#9 Reflection

Is Technology Integration Important?

Technology is used in one form or another in every aspect of our lives. My 75 year old grandma uses it to text her grandkids, even my 3 year old nephew uses it to watch movies on YouTube or listen to his favorite songs. 

Naturally our high tech lifestyle will become a staple in the way we teach in our classrooms. Students do not remember a time in their life that they didn't have an ipad or tablet of their own. Students are very tech savvy. 

In the classroom I can see how every subject can and will be able to link to technology. I could see how to use it for math and reading, but I was surprised to see how it could connect to social studies content. When we used the Finch Robots to learn about the native animals to Utah and how it could connect to coding, that was amazing! Students would totally love to create their own habitat and animal. This is a fun alternative to the traditional report and tell the class. This is a creative and technical way to share the same information. 

I also loved making the stop action movie. It was fun to be creative and share information using technology, movement and music together. My kids loved the movie that my group made so much that they told their school teacher about it and they watched it as a class. My child's teacher loved the idea, I bet she ends up doing something similar with her class. 

Technology allows students to create, edit, lean and engage to subjects like nothing else does. I enjoyed doing the different technology projects during this class much more than I thought that I would. My future students will feel the same way I did when a project is finished and they are able to say, "Look at what I made! Isn't it amazing?"

Blog #8 - UDL Engagement

 Blog #8 - UDL Engagement
        The way that students learn now days is different than ever before. It used to be that a teacher would teach a lesson and students would sit at their desks quietly and then complete a worksheet. My how the times have changed! Teaching has become much more student based and hands on. The flipped classroom is becoming more common, when students go over material at home and then come to class to clarify content learned and apply it to real life situations. A webquest is a perfect way to way to incorporate a flipped classroom. By participating in a webquest students can learn content at their own pace have one-on-one instruction and stay engaged.
       A study performed by Janet Strickland, State University of West Georgia compared the use of WebQuests with traditional instruction. I was surprised by the results, the summary of the study concluded that webquests are not ideal for every lesson. While webquests are a wonderful tool for integrating technology into a classroom and adding variety to instruction, teachers need to be mindful of the content they are covering and make sure that the webquest supports their inquiry arch.
       I plan to use webquests in my future classroom. I can see how it can be effective with differentiation and accommodations as well as keeping students engaged. With all teacher tools there is a time and place to use a webquest.

Work Cited 
 Strickland, J., & Nazzal, A. (2005). Using webquests to teach content: Comparing instructional strategies. Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education [Online serial], 5(2) Retrieved from http://www.citejournal.org/volume-5/issue-2-05/social-studies/using-webquests-to-teach-content-comparing-instructional-strategies

Blog #7 - Why Coding?

Why Coding?

      Kids now days use technology in all aspects of their lives and they are good at it. Coding is a great way for students to apply their math and science lessons into a real world, hands on application. As a teacher having students code can be integrated into many lessons, having students participate in groups, researching and presenting a topic using a coding system like SNAP. 

      A teacher in Onslow County, North Carolina, Gretchen Robinson uses robots with students at Northwoods Elementary School of Technology and Innovation:

      "Robinson sees students’ willingness to engage, to collaborate and to work on a lesson for as long as it takes to understand the content as positive signs of learning. “They want to work with the robot for as long as possible,”    Robinson said. “Every time their lesson is done they’re disappointed.” She’s also quizzed students on content after they’re done working with the robot and has found them to have a greater grasp of the information."

      My goals as a teacher is to engage my students while giving them hands on experiences that they will use in the real world. I also want to build their self esteem as they build and code their robots. Students get a sense of pride and accomplishment with their finished products. 

ISTE Standard

1) Empowered Learner- Students leverage technology to take an active role in choosing, achieving and demonstrating competency in their learning goals, informed by the learning sciences.

Works Cited

KQED News

Blog #6 - UDL Action & Expression (Summative)

UDL Action & Expression (Summative)

        What kid doesn't want to control a robot? With technology in the world becoming more present in our everyday lives it is important for students to know how they work and be comfortable with using them. Using Finch Robots is a wonderful way for students to experiment with technology.
       For example, in Chicago "... CPL is the first library in the nation to lend out Finch Robots, which were invented by the Carnegie Mellon University Create Lab as a user-friendly introduction to computer science learning and the art of programming. Finch Robots support more than a dozen of the most commonly used computer languages and environments, including several appropriate for students as young as 8 years old."
      If a student can play a video game they are capable of using Finch Robots and writing code. My goal is to connect the Finch Robots with a standard students can either work together  in groups or on their own to make a presentation. Students will have completed a complex task without even realizing it because they are having fun. Students will see that they are capable of doing hard things, they will feel empowered.

Works Cited

https://www.chipublib.org/news/finch-robots-land-at-cpl/

#5 UDL Action and Expression

Why is UDL important ?

Many studies show that the more senses a student can use the more connections they will make to a subject. The article discusses UDL and the ways in which students can be offered choices and options that engage and give them opportunities to practice skills that they learn.

Principle 2 :Action and Expression can be in my classroom as an assessment. By using the different media such as Wordle, Answer Garden, Popplet, Storybird, etc. the students are able to show me what they know rather than tell me what they know. This is a stress free way for students to be creative and share what they have learned. A great think about this sort of assessment is that I, as a teacher, can see what a student has understood and fill in any gaps that they may have from a lesson. My goal as a teacher is not only to help students to make as many connections as possible but allowing them to express the connections they have made. 

Works Cited

Rao, Kavita and Caroline Torres. "Supporting Academic and Affective Learning Processes for English Language Learners with Universal Design for Learning." TESOL Quarterly, vol. 51, no. 2, June 2017, p. 460. EBSCOhost, ezproxy.uvu.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edb&AN=123649455&site=eds-live.

Blog #4 UDL Representation

What is Multiple Means of Representation?
 Every student has a way that they learn best. There is not one way to teach a group of students. With each lesson there should be various ways to learn about a topic, that's what Multiple Means of Representation is.The more ways that a learner's senses can be used in a lesson the more connections can be made. When more connections are made the more learning and remembering will occur. If we can see something, hear something, read something and do something we are going to remember it and apply it in real life situations. When there is connections and applications made by students they will learn.  Here is a great example of Multiple Means of Representation from the article: 

Teaching Elementary Students with Multiple Disabilities to Participate in Shared Stories

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
by Judith Viorst.

Adaptations           Book was shortened (page  removed and lines were cut from text).
 
Repeated story line        Terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day

Objects used to promote   Gum, candy bar, cereal box, shoes
  meaning while reading 
                                                
Character name               Student's name used for character--Alexander
  adaptation                                 
                                                                                                
Surprise element added    When the lights burned out in the story, the lights were  turned off in the classroom       
  near end of story                        
                                               
                                                                               
A goal in my future classroom is to provide learners with different options to learn. Through group work, technology, artistic expression and oral presentations there should be a way that each student is comfortable learning about a topic as well as sharing what they know

Works Cited

Browder, Diane M., et al. "Teaching Elementary Students with Multiple Disabilities to Participate in Shared Stories." Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities (RPSD), vol. 33, no. 1-2, 01 Jan. 2008, pp. 3-12. EBSCOhost, ezproxy.uvu.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ838735.

Blog #3 Digital Citizenship

Who is a Digital Citizen?

If you are reading this blog, then YOU are! Now more than ever technology is everywhere we go, we carry it in our pockets and its in our classrooms. As teachers we use our online communities to connect with other educators to enhance, extend and enrich our lessons.

Why is being a Digital Citizen important?

You may be thinking that students in your classrooms are too young to have digital footprint, however, many kids have a digital footprint before they even start school! Having technology readily available is an amazing opportunity. With each wonderful opportunity a child is given there is a need to teach a responsibility.

According to Mike Ribble District Administrator for the Ogden-Manhattan School District in Kansas:

"Digital citizenship focuses on using technology in an appropriate way while enjoying its vast capabilities and becoming more productive."

Digital Citizenship in Schools, 2nd Ed., identifies three main categories—respect, education and protection (or REP)—to guide the use of technology in schools, at home and in the community. These are broken down in three ways and a total of nine underlying areas of focus:

Respect: Digital etiquette, access and the law.
Educate: Digital communication, literacy and commerce.
Protect: Digital rights and responsibilities, safety and security, and health and wellness.
A great way to start teaching digital citizenship through Google apps, such as Google Docs or Google Slides. Using these apps is a safe way for students to work with others on a project that is monitored by the teacher. Using these apps also are a great way for students to navigate the internet while collaborating with a group.

How would I use this?
I would use these apps as a tool to teach Digital Citizenship while simultaneously having the students present Social Study presentation on a group Google Slide about their state

Blog #2 - Standards and PLNs

Connect and Share With Me

Twitter handle @dhanuvu
Symbloo
UEN

3 Resources
English Language Arts
Read Write Think

Math 
 Math Shorts Videos

Science - 4th Grade
A Drop in the Bucket- USU Water Cycle

Blog #1: Equity and UDL.

If you put any group of people together, chances are that they will all have strengths and weaknesses when it comes to learning. This is very evident in a classroom. Classrooms are now and always have been diverse. Research says that the different ways that students learn are as unique as their fingerprints. How does a teacher address the diverse needs of her students to ensure that all are learning no matter what barriers that are present?
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a tool that can break down these barriers and build a foundation for all students  to learn, no matter their strengths, no matter their weakness. A UDL curriculum is made to be flexible and accommodate all kinds of learners. I can integrate UDL concepts into my classroom curriculum by identifying what I want my students to know, do and care about. When doing this I also need to address any barriers in my classroom that may get in the way of this goal.

UDL is made up of three categories:

1) Representation - show the information in different ways. 

2) Action and Expression- give students options for showing what they know. 

3) Engagement- give students choices that engage their ideas and interests. Encourage taking risks. 

UDL = Learning opportunities for ALL

I am excited to incorporate the UDL concepts into my curriculum so that all of my students will have a level playing field when it comes to learning. If I can do this than my classroom will be a place where students take risks, share ideas, and love learning. 

1. What does the research say about this?
2. How can this be effectively integrated into your teaching?
3. How will this help your students?
4. What are your goals with regard to this topic?
5. How does this shape your vision for empowered learning for your students?

A Bit About Me

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Destiny Hansen, I am from Payson Utah. I'm married to a pretty good guy and I have four gorgeous and wonderfully talented children ranging in ages from 7-16 years old.

• Being accepted into the El Ed program at UVU has been a goal that I have worked to achieve for the last four years (which seems like forever). I LOVE to learn so forever is okay with me. 
• Music makes my world go round. I am always listening to, singing to, or dancing to music. None of these things are what you may call 'talents' but I enjoy doing them none the less.
• Some other things that are right up my alley are television, pop-culture and puns. I'm not sure how they are related, but in my mind they all go perfectly together.
• Reading is something that we do as a family. A good book series brings people together like nothing else can.
• My friends are some of the sweetest, most talented and hilarious ladies you could ever meet. We love going to thrift shops. You can always hear us yelling "That's a BARGAIN!" We love to take our thrift store treasures and up-cycle them into amazing Halloween décor. 
• I could go on and on about how excited I am to be in the El Ed program and to learn how to introduce technology into the classroom for my students. Whatever tool can be used to engage a learner is a tool worth having. Lets do this!!

Utah! Still the Right Place

Animoto

         How cool is Animoto? This is a wonderful tool that provides an engaging way to learn about new content. Animoto can be used for businesses and in many other fields, using Animoto in the classroom enables teachers and students the ability to share pictures and facts about a topic in short 30 second video segments with music.

         Animoto is so easy to use. There is a variety of music to select from or you may add your own. With Animoto all students or teachers need to do is add pictures and create! 

Assignment: Student will get into small groups of 3-4 and create an Animoto about a county in Utah. Student will add facts with a picture to accompany each fact. Include county name, main exports, agriculture, county size as well as interesting facts. What are fun things to do in this county? Are there interesting geological features in this county?

Links

Animoto

Mrs. Hansen’s Examples

Utah County

San Juan County

Cache County

Carbon County

UEN- Social Studies 4th Grade

Objective 2

Analyze how physical geography affects human life in Utah.

Identify population concentrations in the state and infer causal relationships between population and physical geography.

Classify the distribution and use of natural resources.

Compare the development of industry and business in Utah as it relates to its physical geography (e.g. mining, oil, agriculture, tourism).

Make inferences about the relationships between the physical geography of Utah and the state's communication and transportation systems (e.g. trails, roads, telegraph, rail lines).

Examine the interactions between physical geography and public health and safety (e.g. inversions, earthquakes, flooding, fire).

UEN Ed Tech- Standard 8

Use technology resources (e.g., calculators, data collection probes, videos, educational software) for problem-solving, self-directed learning, and extended learning activities. (5, 6)

ISTE- Innovative Designer

I solve problems by creating new and imaginative solutions using a variety of digital tools.

What Should I Eat?

Brochure
          Brochures are a fantastic way to share an overview of information, using pictures and text to highlight main points in an organized and visually pleasing way. They can be used as an alternative to book reports, state presentations or be adapted for any subject matter or criteria. The great thing about making a brochure is that there are templates that are readily available through most software and even accessible on Google Docs.

          How do I know what to eat? We are going to learn how to make healthy choices to fuel our body. We will learn about how different foods are used in our bodies; fats, proteins,carbohydrates, etc. We will talk about portion sizes, how to read nutrition labels, activities that keep us physically active and discuss how being healthy impacts our families and communities.

Assignment: Students will work in small groups of 2-3 and create a brochure outlining things we have learned in class. There must be a minimum of 6 pictures and 6 health related facts used in the brochure. The more colorful the better! Have fun sharing what you have learned.

Here is an Example

Link
Mrs. Hansen's Brochure

UEN-Health Education 5th Grade

Standard 6

The students will understand how a healthy diet and exercise can increase the likelihood of physical and mental wellness.

Objective 1

Predict the impact of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans on health.

Know the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Relate how following the Dietary Guidelines for Americans may impact the health of individuals as well as communities; e. g., obesity, heart disease, cancer, insurance rates, missed work days.

UEN Ed Tech-Standard 7

Use telecommunications and on-line resources (e.g., email, online discussions, web environments) to participate in collaborative problem-solving activities to develop solutions or products for audiences inside and outside the classroom. (4, 5)

ISTE- Knowledge Instructor

I critically select, evaluate and synthesize digital resources into a collection that reflects my learning and builds my knowledge.

'Tis Always the Season for Edpuzzle

EDpuzzle
         Contrary to the name, EDpuzzle isn't actually a site for puzzles, but EDpuzzle is a wonderful way for teachers to introduce new topics to their students. Through the Ed Puzzle site teachers choose videos that support their content and are able to edit those videos to fit their students and classroom needs. Teachers can choose when to pause the video clip and insert questions into the video clip, this helps to reinforce student's comprehension on new or difficult topics. It is a fun and engaging way to introduce new topics and ask questions that involve higher order thinking.

• EDpuzzle is a free site! Hurray!!
• EDpuzzle site does not allow feedback from students, it is more of an answer aloud tool for the classroom.

Assignment: We will be studying weather and  seasons in class and will begin with an overview of the four seasons. The students will watch  The Four Seasons EDpuzzle video, answering the questions, and then will pick a season they would like to learn more about. They will work with others that have chosen the same season and 3 share facts with the class about their chosen season. Have fun!

Watch Mrs. Hansen's The 4 Seasons Edpuzzle

More Links

Why Do We Have Seasons?
Four Season Vocabulary


UEN- Science 1st Grade

Objective 3

Identify characteristics of the seasons of the year.

Identify characteristics of weather, e.g., types of precipitation, sunny, windy, foggy, and cloudy.

Observe and record weather information within each season.

UEN Ed Tech-Standard 7

Use telecommunications and on-line resources (e.g., email, online discussions, web environments) to participate in collaborative problem-solving activities to develop solutions or products for audiences inside and outside the classroom. (4, 5)

ISTE- Global Collaborator

I strive to broaden my perspective, understand others and work effectively in teams using digital tools.

Show Me What You Know

Socrative

         When you hear the words "Pop Quiz" what goes through your mind? Does your heart rate speed up? Do your palms start to sweat? Can you remember your own name, or does your mind draw a complete blank?

         Teachers always want to evaluate what their students know in a low pressure way that doesn't cause the students test anxiety. What teachers and students want is a fun and quick way to test and review the content that has been taught. Socrative is a great way to use technology to quickly assess students comprehension.

         Teachers write a quiz and share the URL with the class. Socrative can be used as an individual  quiz or in teams.  Teachers can ask questions in T/F, multiple choice or open ended format, teachers can even mix formats and choose one of each.  One great feature of Socrative is the team option. Teams can choose different icons to represent them, for example rockets, bears, unicorns, etc. The teams have the exact same questions and when they answer correctly it moves the icon along.

Blasting Off with Teams are fun!

         Teachers are able to see what information is understood and what may need clarification. Socrative also gives teachers the ability to share quizzes with other teachers.

         Socrative is a free site with limited options unless you subscribe to PRO paid account. This site also takes some getting used to. I suggest dabbling with it to see what the site has to offer.

Link

Socrative

My Map Quiz Example

UEN-Social Studies 2nd Grade

Standard 3               
Objective 2
Demonstrate geographic skills on a map and a globe.

Identify and use information on a map and on a globe (e.g., map key or legend, simple grid systems, physical features, compass rose).

Locate your city, the State of Utah, and the United States on a variety of maps or on a globe.

Locate and label the following on a map or a globe: the seven continents, the five oceans, the poles, and the equator.

UEN Ed Tech- Standard 5
Use technology tools (e.g., multimedia authoring, presentation, web tools, digital cameras, scanners) for individual and collaborative writing, communication, and publishing activities to create knowledge products for audiences inside and outside the classroom. (3, 4)

ISTE- Global Collaborator

I strive to broaden my perspective, understand others and work effectively in teams using digital tools.

Prepare to be Emaze-d

Emaze

         Emaze is a tech tool that teachers can use to create visually unique presentations that keep students interested! Emaze offers numerous default templates that can be customized to fit the teachers needs . While Emaze is slide-based, it's more artistic than other slide show programs. Images and text can be layered on top of one another, and there are many different fonts to choose from. The Emaze tool was fun to use, I would recommend playing with the program before starting your project.

         One thing that I wish were different about Emaze is that it is a paid service so you need to be aware of that from the start. The other thing that I wish was an option with Emaze is that students could use it to collaborate with each other. This is not a great tool for students to use as a group project.

         Real world use and application using the Emaze tool. Teaching students about emergency escape plans and how to be safe can be scary. When students are taught what to expect in an emergency situation can help to ease their minds. Students who have practiced what to do in an emergency can save a life and stay safe.

Assignment: Have students talk with parents and make a fire escape plan for their home. Practice the fire escape plan. Discuss when it is appropriate to call 9-1-1. Be prepared!

Link
Emaze
Staying Safe


UEN-Health Education 3rd Grade

Standard 5
The students will adopt behaviors to maintain personal health and safety and develop appropriate strategies to resolve conflict.

Objective 1
Match safety procedures to potential hazards. (SC)
Describe procedures to follow in case of fire, flood, earthquakes, and electrical shock.

UEN Ed TechStandard 8 

Use technology resources (e.g., calculators, data collection probes, videos, educational software) for problem-solving, self-directed learning, and extended learning activities. (5, 6)

ISTE-Empowered Learner

I use technology to set goals, work toward achieving them and demonstrate my learning.

Let's Write a Story

     

Storybird

                                                              

         Let's talk about Storybird! Storybird is an amazing creative tool that teachers and students can use to share their writing skills. Storybird allows a student to choose artwork that is already uploaded, and then write a creative story. The artwork is beautiful and will prompt the students to create a story that goes along with the pictures. No matter the level of writing Storybird is ideal for all learning levels. Storybird will take the anxiety out of writing and make it fun for students.

        The versatility of Storybird is great. Teachers can write a story for their students to read about specific subject matter that they are learning. Another option for teachers is to have students individually write short stories about subjects assigned. There is also a collaborative option that students can work with each other in small groups and add their own pages to contribute to an impressive final product.

Assignment: Read ABC My Monster and Me with a parent and choose 5 letters of the alphabet and make your own monster letter of each.

Links
My Storybird

ABC My Monster and Me

UEN-English Language Arts Kindergarten

Reading: Foundational Skills Standard 1

Demonstrate understanding of the organization and basic features of print.
Recognize and name all upper- and lowercase letters of the alphabet.

UEN Ed Tech-Standard 8

Use technology resources (e.g., calculators, data collection probes, videos, educational software) for problem-solving, self-directed learning, and extended learning activities. (5, 6)

ISTE- Empowered Learner

I use technology to set goals, work toward achieving them and demonstrate my learning.

Extra! Extra! Read All About Class News!

Mrs. Hansen's News!

Newsletter

         Have you ever felt like you were the last parent to know that the big science project was due? How about the last parent to pick up your child on an early out day? Here is a great way to share classroom news. No more sending your students home with important information and crossing your fingers that it made its way out of their backpack and into their parents hands!

         Newsletters are a great way to communicate with students and parents. My classroom newsletter will include information about class parties, remind students to bring back library books, schedules for special classes, remind about a up coming fieldtrip,  and highlight a special student!

          My personal favorite use of a classroom newsletter is to remind my students and their parents of the spelling words as well as fun ways to practice them.

Assignment: Students choose any 3 of the spelling activities to practice your spelling words and be ready for the spelling test on Friday.

Mrs. Hansen's News

UEN- English Language Arts Grade 4

Language Standard 2
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
               
Spell grade-appropriate words correctly, consulting references as needed.

UEN Ed Tech-Standard 8

Use technology resources (e.g., calculators, data collection probes, videos, educational software) for problem-solving, self-directed learning, and extended learning activities. (5, 6) 


ISTE- Empowered Learner

I use technology to set goals, work toward achieving them and demonstrate my learning.