The transformation that has taken place for me this semester has been amazing. The technology tools that I have tried with my students would have never taken place without the push I received from this class. I have come to realize that student in first grade are able to do much more in regards to technology than I previously gave them credit for.
I have really enjoyed the opportunity to be exposed to theories of practice from different points of view. I think that my practice has not only changed because of the technology tools I have been introduced to, but also because of the words of people like John Hattie, Ruth Clark, and Bobbe Baggio. They have helped to redefine my teaching. John Hattie helps to remind us of our impact on student learning. Student performance is dependent on our use of effective strategies and behaviors. Certain strategies that we use are more effective than others. Ruth Clark gives us a more business oriented model of learning that instructs us on how to teach facts, concepts, processes, procedures and principals in ways that are effective and efficient. The sensemaking journey I have been on has been challenging. It caused me to completely redesign my thinking for my capstone. I think that the combination between all the dense reading we have done this semester about learning theory and the plethora of new tools we have been exposed to has caused a perfect storm to take place in my brain. I hope that the wave I am riding doesn't fizzle out. So many times I leave trainings where there is inspirational information is given and innovative learning is the main focus. I leave feeling hopeful and energized. Shortly after I revert back to what is comfortable. I don't want that to happen. I hope to keep changing my practice for the better.
3 Comments
Jennifer Perkins
5/5/2019 04:53:01 pm
Hi Caitlin, I loved reading about the powerful impact that technology and sense-making has made with your students! I particularly liked what you wrote about John Hattie reminding us that student performance is dependent on our use of effective strategies and behaviors. Your capstone sounds like it is filled with engaging and motivating skills and concepts for your students!
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Catalina Goldstein
5/5/2019 05:33:02 pm
I feel what you said on so many levels. A lot of people think young students cannot handle technology. But I've seen toddlers in restaurants tapping tablet screens, so first graders can totally handle a laptop! Good for you! I think this program has been a huge wake-up call to always stay uncomfortable in our classrooms. We have to keep pushing and stay motivated. We're going to need more coffee!
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JP
5/7/2019 07:38:24 pm
I tool was considering changing the focus of my capstone, but I think I have found a way to combine my new found love of Spark and my driving question around feedback! I am definitely on the same page in regards to how the concepts we learned in this class - definitely changed how I view my students as learners and what I can do to bridge that learning gap with them.
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