New Technologies--Module 5

Kidblog
Since blogs and wikis are blocked at my school, I have been looking for a technology tool that I could use for collaboration, post work, and to share ideas. With this in mind, I performed my occasional review of my Favorites that I’ve saved. One great site (and saved on my Favorites) is Kidblog. Because of the security of teacher approval of blogs and posts, this site is allowed at my school.

I shared the link for Kidblogs with my team and have not had any feedback as of yet. My team members are very technology savvy and have grown up with technology. (I am a late-in-life technology recruit with my first computer class at around age 40. That sounds so OLD but I’m really young at heart:) Just last week, I gained six laptops from the mobile cart to house in my room. I’m hoping that when my team members each get two of the six that they’ll feel that they have the freedom and resources to let their students use this approved blogging site.

As far as attitudes, my team members are open to different technologies but don’t seem to obsess over them. When I find something that I like, I watch YouTube videos on how to use it, look at FAQ (frequently asked questions), look at teacher-made samples, and try them out. Sometimes it will take a while for me to use a tool in the classroom. I have to feel confident enough to troubleshoot some of the problems that I might have. I have enrolled my fourth grade team members as students, as well as the principal, assistant principal, and another teacher. The other teacher, kindergarten, has already posted comments to two students. I can’t wait to show my students, finish getting everyone on the site to post, and then to let students comment on each other’s posts.

Using Keller’s ARCS Model for Motivation
One way to combat disinterest in Kidblog is capture the attention of the students who come to my room during Flex Reading and Flex Math by involving them in Kidblog (Driscoll, 2005). In my Flex Reading group (high academic ability), we are conducting a literature study on Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. These students enjoy the rich vocabulary, the twists and turns in the plot, and the possible solutions that the main character Brian Robeson could utilize in survival and in getting rescued. Kidblog would be a great way to give them voice and spread their excitement towards blogging. As of now, my students are answering the question: “Should 4^th grade participate in PTO’s Wax Museum next year? Why or why not?” These students could answer that question, but better yet they could suggest solutions to Brian’s dilemma in getting shelter, food, and protection, as well as some ideas of how to get rescued. In my Flex Math group, we are using differentiated learning problems for students of average to high ability in math. One of the problems could be posted on Kidblog and those students could type in the steps that they used to solve a problem. Most fourth grade students having difficulty answering multi-step word problems, especially if the operation to be used isn’t the same for each problem. This opportunity would help students to build confidence in their mathematical ability and relevant complex problem solving skills (Driscoll, 2005).

ActivInspire
Not a brand-new technology at my school, but creating ActivInspire flipcharts has been met with some resistance from different teachers. Yes, there are plenty of excellent flipcharts on the internet (especially on Promethean Planet) but making one is not too difficult. The resistant teachers with whom I’ve talked have said that no one is there to teach them. I am willing to help anyone after school. Plus, practice, making lots of mistakes, and then trying to overcome from those mistakes is one great way to really learn. These resistant teachers either use their Activboards as just a display area for websites or powerpoints or don’t use them at all.

Interactive Powerpoint
On a more basic note, creating interactive powerpoints with actions other than transitioning from slide to slide or entering/exiting text/pictures has been met some resistance as well. Interactive powerpoints that include links to websites, games, and videos (and embedding videos) are more engaging. Powerpoints that include questions and then link to answer slides also make learning more meaningful. Finally, powerpoint games, such as Hollywood Squares and Jeopardy add a higher entertainment value as well as teaches concepts and skills. Other teachers at my school seem to enjoy what I’ve created but I don’t see the same in their creations. I get the feeling that they feel that it’s too difficult to create highly interactive and creative powerpoints or perhaps that it’s too time-consuming.

Using Keller’s ARCS Model for Motivation in ActivInspire and Powerpoints
One way to inspire teachers reluctant in the use of ActivInspire and interactive powerpoints is to continue to share links and samples of my work with others through attachments in email and also by posting my work on Sharepoint. If all teachers will help to build a repository of flipcharts and powerpoints, then everyone will benefit from efforts that are relevant to the content, incorporate GPS (Georgia Performance Standards) and are interactive, engaging, and help students learn.

My Quest for New Technologies
My new quest for technologies to master include Prezi (not very good yet), Glogster (just bookmarked it), iPod Touch (getting pretty good) and helping students to create videos in class. I’m sure that my list will grow much longer the closer I get to Christmas break, spring break, and summer vacation.

Sources:

Driscoll, M. (2005). Psychology of learning instruction, 3^rd edition. Boston: Pearson.