Module 7 - Activity 9

The realization has hit that true collaboration is not merely placing students in groups, but providing activities where ALL members are actively involved in the activity. In this way, students will be actively engaged, building their knowledge, enhancing their critical thinking skills, and become more independent learners. I see this method as directly connected to the 21st century learning system. I will try as much as possible to incorporate more of the true collaboration within my classroom.

Utica Christian

Module 7 - Activity 8

Communication tools, if nothing else, help to ensure students' engagement in the connected classroom. I have a renewed perspective of tools, such as Twitter, that help to enhance how students learn within the classroom. It also eliminates the age-old role of the teacher as the dispenser of knowledge, and now as a facilitator of knowledge. With time, I can see my students  using such technologies within the classroom to help their peers and themselves. I especially liked the CNN news article with the use of Twitter to aid shy students. This eliminates the notion that not because a child says nothing means that he has nothing to say. I observed that the right outlet would change the child's perspective of himself and other students' perspective of him. This activity was definitely an eye-opener.

Utica Christian

Module 7 - Activity 7

This activity helped to eliminate some notions I had about social media and learning. It helped to see that once monitored correctly students can enhance their learning experience as social beings.  Through social media such as Face book, Myspace, Twitter and other social media created by the teacher and otherwise, they can

1. communicate with peers and experts
2. source information
3. build knowledge
4. develop meta-cognition.

I believe that once I incorporate such media within the students' experience, their knowledge would be built and they will develop into more social and independent learners.

Utica Christian

Module 7 - Activity 6

Collaboration is a MUST in 21st century learning. This activity has enlightened me to this fact. Hence, I should have students collaborate through

• brainstorming
• sharing ideas
• formulating projects
• publishing 
• assessing 

In doing so, I am convinced that my students would be more creative learners and more engaged in the learning process.

Utica Christian