W506 Modules 16- 18
Module 16
Evaluating Digital Tools
This was a tough assignment for me. I really didn't know what types of questions to ask or what questions I should ask. I talked to our technology department and they told me we don't have any type of evaluation tool. Decisions are made by committee. Basically if someone likes or finds something they want to try, they try it normally with a couple of people. If they like it, the corporation decides if they want to buy it or if they can afford to but it. The good thing about not having a policy or evaluation tool is we are free to try new things. This gives teachers more freedom to try a lot of new tools without the burden of getting them approved. I think sometimes we try to have to many checks and balances and not let teachers make decisions on what is best for students. I understand we need to consider a few things when we decide to use a product, but I think we should be able to trust that teachers know what will work best for their classroom and students.
Module 17
Symbaloo- Technology Toolbox
Two New Tools Found
1) gmath- this is an add on to Goolge Forms, Docs, Sheets, etc. It allows you to insert math tools and symbols easily.
2) Screencastify- allows you to record your screen and audio to create how to videos, tutorials, and record presentations.
This symbaloo will be a great resource to my classroom. I will be able to easily find resources I have already found and bookmarked. I will not have to continue to research for the same programs over and over again.
1) gmath- this is an add on to Goolge Forms, Docs, Sheets, etc. It allows you to insert math tools and symbols easily.
2) Screencastify- allows you to record your screen and audio to create how to videos, tutorials, and record presentations.
This symbaloo will be a great resource to my classroom. I will be able to easily find resources I have already found and bookmarked. I will not have to continue to research for the same programs over and over again.
Module 18
SAMR Lesson
I really like the idea of the SAMR Model. I think it is like anything else, you have to take baby steps when starting. It is important to understand that not every task will be redefinition. By thinking about where your lessons fall on SAMR and trying to elevate them one level is a good start. Eventually, it will become more natural and you will reach modification and redefinition more times than not.
I think this is also a good conversation to have with your colleges. It is a lot easier to try new things and bounce new ideas off of other people. This will help with the work load of creating new things. I am going to talk to my principal about giving out this information at a staff meeting. We are a 1 to 1 laptop school, so this diffinitely a conversation and idea we need to talk about and embrace. The SAMR model helps teachers become intentional about planning lessons using technology.
I think this is also a good conversation to have with your colleges. It is a lot easier to try new things and bounce new ideas off of other people. This will help with the work load of creating new things. I am going to talk to my principal about giving out this information at a staff meeting. We are a 1 to 1 laptop school, so this diffinitely a conversation and idea we need to talk about and embrace. The SAMR model helps teachers become intentional about planning lessons using technology.