This week I created a podcast about how first graders use technology both in the classroom and at home. I gave my class a questionaire and personally interviewed two students. It is truly surprising to hear what a big part technology plays in their lives at such a young age. I hope you enjoy it.
http://amyarsenault.podomatic.com/entry/2009-05-31T16_30_41-07_00
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Evaluating 21st Century Skills
Over the past few days, I have been navigating through "The Partnership for 21st Century Skills" (http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/). My first reaction to the website was one of overwhelming surprise. I couldn't believe that I had never heard of this organization before. My second reaction was simply being overwhelmed. There is so much information on the site. As I continued to read their mission statement, among other things, I thought to myself, "Well, of course. This is what true teaching and learning should be like. This is perfection at its best." Then that feeling of being overwhelmed came flooding back again. The thoughts of, "Am I doing these things? Am I bringing 21st century skills into education? Do I have a true vision of what it takes to ensure every child's success as citizens in workers in the 21 century?" Among many other things, just viewing this website made me stop and reevaluate MY mission.
While reading through the information given, I was surprised to see the various companies that are involved in this endeavor. It seems a true collaborative effort and partnership among educators, businesses, community and government leaders. Because of the diversity, they are able to offer a wide range of important tools and resources needed to help our students move forward and eventually successfully enter the 21st century workforce.
In pondering all that this website was about, one idea stood out to me. The passage read, "...schools must move beyond the focus on basic competency in core subjects to promoting understanding of academic content at much higher levels by weaving 21st century interdisciplinary themes into core subjects." This is done though the study of global awareness; financial, economic, business and entrepreneurial literacy; civic literacy; and health literacy. Currently, my school's main focus IS on basic competency. It's all about raising test scores. Sadly, these other areas are not an area of primary focus. Also, the state of California is currently not a partner state of this program. I am wondering why this is so?
Overall, I feel like I strive to do much of what was discussed by this organization. I work hard to create an environment were learning is relevant and in real world 21 century context. Students participate as individuals, groups, and as team members. And although this is a start, this organization proves that there is so much more to be done. I feel that if I had acquired more of the skills that are discussed on this website throughout my school years, I would have been much more prepared for the "real world". It is evident that the gap is widening between the knowledge and skills most students learn in school and the knowledge and skills they need in the 21 century workplace and communities. The powerful vision that this organization has, in my opinion, is what should drive teachers like myself, to try even harder, in spite of the roadblocks that we may face.
Over the past few days, I have been navigating through "The Partnership for 21st Century Skills" (http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/). My first reaction to the website was one of overwhelming surprise. I couldn't believe that I had never heard of this organization before. My second reaction was simply being overwhelmed. There is so much information on the site. As I continued to read their mission statement, among other things, I thought to myself, "Well, of course. This is what true teaching and learning should be like. This is perfection at its best." Then that feeling of being overwhelmed came flooding back again. The thoughts of, "Am I doing these things? Am I bringing 21st century skills into education? Do I have a true vision of what it takes to ensure every child's success as citizens in workers in the 21 century?" Among many other things, just viewing this website made me stop and reevaluate MY mission.
While reading through the information given, I was surprised to see the various companies that are involved in this endeavor. It seems a true collaborative effort and partnership among educators, businesses, community and government leaders. Because of the diversity, they are able to offer a wide range of important tools and resources needed to help our students move forward and eventually successfully enter the 21st century workforce.
In pondering all that this website was about, one idea stood out to me. The passage read, "...schools must move beyond the focus on basic competency in core subjects to promoting understanding of academic content at much higher levels by weaving 21st century interdisciplinary themes into core subjects." This is done though the study of global awareness; financial, economic, business and entrepreneurial literacy; civic literacy; and health literacy. Currently, my school's main focus IS on basic competency. It's all about raising test scores. Sadly, these other areas are not an area of primary focus. Also, the state of California is currently not a partner state of this program. I am wondering why this is so?
Overall, I feel like I strive to do much of what was discussed by this organization. I work hard to create an environment were learning is relevant and in real world 21 century context. Students participate as individuals, groups, and as team members. And although this is a start, this organization proves that there is so much more to be done. I feel that if I had acquired more of the skills that are discussed on this website throughout my school years, I would have been much more prepared for the "real world". It is evident that the gap is widening between the knowledge and skills most students learn in school and the knowledge and skills they need in the 21 century workplace and communities. The powerful vision that this organization has, in my opinion, is what should drive teachers like myself, to try even harder, in spite of the roadblocks that we may face.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Blogging in First Grade
This year our first grade team decided to post homework on a website offered by Scholastic, instead of printing homework packets. Then, we went a bit further and began posting weekly messages and pictures. This was an enormous success. Although is it almost the end of the year, I am anxious to take this to another level and introduce blogging. I would like my blog to be both a showcase for class pictures and work, announcements, and include an area for comments on a weekly topic given by me.
My first thought is to introduce this simply through posting a picture and having the students use adjectives to describe what they see. Our end of the year writing prompt has students describing an object using their five senses. This would be a wonderful way to allow students to both give and receive ideas that they may otherwise not have shared. It allows for the, "Ah-ha! I didn't think of that word." moments. Because my first graders would be participating with an adult at home, it may bring forth more discussion of the picture itself and therefore, more vocabulary. It could possibly also serve to enhance discussions at home that relate to our classroom topics. In order for this to be a successful experience, I would introduce this during my center time in small groups. Utilizing my parent helpers, I would have the students complete one blog while with the parent, incase any problems arise. After the students felt comfortable and the expectations were set, they would then be allowed to blog from home. Of course, safety guidelines would be established prior to beginning. For example, the students would only use initials on their postings and content would be monitored by me.
Another idea I have is to relate the blog to our literature story for the week and focus on one of the skills from our text. Perhaps one week the blog would be to describe the plot of the story or a favorite character. Perhaps the next week would be to describe the main idea. As we got further along, children may want to post links to books with similar themes. There are days at school where we just don't have the time to carry a discussion any further-blogging would allow for that.
Due to the fact that first graders are so young, it will be extremely important to communicate with parents about the safety rules and expectations for the blog. However, I believe it will be very well received because it truly has the capability to enhance learning.
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