Applying+the+Tools

About five years ago, I was lucky enough to come into contact with Tony Winger and Julie Carlson as they posed the question are the learners in LPS learning what we want them to learn and do their grades honestly reflect what they have learned. At first, I was a bit offended that someone was questioning my teaching and the learning that I was expecting my students to do. However, when I allowed myself to slip into a more reflective place, I was stunned to see that sometimes the grades my students earned were in fact reflecting their ability to conform, follow directions and memorize instead of their true learning of the material. Needless to say, a transformation occurred in my teaching, the way I expected students to demonstrate their learning, and my grading. In each case, the focus became application. Did the students understand the information well enough that they could apply it to a different situation? How appropriate then, in my way of thinking, that one of the reflection pieces for the Learning 2.0 class is about application.

I have had to struggle with some aspects of this class. Like my students, I have felt the frustration of not having a clue. I have throw caution to the wind, made horrible mistakes, and figured out how to correct them. I have needed assistance from Dana and Randy, but I am proud that for the most part, I have completed the tasks via my own hard work.

I tried to create projects for the class that utilized the tools, but also projects that could be transferred directly over to my teaching. While this lead to some frustration, I think it will also allow me to begin using the tools right away. I can’t wait to use the Survey Monkey survey on the effectiveness of Shihuangdi. When the adaptation project rolls around next year, I have a video example to show the kids that highlights an outstanding student generated project. If my class is participating in a discussion or activity that I know will enhance the learning but can never be replicated, I will not hesitate to UStream it for any absent students.

Because of all of this, the next step for me is simply to use the tools. Nothing is holding me back except my ability to keep the tools in the forefront of my planning and forcing myself to find the time to create the products that use the tools. Neither of these obstacles is so large that I see it as a threat to my continuing growth in this area. In order to remind myself, I have attached a post-it to my computer monitor and my old-fashioned planbook. Both post-its say “technology?” I am not worried…I know that I can do it…and I will!