TLNT Chapter 6
Virtual field trips and interactive videoconferencing are two topics that stood out to me in this chapter. Having the opportunity to have virtual field trips in the classroom are great way to help students make the connection to a topic being taught. Students can stay in the comfort of their classroom and connect with popular destinations like Colonial Williamsburg and the Baseball Hall of Fame. This type of activity allows students to take the concepts taught and have a visual representation which fosters learning. This is a great opportunity for those students who may not be able to afford a school trip and may have a disability that causes them not to participate. Interactive videoconferencing works hand in hand with virtual field trips. This offers real-time access to individuals and places that students may not be able to visit. For ex. another country or the military. This allows interactions amongst the class and the site. Students can ask questions, and actively participate with others about the topic. Some requirements for video conferencing are 2 large-screen televisions monitors at the sites, cameras and a digital projection. This offers a great opportunity for students to experience things they may not be able to.
Nurturing Young Innovators Chapter 4
What is interesting in this chapter is offering students the option of choice when it comes to their learning. It is suggested that when we as educators provide students with choice they have a fixed mindset and their minds are confined. The everyday tasks and lessons that are delivered limit students ability to engage. Some suggestions that this chapter gives to offer students choice is:
The premise is to promote a growth mindset, build children's self-esteem. In my student teaching class our students are offered choices during reading workshop. They have the option of using an ipad to read and flexible seating. This is a great idea but must be initiated with caution. Classroom management in this case if important and students must remember that they cannot take advantage of given the freedom of choice.
Virtual field trips and interactive videoconferencing are two topics that stood out to me in this chapter. Having the opportunity to have virtual field trips in the classroom are great way to help students make the connection to a topic being taught. Students can stay in the comfort of their classroom and connect with popular destinations like Colonial Williamsburg and the Baseball Hall of Fame. This type of activity allows students to take the concepts taught and have a visual representation which fosters learning. This is a great opportunity for those students who may not be able to afford a school trip and may have a disability that causes them not to participate. Interactive videoconferencing works hand in hand with virtual field trips. This offers real-time access to individuals and places that students may not be able to visit. For ex. another country or the military. This allows interactions amongst the class and the site. Students can ask questions, and actively participate with others about the topic. Some requirements for video conferencing are 2 large-screen televisions monitors at the sites, cameras and a digital projection. This offers a great opportunity for students to experience things they may not be able to.
Nurturing Young Innovators Chapter 4
What is interesting in this chapter is offering students the option of choice when it comes to their learning. It is suggested that when we as educators provide students with choice they have a fixed mindset and their minds are confined. The everyday tasks and lessons that are delivered limit students ability to engage. Some suggestions that this chapter gives to offer students choice is:
- allowing students to pick a date when they will have an assignment ready
- offer options for assignments
- students can pick the group of students they want to work with when doing group work
- provide a variety of topics for research and let the student choose
The premise is to promote a growth mindset, build children's self-esteem. In my student teaching class our students are offered choices during reading workshop. They have the option of using an ipad to read and flexible seating. This is a great idea but must be initiated with caution. Classroom management in this case if important and students must remember that they cannot take advantage of given the freedom of choice.
Personally, I have always loved when teachers gave me the opportunity to pick an assignment date or change the due date. Students know their schedules better than anyone else and allowing them to pick due dates can relieve some stress. Another benefit of allowing students to pick their own assignment dates to teach them responsibility. When a student is able to pick the date they are responsible for the project being turned in on that day.
ReplyDeleteVirtual field trips are a great idea, especially for the younger grades. It is a fun way for students to learn something new without actually having to take them out of the school building. Some of the topics the students are learning would actually be impossible to go on field trip to such as the rainforest. This is where a virtual field trip would be great because you can find an interactive website about the rainforest and even show them videos.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more that flexible seating is a great idea, however, like you said you must be careful. Some students may become rowdy or not use flexible seating appropriately. I also agree that student choice is great to have in the classroom. I personally enjoyed college because I had such a "say" in my education. That is what I ultimately think makes the difference from high school and college education. For example, we choose our classes, due dates, and assignments.
ReplyDeleteI also wrote about virtual field trips but I did not think of the benefits for students that can not afford to go on a trip! I did not see how this could be beneficial for students that may have a disability that prevents them from attending. I honestly did not think of the benefits in that way. Also, I agree that flexible seating may be beneficial but I like how you said we need to exercise caution because too much freedom in seating will interfere withc classroom management.
ReplyDeleteHey Kristine,
ReplyDeleteI really loved the point you brought up about virtual field trips being a great opportunity for students with disabilities. I feel that too often, students with disabilities are, though perhaps unintentionally, are overlooked. For example, when planning a trip to an amusement park, one might not consider the fact that this type of trip is not very accommodating to a student in a wheelchair. Therefore, I definitely feel that virtual trips are a great option for creating truly inclusive experiences.
Virtual trips are a great to incorporate into the lessons. To plan a regular school trip takes a lot of work, permission and stress. As you mentioned, not every student can afford to go on a school trip. Seeing it in person is great but sometimes you may not have access to that place you had in mind and bringing the students on a trip online, students can still actively learn and grow. They could always go back to the site and go on the virtual trip again.
ReplyDelete