Final Reflection!

   😊And.. just like that we are coming to a close of the 2020 semester (COVID SEMESTER!).  I have learned a lot about technology integration in the classroom. I have learned that this does not just mean that allowing students to play on computers or iPads occasionally, it means that we are to allow students to explore! Students are allowed to research and fulfill their own curiosity without the bounds of a teachers knowledge (i.e., passion projects!)

This course helped me to explore my burning question. I have discovered that technology helps us facilitate learning and plan for learning. 

      I have learned to always RESET our brains after a long time looking at the screen! Too much technology does cause some regression so always take a break. 

Few take aways with technology and this course:

1. Always take risks with technology. For example, the Smart Board! I explored and helped my Mentor Teacher with google classroom. 
2. And to answer my twitter question… YES! Twitter DOES have the capacity to support collaborative learning. For example, creating a Facebook 3010 practicum group saved my life! Through discussion with my peers, I was able to learn about new programs, new resources, and new assessment strategies that they had been using in their classrooms. 

Overall, this course has been instrumental in my ability and interest in learning to find new ways to integrate technology into my every day teaching. 

Scratch Lesson Plan

Welcome! 

Today's information is for coding students! As my professor Dr. Norm Vaughan would say "How can we integrate computational thinking (coding) across the curriculum?"

Well.... Students can use Scratch to code their own interactive stories, animations, and games. In the process, they learn to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively . These are definitely essential skills for everyone in today’s society. You can use Scratch to integrate your subjects for all grades!

I have created a mini lesson using SCRATCH. The mini lesson is for students to create a "burp!"

Enjoy!

Digitally connecting with nature Lesson Plan

 Hello! 

Today's lesson focuses on a sound walk! 

On a sound walk, your student tries to focus on the sounds they hear around themselves. When your student really listens to background sounds, they will realize how much they can notice when they pay attention. 

Using this integrated lesson plan is a a great way for you and your students to pay attention to what’s happening right now, moment by moment. This is mindfulness. Mindfulness can give your students skills to deal with the stress of play, study and work as they get older! 

Take a look at the lesson plan I have created! 

Enjoy!

Alcatraz Virtual Tour!

Are you ready for a quick virtual tour to the Alcatraz!

Well gosh be darn.. We are in the middle of a pandemic and we need to explore! As a teacher candidate, I plan to implement virtual tours to engage in a rich learning environment. Virtual field trips provide opportunities for teachers and students to make personalized connections with the curriculum through an online learning environment. Through the use of technology students can be motivated and gain interest in new content areas. 

Lets explore -> Alcaztra was a military prison in 1868 and a federal prison from 1933 until 1963. It is situated on a rocky outcrop within San Francisco Bay. It may only be 1.5 miles to the mainland but due to the strong currents and cold water temperatures, it’s almost impossible for prisoners to escape. Or so they were told. Alcatraz is now a popular tourist attraction thanks to our obsession with dark history. 

Sign Me ABCs App

Welcome Back! 

Today you will explore a super cool APP called “SignMe ABCs” by GraceSigns. For teacher candidates, Sign Me ABCs app can be incorporated and integrate it in your own future lessons! Sign Me ABCs is mindfully engaging and entertaining. Students can play and learn independently, parents can join in, and educators can use as teaching tool. 

Download the App here: Apple App

Download the App here: Google App

Lesson Plan Link

    The highlight of teaching this online lesson (Lesson Plan Link) for me was incorporating engagement and "celebrating the Incredible Differences in All of Us!" However, one challenge while completing the lesson plan activity was that there was not enough people in the virtual classroom. Next time, I wish to plan my lesson where the students can share their learning activity to their guardians and write a reflection. Thus, I can then have more of a detailed assessment. 

TsuuTi'na First Nation- Digital Story

Dadanast'ada (Hello/how are you), 

Click on the link to view a short 2 minute video that I created about the history of the TsuuT'ina First Nation and the School!

Siyisgaas (thank you)

Professional Learning Network- Twitter!

My Twitter Account- Mrs.J.Montana.MRU

Future use of twitter

    Teachers, students, and parents can benefit greatly of the advantages offered by using Twitter in education. Twitter is more than just a way to share meaningless tweets about your breakfast cereal or the traffic on the way to school. Who has time for that? For teachers, Twitter can be a powerful tool for professional development via quick sharing with peers and colleagues whom you may or may not know face to face. 

    Akyaol and Garrison (2011), states that the "internet has become a prominent and essential part of today’s society." How relevant is this quote! For example, look what we are on today - Twitter! As such, it has extended into the domain of teaching and has been used as an educational tool in a variety of ways.
    

How Will I Use Twitter in the Classroom?

    1. I will be using twitter in the classroom to improve instruction, connect with students with the world, and of course keep in touch. 

    2. Twitter is like a virtual staffroom! Twitter will help me catch up with the PLN (Professional Learning Network). It is a place where I can/will find advice, give advice, find great links, share work, and engage in general musings about education! 

Resource

Akyol, Z., & Garrison, D. (2011). Understanding cognitive presence in an online and blended community of inquiry: Assessing outcomes and processes for deep approaches to learning. British Journal of Educational Technology, 42(2), 233–250. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8535.2009.01029.x