When it comes to the receiving of KNOWLEDGE in any form, we know that COMMUNICATION is at the core.
(GIPHY, n.d.)
With this being known, it is FUN for many to discover, utilize, and essentially "play with" the many types of communication available to us today in the 21st century. Our options are changing and growing every day!
This reflection will include a variety of communication methods I have been personally exploring. Below, you will find: a video podcast, media resources links, a professional research publication rough draft, and a technology innovation plan.
VIDEO PODCAST
Although I found the podcast creation to be the most foreign, it ended up being my personal FAVORITE to create. Without further ado, here is the video podcast with a topic of "Technology Use and Influences in the Classroom."
YouTube LINK
It was a pleasure to reflect and discuss with myself and fellow educators around the world. You too can join the conversation by posting questions and comments HERE within this blog post below or directly on the YouTube VIDEO within the comment section.
MEDIA RESOURCE LINKS
When it comes to resources, sometimes information is best passed along by word of mouth, especially in the field of education! When a trusted coworker provides a technology suggestion, then you can easily differentiate between the "decent" websites and the "amazing" websites.
Well, here are my word of mouth suggestions. For ease, each link is broken down into a categories and also given a quick explanation.
- Elementary - Reading Basics
"Teach Your Monster to Read"
A fun and colorful, multi-leveled game for learning letters, sounds, and sentences! Works for FREE on any desktop computer or laptop. (Also available on iPhone, iPad, Android, or Kindle tablet for a fee.)
- Elementary & Middle School - Grammar & Writing
"NoRedInk"
A dynamic website that gamifies grammar and writing concepts. Students are given infinite redos and, therefore, cannot lose. It teaches and tracks progress on teacher-selected games, prompts, and categories. Most topics are available for FREE, but full access requires a district subscription.
- Middle School - Reading & Current Events
"Newsela"
Finding articles at your students' reading level has never been easier! It's painless for students to find and select (or teachers to assign) an article at their Lexile. Additional quizzes and writing prompts are easy add-ons to any assigned reading. From science classes to history, or Spanish learning to current events, there's always something wonderful to find on this annotation-friendly website. Most articles are available for FREE.
- High School - Essay Writing & Research
"MyBib"
Having trouble teaching the importance of correct essay citation? Worry no more! MyBib has both a website and also an EASY webpage extension that assists students through the correct steps of properly saving and citing their research. The best part is that everything has been and always will be accessible for FREE!
- Teachers & Educators - Technology Reviews
"Common Sense Education"
Tired of hunting for new websites and resources alone? Never fear, your hero is here. If you're unsure about a possible page you'll be using in your classroom or if you're looking for something NEW, then this database can help. They have reviews, professional development, and even digital citizenship resources! It's made FOR teachers, BY teachers so you know it will always be user-friendly and reliable.
PROFESSIONAL PUBLICATION
When it comes to stretching your own thinking and learning, what better way than to write an ARTICLE and try to have it published? Wow, I have been humbled by this process so far. Here is a link to the draft of my professional research publication outline, working first draft, works cited, and also a reflection. I am still working through the comments and edits. I have deeply appreciated the feedback from my course professor, the class instructional associate, as well as from fellow peers and educators.
I am looking forward to continuing to make edits and hopefully get this information published! I will update this blog when that becomes reality.
What a grand adventure this writing and research has been.
INNOVATION PLAN
What am I proud of? Well, that's easy. The study and implementation plan for "Blended Learning" into classroom environments. Here are a variety of links connecting to the progression of my innovation plan so far:
- My Initial Innovation Plan Proposal
- The WHY of Blended Learning
- How to Successfully Implement Blended Learning
It's been such a fun journey collecting resources, information, and research connecting to the benefits of "Blended Learning." Any classroom can wield its power and see almost immediate results! Who wouldn't want a classroom full of student-led choice, ownership, voice, and authenticity? Plus, the additional great results which can be seen through use of tracking progress and creating growth mindset learners.
Full steam ahead!
~Hannah
References
Common Sense Education. (2018). Common Sense Education | Digital Citizenship
Curriculum & EdTech Reviews. https://www.commonsense.org/education/
GIPHY. (n.d.). Community 6X11 GIFs. GIPHY. Retrieved October 11, 2021, from
https://giphy.com/explore/community-6x11
MyBib Contributors. (2018, July 13). MyBib – A New FREE APA, MLA, Harvard Bibliography
Generator. MyBib.com. https://www.mybib.com/
Newsela. (2019). Newsela.com. https://newsela.com/
NoRedInk is on a mission to build better writers. (2019). Noredink.com.
https://www.noredink.com/
Teach Your Monster to Read. (2012). Teachyourmonstertoread.com.
https://www.teachyourmonstertoread.com/
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