EEND 678 Artifact #2

This assignment is by far the one that I will remember most from this class.  Learning about problem based learning was really eye opening for me.  I had heard about it once or twice before this class but I never understood it.  During this module there were several resources that stood out and really clicked with me.  One was a video showing examples of teachers and students using project based learning.  When I first began to think about what a PBL unit would like in a PE setting, I had a hard time coming up with ideas.  But the more I thought, the more ideas came to mind.  I had to tell myself that a PBL unit in PE doesn't have to look like what a PBL unit looks like in the classroom.  In the end, I decided to write up a plan for 5th graders to create a new Field Day for our school.  I am really excited with the way it turned out and can't wait to try it out next year with the students.  This is one of those ideas that takes some courage to try at first but I think after trying it, it will be well worth it for the students. 

EEND 678 Artifact #1

    During this class, one of our assignments was to contribute to a class chart with 3 different tech tools that we use and explain where they would be on the SAMR model.  I enjoyed this process because it helped me reflect on the current tools that I use the most.  I also enjoyed this assignment because I was able to see a ton of different tools that other people use and read a short explanation of why they use them.  I find it extremely beneficial to talk with other teachers who are in the trenches using these tools with their students and finding new ways to enhance learning.  I can see this type of assignment being used in other disciplines as well where students are asked to find 3 things and then add to a class chart or site.  I will revisit this assignment again and again to reflect back on all of the different tech tools that were shared.

EEND 678Y Reflection

     As I reflect back on this class, I can think of a few things that really stuck out to me.  During the first week's module, I really enjoyed the class discussion about technology integration.  There were so many great examples of how teachers are integrating technology into their classrooms in so many different ways.  Our discussion focus was about the ISTE standards and so many people had such great responses to the questions posed.  As a non-classroom teacher, it is fun to hear how classroom teachers are using technology to be more efficient, bring life to their lessons, and make learning fun for kids when it may traditionally not be for some students.
     My biggest takeaway from this class was learning about Project Based Learning.  The resources during those two weeks were extremely interesting to me with all of the different articles and videos of teachers, schools, and districts who are implementing Project Based Learning.  I was always skeptical to the idea of it but after I read about it and watched some videos on the topic, it really does make a lot of sense.  The part I like most is how it relates so well to the real world.  Putting students in these types of situations at a young age and teach them how to problem solve with others will only benefit them in their future endeavors.  When I got to the assignment for this module, I was a little worried about what I would do for a PBL topic in my class.  The most common task for a PBL unit is to develop an individual fitness plan.  However, this would make the most sense in a high school setting and I teach at the elementary level.  I thought a lot about different topics and finally decided to focus on our field day and explore new ways to organize it.  Unfortunately I can't fit this unit in to this current school year but I am really excited to try it next year with my 5th grade students.  I love the idea of giving students a problem to solve and have them work together to come up with a solution but when I think about the potential of students revising our field day and then be able to implement their ideas at our school, I think it could really be something special for them. 
     The other big takeaway that stands out to me is during week 7 and learning about managing digital workflow.  This is a topic that I have not ever paid much attention to because as a PE teacher, we rarely use our chromebook devices.  After reading through the resources, I was blown away at how many great ideas and tips people have.  There are so many great people that are sharing their ideas through articles, Pinterest, blogs, etc.  And in addition to that, other people in our class had many great ideas of how they manage their classroom's devices.
     Overall, I really enjoyed this class and have saved a bunch of resources and tech tools that I can see myself trying out in my own classroom.