I have used Rubistar many times. It is fairly easy to navigate and makes grading projects easier. I do not use for daily assignments since they do take some time to personalize. Often I pass out a copy to each student as I assign the assignment so they can make sure they follow the requirements. They are to turn in with completed project.
However, over the past 15 years, I have observed a down-turn in the amount of time students put into projects. Most do not use the directions. The work is really shabby. They do not turn in the rubric. This is a definite change in attitude. They expect credit for turning in something, no matter the quality.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Flipped classroom/social media
There are 2 parts to this week's assignment. First of all, what are your thoughts on the flipped classroom concept? Would students benefit from this model of teaching? Why or why not?
I do not understand the fascination with flipped classroom. This is basically the model I was taught under in the '60s...without the technology. Students do the research and reading at home; they prepare for school (aka homework) so the class time can be used for discussion, debate and collaboration. I was college-prep and all of my classes used this model. Students come to school having background knowledge and prepared to expand on this knowledge. The only difference, is using a PP or video as part of the preparation.
When students are motivated the model succeeds (AP classes use something similar). For non-engaged students, this is just one other thing to deepen the divide between the high and low students. That is why we spend so much of our class time is used building a foundation and often do not advance much past that due to time limitations.
Second, tell us your opinion on the use of social media in school. Are there ways we can harness the use of social media to foster relationships and encourage learning beyond the school day?
I am not a fan of tweeting/texting/etc. as part of a class assignment. We had a teacher at school take students to a lab to blog about the work of students in the same class. This could be done with a variety of other feedback models...some could even be anonymous if they felt that was important.
I like the idea of using google docs and other shared information for students to work together at separate locations and times. I think cloud technology is a usefull tool and will be expanded in the future to encompass more activities at the school level.
I do not understand the fascination with flipped classroom. This is basically the model I was taught under in the '60s...without the technology. Students do the research and reading at home; they prepare for school (aka homework) so the class time can be used for discussion, debate and collaboration. I was college-prep and all of my classes used this model. Students come to school having background knowledge and prepared to expand on this knowledge. The only difference, is using a PP or video as part of the preparation.
When students are motivated the model succeeds (AP classes use something similar). For non-engaged students, this is just one other thing to deepen the divide between the high and low students. That is why we spend so much of our class time is used building a foundation and often do not advance much past that due to time limitations.
Second, tell us your opinion on the use of social media in school. Are there ways we can harness the use of social media to foster relationships and encourage learning beyond the school day?
I am not a fan of tweeting/texting/etc. as part of a class assignment. We had a teacher at school take students to a lab to blog about the work of students in the same class. This could be done with a variety of other feedback models...some could even be anonymous if they felt that was important.
I like the idea of using google docs and other shared information for students to work together at separate locations and times. I think cloud technology is a usefull tool and will be expanded in the future to encompass more activities at the school level.
DOK evaluation
During the last three weeks, we explored numerous ways to promote higher order thinking skills. Look at the Depth of Knowledge chart again and evaluate an assessment you have utilized recently. Which level does most of the questions fall? How can you modify this assessment for future use? Explain why it is important to ask higher level questions when contemplating 21st Century Skills.
The last evaluation I did involved a SASin School lesson about Income Tax. Students had to watch a video about the development of Income Tax in the United States. They completed notes as they watched, following a pre-set group of questions. After the review, students had to answer the question: Is the progressive Income Tax fair? Students were to write a paragraph answering the question, using information they acquired to support thier opinion.
To increase the difficulty; students had an additional short reading on their handout which added to the information they had already read. From this information, their prior knowledge and the video; they had to chose one of three statements to apply the knowledge. This final step takes the activity to a higher difficulty level since they have to evaluate the statements, and explain how the theory of progressive taxes, regressive taxes, inheritance taxes, and "sin" taxes could be used to support the real life situation/ideas expressed in the statements.
The last evaluation I did involved a SASin School lesson about Income Tax. Students had to watch a video about the development of Income Tax in the United States. They completed notes as they watched, following a pre-set group of questions. After the review, students had to answer the question: Is the progressive Income Tax fair? Students were to write a paragraph answering the question, using information they acquired to support thier opinion.
To increase the difficulty; students had an additional short reading on their handout which added to the information they had already read. From this information, their prior knowledge and the video; they had to chose one of three statements to apply the knowledge. This final step takes the activity to a higher difficulty level since they have to evaluate the statements, and explain how the theory of progressive taxes, regressive taxes, inheritance taxes, and "sin" taxes could be used to support the real life situation/ideas expressed in the statements.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Apps and quads
Surveyed my students this week about apps they use for school. Not surprizingly, they do not use their technology for educational purposes. They only ones I got were calculator and dictionary.
Showed my classes the various applications available through Google. Next year, I will start the class with students setting up a gmail account and basic intro into docs (all areas). They are not really receiving any practical technology at school. I don't know how we have been buying so much technology that no one is actually using.
Assignment: Think about the activities/lessons you have completed this week. What quadrant would the majority of them fall into? What is the highest quadrant you reached? Describe a change you could make to bump up the quadrant of that lesson.
Most of the lessons this week were in quads A and B. We are starting a new unit on economics and are covering vocabulary and basic concepts; background information. Also, did some updates on current affairs. I try to do that at least once a week. Some times we spend a few minutes; sometimes most of the period.
We used SAS in School to explore the question "Are Regressive Taxes Fair?" Most of students do not think so...Steve was surprised his don't think so either. We also saw a brief (18 minute) film about the basics of Capitalism. While that was some variety; we may have hit C briefly; but not a strong push.
In a perfect world, I would like students to review the main ideas in the text and make their own video presentation about the contentgs to present to the others. However, at this point, there is not enough time. I want the spend most of our remaing time on personal finance; which keeps us in the upper quads the majority of the time. Many of my students really need this information...way before I can get to it in March and April.
Showed my classes the various applications available through Google. Next year, I will start the class with students setting up a gmail account and basic intro into docs (all areas). They are not really receiving any practical technology at school. I don't know how we have been buying so much technology that no one is actually using.
Assignment: Think about the activities/lessons you have completed this week. What quadrant would the majority of them fall into? What is the highest quadrant you reached? Describe a change you could make to bump up the quadrant of that lesson.
Most of the lessons this week were in quads A and B. We are starting a new unit on economics and are covering vocabulary and basic concepts; background information. Also, did some updates on current affairs. I try to do that at least once a week. Some times we spend a few minutes; sometimes most of the period.
We used SAS in School to explore the question "Are Regressive Taxes Fair?" Most of students do not think so...Steve was surprised his don't think so either. We also saw a brief (18 minute) film about the basics of Capitalism. While that was some variety; we may have hit C briefly; but not a strong push.
In a perfect world, I would like students to review the main ideas in the text and make their own video presentation about the contentgs to present to the others. However, at this point, there is not enough time. I want the spend most of our remaing time on personal finance; which keeps us in the upper quads the majority of the time. Many of my students really need this information...way before I can get to it in March and April.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Using apps
Haven't really used an app with my students this week. We have used PP and word processing (which are just substitutions for previous technology). I pay attention.
Anyway, many are using their Kindle app to read books on their iPad or tablet.It is nice to hear them talk about reading anything! I use mine on my computer as well. The larger print is nice when it gets later at night. I do not wear glasses, but have other vision challenges. I also use magazine apps for the hard copies I receive, so I have more access to the information.
A lot of the applications I read about seems to be using the technology to replace something; noy necessarily to improve the learning experience. I tried to get my students to use the textbook CD at home instead of the book when I taught World History. The students wouldn't do it. Even though the CD had many interactive sections with maps, stories, etc. They just wanted the answer (hopefully highlighted).
Had problem with DVD playing in laptop this week. Had to install different video reader; then was OK. Meanwhile, went "old school" and used DVD player.
Anyway, many are using their Kindle app to read books on their iPad or tablet.It is nice to hear them talk about reading anything! I use mine on my computer as well. The larger print is nice when it gets later at night. I do not wear glasses, but have other vision challenges. I also use magazine apps for the hard copies I receive, so I have more access to the information.
A lot of the applications I read about seems to be using the technology to replace something; noy necessarily to improve the learning experience. I tried to get my students to use the textbook CD at home instead of the book when I taught World History. The students wouldn't do it. Even though the CD had many interactive sections with maps, stories, etc. They just wanted the answer (hopefully highlighted).
Had problem with DVD playing in laptop this week. Had to install different video reader; then was OK. Meanwhile, went "old school" and used DVD player.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Practical Skills
21st Century skills should include those practical skills that students need to succeed in the "real" world, not just teaching technology for the "heck" of it.This week we completed a 1040EZ form and FAFSA as part of of our Civics instruction.
What changes can you make in the way you design lessons to include more 21st century skills more often? I have been adding more and more current events to my class, to encourage student participation and make it relevant.
Personal finance is a large part of second semester studies and for many students it has relevance. However, there are also students who do not see any relevance because they are still at home and their parents pay their bills.
No lesson will meet the interets and needs of all students.
What changes can you make in the way you design lessons to include more 21st century skills more often? I have been adding more and more current events to my class, to encourage student participation and make it relevant.
Personal finance is a large part of second semester studies and for many students it has relevance. However, there are also students who do not see any relevance because they are still at home and their parents pay their bills.
No lesson will meet the interets and needs of all students.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Apps intro
Played with the iPad some. I have a Kindle Fire; but that is as close to the technology I have experienced. Fire is easier to manipulate.
Downloaded a few few apps. Mona sent us some information today about some apps that would be good for school. Also, I can get some free from Amazon Apps.If I find something fabulous I will post.
Would like to use the iPad with my Intelliboard since it died years ago. There is always money for new; but not to repair and I did not get a replacement.
I keep maps taped to my whiteboard so no one will write on it. My room is used for community night classes and SAT/ACT on weekends; so there are people in it constantly.
Downloaded a few few apps. Mona sent us some information today about some apps that would be good for school. Also, I can get some free from Amazon Apps.If I find something fabulous I will post.
Would like to use the iPad with my Intelliboard since it died years ago. There is always money for new; but not to repair and I did not get a replacement.
I keep maps taped to my whiteboard so no one will write on it. My room is used for community night classes and SAT/ACT on weekends; so there are people in it constantly.
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