Portfolio
Mr. Jarrell & The Tech Kids
Description
For this assignment, we were to create a podcast about a topic of our choice. The goal was to continue to hone our skills when creating podcasts, and to become more comfortable with the process. The topic I chose was “The use of Technology in the Classroom”. I decided I also wanted to get my students involved in the process. The decided to call themselves “The Tech Kids”. We are fortunate enough to work in a 1:1 classroom, so I decided to record my students’ thoughts on the use of technology in the classroom. Each student heard during the podcast, received parent permission to participate.
For this assignment, we were to create a podcast about a topic of our choice. The goal was to continue to hone our skills when creating podcasts, and to become more comfortable with the process. The topic I chose was “The use of Technology in the Classroom”. I decided I also wanted to get my students involved in the process. The decided to call themselves “The Tech Kids”. We are fortunate enough to work in a 1:1 classroom, so I decided to record my students’ thoughts on the use of technology in the classroom. Each student heard during the podcast, received parent permission to participate.
Reflection
This is my second time creating a podcast, first time focused on a topic of my choice. I feel there are still some kinks that will need to be worked out, but overall it went well. My students were super excited about the whole project. They thought it was amazing to hear themselves on SoundCloud. Overall, it was a great experience and something I look forward to continuing in the near future.
This is my second time creating a podcast, first time focused on a topic of my choice. I feel there are still some kinks that will need to be worked out, but overall it went well. My students were super excited about the whole project. They thought it was amazing to hear themselves on SoundCloud. Overall, it was a great experience and something I look forward to continuing in the near future.
Podcasts in the Classroom
Description
This week, we were introduced to podcasts. Prior to this week, I can honestly say I was not too familiar with any particular podcasts. I could name a few, and tell you what they were about, but honestly I could not tell you how to create one. The assignment for this week was to listen to a podcast and create a podcast answering a few questions provided by Dr. Lee. The questions asked us to pay attention to a few key aspects of the podcasts such as the music, the sound effects, the host, and the type of questions being asked. After, we created a podcast using Audacity. Audacity is a great tool to use to embed different sounds (voice over, music, sound effects etc.). It was a great first experience creating this podcast. It allowed me to gain familiarity with a few key aspects of Audacity but also, it allowed me to practice some of the key pieces that are important when creating a podcast.
This week, we were introduced to podcasts. Prior to this week, I can honestly say I was not too familiar with any particular podcasts. I could name a few, and tell you what they were about, but honestly I could not tell you how to create one. The assignment for this week was to listen to a podcast and create a podcast answering a few questions provided by Dr. Lee. The questions asked us to pay attention to a few key aspects of the podcasts such as the music, the sound effects, the host, and the type of questions being asked. After, we created a podcast using Audacity. Audacity is a great tool to use to embed different sounds (voice over, music, sound effects etc.). It was a great first experience creating this podcast. It allowed me to gain familiarity with a few key aspects of Audacity but also, it allowed me to practice some of the key pieces that are important when creating a podcast.
Reflection
This week was a very informative week for me. It allowed me to become familiar with podcasts and also, it allowed me to create a podcast. After listening to a few episodes of S-Town, one of the more popular podcasts that have been created, I learned a lot about the key components of creating a podcast. There were two aspects that jumped out to me more than others; the host, and the music. I believe the host is a key part of any podcast. They have to engage the listener, and continue with that engagement through the whole segment. Also, the music is a key aspect. The music is great for transitions within the podcast. This week allowed me to practice these things using Audacity, which I feel I am constantly getting better at as the weeks goes by. Overall, this week allowed me to acclimate myself in the world of podcasts/
HitRecord: Global Collaboration Project Presentation
Description
For this assignment, we wanted to look at a site that allowed for students to participate in collaborative learning with others not only in the classroom, but throughout the world as well. The website I conducted my research on is www.hitrecord.org. After my research, I created a presentation that covered the following components. First, I looked at the website as a whole, and its overall purpose. Next, I connected it to how it can be used within the curriculum of a school. Finally, I looked at how this site encouraged creativity. This site was co-founded by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and the site has a very interesting purpose. Essentially, it allows people from all over the world to work on one project together. It allows each person to add their own expertise to the project whether they are an illustrator, musician, animator etc. they can contribute to the project. To understand the full aspect of this site, I encourage you to watch the following HitRecord project called “Rainbow Crow” (click on the title to watch the video). It is a tremendous site, the allows endless possibilities when bringing it to the classroom. To create this presentation, I created a Google Slide Presentation, and used VoiceThreads to record over it.
For this assignment, we wanted to look at a site that allowed for students to participate in collaborative learning with others not only in the classroom, but throughout the world as well. The website I conducted my research on is www.hitrecord.org. After my research, I created a presentation that covered the following components. First, I looked at the website as a whole, and its overall purpose. Next, I connected it to how it can be used within the curriculum of a school. Finally, I looked at how this site encouraged creativity. This site was co-founded by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and the site has a very interesting purpose. Essentially, it allows people from all over the world to work on one project together. It allows each person to add their own expertise to the project whether they are an illustrator, musician, animator etc. they can contribute to the project. To understand the full aspect of this site, I encourage you to watch the following HitRecord project called “Rainbow Crow” (click on the title to watch the video). It is a tremendous site, the allows endless possibilities when bringing it to the classroom. To create this presentation, I created a Google Slide Presentation, and used VoiceThreads to record over it.
Reflection
Reflecting on this piece, I am truly glad I learned about the site HitRecord. I believe this will be a great tool to use in the classroom. It allows all students to participate in an assignment, and it gives them the ability of choice. Using HitRecord, students can create movies, scripts, poems, and many other project ideas. This is a beneficial tool because it gives students a chance to import their ideas and skills onto the project. I feel this would be a useful assessment tool to use in the classroom, that would allow collaboration between peers, and others throughout the world.
Gamestar Mechanic Game: Finding the Area of a Rectangle
Description
Using Gamestar Mechanic, we, as a class, created our own video games to serve as a check for understanding when we find the area of a rectangle. Students were instructed to create their own game in groups. The goal was for them to create a challenging game for their peers to play but also embed multiple rectangles, which were all different sizes. Students would have to find the area of these rectangles prior to moving on to the next level of the game. Students would use the formula Length x Width to find the area of these rectangles. Each group would create an answer key, which would force them to solve the answer to their problems before their peers had to solve the same problems. This project gives students another technological tool to add to their arsenal, but also gives them a collaborative project that will help them better understand the steps to finding the area of different sized rectangles.
Using Gamestar Mechanic, we, as a class, created our own video games to serve as a check for understanding when we find the area of a rectangle. Students were instructed to create their own game in groups. The goal was for them to create a challenging game for their peers to play but also embed multiple rectangles, which were all different sizes. Students would have to find the area of these rectangles prior to moving on to the next level of the game. Students would use the formula Length x Width to find the area of these rectangles. Each group would create an answer key, which would force them to solve the answer to their problems before their peers had to solve the same problems. This project gives students another technological tool to add to their arsenal, but also gives them a collaborative project that will help them better understand the steps to finding the area of different sized rectangles.
Reflection
Overall, my students enjoyed making their own games. Like most pieces of technology I use in the classroom, my students teach me more than I teach them! It has finally stopped amazing me when they show me something I did not know about a given program. Students worked very well in groups, and they were always trying to trick each other when creating their rectangles, hoping another group could not solve the problem. Prior to creating a game, going through the workshop was a process, but it was well worth it. It gave me the tools needed to have students create their own games, and complete it successfully. Overall, this was a great process that I will continue to use in classroom as the years go by.
Gamestar Mechanic Video
Description
For this assignment, we were required to create video describing our lesson plan, then explain how the game was to be used. To create this video, we were to use Screencastify, or another screening application that allows you to record your screen. We described what our lesson plan was, what was the purpose, how to play the game, and how the game connects to the standard being assessed.
For this assignment, we were required to create video describing our lesson plan, then explain how the game was to be used. To create this video, we were to use Screencastify, or another screening application that allows you to record your screen. We described what our lesson plan was, what was the purpose, how to play the game, and how the game connects to the standard being assessed.
Reflection
This video gave me the chance to use a screen recording application such as Screencastify. I have enjoyed using Screencastify in the past to create videos for my 5th grade students. I enjoy using products like Screencastify because it allows viewers to see what their screens should look like as well. I enjoyed making this video and showing viewers how my game looks, and how to play it. I would use Screencastify to show students how to create their own game. Using products like sScreencastify allows viewers to move at their own pace, stop and rewind the video as they wish.
This video gave me the chance to use a screen recording application such as Screencastify. I have enjoyed using Screencastify in the past to create videos for my 5th grade students. I enjoy using products like Screencastify because it allows viewers to see what their screens should look like as well. I enjoyed making this video and showing viewers how my game looks, and how to play it. I would use Screencastify to show students how to create their own game. Using products like sScreencastify allows viewers to move at their own pace, stop and rewind the video as they wish.
Gamestar Mechanic Lesson Plan
Description
For this week’s assignment, we worked through the Gamestar Mechanic Workshop, then created a lesson plan for our class to implement the games we created. The workshop guided us through the game making experience. First we played games, then we created pieces of the game to slowly guide us through the game making process. We then, created a lesson plan to incorporate Gamestar Mechanics into our classroom. The game I created focused on students making rectangles within the game with blocks, then finding the area of the rectangle. The goal was for students to create their own game, which allowed them to create their own rectangles for their classmates to find the area of. Then, students would play other classmates games, and find the area of the rectangles they created within the game.
For this week’s assignment, we worked through the Gamestar Mechanic Workshop, then created a lesson plan for our class to implement the games we created. The workshop guided us through the game making experience. First we played games, then we created pieces of the game to slowly guide us through the game making process. We then, created a lesson plan to incorporate Gamestar Mechanics into our classroom. The game I created focused on students making rectangles within the game with blocks, then finding the area of the rectangle. The goal was for students to create their own game, which allowed them to create their own rectangles for their classmates to find the area of. Then, students would play other classmates games, and find the area of the rectangles they created within the game.
Reflection
Overall, my students were successful in this lesson. They were super excited to create the games, and were successful in doing so! As usual, my students showed me aspects of Gamestar Mechanics that I had no idea were possible. It seems my students did not even think they were learning. They loved making the games. They added so much detail to their games, and you could tell this was an assignment they truly enjoyed. Towards the end of the school year, this is tool I will find additional ways to incorporate this into my classroom.
Mini Action Research
Description
For this assignment we created a lesson using a new multimedia tool that we have not used before. Within this paper, we needed to include a short summary of the tool, what the tool is, how it can be used to differentiate instruction, a description of the lesson, outline of the assessment, student artifacts and a conclusion. The tool I chose to integrate into my classroom is Piktochart. Piktochart allows students to create detailed infographics about a topic. The topic students needed to present on was point of view, and how it is used in the ELA classroom.
For this assignment we created a lesson using a new multimedia tool that we have not used before. Within this paper, we needed to include a short summary of the tool, what the tool is, how it can be used to differentiate instruction, a description of the lesson, outline of the assessment, student artifacts and a conclusion. The tool I chose to integrate into my classroom is Piktochart. Piktochart allows students to create detailed infographics about a topic. The topic students needed to present on was point of view, and how it is used in the ELA classroom.
Reflection
Piktochart is a tool I have never used before. Truthfully, I never learned what an infographic until I noticed my peers using it within this course. I was instantly curious about the site, and was excited to use it in my classroom. What I found enticing about this tool is the ability for students to add their own creative twist to their own infographic. Students thoroughly enjoyed creating their own infographic. They were successful in using the site Piktochart, and it’s a tool I have continued to use when I created digital anchor charts for the students.
Differentiation of Content
Description
This week, we focused on using technology to differentiate content in the classroom. We looked at different ways to differentiate instruction in middle school classrooms, and researched pieces of technology that can be used to help create a personalized learning environment for all students. The two websites I focused on were EdPuzzle and Learning Farm. They both allow for teachers to differentiate material for students to help them reach success in the classroom.
This week, we focused on using technology to differentiate content in the classroom. We looked at different ways to differentiate instruction in middle school classrooms, and researched pieces of technology that can be used to help create a personalized learning environment for all students. The two websites I focused on were EdPuzzle and Learning Farm. They both allow for teachers to differentiate material for students to help them reach success in the classroom.
I have been lucky enough to be a 1:1 classroom this year. Although it is my first year teaching, I have made it a goal to find proper technology tools that allow for differentiation within the classroom. One benefit that I have found differentiating instruction through the use of technology is that students are more engaged in the material. One aspect of differentiation that the reading discussed is the use of collaboration within the classroom.(Smith & Thorne, 2009) This is something I have began to do as the year has gone by. First, I have students sit in groups based off ability. I have high-leveled students sit with lower-leveled students, so this way, they can work with each other to enhance their learning. Another tool I have been using is Google Docs, to allow students to work with each other on their writing. I have given students a prompt, and told them to write the best possible paragraph as a group. This allows them to all work on the same document at once, and see the thought process of their classmates. I have also had the chance to work with other products that have helped me differentiate instruction in the classroom.
One site that I have been using is Edpuzzle. Edpuzzle is a great piece of technology because it allows you to embed questions into a video. As students watch the video, questions will appear for them to answer. The reason this is great for differentiation is because students can move at their own pace. If students get to a questions and they do not know the answer, they can re-watch the segment of the video with that answer. (Stern, 2015) Students who are faced pace learners may go right through the video, others may need some time.
Another site that I have just began to use just this month is Learning Farm. Learning Farm has been a great tool to use when beginning test prep. Within my school (a charter school), we take three mock ELA assessments prior to the NYS assessment. This allows us to collect data on the standards students struggle with, and the standards they preform well on. With this data, I can group students based off the standards they need to work on, and give them the extra help necessary to help improve their scores. Learning Farm, is a great tool that allows me to differentiate instruction to students. I have only been using it for about a month, but I can assign different standards to different students, and it will give them practice questions on the standards they struggle with. This allows me to see if the students are improving in their work, but also gives me the tools necessary differentiate to all students in the class.
I have been lucky enough to use technology tools to differentiate to my students this year. It truly makes life easier as an educator, but more importantly, increases the motivation, and the engagement of my students in the classroom.
Grace E. Smith, S. T. (2009). Differentiating Instruction with Technology in Middle School Classrooms. Washington D.C.: International Society for Technology in Education.
Stern, J. (2015, March 30). Enhancing learning through differentiated technology. Retrieved from edutopia: https://www.edutopia.org/blog/enhanced-learning-through-differentiated-technology-julie-stern
Throne, G. E. (2019, February 20). Differentiating Instruction with Technology in K-5 Classroom. Retrieved from ISTE: http://www.iste.org/images/excerpts/diffk5-excerpt.pdf
One site that I have been using is Edpuzzle. Edpuzzle is a great piece of technology because it allows you to embed questions into a video. As students watch the video, questions will appear for them to answer. The reason this is great for differentiation is because students can move at their own pace. If students get to a questions and they do not know the answer, they can re-watch the segment of the video with that answer. (Stern, 2015) Students who are faced pace learners may go right through the video, others may need some time.
Another site that I have just began to use just this month is Learning Farm. Learning Farm has been a great tool to use when beginning test prep. Within my school (a charter school), we take three mock ELA assessments prior to the NYS assessment. This allows us to collect data on the standards students struggle with, and the standards they preform well on. With this data, I can group students based off the standards they need to work on, and give them the extra help necessary to help improve their scores. Learning Farm, is a great tool that allows me to differentiate instruction to students. I have only been using it for about a month, but I can assign different standards to different students, and it will give them practice questions on the standards they struggle with. This allows me to see if the students are improving in their work, but also gives me the tools necessary differentiate to all students in the class.
I have been lucky enough to use technology tools to differentiate to my students this year. It truly makes life easier as an educator, but more importantly, increases the motivation, and the engagement of my students in the classroom.
Grace E. Smith, S. T. (2009). Differentiating Instruction with Technology in Middle School Classrooms. Washington D.C.: International Society for Technology in Education.
Stern, J. (2015, March 30). Enhancing learning through differentiated technology. Retrieved from edutopia: https://www.edutopia.org/blog/enhanced-learning-through-differentiated-technology-julie-stern
Throne, G. E. (2019, February 20). Differentiating Instruction with Technology in K-5 Classroom. Retrieved from ISTE: http://www.iste.org/images/excerpts/diffk5-excerpt.pdf
Reflection
Using items like EdPuzzle and Learning Farm help teachers differentiate material. They give students two different differentiated experiences. EdPuzzle allows students to move at their own pace. Learning Farm allows you to differentiate based on standard based needs for your students. This assignment allowed us to reflect on the pieces of technology we use in the classroom, and how they can be used to differentiate material to out students.
Using items like EdPuzzle and Learning Farm help teachers differentiate material. They give students two different differentiated experiences. EdPuzzle allows students to move at their own pace. Learning Farm allows you to differentiate based on standard based needs for your students. This assignment allowed us to reflect on the pieces of technology we use in the classroom, and how they can be used to differentiate material to out students.