/building-good-search-skills-what-students-need-to-know/

This article by Tasha Bergson-Michelson, was extremely interesting and an appropriate follow up to Leo Babauta's “9 Essential Skills Kids Should Learn”. The two might not be specifically on the same topic, but they very much overlap and complement one another.

Bergson-Michelson highlights the issue of good research versus bad research, but lays the blame not at the foot of the students conducting the research, but the system of education that fails to teach students how to properly undertake good research practice. Both authors are in favor of small changes in methods to adapt to the changing environment.

I believe the advice from Bergson-Michelson to be accurate and familiar as it echoes the insight offered from Babauta. The main theme of helping students understand the scope of limited research as opposed to that of depth and vision. Understanding that change or results don't happen overnight.

I can particularly relate to the idea of research taking a multi-step approach with an understanding of sources. The stages of inquiry, literature review, and evidence gathering gives research validation through depth and completeness. I strongly agree with both Babauta and Bergson-Michelson with helping students ask questions, predict, assess and problem solve any evidence gathered. Looking deeper into the results, seeking the substance, not dismissing evidence because of incomprehension.

I really admire the way this article has given an outline of ways to improve research. Using newer tools like blogs and wikis, but in an appropriate way that complements traditional tools such as books, and journals. I would also like to recognize how change can be implemented through a guided assisted approach of demonstration and modeling. Allowing and encouraging reflection, and not just purely letting students find out for themselves. Good skills in any form do come through solid foundations and experience.