Minson's+Final+Project


 * __Part 1__

Educators of all levels and content areas are faced with the same challenge...How do we best teach our 21st century learners? This is a question that will continue to plague us and it is essential that we collaboratively reach an answer. The 21st century learner is unique due to the fact that they need to be taught the following: skills learning, innovation, media, technology, life, career, and core subjects. The 21st century educator is unique because they need to effectively teach the learner by addressing the following: standards, assessments, curriculum, instruction, and learning environments.

**“Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is most important.” Bill Gates**

I chose to include the quote by Bill Gates because it reminds me that technology can easily be implemented within a lesson. However, it is the role of the teacher to know when and how to effectively use the tool. It is also the teacher's responsibility to stay current with the resources. Teaching 21st century learners presents many challenges that have not yet been faced in education. On a daily basis there are new, exciting, useful technologies that are being introduced. One can easily get overwhelmed at thought of implementing all that can be accessed. This is why it is essential that I, a middle school educator, continue my education in learning which resources best suit the learning targets.

The ecosystem I chose to focus on is Resources. The sentence that is directly under the Resources heading states, " Strategically chosen to provide multiple pathways to understanding". This mirrors my philosophy and beliefs because as a teacher, is essential to be strategic when choosing resources. In my opinion, the more strategic you are when choosing resources, the more effective your lessons may be. One quote that I will remember from this class is that teaching is more like a learning designer. If I continue to think more like a learning designer, I will be more inclined to utilize the technology resources. By doing this, all areas within the manifesto will naturally be addressed and impacted. Every topic is somehow interconnected at all areas of education.

__ Part 2 __

Artifact #1:

In order to support the resources ecosystem in my classroom, I will use Edmodo in all of my science and reading classes. Below is a screen shot of the Edmodo page I developed. You will see on the left hand side a column which lists my class periods and content areas. Throughout this course I learned that Edmodo is an excellent tool that can be utilized in various ways. The following is a list of how I plan to implement Edmodo this school year:

1. Formative Assessments 2. Peer Reviews and Critiques 3. Discussions 4. Current Events 5. Differentiated Instruction 6. Study Guides 7. Grouping

One specific unit that I am excited to use Edmodo is the Biome unit. I am planning on dividing the class periods into subgroups based on the biome they chose to research. Students will be able to post their research and also be able to follow the live feed. This will enable them ask questions and also learn from each other.



Artifact #2:

Another method I will use in my classroom In order to support the resources ecosystem is Google Forms. Google Forms is one of the many resources that I plan on utilizing in many ways throughout the school year. It is an easy way to collect information and data. The following is a list of how I plan to implement Google Forms this school year:

1. Peer Evaluation 2. Formative Assessments 3. Behavior/On task Reflection (especially with labs) 4. Prior Learning Assessment 5. Lesson Review

In addition, having the students take surveys is another great way to use Google Forms. Below is a screen shot of a survey I created using google forms. Students will access Edmodo to take the survey at the beginning of the year. The survey includes questions that will allow me to get to know my students. In the past, I have always had the students fill out similar information using pencil and paper. Google forms is an excellent tool to use for tasks such as the survey.



__Part 3__

As expected, this course has provided me with a variety of resources that I can use with all of the seventh grade science curriculum. I am feeling overwhelmed, yet excited at the thought of taking risks and using the resources throughout the school year. ||