Friday, July 26, 2019
Essential Question 11
How have you , and will you continue to “Learn the 21st Century” and allow your students this experience in your classroom?
"We have a responsibility to be certain that our students are prepared for the modern world which currently exists – not the world in which we grew up." (EDET 677, n.d.). This is such a great statement and so important that we keep it in mind everyday. Through this course we have explore how much we need to keep the classroom changing to keep up with the quickly changing world around us.
One of the most effective ways for me to learn about new technologies and stay relevant in my classroom is to listen to my students. I take time to let them tell me about the new apps they are into and the games they are playing. They absolutely love to teach me about the latest trends and always want me to download apps and play against them. It's a really great way for me to foster positive relationships with my students and keep up with the whirlwind of technology in their lives. I stumbled upon this article by Kara Wyman lists 5 quick and easy ways to let students help us stay relevant in the digital age (Wyman, 2018). I am excited about trying a couple this school year and may even start the first day with a quick discussion about the best technology of the summer.
Professional development is another effective way to continue learning about best practices in the current times. However, it is not professional development in the sense of flying somewhere to gather with a group of people and learn. Not to say that isn't effective, it just isn't always realistic. If we truly want to stay relevant, then what better way than to use social media to connect with others around the state (and world). "Making professional connections via social networking can not only result in a lot of great sharing of ideas and resources, but also combat the sense of isolation that many teachers experience." (Caron, 2017). I have a colleague who is very active on Twitter and she has helped me get my feet wet. Twitter is a place of endless resources and a wonderful space for teachers all over to share and collaborate.
Lastly, this course has given me an opportunity to become more involved in our school's makerspace. Through this experience, I will be able to challenge students and myself to step out of the traditional school box and push the boundaries to explore and invent using technology of today. I cannot wait to start making alongside my students.
Resources:
Caron, S. W. (2017, February 3). Using Twitter for Professional Development. Retrieved July 26, 2019, from https://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/using-twitter-for-professional-development.shtml
EDET 677. (n.d.). Week Eleven: How have you , and will you continue to “Learn the 21st Century” and allow your students this experience in your classroom? [Web log post]. Retrieved July 26, 2019, from https://uasrobotics.wordpress.com/2019/05/25/how-have-you-and-will-you-continue-to-learn-the-21st-century-and-allow-your-students-this-experience-in-your-classroom/
Wyman, K. (2018, November 16). 5 Easy Ways Teachers Can Stay Relevant in the Digital Age. Retrieved July 26, 2019, from https://education.cu-portland.edu/blog/classroom-resources/easy-ways-teachers-can-stay-digitally-relevant/
"We have a responsibility to be certain that our students are prepared for the modern world which currently exists – not the world in which we grew up." (EDET 677, n.d.). This is such a great statement and so important that we keep it in mind everyday. Through this course we have explore how much we need to keep the classroom changing to keep up with the quickly changing world around us.
One of the most effective ways for me to learn about new technologies and stay relevant in my classroom is to listen to my students. I take time to let them tell me about the new apps they are into and the games they are playing. They absolutely love to teach me about the latest trends and always want me to download apps and play against them. It's a really great way for me to foster positive relationships with my students and keep up with the whirlwind of technology in their lives. I stumbled upon this article by Kara Wyman lists 5 quick and easy ways to let students help us stay relevant in the digital age (Wyman, 2018). I am excited about trying a couple this school year and may even start the first day with a quick discussion about the best technology of the summer.
Professional development is another effective way to continue learning about best practices in the current times. However, it is not professional development in the sense of flying somewhere to gather with a group of people and learn. Not to say that isn't effective, it just isn't always realistic. If we truly want to stay relevant, then what better way than to use social media to connect with others around the state (and world). "Making professional connections via social networking can not only result in a lot of great sharing of ideas and resources, but also combat the sense of isolation that many teachers experience." (Caron, 2017). I have a colleague who is very active on Twitter and she has helped me get my feet wet. Twitter is a place of endless resources and a wonderful space for teachers all over to share and collaborate.
Lastly, this course has given me an opportunity to become more involved in our school's makerspace. Through this experience, I will be able to challenge students and myself to step out of the traditional school box and push the boundaries to explore and invent using technology of today. I cannot wait to start making alongside my students.
Resources:
Caron, S. W. (2017, February 3). Using Twitter for Professional Development. Retrieved July 26, 2019, from https://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/using-twitter-for-professional-development.shtml
EDET 677. (n.d.). Week Eleven: How have you , and will you continue to “Learn the 21st Century” and allow your students this experience in your classroom? [Web log post]. Retrieved July 26, 2019, from https://uasrobotics.wordpress.com/2019/05/25/how-have-you-and-will-you-continue-to-learn-the-21st-century-and-allow-your-students-this-experience-in-your-classroom/
Wyman, K. (2018, November 16). 5 Easy Ways Teachers Can Stay Relevant in the Digital Age. Retrieved July 26, 2019, from https://education.cu-portland.edu/blog/classroom-resources/easy-ways-teachers-can-stay-digitally-relevant/
Friday, July 19, 2019
Essential Question 10
Why does Wrangell High School need to invest in its makerspace?
Our school is fortunate enough to have an amazing space that has been transformed into a makerspace over the past five years. It has been a culmination of the vision of many people who see the value in giving our students the opportunity to wonder, dream, and create. So now in the face of constant budget issues it is extremely important that Wrangell does not let it slip away. There are so many reasons why this makerspace is critical to cultivating students that will contribute to our ever changing world.
Makerspaces...
Resources:
Gohl, E. (2017, November 6). The Case for School Makerspaces, According to Those Who Use Them. Retrieved from https://www.gettingsmart.com/2017/11/the-case-for-school-makerspaces-according-to-those-who-use-them/
Spencer, J. (2018, June 12). Why Your School Needs a Makerspace. Retrieved from https://schoolleadersnow.weareteachers.com/school-needs-makerspace/
Our school is fortunate enough to have an amazing space that has been transformed into a makerspace over the past five years. It has been a culmination of the vision of many people who see the value in giving our students the opportunity to wonder, dream, and create. So now in the face of constant budget issues it is extremely important that Wrangell does not let it slip away. There are so many reasons why this makerspace is critical to cultivating students that will contribute to our ever changing world.
Makerspaces...
- encourage students to develop a maker mindset and design thinking.
- foster interdisciplinary learning.
- promote equity.
- facilitate the development of a growth mindset.
- give students a sense of purpose and autonomy.
- encourage 21st century skills like collaboration, creativity, and communication.
Resources:
Gohl, E. (2017, November 6). The Case for School Makerspaces, According to Those Who Use Them. Retrieved from https://www.gettingsmart.com/2017/11/the-case-for-school-makerspaces-according-to-those-who-use-them/
Spencer, J. (2018, June 12). Why Your School Needs a Makerspace. Retrieved from https://schoolleadersnow.weareteachers.com/school-needs-makerspace/
Thursday, July 18, 2019
Essential Question 9
What would you need to coordinate a “Maker Day” for your school?
Upon reading this essential question, my mind went right to a session I attended at the Alaska Society for Technology in Education (ASTE) conference this year. I walked into a large room that had several different tables filled with all kinds of crafting materials. The ladies leading the session gave us many opportunities to tinker and create as they shared 102 ways to make without technology. It was such a fun way to spend a couple hours. So naturally I was thinking I would need a bunch of craft supplies and stations for students to rotate to throughout the day. I still think this could make for a great Maker Day, but after reading through Maker Day Toolkit I am excited about exploring some other options as well.
Maker Day Toolkit is an excellent resource for creating a maker day that is focused on incorporating design thinking. "Design thinking is a process for creative problem solving." For me this method was very appealing because students would be working towards solving a problem rather than creating and tinkering without a real goal in mind (which is how I envision my first station rotation plan would work out). Groups of students would be invited to design and construct a solution to the given problem, question, or scenario.
So to answer the original question, I would need the help of many enthusiastic individuals to make a Maker Day come together and run smoothly. There would need to be an agenda that chunked the day into 60 to 90 minute activities. Students would be assigned to groups and expectations would need to be gone through with all participants. I would need to create a problem for the students to solve. And most importantly, we would need plenty of brain-powering snacks!
Upon reading this essential question, my mind went right to a session I attended at the Alaska Society for Technology in Education (ASTE) conference this year. I walked into a large room that had several different tables filled with all kinds of crafting materials. The ladies leading the session gave us many opportunities to tinker and create as they shared 102 ways to make without technology. It was such a fun way to spend a couple hours. So naturally I was thinking I would need a bunch of craft supplies and stations for students to rotate to throughout the day. I still think this could make for a great Maker Day, but after reading through Maker Day Toolkit I am excited about exploring some other options as well.
Maker Day Toolkit is an excellent resource for creating a maker day that is focused on incorporating design thinking. "Design thinking is a process for creative problem solving." For me this method was very appealing because students would be working towards solving a problem rather than creating and tinkering without a real goal in mind (which is how I envision my first station rotation plan would work out). Groups of students would be invited to design and construct a solution to the given problem, question, or scenario.
So to answer the original question, I would need the help of many enthusiastic individuals to make a Maker Day come together and run smoothly. There would need to be an agenda that chunked the day into 60 to 90 minute activities. Students would be assigned to groups and expectations would need to be gone through with all participants. I would need to create a problem for the students to solve. And most importantly, we would need plenty of brain-powering snacks!
Maker Day Toolkit has an example problem, agenda, and a very complete list of resources to create the perfect maker day. It truly is an excellent resource that I will keep in my back pocket!
Resources:
Resources:
Crichton, S. & Carter, D. (n.d.). Maker Day Toolkit. Retrieved from https://www.itabc.ca/sites/default/files/docs/discover/Final%20MakerDayToolKit.pdf
Martin, T., & Tice, D. (n.d.). Makerspace 101: 102 ways to make without technology[Google Slides].
What is Design Thinking? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ideou.com/blogs/inspiration/what-is-design-thinking
Martin, T., & Tice, D. (n.d.). Makerspace 101: 102 ways to make without technology[Google Slides].
What is Design Thinking? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ideou.com/blogs/inspiration/what-is-design-thinking
Essential Question 8
Can you teach more than you know?
I can absolutely teach more than I know! I have the most fun and best outcomes in the classroom when I am learning with (and from) my students. The best part of researching, experimenting, solving a math problem, etc., along side my students is that they get to watch my process and learn from they way I work through failure.
In my first couple years of teaching I would only teach what I was very comfortable with and would spend mind-numbing hours learning the ins-and-outs of topics before I covered them in my classes. I wish I had known then that the best learning I have ever seen in my classes was not when I was the expert, but when I gave up control and chose to guide my students through teaching themselves and one another.
The answer to this essential question is extremely important when applying it to technology and makerspaces. "We are teaching digital natives, many of whom have been pounding on keyboards since their toddler days." (Trierweiler Hudson, n.d.). Our students know so much more about technology than most of us do and if we waited to do a lesson or teach a topic until we were more comfortable than they are with the tech tools then the lesson would never happen.
The best thing about a makerspace is that "nobody who uses the space needs to be an expert, not even the teacher." (Maker Media, 2013). In a makerspace, the teacher can take the role of a project manager. There is less necessity for the direct instruction we are familiar with and more need to "define requirements and make judgment calls about budget, timeline, project scope, and desired outcomes." (Maker Media, 2013). Through this type of leadership, students can indeed be taught more than one teacher could possibly ever know.
Resources:
Maker Media. (2013). Makerspace Playbook - School Edition. Retrieved July 18, 2019, from https://makered.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Makerspace-Playbook-Feb-2013.pdf
Trierweiler Hudson, H. (n.d.). Do Your Students Know More About Technology Than You Do? Retrieved July 18, 2019, from https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/teaching-content/do-your-students-know-more-about-technology-you-do/
Resources:
Maker Media. (2013). Makerspace Playbook - School Edition. Retrieved July 18, 2019, from https://makered.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Makerspace-Playbook-Feb-2013.pdf
Trierweiler Hudson, H. (n.d.). Do Your Students Know More About Technology Than You Do? Retrieved July 18, 2019, from https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/teaching-content/do-your-students-know-more-about-technology-you-do/
Wednesday, July 3, 2019
Essential Question 7
What are the rules for your makerspace?
The rules for my makerspace have been put in place to keep students safe and maintain a comfortable makerspace for everyone. As it turns out those rules are very similar to the rules of my science labs!
Resources: (My makerspace rules are a combination and modification of the rules found on the resources below.)
The rules for my makerspace have been put in place to keep students safe and maintain a comfortable makerspace for everyone. As it turns out those rules are very similar to the rules of my science labs!
- All participants must follow the makerspace rules.
- Respect:
- We are all here to make things and learn. Collaboration is important.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions. Answer them kindly; eventually you'll have to ask for help too.
- Tools/resources must stay on the premises so that other members may use them.
- When you break something, own up to it. If you have any doubt about fixing it, ask for help. Don't make someone feel bad for breaking things, help them understand what went wrong.
- Clean, Maintain, Organize, and Improve. Always leave the space better than you found it.
- Protective gear:
- Wear eye protection: safety glasses with side shields, goggles, or face shields.
- Do not wear loose-fitting clothing around moving or rotating machinery.
- Remove ties, jewelry, gloves, etc. especially around moving or rotating machinery.
- Tie back or cover long hair to keep it away from moving machinery.
- Wear only shoes that cover the entire foot, no open-toe shoes or sandals.
- Wear suitable gloves when handling hot objects, glass, or sharp-edged items.
- Wear appropriate clothing for the job.
- Prepare:
- Safety is your top priority when using the makerspace. If you are not sure what you are doing, ask.
- Know all the locations of first aid, fire, and safety equipment.
- Think through the entire job before starting. Prepare prints or drawings with all dimensions and specifications prior to using machines.
- Sign in before using any equipment.
- Never use a tool unless you’ve been trained to use it safely.
- Never work alone when using power tools. Two persons must be present and be able to see one another.
- Do not work in the makerspace if tired, or in a hurry.
- Do not fool around, startle, or distract anyone (not even with a conversation) while either one of you is using a tool.
While there are many other possibilities for rules, I feel adding many more could be restrictive and cumbersome. I want my makerspace to be a location that is accessible to all students and provides them ample opportunity to tinker, play, and create.
Hlubinka, M. (2013, September 2). Safety in School Makerspaces. Retrieved July 3, 2019, from https://makezine.com/2013/09/02/safety-in-school-makerspaces/
Rules and Policies. (2019, June 24). Retrieved July 3, 2019, from https://dallasmakerspace.org/wiki/Rules_and_Policies
Rules and Policies. (2019, June 24). Retrieved July 3, 2019, from https://dallasmakerspace.org/wiki/Rules_and_Policies
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