joann+h

Hello, I teach 9-﻿ 10th grade English at WTHS. I've been there since 1998. Funny thing is, I graduated from WTHS in 197?. I'm married over 30 years (forever) to the same man and have 3 lovely daughters, 2 son in laws, a grandson, and 1 more in the oven.

** 5-4-3-2-1 ** ** 5 new technologies to try ** I would like to try: 1) a classroom blog, 2) wordle, 3) google docs, 4) social bookmarking, 5) introducing content using a hook-digital media

1) google docs 2) del.icio.us 3) brain research 4) multiple means to express learning
 * 4 ideas to share with others **

** 3 principles of Universal Design for Learning –p.74 ** 1) Representation-support recognition learning & how to receive information 2) Expression-support strategic learning & flexible methods of presentation 3) Engagement- affective learning & capitalizing on strengths and abilities

** 2 changes in your teaching to reach all learners in the Digital Age ** 1) vary delivery (media types) of content to reach all learners strengths 2) pre-assess my students determining how they learn best & improve weaker modes of instruction

** 1 BIG idea to implement “on Monday ** *try to link a video to del.icio.us to see if it’s blocked

The benefit of analyzing curriculum for strengths and weaknesses provides teachers the insight into the skills needed for their students to succeed. They then could utilize a learning modality inventory of their students accommodating diverse needs. The students’ ability to problem solve increases. Information availability at your fingertips diminishes the need for critical thinking and problem solving skills. The escalator video is a glaring example of our society’s dependence for seeking solutions from others. The most essential component of learning is the ability to problem solve. The solution is not a one size fits all. We should encourage multiple solutions and encourage confidence to try something out of the box. The challenge of focusing on curriculum alone stifles the joy of learning and discourages multiple solutions. If we lived in a perfect world, the curriculum covered would consist of necessary skills and talents for our students to learn, prosper, survive, and grow as viable citizens in society. As an added benefit, the curriculum would encourage students to investigate and learn about what intrigues them. I feel students only search for the “right” answers and neglect the side trips that may uncover the “something” that fuels their passion for learning.
 * Reflection 2 **

** 5-4-3-2-1 ** ** 5 new technologies to try **

I would like to try: 1) class wordle using thank you to my student teaher, 2) prezi, 3) google docs, 4) social bookmarking send to my teacher pals, 5) introducing content using a hook-digital media

1) google docs 2) del.icio.us 3) UDL site 4) wordle
 * 4 ideas to share with others **

** 3 principles of Universal Design for Learning –p.74 ** 1) Representation-support recognition learning & how to receive information 2) Expression-support strategic learning & flexible methods of presentation 3) Engagement- affective learning & capitalizing on strengths and abilities

** 2 changes in your teaching to reach all learners in the Digital Age ** 1) vary delivery (media types) of content to reach all learners strengths 2) pre-assess my students determining how they learn best & improve weaker modes of instruction

** 1 BIG idea to implement “on Monday ** *try to link a video to del.icio.us to see if it’s blocked

The article “Using Flexible Technology” offers practical methods to meet the needs of diverse learners. It stresses the need to 1st conduct a learning profile for each student noting preferences, skills, abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. Using technology assists teachers to meet all learners’ needs in a time effective manner. Idea: wiki to present 10th grade research paper on Early American Authors- *using a facebook approach, who would be friends with whom, what’s their current status, etc.
 * “Using Flexible Technology” **

**__ Reflection #3 __** // How can using a variety of materials and methods reach more of the learners within your classroom? What are the benefits of doing so? What are the challenges? //

// The brain craves novelty and using variety helps reach more learners. To engage students, using [|www.voicethread.com] (Tip #1) helps create a learning community and builds a positive class atmosphere. Our administrators must have had an in-service on //// [|www.surveymonkey.com] //// (Tip #2). It’s great to provide feedback ////. //// Students benefit and gain communication skills in a collaborative environment by using [|www.google.com/educators/tools.html] (Tip #7). The challenges involve technical glitches. For instance, today (11/22) after all weekend in class and a very exciting Eagles’ game, my Grade 10 Honors classes were in the IMC. The wireless laptops were being difficult. We had problems logging on, saving to the student drive, losing the wireless connection, and printing. Usually, I remain calm and know to expect delays; however, today I was not at optimal level (sleep depravation). Tomorrow will be better. I believe the benefits outweigh the challenges. //

**5-4-3-2-1** ** 5 new technologies to try ** I would like to try: 1) Tic Tac Toe website, 2) visuwords, 3) preezo, 4) newsmap, 5) audio clips **4 ideas to share with others**  1) preezo 2) Tic Tac Toe website 3) toys R us for children with disabilities
 * Saturday 54321**

**3 principles of Universal Design for Learning –p.74** 1) Representation-support recognition learning & how to receive information 2) Expression-support strategic learning & flexible methods of presentation 3) Engagement- affective learning & capitalizing on strengths and abilities

**2 changes in your teaching to reach all learners in the Digital Age** 1) vary delivery (media types) of content to reach all learners strengths 2) pre-assess my students determining how they learn best & improve weaker modes of instruction

**1 BIG idea to implement “on Monday”** Read over my articles for using Wikis & modify a project for digital storybook BUT offer the choice of completing an traditional book.

Traditional Research Paper: MLA format Process: Each student chooses an author from the approved list to create a research paper using MLA format. * I had the students pick a number. I also included 2 “steal an author cards.” Number 1 could choose anyone from the list. If someone selected a “steal an author card,” they chose last and could steal anyone. **competitive but fun! Outline for paper: *author bio *selected work, summary, theme, genre *historical period from work or author’s lifetime *connect selected work: to either historical event OR author’s life Present Author Research- traditional method using visual aid and notecards *takes too long UDL Alternate Formats-allows student choice Create a Children’s Storybook Use biographical information and history of the time: 1) Art of Digital Storytelling    []     Seven Steps to Create a DigiTales Story     [|**http://www.digitales.us/resources/seven_steps.php#**]    This is a general overview for crafting your story into a 3-5 minute digital movie. The process of making a digital story can be organized into four separate phases. Anyone who has learned the stages of writing will feel comfortable with working in these progressive and sometimes overlapping phases. May the seven steps outlined within the phases help guide you in translating your imagination and talents into a story you will be proud to tell. After all the guidelines, steps and rules-of-thumb, the most important element of a successful digital story is to have fun! Click on each of the seven steps for more information.
 * ** Culminating Activity 2 ** **

Click on individual steps for more information. ||

2) Photo Story 3   Download   []   Templates   []   Free Sound Effects   []   3) To reach all learners: The student could choose to create a traditional wholly or partially hand-made version. They would have to type the story text. However, they could use drawings, clipart, etc. Creative-Accurate-Neat