Educator and Learner

Active Learning in a 4th Grade Classroom Padlet Presentation Activity: Learning about Code of Conducts using Visuals and Technology Image Source Ms. Malhiot, a fourth grade teacher, decided that the best way for her students to have a full understanding of the schools code of conduct was to make the topic relevant to their life.  First, Ms. Malhiot determined that a majority of her students were visual learners and used this information in order to create an activity that used their visual senses.  She had students think about what it means to be safe, respectful, and responsible and they created a list of each code on the SmartBoard.  Students then worked in groups to complete a graphic organizer that required students to create a rule that relates to one of the codes and draw a picture of how the rule would be displayed at the school.  After students had ideas of how the codes of conduct should look in the classroom and in the school, the...

Map of My Digital Space: Image Source Image Source Surprises from my Map: Image Source When I started creating my map, I found it easiest to look through my applications and bookmarks to determine what to add into each section.  I found it most surprising that a majority of my bookmarks on my computer fit into the professional and resident quadrant.  I originally thought that this location on the map would be the most scarce.  I had this thought before beginning the assignment because before this graduate class I have never had a blog or space on the internet to post about my teaching experiences and ideas.  However, I realized through this assignment that although I do not have one  formal location for all my teaching creations, I use many different teaching applications to share my ideas.  For instance, I create a variety of lesson activities through Kahoot, Plickers, Quizlet, and Nearpod, and I always make my creations public for...

Importance of Evaluations: Image Source Education is constantly changing and improving.  Topics and tools I learned during college are already outdated or not applicable anymore.  As a result, it is important for educators to constantly be evaluating their teaching methods in order to effectively teach our students. Summary of Triple E Framework: Source Image The Triple E Framework was developed by Liz Kolb in order to ensure research on education technologies was being properly implemented into the classroom.  The three levels of this framework include engagement in learning goals, enhancement of learning goals, and extension of learning goals.  As Liz Kolb discusses in her article,  Is technology a gimmick in your classroom? , the framework should be used in order to know what the integration of technology should look like, sound like, and feel like.  The Triple E Framework focuses on these three aspects to teaching in order to ensur...

Passion Discovered: Image Source My journey to becoming a teacher truly started when I was in high school and was struggling in math class.  I remember sitting at my desk at home crying because I could not understand anything on my homework.  However, I was determined to succeed in the class and would spend two hours a night reading through my math textbook and reteaching myself the concepts.  The next day in class I quickly realized I was not the only student having difficulties, but after studying independently I was able to help my classmates understand.  Being able to help my peers comprehend the materials and not have to go through the same struggle I did the previous night was the most rewarding experience.  Although at the time I hated that math class and was angry at my teacher for not explaining the concepts fully, I'm so grateful for that experience because I not only grew as a learner, but discovered my passion for teaching. Image Source ...