Online Learning in the K-12 Population

The face of education is changing.  Online learning for the K-12 student is fast evolving as a premier mode of acquiring education.  Current growth trends indicate that by 2019, 50 percent of all courses in grades 9-12 will be taken online.  Despite drawbacks, the advantages of online learning for students are undeniable.  It is safe to say that the computer is the new chalkboard.  The following voicethread shares facts about this growing trend and its future outlook.

Making Characters Come Alive

I recently checked out an exciting Web 2.0 tool that is certain to engage even the youngest students.  Voki is a free, interactive tool that allows users to create talking, customized avatars.  Once the avatar has been designed, users can give it a voice in a number of ways – via telephone, microphone, text-to-speech, or by uploading a file.  This tool also comes in a paid classroom version – Voki Classroom.  Features of Voki Classroom allow teachers to facilitate instruction, and manage classes they create.  Students can be assigned projects and homework assignments that extend their learning.  Technology is introduced in a fun way while enhancing teaching and learning.  Additional features of the site include a blog and newsletter.

Here’s an example of how Voki can be used in the classroom.  In preparation for writing in-depth character analysis essays, I have prepared the following lesson for my 9^th grade English students to help them understand characters through demonstrating knowledge of direct and indirect characterization.  After studying characterization in class, students will be assigned the following task:

1. Students will read one of the following short stories – The Necklace by Guy de Maupassant, Thank You Ma’m by Langston Hughes, or The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry.
2. Using their understanding of the text and its characters, students will create a Voki avatar that is visually representative of one of those characters.
3. Using Voki’s text-to-speech feature, students will create a script of no more than 250 words that reveals the character traits of the chosen character.

By allowing them to prepare their individual interpretations of the characters, students will demonstrate their own understanding of characterization and its importance to plot development.

This assignment can be easily accomplished using the free version of Voki.  However, for longer length audio scripts and access to additional features of the program, the paid version, Voki Classroom, is worth the nominal investment.

Below is an example of student expectations.  Click on the play button on the bottom left of the image to hear the recording.

Assignment aligns with the following Common Core Standards

To learn more about Voki and Voki Classroom, visit www.voki.com.

Librarian Blogs – Collaborating for Student Achievement

As classroom instructors and future library media specialists, we all understand the role we play in student achievement.  As I reflect on a press release I co-wrote back in 2004 regarding this topic, I am reminded of the details of Scholastic’s research foundation paper, School Libraries Work!, which asserted the importance of libraries to preparing students for future success.  Whether using libraries for pleasure or academic pursuits, ensuring student achievement is our goal.  Today’s librarian brings a wealth of knowledge, skills, ideas, and the technological savvy to make that happen.  The following library media specialists have all found a niche to support teaching and learning by connecting libraries and technology.

Bulldog Readers, is designed to connect books, lessons, and technology in one space. Creator Julie Hembree uses the blog as a medium to encourage students, teachers, and parents to help students explore the world of books while integrating technology in the process. Students can discover the pleasure of reading through book trailers made by other students and Mrs. Hembree.  With a simple scan of a QR code through their mobile devices, students can link to other student book trailers. Guests are also invited to stop by and write comments. Reviews for hundreds of books in a variety of categories are also available. The blog also links to other librarian and classroom blogs worldwide.  The recipient of several nominations and awards, including being named a runner-up in the 2012 Edublog Awards category for Best Library/Librarian Blog, Mrs. Hembree’s goal is simple – to get students reading.  As she states, “Kids who think they don’t like to read just haven’t found the right material for them.”  Simple idea, far-reaching impact.

A Media Specialist’s Guide to the Internet is truly a one-stop information source for both new and seasoned librarians –  as well as teachers – who wish to immerse themselves in everything technology.  As a future library media specialist, this is how I envision embracing technology to support fellow librarians and classroom teachers. From technological support in almost every content area and links for access to free ebooks; from an extensive list of academic search engines to an A-Z listing of Web 2.0 tools, Julie Greller’s blog teems with resources that support teaching and learning.  A page specific to teacher-librarians provides a plethora of resources, including online tools, videos on how to repair books, library media center management, infographics, lesson plans, and games and activities – just to name a few.  A 2012 Edublog Awards nominee in the category of Best Library/Librarian blog, this site is a must to be bookmarked and shared with others; it demonstrates true collaboration outside of the walls of a building.

At Watch. Read. Connect., another runner-up in the 2012 Edublog Awards category for Best Library/Librarian Blogs, Mr. Schu’s goal is simple; he just wants to get students to read. Believing that students will read if the right book(s) are placed in their hands, Mr. Schu uses book trailers to motivate students.  While there is seemingly nothing elaborate in this concept – and there isn’t – its goal reminds us that if we allow children to read what they want to read, they will do so.  In doing so, they become critical thinkers.  As critical thinkers, they become better learners.  Better learners tend to be successful students. Isn’t that what we wish for all students?

As I wrap up this post, I can’t help but be amazed at what teachers, librarians, and students are doing out there with technology.  I almost feel as if I’ve been walking in the dark; blindfolded too.  These librarians clearly understand the need to connect students and learning to technology; each focuses on an area of critical importance to both student and educator, demonstrating the need for the work of the library media specialist.  I am now able to look at my own areas for development and challenge those barriers so that I can answer the demands of a 21st century learning environment and be a true asset to the teaching and learning community.

Classroom Blogs: Techno Puts Students In the Know

When I became an educator – in the true academic sense – some eight years ago, I never would have envisioned that technology would have to become such an important part of my educational toolkit.  Then, as an elementary school teacher, I taught the basic three Rs; students engaged in basic, developmental learning tasks.  And computers?  Oh,well, they used them simply to play educational games and activities with the occasional challenge to complete an assignment.  Fast forward, and today’s classroom offers a completely different learning experience, providing its students with 21st century skills that will ultimately serve them well in years to come.  With both teacher and student expectations leading the way in education reform, not only does technology allow us to meet students where they are digitally, but also positions them to be competitive in a 21st century global economy.   I recently took a look at some of the innovative blogs that educators are using to engage students while enhancing classroom teaching and learning.

Mrs. Yollis’ Classroom Blog is the creation of a dedicated, veteran third grade teacher. The winner of the 2012 Edublog Awards in the classroom blogs category, this site is a testament to the fact that it is never too early to encourage students to embrace technology.  In 201o, Edublog honored the site with an award for the Most Influential Blog Post which featured Mrs. Yollis’ students demonstrating how to leave a comment on a blog.  This age-appropriate blog is superior; Mrs. Yollis’ strategies for connecting students to the learning experience are interactive, and through comprehensive, instructional videos, students engage in learning, by blogging their responses and ideas to the content. To ensure that they understand the ideals of blogging, there are videos featuring the students themselves who instruct on how to create and post blog posts appropriately.  Students in this classroom also use Twitter to share their ideas. Additionally, they Skype with their classmates and other students around the world, truly demonstrating that learning can be a fun, enjoyable 24/7 task.  For the advanced student, Mrs. Yollis offers “how to” instruction in the use of HTML code. There are also links to student blogs and resources for teachers.  Popular posts and a list of educational blogs that the students follow, are featured as well.  Clearly, the tech-based learning opportunities in this classroom are preparing students to meet the demands of a digitally driven world.  And, as shared by Richardson in his article Footprints, “More than ever before, students have the potential to own their own learning—and we have to help them seize that potential.” (pg. 19).  Mrs. Yollis is doing just that.  Click here to read more about Mrs. Yollis’ thoughts on the benefits of classroom blogging.

Techie Kids is a space created by a technology teacher for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade.  Here, students can create and share projects and ideas, including ebooks, while learning and practicing blogging skills.  A finalist in the 2012 Edublog Awards classroom blogs category, Techie Kids links students to websites in a variety of categories, including math, science, research, and internet safety.  Techie Kids also create ebooks, giving them an opportunity to have a national and international presence as the blog links to other classroom blogs worldwide.  For teachers, Techie Kids offers an opportunity to engage in educational chats with colleagues around the globe.  Other resources include access to Google Tools, Free Tools to Try, and information on how to create an Edublog and KidBlog.

As we know, collaboration is the key to success for our students; if we work together, the chances are greater that we can help students achieve their goals.  At Pt. Lonsdale Primary School in Australia, where five teachers of students in grades three through six have collaborated to develop Learning Legends @ Lonnie, this appears to be the goal.  In this space, students showcase their work (as in the case of this project on Afghanistan), share ideas and engage in learning opportunities in a variety of content areas, including Australian history, literacy, and math.  Students are encouraged to post comments about the work of their peers, as well as create their own blogs for classmates to follow.  The student blogs are impressive, as well as the worldwide classroom blogs to which they connect. Learning Legends @ Lonnie seems to be a mixture of academic and social endeavors; students share thoughts about a variety of topics, including their personal interests, book reviews, field trip write-ups – and  yes, surfing – just to name a few. Another nice feature of the blog is a page for Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) which features a wall where students can post acts of kindness they have performed.  A nominee for the 2012 Edublog Award in the Best Class Blog category, this blog get a thumbs-up for the truly collaborative efforts of the educators to move technology usage forward.

At St. Columba’s College, a secondary co-ed boarding and day school in Dublin, Ireland, students and teachers of the English Department have been blogging since 2006.  Named first runner-up for Best Use of Audio in the 2010 EduBlog Awards, SCC English is a resourceful site where teachers and students gather to instruct, learn, and showcase their work.  The blog’s objectives demonstrate a dedication to using technology to enhance instruction as well as improve and showcase student achievement.  An example of a nice feature of instruction is the use the iPad app Show Me to help students analyze complex text, such as in Shakespeare’s Macbeth.  A guest book link allows visitors to comment and share. By embracing digital technology that engage 21st century learners – such as tweeting, and podcasting – educators in this department are definitely making the mark.

As a classroom instructor, I am inspired by the efforts of these educators to prepare their students to be college and career ready; they understand that education and technology must partner if students are to be globally competitive.  Furthermore, these classroom blogs give students a prime opportunity to be members of a like-minded community who dialogue creatively and intelligently while ensuring that their digital footprints are positive.

Hello Classmates,

Welcome to my blog!  Here is a space where we’ll discuss how technology impacts today’s educator and 21st century learner.   Please feel free to share ideas on how we can use technology in both the classroom and library to enhance teacher effectiveness, and ultimately, student engagement and achievement.  Let’s collaborate to prepare our students for the educational and work experiences that today’s global society demands.  I look forward to hearing from you.