Module 7 - Activity 1

It is interesting to note that the 21st century learning environment is more involved in the teaching/learning of skills and the manipulation of tools than the learning of content. This would have a direct on the roles that both educators and learners adopt. In fact, the teacher/educator would not be seen as a dispenser of knowledge, but as a facilitator of learning.

I totally support the 10 key elements outlined by members of my group:

1. Learners will develop higher order thinking skills.
2. Learners will be exposed to the evolving technologies.
3. Learners will be given opportunities for creativity.
4. Learners will be exposed to real life examples and experiences that extend beyond the literal walls of the classroom.
5. Learners will be able to collaborate across societies.
6. Learners will be encouraged to be agile and adaptable.
7. Learners will be exposed to curriculum that is interdisciplinary, project based and research driven.
8. Learners will be taught life and career skills.
9. Learners will develop proper organization skills.
10. Learners will develop proper communication skills.

These elements will significantly improving learning/teaching expressions in the 21st century and beyond.

Utica Christian

Module 1 - Activity 8

Jean Piaget has been one of my favourite educational psychologists to study. (Perhaps because he is French, I am not sure :)) His theory has been of great influence to my teaching career. My interaction with his work has forced me to be able provide students with a learning experience that allows them to match their experiences with the curriculum objectives. This is seen when students meet a word or an expression that they'd use over and over based on the fact that it resonates with their schema. I have also found that teachable moments are many in such lessons that bear the cognition of the students. I am greatly appreciative of Piaget's contribution, and how it allows me and other educators to see different levels of cognitive abilities and plan lessons accordingly.

Utica Christian

Module 1 - Activity 5

Emmy Werner's findings from her research has taught me that there is a need for me, as a teacher, to be a more compassionate person. Students learn differently, not only because of how they are 'wired' intellectually, but also because of their backgrounds. In my experience, I have met many 'high-risk' students, as well as those who were 'resilient'. This article has helped me to recognize that I must create a sense of security or stability that would benefit ALL the students. Those who have reasonably good backgrounds would be motivated, and those from 'vulnerable' backgrounds would have somewhere to feel safe. This would increase their passion for learning, where sometimes that passion is absent in the home. I have therefore come to the conclusion that school is an extension of the home, and teachers have a huge responsibility to establish a caring environment within the classroom. This is critical for stimulating learning in ALL students.

Utica Christian

Module 1 Activity 2

Having completed the three exercises in the Self-Activity, I have to realization of two very important issues involved in students' meaningful learning:

1. Based on how the cognitive processes work, students must consistently interact with the material that they are meant to learn. In doing so, there stands are greater chance for retention. It was easy for me to remember what was on the coin, because I have been using coins on a very regular basis for most of my life. In the same way, if I consistently allow students to use the material that they are introduced to in class, there stands a great opportunity for them to be able to maintain it in their long term memory. In my case, vocabulary expressions must be constantly used in writing and speaking.
2. Also, material must be organized in a manner with which students can identify and even fit into what they already know. This would ensure that they would quickly respond to it, and try to find creative ways of retaining it. For example, in a French grammar lesson: verb conjugation in the present tense,  students are given the endings of the verbs in a mnemonic. Then, it makes it easier for them to retain, and in a subtle way, it is etched on their schema.

Additionally, once we provide students with adequate interaction within the learning environment, this would allow them to utilize their metacognitive skills. I also, believe that we must model these skills, until students are able to use them effectively on their own.

This activity really restored my gratitude to Jean Piaget for enlightening us about information processing.

Utica

Module 1: Activity 1

In this activity, the work of Whitaker has caused me to seriously reevaluate my role as an educator. Along with his thoughts, my colleagues have reminded me of some areas of focus that I needed to recall. I will list below, the most powerful lessons of this activity:

1. Day and Baskett's guidelines have caused me to seriously reflect on my role in the learning process. Of particular importance is guidelines 2:that participants and teachers should engage in a reciprocal relationship, 4: action and reflection are pivotal parts of the learning process, 8: intrinsic motivation, and 9: teachers should promote and maintain a climate of critical thinking.

2. Learning from experience is influenced by the age and level of difficulty of the experience.

3. The process of learning is influenced by the personality of the learner, how well the learners' ambitions are incorporated into the learning experience, the fulfillment of learner needs, the relationship between teachers and learners and learners and learners, the networking within the learning environment, the fostering of the value of education, the promotion of good behaviour and proper choices, and the provision of opportunites for the expression of various learning experiences.

Also, the comments on reflective practice and establishing Communities of practice from  my colleagues have re-ignited my passion for further development as a teacher.


These lessons have impacted my thoughts and will influence my actions.


Utica Christian

Module 2A: Activity 10 - Social Media as a Professional Development resource

This module has highlighted to me the need for individuals to learn by doing and not so much learn by instruction. I have learnt to recognize also the importance and impacting influence that engaging in a trusted network can have. It strengthens one's own resolve as a professional and it enhances productivity, since we would all learn from each other. If this happens, then the actual formal training sessions (that are normally called professional development) would be more of feedback or resource evaluation sessions. Social media would then evolve education into a more learner-centred and lifelong learning tool than ever before. This would significantly filter into the way we teach, or employ our craft as teachers.

I am loving this!

Module 2A: Activity 7 - Using Spreadsheets as a Learning Tool

I had lots of fun in this activity. It opened my eyes in being able to see that there were many creative ways of using the spreadsheets outside of Math or Accounting.

My students had fun in the lesson about music. One of them even remarked that the experience allowed them to be able to appreciate others' tastes. So, the hidden curriculum was definitely imparted.

Although sacrifices have to be made in completing the activities, they are absolutely rewarding.

Utica