Technology
Enhanced Learning Blog (e-learning, m-learning, blogging, social
media and the stuff in between/David Hopkins)
Mr. Hopkins uses the term “learning technologist” to describe himself—click on his expanded bio for what this means. He works along side students, educators and administrators to “understand the uses of technology in Higher Education”. I admire how he did not let his accomplishments (a degree in Geology) hinder him from remaking himself into a web designer and internet consultant. I am on this same path--plug in chemistry degree for geology degree. Instantly, I feel a connection with Mr. Hopkins.
He avoids the hype that often attaches itself to anything computer-based (“e-learning, e-portfolio, email”) He says he just finds out about things he does not already know, works hard to understand it, and shares his understanding (and application) with others. Great job of understatement, David.
His unassuming manner allows me to let down my guard; he does not intimidate like someone flaunting his knowledge. I mean, even his URL is a promise that he won't waste my time. I am tempted to brew a couple of invigorating cups of herbal tea as I invite him into my virtual study for a chat.
So what is on this blog that you might find helpful? (Have you ever eaten a box of chocolates, Forrest?) Hmm... how about Foursquare: getting your students to go outside.
Mr. Hopkins uses the term “learning technologist” to describe himself—click on his expanded bio for what this means. He works along side students, educators and administrators to “understand the uses of technology in Higher Education”. I admire how he did not let his accomplishments (a degree in Geology) hinder him from remaking himself into a web designer and internet consultant. I am on this same path--plug in chemistry degree for geology degree. Instantly, I feel a connection with Mr. Hopkins.
He avoids the hype that often attaches itself to anything computer-based (“e-learning, e-portfolio, email”) He says he just finds out about things he does not already know, works hard to understand it, and shares his understanding (and application) with others. Great job of understatement, David.
His unassuming manner allows me to let down my guard; he does not intimidate like someone flaunting his knowledge. I mean, even his URL is a promise that he won't waste my time. I am tempted to brew a couple of invigorating cups of herbal tea as I invite him into my virtual study for a chat.
So what is on this blog that you might find helpful? (Have you ever eaten a box of chocolates, Forrest?) Hmm... how about Foursquare: getting your students to go outside.
“Foursquare
uses the geo-locator technology built into smartphones to turn
exploring physical places — like, say, a college campus and the
surrounding town — into a virtual game by encouraging users to
‘check in’ virtually at places they visit in real life. They can
leave virtual notes, or ‘tips’, about a place for future
visitors.”
This
social network bonbon gets my biology students outdoors exploring a
neighboring hospital, or science department comrades reviewing their
favorite collaborative hangout. There is so much more to enjoy! Visit
and stay a while.
Cool Links for the 21st Century is a fun and exciting toolbox of technology that I instantly recognized as a treasure. I enjoyed learning about Fluberoo (a web based self-grading quiz using Google docs) and Class Badges (an online merit badge to help teachers monitor individual student) performance. Susan Oxnevad points out,
“I really like Class Badges because the badges serve as a useful reminder for teachers to work with students on an individual level to set goals and assess progress. If used appropriately, they can improve students' self-esteem as they work towards attainable goals. I believe this tool can help teachers get a little closer to a 1-1 learning environment.”
There is a segment dealing with Common Core Connections: Unpacking Academic Vocabulary that could not have come at a better time for me. I am currently assigned to teach science for a school whose teacher is on medical leave. Ms. Oxnevad includes a short, but effective video along with a reasonable volume of text to help teachers improve their treatment of rigorous vocabulary. I will be able to apply this pedagogic strategy as early as next week.
Research shows that a person's emotional state can have a deleterious effect on learning. “It may seem like common sense that classrooms should be welcoming, non-stressful environments, but different students have different triggers for negative emotional states, making it key for educators to watch for signs that indicate this in students”. This came as an embedded link from the The BrainScape Blog, The article was called “The 10 biggest breakthroughs in the science of learning”. Research reveals that our limbic system (responsible for the brain's emotional responses) is a timid doorkeeper that opens up or shuts down memory, in reaction to fear or anxiety. If these or other “negative” emotions crowd this doorkeeper, the system stymies the brain by preventing neural connections, thus blocking higher brain function. Overall, Dr. Vail's treatment of how the brain functions is clear and easy to grasp.
Cool Links for the 21st Century is a fun and exciting toolbox of technology that I instantly recognized as a treasure. I enjoyed learning about Fluberoo (a web based self-grading quiz using Google docs) and Class Badges (an online merit badge to help teachers monitor individual student) performance. Susan Oxnevad points out,
“I really like Class Badges because the badges serve as a useful reminder for teachers to work with students on an individual level to set goals and assess progress. If used appropriately, they can improve students' self-esteem as they work towards attainable goals. I believe this tool can help teachers get a little closer to a 1-1 learning environment.”
There is a segment dealing with Common Core Connections: Unpacking Academic Vocabulary that could not have come at a better time for me. I am currently assigned to teach science for a school whose teacher is on medical leave. Ms. Oxnevad includes a short, but effective video along with a reasonable volume of text to help teachers improve their treatment of rigorous vocabulary. I will be able to apply this pedagogic strategy as early as next week.
Research shows that a person's emotional state can have a deleterious effect on learning. “It may seem like common sense that classrooms should be welcoming, non-stressful environments, but different students have different triggers for negative emotional states, making it key for educators to watch for signs that indicate this in students”. This came as an embedded link from the The BrainScape Blog, The article was called “The 10 biggest breakthroughs in the science of learning”. Research reveals that our limbic system (responsible for the brain's emotional responses) is a timid doorkeeper that opens up or shuts down memory, in reaction to fear or anxiety. If these or other “negative” emotions crowd this doorkeeper, the system stymies the brain by preventing neural connections, thus blocking higher brain function. Overall, Dr. Vail's treatment of how the brain functions is clear and easy to grasp.
