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3 Classroom Observations - Avery Hopkins

Mr. T uses PowerPoint for all of his reading lessons. I find it rather boring and in my earlier post, talked about integrating Prezi. I think that students need more engagement. By adding videos to presentations and giving the opportunity for students to talk about what they are learning in between slides or transitions will keep them focused and allows more student voice.

Mr. T gives individual laptops to each student to play math games. I think this is fun for the students but not really effective. Many students spend all their time just getting logged in and onto a website. Plus the computers are sometimes slow and non-responsive. I know that taking computer time out will not make the students happy, but I honestly think it just sucks up valuable time. Making the switch to Ipads would be awesome but not realistic. I think Mr. T should stick to just using it as a special treat for the kids, and not a weekly routine.

Mr. T uses Youtube on almost a daily basis. I think it's very quick and accessible. Students can watch any type of educational video at the click of a button. Students love having lecture broken up with short video clips: it keeps their attention and is fun!

SmartBrief Articles - Avery Hopkins

http://www.southwestiowanews.com/council_bluffs/first-graders-use-facebook-as-a-learning-tool/article_823b36eb-452f-5900-8dfb-6880e0ccc7a0.html
Facebook is a learning tool for parents and students. Most parents are already on FB, so it is a great way to update what is going on in the classroom. Students can post what they learned that day after lessons on FB. Students feel like it is a cool way to share with their parents what is going on and it encourages a partnership with parents who are not physically in the classroom.

http://www.smartbrief.com/02/18/13/workshops-introduce-first-graders-writing-process#.UWHpAJOG2So
A first grade teacher has created a writing process for first grade students that takes the focus off of grammar and spelling. Students are encouraged to just write; they can write about anything they want. When they are done, the teacher sits with them and corrects spelling/punctuation. Students are usually bombarded with the pressures of making mistakes but this takes the pressure off for them to be perfect.

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20110403-NEWS-104030335
Bringing technology in to the classroom gets students engaged with what they are learning and this is because they can relate; they understand the language of technology better than most adults. They get excited to show what they are learning through Jeopardy games on a touch screen or a Podcast about penguins.I would like to give more opportunities for my students to use hands-on technology in the classroom.

http://thejournal.com/articles/2011/07/11/putting-the-ipad-to-work-in-elementary-classrooms.aspx
One teacher began to implement more technology in to her classroom. She started using an Ipad to extend student learning and support some of their academic needs. Students are responding well to the Ipad and are seeing the benefits of it's helpful apps. They have also been encouraged to publish some of their work on to blogs for parents to read and comment on. I love this idea of parent involvement and using apps for students to see information in a new way.

Tech Integration: Prezi - Avery Hopkins

Every morning, the 1st grade students at Tiffany Park Elementary organize themselves in to three different reading level classes for an hour and twenty fives minute session, learning reading rules, word work, and daily fives. All three classes use the exact same PowerPoint to teach students rules, and word patterns. Students sit at their seats and read off the words on the simple presentation. Their seems to be a lack of engagement and interest.

The differences between PowerPoint and Prezi are below:


Prezi

A presentation tool using a map layout and zooming to show contextual relationships

– Non-linear navigation
– Map layout
– Web based
– Limited printing options

Powerpoint

– Linear navigation
– Slide stack layout
– Computer based
– Multiple printing options


Although these differences seem small, Prezi would bring a new dimension to learning as students can connect to movement, and looks are important to maintain engagement. It’s very whiteboard friendly. Because it was designed with the ipad in mind, touch navigation is very easy with a Prezi so it allows you to create exciting and interactive presentations that the students can really get involved in.
It would be easy to integrate in to the classroom, especially if it is only being used for presentation. Just make the switch for the next day's lesson.

The website is easy to use and there are multiple videos to show you how to start making your presentation.

Helpful tips to integrate Prezi into the classroom