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Blog Post Week 14

  Why are so many schools becoming STEAM schools? Can any classroom have a STEM/STEAM focus? I believe so many schools are becoming STEAM schools because we are realizing the benefits not only of increased math and science instruction, but of the integration of all subjects. Allowing for students to discover and create, to take ownership of their work. Also, as stated in the video, the ability to work with other people is just as important as learning on your own. In most careers, especially those of the future, collaboration is going to be huge. Learning about photosynthesis in science, then performing calculations about that, and finally writing about photosynthesis in English Language Arts not only solidifies that knowledge, but also allows for growth in all areas of education. This learning style leaves infinite room for possibilities. Any classroom can have a STEM/STEAM focus and I believe that is the future of education. Integration, project based learning, and technology are w
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 BLOG POST WEEK 12 I was really inspired by both Joy Kirr and Abby Mowry.  If we can think outside the box of traditional classrooms, I really think that we can engage students in more authentic ways that help better prepare them for the future job market. I loved that Abby Mowry has started pre-recording some of her lectures so that her students can work independently, and she can use that time to check in on students who need extra help. It was also impressive to see how many hands on activities she had going on in her classroom. I would love to be able to do a robot club in my classroom. Joy Kirr has a lot of really fascinating suggestions for transforming the traditional classroom. I particularly liked her idea of a Genius Hour, where kids get to focus on their own interests. I was also fascinated by her approach of less grading and more conferences and chances to improve work. Some of my teachers at CSUN work that way and I have really appreciated the chance to learn from their ex
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  Week 13 Blog Washington State Teacher of the Yea-Camille Jones ·          What does this teacher of year do that is different than most traditional classroom teachers? ·          Can you replicate this teacher’s learning environment?   Most traditional classroom follow the A  traditional classroom   involves a standard curriculum delivered by a teacher in-person. Standardized tests are administered at regular intervals to test students’ comprehension. This model is where students’ time, place and pace of learning remain constant. Usually in the traditional classroom, the focus is on learning mostly Math and English, a lot of standardized test focus on these two topics. The students listen to the teacher, record, or memorize information then when they go home, they will have homework to reinforce the skills learned then they get tested on learning the information. There is no room in these traditional classrooms for innovation and creativity and sometimes it is scary beca
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Week 11: Blended Learning

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  Focus One: ·         Why has blended learning taken off in recent years and become so popular? ·         According to studies, blended learning tends to be somewhat more effective than online learning or traditional learning alone ·         How can schools help support the move toward blended learning? ·         How do you motivate faculty to engage in blended learning? ·         Blended learning as a ‘gateway' for faculty to go fully online ·         The potential for blending essential traditional classroom elements* into the online course environment to increase engagement and retention *(specifically, face-to-face verbal dialogue and social learning aspects). ·         Handling push back from those who feel technology does not belong in the classroom ·         What kinds of content should be online and what should be face-to-face?   I think blended learning has gained popularity because of the recent integration of online assessments, computers, and tablets into the classroom
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Blog Post #10

  Flexible Classrooms-Providing the Learning Environment That Kids Need asks that you consider how you manage a classroom environment to maximize learning.  What approach facilitates learning and collaboration while infusing technology? “ Creating art- work using vector graphics, making a geometric pattern by computer programming, and designing a building in a 3D coordinate system are intuitive ways to learn the STEM subjects .”  STEM becomes STEAM in this article, as an elementary teacher what skills do need to plan and deliver this instruction? First and foremost to get comfortable using the different apps that I would incorporate in my classroom, to play around with the different tools the apps provide, and to get a sense of what the students will be exposed to. That for me is very important, secondly I will look at the Common Core Standards and link them together with technology. While reading the article, I loved reading about incorporating technology in the Arts because it giv
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Week 9 Blog

 "Third-grade students at Rockledge Elementary join thousands of kids across North America to track migration patterns of butterflies and other species as part of this online project." What are the key learning and technology integration strategies that make this work? Does the curriculum support Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)? If you taught at Rockledge School, what talents and ideas do you have to contribute to the school's success? The key learning strategies that make this work ties back in with project based learning. With project based learning, " students develop deep content knowledge as well as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication skills. Project Based Learning unleashes a contagious, creative energy among students and teachers."  (pblworks.org) . The curriculum supports CCSS and NGSS by allowing students to be active, critical thinking participants in their own learning. Two of
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 WEEK 8 - SMART BOARDS & STEAM INTEGRATION Common Core Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards expect all students in California to meet certain grade-level standards. In order to do this, all students need to receive access to the same tools and advantages whenever possible. A kindergarten student might not need the exact same technology - or might not use technology - in the exact same way as a 5th grader, but providing technology-rich experiences from a young age will build the confidence and aptitude all students need to succeed in an increasingly technological world. Similarly, I've seen Special Ed classrooms make great use of technology. In one Special Ed class I observed, interacting with Smart Boards gave the students a great sense of pride and a feeling of accomplishment. Students got the experience of interacting directly with the screen, as well as answering questions from their own individual tablets. Being able to answer through their tablets and see al
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