Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Unit 2 Prompt



The article of “I’ll see you on Facebook” was interesting, although that particular social networking applies to college students only. I have learned from school administrations that teachers of (k-12) are not allowed to have any of their students or their parents on their Facebook unless if they have them before he/she was hired in the district. Moreover, it is recommended if the teacher (k-12) does not have a public Facebook. I agreed with this empirical studies, although it was very limited on one gender and young age of instructor. Further research is needed. The outcome of this that social networking is highly important between the Instructor and his/her students and between the students amongst themselves. Facebook is believed to be one of the Web 2.0 tools because of the interactions between users.
I have taught Arabic grade level (k-12), ESL (k-5th) and designed an Arabic Curriculum for grades (6th-8th). I substitute right now until the end of this academic year (hopefully).
I always wanted to create units and lessons that melded 21st century goals to produce Technology Pedagogical Content knowledge (TPACK). The more I learn about technology the more I redefine my teaching and designing methodologies.

I have used many of the Web 2.0 tools, but after class IT6140 I learned that the same web tool can be used as a modification or a substitution, therefore it is important to make sure that you are using the Web 2.0 tool into its potential to transform the students’ level to help them make a difference.
Example of each (S, A, M, and R) from my current or future work situation:
Substitution    : like using the overhead or the smart board to read a lesson. I have recorded my lessons on screencasts to help enhance the comprehension, reading and listening skills.  The traditional way is to read off a book.
Augmentation: like using quizlet to answer questions; the good thing about it that it gives an immediate feedback, but the traditional way will be using paper and pen which takes a longer time to get the feedback.
Modification   : I have used the flipped classroom methodology to summarize a unit review (students are the centric of learning). The classroom time was for evaluation and feedback. The traditional way is to lecture the students (teacher is the centric of the learning process).   
Redefinition    :  I have used skype in my classroom to communicate with a native speakers of the target language. The students have interacted with the native speaker guest through exchanging information. This link is an example in the classroom when I was a student teacher.
  http://education.kera.org/north-texas-students-learn-arabic-in-morocco-virtually/

I am looking forward to trying (drop.io). It provides you with a full features drop box for storing your digital media,  and you can also upload your voice mail to the cell phone, record it, drop it the box and share it with your students, you can even share what the students recorded in the drop cast which will turn it into iTupe and they they can listen to it when ever they want and you may share it with parents as well .
I think this is just so great idea to Foreign language teachers. (phone.io) is the sister of (drop.io) except it focuses on the phone features.


14 comments:

  1. I love the current state of your classroom in regards to the SAMR. My school is no where near that state of readiness. What screencast program do you use?

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    1. The web 2.0 assignment was the first time that I made a screen cast and I used screencast-o-matic. I loved the ease of use!! I will definitely use that tool again. Just thought I'd chime in!

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    2. Thank you Dannielle,
      I am using http://screencast.com/ by TechSmith. Try it out, it is very simple and easy to use, and it is free for a limited few recording lessons. They give a special price for teachers, I guess $50.00 annually.
      I am so sorry about the state of readiness at your school, if you just have a smart board and with your lap top you can do a lot.

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    3. That was a great chime in Victoria!! Thanks:)

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    4. I love Screencast-O-Matic!!! I use it often and I keep the app directly on my desktop, both at home and in my classroom. I have yet to have my students use it, but I am in the process of revamping many assignments and I think this is going to be one of the additions.

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    5. Great work Mallory! I checked out Screencast-O-Match, it looks different than what I use, do you mind if you share with us one of your recordings or links? I like to see how the outcome of it. Thanks

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  2. I really liked your post. Great examples of the web 2.0 tool use. I have been wanting to use Skype so bad in the classroom. I would like to use it as a geography lesson as well as a technology lesson. My students need geography really bad. Some of them think that we live in the state of Detroit. Anyway, I would love to have my students skype with another class and they each ask questions back and forth with yes or no answers as to where they are located. The students are coming up with the questions on their own and at the same time, using technology to research where the other group could possibly be located. It's all about time, time, time! Hopefully I can squeeze it in at the end of this year. You also taught me something new through your post. I have never heard of drop.io or phone.io. I'll have to check them out!

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  3. Thanks Victoria, I think you have the best subject to stay connected with Skype. I think if you search Skype in the classroom at https://education.skype.com/ you’ve going to feed your desire.
    You have to remodel for your students though before they do the actual connection, for instance make a deal with one of your colleagues to connect your class with hers/his, have your students prepare the questions that they want to ask the other class ahead, you may go over their questions and fertilize them. Good luck 
    About the drop.io; you know what? I learned about drop.io through the discovery Education web 2.0 tool website that Dr. Jason shared with us, but I never found the link laugh out loud, I got so excited for nothing, I kept it on my post in case of someone tried it and worked with him/her.

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    1. I think that it is great to see someone so excited about technology incorporation in the classroom. I enjoy finding those who try new things and develop new curriculum in their content area. I feel that it helps to move education forward and keeps a positive outlook for the future of technology in the classroom. Great post full of useful tools.

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    2. Thank you Mallory! your words mean a lot to me :)

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    3. Thanks for that Fatina. I checked into that before and definitely know I need to prepare my students in many ways before the Sykpe. I'm just hoping to find the time!

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    4. My pleasure Victoria :) you are so lucky that you are a technology teacher, you have the chance to go above and beyond!

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  4. Your R is definitely a great way for students to learn a foreign language. Even taking that a step further by including recording and drop box features will help students listen to themselves speaking a foreign language, especially if they are having trouble with certain pronunciations.

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  5. Hello Erica, and thank you for your nice comment.
    Indeed, using 2 ways of communication especially when teaching listening and speaking skills is highly important.

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