The Little Assignment with the Big Impact: Reading, Writing, Critical Reflection May 6, 2013 By: Geraldine Van Gyn, PhD in Instructional Design Several years ago, I came across the Purposeful Reading Assignment that was reported to encourage students to read, reflect, and write about readings assigned for class. Research (Roberts and Roberts, 2008) and experience tell us that supporting students’ reading, writing, and reflective practices is one of the most challenging aspects of learning and teaching. Although this assignment appeared to be simple, it has proven to be an influential tool for learning and has increased engagement and participation among my students. The basic assignment, also called the 3-2-1, has three requirements: Requirement 1: Students read what is assigned, then choose and describe the three most important aspects (concepts, issues, factual information, etc.) of the reading, justifying their choices. The completed assignment is submitted on an electronic template before the class when the reading will be discussed. References Novak, G. Dr.
Technology-Enhanced Learning | Faculty Innovation Center Technology-enhanced learning is not a new concept. Educators have integrated technology into their instruction for as long as there have been classrooms. Whether it be through textbooks made possible through the invention of the printing press, an overhead projector, a film strip, or an online simulation, teachers have always looked toward technology to provide students with higher quality learning experiences. However, innovations in content delivery, assessment methods, and adaptive learning are changing what it means to educate students in the 21st century. As technology and instructional methods evolve, so do students’ expectations for a technology-driven learning experience. Technology should never be used in teaching for its own sake--it should be used in service to specific learning goals you have for your students.
50 really useful iPad tips and tricks With great new features like two video cameras, a faster processor and a Retina display, the new iPad is the world's best tablet device. It's also fully capable of running the latest version of Apple's iOS operating system and great apps like iMovie and GarageBand. Here we present 50 really useful iPad tips. We cover everything from customising your Home screen through to getting more from built-in apps like Mail and Safari. 10 best tablet PCs in the world today The vast majority of these tips will also work on the original iPad and iPad 2, so owners of any generation of iPad shouldn't feel neglected. For 50 more iPad tips, check out a new iPad app called 100 Tricks & Tips for iPad 2, brought to you by our colleagues on MacFormat. 1. iOS now supports folders. Your iPad will create a folder with both the apps in. 2. Double-clicking the Home button shows you all the apps that are running on your iPad in a bar along the bottom of the screen. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. The iPad supports a VPN connection.
Why Don't They Apply What They've Learned, Part I - Do Your Job Better By James M. Lang For two years I taught in a special program in which the same cohort of students took two consecutive courses with me: freshman composition in the fall and introduction to literature in the spring. In both years that I taught the two-course sequence, I was startled to see many students come back from winter break and—on their very first papers in the spring class—revert directly back to those tired strategies that I had worked so hard to help them unlearn in the fall. One such student came into my office early in the spring semester to show me a draft of her paper, and it included a lame reverse-pyramid (i.e., general to specific) introduction. She looked up at me in genuine puzzlement: "You mean that the stuff we learned last semester applies in this course, too?" D'oh! "Far transfer is, arguably," they point out, "the central goal of education: We want our students to be able to apply what they learn beyond the classroom." Many of us state that outright in our courses.
How to Use Technology Effectively to Transform Your ESL Classroom What comes to mind when you hear the word “technology”? Did you imagine computers? Smart phones? Apps? Or perhaps GPS? Netflix, anyone? All right, now picture yourself in a classroom teaching students. If you’re not exactly sure, then you’re in the right place, because we’re going to show how you can transform your ESL classroom using technology. There’s no doubt about it, technology integration is currently one of the hottest buzzwords in education. With so much focus on educators implementing technology in their classrooms, at some point we’re prompted to ask a critical question: What is technology integration, really? What Is Technology Integration? The answer to this may seem obvious, but in all actuality, the question is a valid one. Despite the fact that we are living in the “age of technology,” many teachers still remain uncomfortable with the idea of integrating it into classrooms. Oops. Benefits of Technology Integration in English Education 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Content-specific tools Prezi
How to Add Typing Shortcuts to Your iPad: Make Abbreviations for Common Phrases All of us have phrases we use frequently when writing. For example, I often type “iPad Academy” or “Thanks for contacting me” in my email messages. If you have phrases you type repeatedly, you can create shortcuts (abbreviations) for these phrases. The shortcut, composed of a few characters, automatically expands to become the phrase it represents. When you create the shortcut, take care to select a series of characters that isn’t an actual word. Kim, a member of my online iPad Academy Master Class, offered this tip after viewing my Keyboard Settings video lesson. Active Learning By Diane Starke, El Paso Community College Purpose: Learning is not a spectator sport. Research has demonstrated that students learn more if they are actively engaged with the material they are studying. Key Concepts: Section 1: What is Active Learning? Active Learning is, in short, anything that students do in a classroom other than merely passively listening to an instructor's lecture. This website from Stoutland Elementary School in Missouri, provides an extensive list of the various definitions of active learning originally posted by the Teaching Resource Center at UC Davis. Powerful Partnerships: A Shared Responsibility for Learning (1998 Joint Report, American Association for Higher Education, et. al.) describes learning as an inherently active process: Learning in an active search for meaning by the learner--constructive knowledge rather than passively receiving it, shaping as well as being shaped by experience....To stimulate an active search for meaning, faculty [must]: D.C.
Using Technology In The Classroom Technology has always been a major focus on EducationWorld.com. This archive compiles many of the features we have done on the subject of using technology in the classroom. Many of these articles have been updated many times or even rewritten as technology changes. That said, due to the ever-changing nature of technology, there will be articles on this list that are a little past their prime period of usefullness. Social Networking Tips for Teachers Social networking in the classroom? Teaching? Fifth Graders Soar in the Blogosphere Across the curriculum, Gillian Ryan asks her fifth graders to respond in writing to the topics they discuss -- whether in math, science, social studies, or language arts -- and their ideas become posts to classroom blogs. Podcasts Promote Reading Librarian Malissia Bell has challenged students to create 500 podcasts describing their favorite books. Who Is They? Not All Who Twitter Are Twits The concept behind Twitter is simple. Who's Talking Online? Quick!
Active and Cooperative Learning The past decade has seen an explosion of interest among college faculty in the teaching methods variously grouped under the terms 'active learning' and 'cooperative learning'. However, even with this interest, there remains much misunderstanding of and mistrust of the pedagogical "movement" behind the words. The majority of all college faculty still teach their classes in the traditional lecture mode. Some of the criticism and hesitation seems to originate in the idea that techniques of active and cooperative learning are genuine alternatives to, rather than enhancements of, professors' lectures. "Active Learning" is, in short, anything that students do in a classroom other than merely passively listening to an instructor's lecture. Exercises for Individual Students Because these techniques are aimed at individual students, they can very easily be used without interrupting the flow of the class.
Using Technology to Enhance Teaching & Learning - SMU Technology provides numerous tools that teachers can use in and out of the classroom to enhance student learning. This page provides an introduction to some of the most common. Faculty members should consult SMU's office of Academic Technology Services, which provides many kinds of support, including hands-on training in using classroom technology. There are also numerous on-line resources about using technology to enhance teaching in a number of different ways. Below are links to resources on using specific types of teaching and learning tools. Blackboard SMU uses the course management system Blackboard. Presentation Software Sometimes it's helpful to provide visual aids to complement teaching, stimulate discussion, or allow out-of-class teaching. Classroom Response Systems ("clickers") One way to encourage student engagement is by using electronic devices that allow students to record their answers to multiple choice questions and allow you to instantly display the results. Podcasts Games
Teaching with technology | Center for Teaching and Learning Teaching with technology can deepen student learning by supporting instructional objectives. However, it can be challenging to select the “best” tech tools while not losing sight of your goals for student learning. Once identified, integrating those tools can itself be a challenge albeit an eye-opening experience. The CTL is here to help you (novice, expert and everyone in between) find creative and constructive ways to integrate technology into your class. To arrange an appointment or consultation, please fill out the following form: What do we mean by “technology”? The term “technology” refers to advancements in the methods and tools we use to solve problems or achieve a goal. The newest technologies allow us to try things in physical and virtual classrooms that were not possible before. How can technology help you? What are some good examples? One of the best ways to get ideas and inspiration is learn from others and blogs are a great way to do that. Videos
Use of Technology in Teaching and Learning Technology ushers in fundamental structural changes that can be integral to achieving significant improvements in productivity. Used to support both teaching and learning, technology infuses classrooms with digital learning tools, such as computers and hand held devices; expands course offerings, experiences, and learning materials; supports learning 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; builds 21st century skills; increases student engagement and motivation; and accelerates learning. Technology also has the power to transform teaching by ushering in a new model of connected teaching. This model links teachers to their students and to professional content, resources, and systems to help them improve their own instruction and personalize learning. The links on this page are provided for users convenience and are not an endorsement. Full-time online schools: The following online or virtual schools enroll students on a full-time basis. State operated District operated Charter operated State operated