Blog Post #6

I look at inquiry-based learning as a process that contains trial and error. The learner is not given much information, they are expected to develop an answer through research and experiences. In my classroom I work with special needs students, and a lot of them build on their skills through trial and error. If they are having trouble shooting the ball in the basketball hoop I will reteach the technique, but I allow them to think of where they need to aim in order to make the shot. For my learning almost everything that I have done in my FRIT courses has been through inquiry. My professors provide instructions on the product they expect, and then allows us learners to figure out the process. I have included a wordart design that exemplifies my definition of Inquiry-based learning.

Adaptive Physical Education does not have a specific curriculum, nor content standards. All teaching in this class is authentic and specialized to every learners needs. In many cases it is difficult for my students to get a deep understanding of the concepts, so I must keep things pretty basic and repetitive. It is my deep understanding of my students needs that allows me to prepare and instruct meaningful lessons. I mainly assess my students on their ability to participate and follow directions, opposed to student success in general Physical Education skills and content. I use technology for two main reasons in my class; to keep students interested, and to show demonstrations. Application of technology seems to be more intriguing for my students, opposed to them watching me demonstrate skills. Students also show interest in activities that they can participate in outside of school. Special Olympics occurs multiple times throughout the year. I also encourage students to come to summer games that occur at Emory State University. This opportunity excites all of my students, and makes them feel like a college student. It is important that I stay informed to ensure that I reach all of my students, so I occasionally communicate with other Adapted Physical Educators. In an effort to continue developing lessons that are effective and suitable for the demographic that I teach, I will apply the 8 principles described to my mini-lessons.

Blog Post #5

Setting goals and following through with ones intentions can be quite challenging at times. In my first post I stated that I wished to; gain more knowledge on gathering information from appropriate sources, and gain the skills and knowledge necessary to create websites and blog. Anytime you set goals, there is a process before you reach your product. I feel that I am progressing towards my goals, and I do not need any modifications. Curating is assisting greatly with my goal of gathering information in a timely manner. This strategy holds many of your pre-selected resources within one list, how convenient! I am also moving towards learning how to create a website and Personal learning network(PLN). Throughout different modules for my FRIT courses, I have to add different components to my websites and PLN's. I have found blogging to be quite easy. Blogging is very similar to adding threads to social media, I have unknowingly been "blogging" for at least 10 years now.
Completing any goal will generate growth for me. I have always been the type of person who enjoys a challenge, opposed to obtaining things the easy way. A person with a fixed mindset would not be able to create websites or PLN's, because these tasks often lead to challenges and sometimes failures. I have put forth much effort in blogging, reading, researching, and turning my blog into a PLN. I have hit a few problems in creating my PLN, however I continued to work diligently until my problems were solved. The effort that I put forth despite my failures leads me to knowing that I have a growth mindset. Life is a journey, and without challenges there is no way we can learn.

References:

Dweck, C. (2010). Even geniuses work hard. Educational Leadership, 68(1), 16-20.

Dweck, C. (2010). Mindset interview. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICILzbB1Obg

TEDx. (2012). The power of belief--mindset and success. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN34FNbOKXc

Letting Go

It was once traditional that educators would feed students every piece of information. Currently it is becoming a priority that educators are the facilitators in the learning environment. This means that teachers will prompt students, but the students will be responsible for acquiring knowledge.

During a webinar, Chris Lehmann and others state many important facts about inquiry learning. The biggest statement that stood out to me in the Inquiry (2013) webinar was, "Inquiry, at its root, we can seek out answers, and we can really add that time and space to play with our ideas." This statement expresses; how during inquiry, an individual is meant to search over and over again, and fail many times before they reach their conclusion. Real life does not come with a guide or handbook on how we should live, therefor it is essential that students acquire inquiry skills during school, so they can apply those skills in their adulthood. I feel that students are spoon fed information, and this cripples them, and creates a dependence upon easily receiving information.

The good thing about teaching Adaptive Physical Education is that once I teach basic skills, I can prompt my students and allow them to inform the class. Students may answer questions about different skills, tasks, or exercises. They may also tell everyone what additional steps the class can take to improve in certain skill levels. I like to include inquiry into my lessons because my students do not have me at home to demonstrate exercises or skills. Repetition is very important for my students success. Although educators may teach the same content multiple times, students can build onto that knowledge through inquiry. A great teacher will lead their students to information without giving them all of the answers. With technology being so abundant these days, students need to be taught research skills repetitively. These skills will lead students to becoming independent learners and hopefully successful adults.

References:

Lehmann, C. (2013). Inquiry: The very first step in the process of learning. Retrieved from http://educatorinnovator.org/webinars/chris-lehmann-inquiry-the-very-first-step-in-the-process-of-learning/

Wiggins, G. (2014). Great teaching means letting go. Retrieved from http://www.teachthought.com/pedagogy/great-teaching-means-letting-go/

Reflective Searching

The primary technique for gathering information has changed throughout my life. I am apart of generation Y also known as the millennials. Growing up I had a computer in my home, however my sole purpose of our desktop was entertainment. It was extremely difficult to dial-up the internet, and keep a good connection. During this time I would visit the local library if I needed to conduct any research. At the library I used encyclopedias, atlas', novels, magazines, biographies, and other informative books to complete research. Between 2001-2003(I can't remember which year), we obtained internet. This was a major breakthrough in my educational career. No longer was it a necessity to walk or hitch a ride to the library. I recall using ask jeeves and yahoo as my main search engines, oh how things have changed.

Different levels in my educational career have drove me to elevating my means to search for information. Similar to many of the students today, I would use google or other search engines for research. Once I started my undergrad program, I was introduced to Galileo. Although I find search engines to be convenient and accurate, my Galileo searches produce scholarly results. It is very important that I have ample time to conduct my research, if not I tend to choose the first source of information that I come across (very terrible). The internet has a plethora of information and myself along with others do ourselves a disservice when we don't use many sources.

With technology being so widely utilized, I believe we are all apart of the Google Generation. My school is moving to personalized learning devices next school year. With this transition students will be using technology for the main source of entertainment, communication, and education. As an educator and online student I am using my laptop, ipad, and iphone 8+ hours everyday! I can be at a family function, and still feel the need to use my cell phone to complete research, a quiz, or a discussion for school. I find myself beginning my searches using google, and then I use Galileo. It is so convenient to use google, while Galileo requires login credentials. The most obvious trait that I have in common with web searching teens is that I use google as a crutch. Although I have been introduced to more professionals databases, I am addicted to google! Google does not always give the desired results. Often when filter bubbles exist, the information presented can be biased. To avoid these filter bubbles I need to regularly clear my search history, remove my location, and limit the random sites I click on from pages.

Searching for information can be a challenge, but one of the best ways to obtain knowledge is through adventures!

References:

Abilock, D. (2012). How can students know whether the information they find online is true --- or not? Educational Leadership, 69(6), 70-74.

 GoogleVideos. (2012). Even better search results: Getting to know google search for education. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=f2jqwNxq1cM#!

Heick, T. (2014). How google impacts the way students think. TeachThought. Retrieved from http://www.teachthought.com/critical-thinking/how-google-impacts-the-way-students-think/.

Purcell, K. Lee, R. Heaps, A. Buchanan, J. Friedrich, L. Jacklin, A. Chen, C. & Zickuhr. K. (2012). How teens do research in the digital world." Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech. Retrieved from http://www.pewinternet.org/2012/11/01/how-teens-do-research-in-the-digital-world/.

Rowlands, I. Nicholas, D. Williams, P. Huntington, P. Fieldhouse, M. Gunter, B. Withey, R. Jamali, H. Dobrowolski, T. Tenopir, C. (2008). The google generation: The information behavior of the researcher of the future. Aslib, 60(4), 290-310. Doi: 10.1108/00012530810887953

Blog Post #2

There are a variety of ways that technology can be utilized. The readings and video that I viewed all express how there are different uses for technology. They show their audience that technology can be helpful for personal and professional usage. With technology being so abundant and popular, I use it for school, work, and my personal life. The readings and video also described technology as a source for an abundance of information. We have transitioned from gathering information from textbooks, to being dependent on internet sources. The school that I teach at will be launching the use of personalized devices in the school year 2017-2018. This means that the use of textbooks will decrease, and teachers will instruct mainly using ipads, tablets, and laptops.
Differences will exist when authors create readings or videos that are not prompted. One important difference is that teachers must have flexibility when delivering projects or assignments. Flexibility with how students complete their work allows them to express themselves. This is a great way for educators to exhibit differentiation in their instruction.

References:

https://bryanalexander.org/2013/12/26/my-daily-info-wrangling-routine/

https://www.literacyworldwide.org/blog/literacy-daily/2012/04/23/the-journey-from-digital-literacy-to-digital-fluency

https://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2013/03/11/creating-classrooms-we-need-8-ways-into-inquiry-learning/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWkQq5qmdmc

Blog Post #1

I would like to gain more knowledge on gathering information from appropriate sources. In the past it has taken me too much time to gather information that was suitable for research that I was conducting. I would also like to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to create websites and blog. Although I grew up using technology, I am unfamiliar with website development and blogging. Websites are a great asset to include so parents can have access to important information, and things that happen in the classroom.