811 Online Learning

Teaching and learning in an online environment has its PROS and CONS. I did not truly understand what these could be until taking these classes through MSU. I have taken many other online classes over the past 10 years (via Blackboard). Although these classes were online and had some level of interactive, the level of collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity was nowhere near what I have experienced in these past few months with CEP 810 and 811.

If I look at my current teaching assignment, on the surface, integrating technology seemed to be something of a daunting task. However, through the course sessions, I realized I already incorporate some technologies and there are a few that could easily be included. The biggest obstacle for my students is actually physically accessing the technologies (assuming internet and computer access is a given, which isn't always the case). Many of them are still developing the fine motor and visual motor skills to use a mouse to activate the computer. If the student has alternate computer access, often the online technologies do not support the adaptations (e.g., switch use). My students often have to rely on someone else to assist with utilizing the technologies.

With that said I believe that although my students are challenged by the access, it doesn't mean that they should not be exposed to some of the technologies and online learning opportunities. Access to these just needs to be a little more planned, structured, and adult facilitated, but the students can still explore these tools. Currently, I utilize email to communicate with [some] parents in forms of emails specific about their child and classroom related news. I have created a classroom blog which highlights technology information and classroom activities. My weekly lesson plans are available online as well as a link to the school/classroom calendar. With a SMART Board in my classroom, I often structure my lessons around an interactive component. We also have an iPad in the classroom. I try to incorporate this both in individual work (choosing apps that focus on IEP objective) as well as group work (using apps to develop turn taking skills as well as using it to create a "collaborative" project). For the future, I there are several online learning opportunities that I would like to explore with my students. First, I would like to explore the use of Skype in the classroom. I think that is important for students to see other students that are similar to them as well as give them the opportunity to experience other classrooms around the world. Next, I would like to begin to develop simple screencasts, SMART Notebook recordings of skills that would benefit from repeated practice, as well as create a video to share to practice basic skills (such as sight words, colors, numbers). Lastly, I would like to set aside dedicated time to properly assess and teach the students in their technology skills.

In addition to student online learning opportunities, I see some of the online tools to be great resources for the paraprofessional who work with my students. I am considering creating an RSS feed bundle of special education/technology sites that could service as a professional development resources for them. I also intend to use a session of online webinars relating to special education and assistive technology to provide them with up-to-date information about these topics.

I am excited to see what the next 5 years holds for education!

~Melanie

811 Evaluation of Learning Material in MERLOT

For my MERLOT evaluation, I chose counting coins (StAIR) lesson by Sarah Boutwell . The MERLOT description stated:

"This Stand Alone Informational Resource was created for first grade students in the area of math. More specifically, students will practice identifying and adding coins (penny, nickel, dime, and quarter)... The beginning of the resource provides a basic overview of coins, assuming that a previous lesson has been taught on coins and their values." 

Quality of Content 

This lesson was very well organized and the content was appropriate for the grade level. The lesson presented the material in an engaging way. All content information was correct. Coins were represented by graphics which resembled actual coins. The graphic for coins and coin amounts were both presented giving the students additional reinforcement if they had mastered one way of understanding coins and not the other.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching-Learning Tool

This StAIR lesson provided a variety of learning activities. It incorporated reviewing, practicing, and applying the knowledge of coins presented in the lesson. The lesson began by introducing the students to the "green rectangle" which was the "answer" button. The next few slides detailed the materials the students would need as well as provided an overview of the 4 basic coins. After the coin overview, the lesson took the students through several activities where students were expected to count/add various sets of coins. When an incorrect answer was chosen, the students were directed to a teaching/review slide. When the answer was correct, the students were rewarded with applause. At the conclusion of the lesson, the students are directed to a website to continue to reinforce the coin counting skills. This website takes the lesson a step further incorporating the concept of purchasing items and the abstractness of the coins which are more cartoon looking than the coins from the presentation. The use of the website helped bridge the gap between drill and practice to application. Once the students complete the activities, the activities would transfer into the task of counting coins in the school store.

This lesson provides an opportunity for students to reinforce skills and allow the students to work at his/her own pace. This lesson could be easily integrated into any early elementary classroom studying money. This lesson would not be effective as an introductory or teaching lesson on coins as the tasks are more in line with students who have developed some coins identification and coin counting skills. The learning objects for this lesson were not clearly stated for the students which could make it difficult for the students to understand what they are expected to do within the lesson.

Ease of Use 

The visual setup of the lesson was appropriate for the grade level. Buttons and text were placed in consistent spots. The use of the large, green triangle on the second slide was a great way to introduce the "answer" or "go" button to this age group. The user was also given ample feedback on whether the answer was correct or incorrect; however, I thought the incorrect response slide was presented with too much text. I could easily see a student not taking the time to read/hear what is said. I was able to navigate and answer all the questions without any hang-ups. There were two areas that did NOT work for me. I was unable to get the text read to me when I pressed the speaker icon on the pages. This was the case for all the pages that gave the options of having the text read to the user. Secondly, I was not able to have the song play from slide 26. I am unsure of how to resolve these technical difficulties on the user's end.

 
With some modifications, this lesson would be a perfect addition to a math lesson on counting coins. It offers the review and practice components as well as the extension activities of the website and school store making it meaningful for the students.