Connection to Key Topics in Educational Technology
Developing information literacy, technology skills The flipped classroom setup will require students to view instructional videos created by myself and others for instruction. In another integral part of the course, students will be building group wikis to serve as a study guide throughout and at the conclusion of each semester when preparing for final exams. Groups will create content for the wikis from what is done in classin class, but they may also wish to find additional web resources to enhance the wiki. In that way, students will need to also develop information literacy and technology skills. To aid them in this endeavor, I would lead students through a series search strategy activities from 21 Things For Students which includes an activity for navigating Michigan Electronic Library. These activities will not only help students find appropriate information, but also teach them how to evaluate the quality and reliability of those resources. Students will also view a video making them aware of copyright and fair use policies. |
The ability to use libraries and other information resources to locate, evaluate, and use needed information effectively. For more info: The DAASH Information Literacy & Technology Skills Wiki |
Meeting the diverse needs of your students, assistive technologies, particularly through the idea of Universal Designs for Learning (UDL)
The primary tenets of Universal Designs for Learning are based on three main factors:
These factors should always be kept in the forefront of the educator's mind as they seek to meet the needs of all students whether using technology in the classroom or not. The flipped classroom concept is a natural fit for the UDL guidelines as it encourages the use of heterogenous learning groups, provides instructional videos that can be viewed in a variety of settings, and flexibility in the way that problems are approached. The concept of presenting information in different ways is supported and encouraged.
For more info: Understanding Universal Design for Learning by The Longtails
The primary tenets of Universal Designs for Learning are based on three main factors:
- Present information and content in different ways
- Differentiate the ways that students can express what they know
- Stimulate interest and motivation for learning
These factors should always be kept in the forefront of the educator's mind as they seek to meet the needs of all students whether using technology in the classroom or not. The flipped classroom concept is a natural fit for the UDL guidelines as it encourages the use of heterogenous learning groups, provides instructional videos that can be viewed in a variety of settings, and flexibility in the way that problems are approached. The concept of presenting information in different ways is supported and encouraged.
For more info: Understanding Universal Design for Learning by The Longtails
Social and ethical uses of technology (particularly digital equity, intellectual property, and copyright) and healthy practices in the use of educational technology
Okemos Public Schools had devised a thorough policy for computer users in the district. This policy is reviewed and signed by all computer users at the start of the school year. Students will be creating and participating online for a variety of activities throughout the semester and it is important to bring attention to a few of the tenets of the policy as they apply to our usage. OHS policy states that:
For more info: Social and Ethical Uses of Technology Exploring Safe Creativity by the Google Earthlings |
Using Technology to Facilitate/Develop Creativity and Critical Thinking Skills in Students
The cornerstones of the Flipped Classroom project presented here are critical thinking and creativity. That can be seen in numerous ways throughout the site. Whether it be through the daily problem solving, creation of wikis, math songs, calculator programming, and a number of other activities. Students will constantly be pushed to think critically and be creative. For more info: Using Technology to Facilitate/Develop Creativity and Critical Thinking Skills in Students by Teachers and the Techie |
Using Technology to Engage in Professional Development & Leadership
My own professional growth and development has always been very important to me. Throughout the process of developing this project, I have joined The Flipped Classroom Network to stay on the cutting edge of developments in the field. I am also a member of the MACUL space and have attended the MACUL conference. I am also considering submitted a proposal for presenting at the conference this coming March, but want to wait and see how this develops during the school year.
In my district, we have 12 Professional Learning Committee 2 hour sessions dedicated to professional development. PLC teams are departmental and it is my plan to use that time to share my project and experiences throughout the school year with my math colleagues.
For more info: Leadership and Life Long Learning by Team Awesome
My own professional growth and development has always been very important to me. Throughout the process of developing this project, I have joined The Flipped Classroom Network to stay on the cutting edge of developments in the field. I am also a member of the MACUL space and have attended the MACUL conference. I am also considering submitted a proposal for presenting at the conference this coming March, but want to wait and see how this develops during the school year.
In my district, we have 12 Professional Learning Committee 2 hour sessions dedicated to professional development. PLC teams are departmental and it is my plan to use that time to share my project and experiences throughout the school year with my math colleagues.
For more info: Leadership and Life Long Learning by Team Awesome