Adventures in EdTech

During my time in EDU 777 (Learning Theories and Instructional Design), I designed a proposal to implement technology into my classroom by creating a video playlist related to each step of the writing process, where there is a video to both re-teach and provide enrichment for each step. This would help provide differentiation within the writing process, while still allowing myself and my co-teachers to focus our time on conferencing with individual students. Due to the wide variety of student needs, strengths, and stamina, as well as varying speeds at which students move through the process, this technology resource would be a great supplement to our current curriculum. The process has overall been a positive experience for me. I originally envisioned also trying to incorporate a way to add in formative feedback within the writing process using technology, but I realized this was making my scope too broad, thereby removing the possibility of making a measurable difference for most stud...

  It’s so important to stay active, right? Every day we see commercials or ads on our favorite social media app touting the latest workout equipment, fitness channel, or the most comfortable pair of shoes to lace up for your next marathon (it’s literally like running on air!) If we go too long without hitting the treadmill, yoga mat, or even just a walk through our neighborhood, we can start to feel the effects in a number of different ways. Staying active helps maintain our overall health, both physically and mentally. In a similar fashion, staying active in learning can have major benefits for our students. Active learning is a method of teaching and learning that, as the name suggests, asks students to take a more active role in their education. This is not about lecture and recitation. Instead, students are tasked with actually grappling with concepts and materials, taking a lead role in the classroom, while their teacher focuses on facilitating learning with consistent, targe...