Webster's Dictionary defines objective as being something that is based on fact rather than being influenced by emotion. Tradition has dictated that test are the only means to objectively measure a student's competences. However, history has proven that tests can be subjective as well because they can be embedded with biases. While the intent may be to objectively measures a students aptitude or mastery of skills/content, the author if the test have their own biases culturally and academically that may skew the data.

Recent trends in education, support the use of authentic assessments that are measured by a set of criterion. Rubrics are an excellent way to measure a students mastery and offers a wider range of assessment possibilities such as web portfolios, presentations, and products. Creating a set of criterion allows the student to prepare for exactly what and how their work will be measured. Using scales provide the evaluators of the assessment the opportunity to objectively critique and analyzed a students performance/ mastery without bias or subjectivity because the grades are justified based on evidence.

While I would never advocate at the elimination of test as a means of assessment, I cannot support the premise that hold that test are the only means to objective assess my students. Through the use of CFU activities, surveys, and rubrics I can expand my ability to assess students and provide more real world opportunities for my students.

Hello Fellow Educators. Is your classroom technology infused? Click on the link and take the quiz. http://quizlet.com/24699478/10-principles-of-the-learner-active-technology-infused-classroom-flash-cards/

A technology-infused classroom is where the focus of learning is centered on the student. The classroom environment fosters collaboration among peers and increases the level of student engagement. The use of technology does not replace learning, but is simply a tool to increase or enhance the learning that takes place in the classroom. It is misnomer to think that proven methods are to be discarded. Strategies that have worked in the past are still to be used, but the teacher modernizes the application of the methods with the use of software programs or other hardware at their disposal. For example, instead of students physically going to locations to complete a budget assignment for Econ Class students they can complete a budget web quest and virtually shop and explore grocery stores, cars, banks, and apartments. Technology-infused classroom provide opportunities for students to make connections to what they are learning in the classroom to what they experience or will experience in the real-world.

The millennium student’s world is a global one and in order to get students to "click-in" and not tune out, I must continue to push myself to enhance my lessons with the proper application of digital media and technology. While the Smart board provides opportunities for presentations to be enhanced with digital media. I must also provide more opportunities for students to determine how they want to present the finish product in my class. My students actually are more technology-savvy than I am and if I allow them to take what they learn and then apply it in the method of their choice I give permission for students to take ownership of what they are learning. Students will also dig deeper because they are doing something that interest them, thus I am getting my students Instead of just writing a script or lyrics to a song they could create a You Tube video or record it using software. Perhaps I could connect with a classroom in my district and through collaboration allow students to discuss the assigned topics on a bi-weekly basis through video conferencing. I am generation X teacher still learning how to make learning relevant for the millennial generation, but I am enjoying the ride.

 

 

For the past several years, I have used this political cartoon at the beginning of the new year or semester.  It was used to a facilitate a discussion about student's taking ownership of their learning.  I stressed to students the necessity of them playing their role in the educational process.  However, after reading and learning more about informational literacy and the importance of visual literacy I have a different perspective on the cartoon.  Perhaps the cartoonist point was that education is not merely a teacher in the front of the classroom with students eagerly waiting to hear what he or she has to say.  Maybe its that students in the 21st century are more technological savy and need to understand how to turn learning on.
   Students are explorers and they come to class with a plethora of questions and perceptions and yes even misconceptions.  Students in today's classroom expect teachers to guide them in their journey of learning, to be their partner in discovery.  The Internet and web 2.0 tools aides in that learning process.  From the crib visuals have been a part pf the discovery process.  Throughout the years parents have used mobile to stir a child imagination, picture books, flash cards with bright and bold colors to help learning be more concrete for students.  While the methods for using and creating visuals has changed, the core reasons for using them have not.  Visual help students "chunk" information, comprehend it, explain it to others, and provide a context to their learning experiences.  Visuals just like the Internet aide in the sharing of information from peer to peer or teacher to student.
  I want to utilize Animoto in my classroom. Students are more engaged with the use of visuals and music and Animoto would require student to gather information, think creatively, collaborate, and extend their understanding of the content.  The Internet will continue to be a resource of information, communication, and networking in my classroom.  

   

Instruction can be described as creating, structuring, and implementation of strategies that tap into the intrinsic motivation of human desire to learn (Smaldino, Lowther, & Russell, 2012). Today's classroom is increasingly made up of diverse learners from diverse backgrounds.  Research would argue that the 21st century learners enters the classroom with a more autonomous view of the educational process.  Rather simply being viewed as a sponge that soaks up whatever the teacher is saying, they want to take ownership of their learning and desire to filter the content based on their own learning experiences (Smaldino, Lowther, & Russell, 2012).
            With that being said, I believe it is essential for teachers to vary their instructional strategies and approaches to the learning process.  It is not enough to rely on lectures and guided reading activities.  Students must be given the opportunity to understand how they think.  Teacher s must develop lessons that allow students to interact with the material, engage with other learners, and use technology to increase their understanding of the content.  The Smartboard has to be more than a glorified projector.  Power points should be embedded with digital media such as videos, podcast, and podcast.
            Many textbooks are now online which allows students to interact with the text by keeping journals, taking online quizzes, and completing tutorials. While technology cannot replace good teaching it can enhance it.  Perhaps a teacher could take a traditional scavenger hunt and use QRS instead.  Students could scan the QRS to find the clues whether they be questions, images such as maps, or further directions. The possibilities are endless and teachers must prepare student to think outside of the box so that they be prepared for a global tomorrow.