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 gives students the ability to re-do, undo, and start all over without worrying or fearing about it. Thirdly, let the students play around with the apps as well to help them better understand how to create for example, a 3-D picture. Make it engaging and fun for the students and show them examples of what others have done like in SCRATCH we can see so many projects other children have done around the world. The fact that they can access this from their home computer and continue working on their project at home is awesome! As Professor Brie has said over and over in class you don't need to be an expert but you do need to know how to navigate the site/apps.
While watching the video I saw a lot of open space in the classroom, their desks were not lined up they were more connected to each other as a (group) table, and the seating was awesome. There were rolling chairs, pillows, a boat, sofas, recliners, and others. That in itself is an inviting room and the best thing of all each child can choose where they want to sit at. It was wonderful to see how engaged these kids were in what they were doing wether that be on their own or in cooperative groups. I also saw a lot of great conversations happening with each other. Some students work better in a more comfier sofa and others need a desk with a chair to concentrate better. Making that available for each student and how much it has enhanced their learning and improved grades just shows you the way we set up the classroom for our future students is going to make an impact on their learning!
I agree with all of this, Jacki - especially linking the technology we are teaching with the common core standards. My son loved his graphic design class in middle school. He ended up taking it all three years, rather than switching to some of the more exciting options, like robotics. I worked for 20 years in theatrical marketing, making posters and trailers for movies. My company was started by graphic designers and most of my colleagues were graphic designers, so I know how valuable that experience can be for students. I am not great with design, myself, but I still plan on incorporating it into my classroom. Kind of like scratch, if my students surpass me quickly, I still think I can teach them some valuable lessons. I also plan on talking to my students early on about all of the different careers available out there - especially living in Los Angeles. Many of my friends who combined technology with art have thriving careers now in film and gaming. These are both avenues that I think would really appeal to kids, but we don't often prepare them for in school.
ReplyDeleteI also really loved the idea of a more open, flexible classroom set up. I believe we watched this video earlier in this class, and in 500, but it is one of my favorites from this semester. This teacher really made me rethink my classroom set up and expectations. If kids work better in a different space, if they perform better on assignments about subjects that interest them, I think we should allow that flexibility. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7-D3gi2lL8&t=22s
Em, that is amazing that you worked closely with graphic designers and got to see it for yourself and how important it is to include such things like these in our own classrooms one day. Yes! I agree that we need to prepare our students for the workforce like how you said with technology and they can incorporate that with anything pretty much now a days. I agree to have that flexibility and really think through how we are going to set up the classroom and have our classroom become this nook for our students somewhere they feel safe and engaged!
DeleteEm, it is really amazing how you worked in the field of graphic designing for a long time and now you decided to become a teacher . I do believe thought that your experience in this field is going to be a positive asset to your knowledge and definitely children in your class are going to benefit from your experience for sure. Incorporating technology in the classroom is very beneficial for children especially in the elementary years so children can find an outlet to express their creativity and understand the STEAM materials in a real world setting. A, in STEAM is for incorporating art and that by itself should inspire creativity. Digital art is particularly well suited for trying our new ideas, and this easy experimentation allows the freedom to create and innovate. Digital design in itself is a blend of art and technology it is built on a foundation of mathematics, science, and engineering so incorporating it in the classroom is highly beneficial. I will for sure implement a digital design program in my classroom to show kids what is out there and gets them asking for more, most importantly give them a safe place to experiment and learn to create and innovate.
DeleteHi Jacki,
ReplyDeleteYou discuss some great points from the article and video. I definitely agree that a step that would help facilitate technology in the classroom is exploring how it can be used alongside the Common Core Standards. Meeting the standards in an engaging way for the students is possible! The students in the article seemed eager and excited to explore digital art. I feel that if this would have been offered when I was in school I would have loved it. Like you mentioned, the fact that they can undo and start all over is very beneficial for the students. Sometimes students may feel burdened by the expectations placed on them by their parents, their peers, and even their teachers. I'm sure it's a relief to be able to have the freedom to create something and know that mistakes can be easily fixed. As a future elementary teacher who would potentially deliver this instruction I think flexibility is necessary. It's about being accepting of change and knowing that something may not work the way you envisioned. Also, being willing to learn. I anticipate encountering so many new apps, softwares, and programs. It can be overwhelming but taking it a step at a time so that I can do the same when I teach it to the students.
The video had a lot of great insight about flexible seating. I agree that being isolated in rows and not being given the freedom to collaborate with others can negatively impact learning. I noticed that the classrooms with flexible seating were following class rules and maintained an appropriate noise level. The students were collaborating and working where they learn best. I feel that some teachers are used to reminding students to "stay in their seats" because they see it as a distraction or rule breaking. Flexible classrooms can open up so many possibilities for students and different types of learners. The infographic link below had some great points on flexible seating.
https://venngage.net/p/226127/6-benefits-of-flexible-seating
Cindy, I love that you mentioned "it's about being accepting of change and knowing that something may not work the way you envisioned". That right there is the essence for us educators to continue changing our lessons and learning from them.
DeleteTotally! Thanks for sharing this article on flexible seating, Cindy. I think it's really important to start think about our classrooms as learning laboratories that we adapt around our students, instead of the other way around.
DeleteI agree with all of you , flexible seating should be a must now in every classroom working to implement the 21st century skills or STEAM or simply get away from the traditional seating that we unfortunately still see in our classrooms today. I use to work in a kindergarten classroom and my classroom was always designed for children to work in groups. I had different stations : an art center, a technology center, a library, a science area, a building block area, a whole group meeting area. Children in my class always worked in teams and groups and helped each other build stuff and complete tasks. This seating and work stations provided a safe and secure environment for children to work collaboratively and helped me as a teacher build a classroom community where everybody collaborate, respect and help each other learn.
DeleteYes, I agree that when the seating arrangement is changed to a more inviting way children are engaged, work collaboratively better, and are learning! I love that you have had an amazing experience thank you for sharing
DeleteFlexible seating is so important in the classroom. It pains me to recall school when I was a kid where I was unable to sit still during class and would constantly get in trouble for it. Something as simple as allowing me to stand would have made all the difference in my learning and classroom experience. Expecting children, nonetheless children with ADHD, to sit still in a chair all day and silently pay attention is unrealistic. I am glad to see that flexibility is being integrated into all aspects of the classroom.
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