Engaging the 21st Century Learner

So today I skipped class to attend the pd Engaging the 21st Century Learner. Although I know it is wrong to skip class, I really felt like I could benefit from this session. Unfortunately, I forgot that we also had a presenter in I4ED and I would be missing out on his information. I thought this weeks blog post would be a great opportunity to share the things I learned about in my pd.

The first portion of the pd was about different iPad apps and how the teachers use them in their classrooms. Because the presenters were from early years (which was perfect for me) they began by explaining their classroom contract for iPad users. First and foremost is the iPad is a tool not a toy. They explain that there will be free time occasionally but most often it is used for learning. The presenters spoke about apps they use for literacy and math mostly, but then showed us how to use them for all other subject areas. The first app we played around with is called 'Doodle Buddy'. It is a free app where students are able to draw pictures and write texts. Additionally, they can do patterning for math on this site. The presenters had us practice on doodle buddy while she read the book Go Away Big Green Monster by Ed Emberley. As she was reading the parts of the monster we (the students) had to create our own monster by listening to her directions. I think it is such a great way to keep students engaged while reading stories. At the bottom of this page I have posted the monster I created yesterday. I didn't listen to the directions properly (big surprise) and I initially missed the drawing of a face step. Ooops. Don't fret, I added it in after. The rest of the apps we went through will be listed below. I don't have examples to share from them, but I do want to let you all know that they are out there.

The second part of the pd was about project-based learning. Two of the teachers presenting, work on 3-4 big projects a year. I think they are nuts because it is so unbelievably time consuming and a lot of hard work. If I were to do project-based assignments, I would start with one a year and work my way up with a max of 2. Each project encompasses all core subject areas; ela, math, science and social studies, and can include the arts curriculum as well. During the projects, students agree upon a topic to research and all of their instruction is based on that. In reflecting on it, it sort of seems like a really big thematic unit that is student chosen. Having students choose the topic is the biggest part. When they are interested I believe they learn better and are far more prepared to participate in activities and assignments then if their teacher tells them to. One of the examples they showed yesterday was their project on polar bears. The teachers began with a plethora of books on polar bears: their habitats, food, shelter, etc..., and had the students read them. From their the students each worked on different aspects of the life of a polar bear using all subject areas. The presenters said the students learned about polar bears, Churchill, Global Warming, campaign posters and many other aspects of northern life. The best thing about project-based learning is that students are so interested in the topic that they choose, they will remember all of the information they find. Some of us were quite confused about organizing project based learning in the classroom, but there are many ideas available online.

All in all, it was an informative and productive workshop. I was happy to receive a list of apps to use in the classroom for educational purposes. I don't have my own iPad, but when I do I imagine that I will download some of them and play around and practice on them.


MY MONSTER! 

                                          *created on doodle buddy


List of Apps
Doodle Buddy
Story Kit
Sound Sorting
Cookie Doodle (great for practicing letter recognition and spelling)
Popplet
Scribble Press
Book Magic
Book Creator 
 Google Earth/ Google Maps (to explore communities without leaving your school)
Keynote
Math Magic
Math Made Real Easy
Math Smart
Flash to Pass
Word Wildlife Foundation (WWF)
Tagxedo (website, not an app)

To learn about Biomes, google "Biome Song"