Journal #4

Focus Question: How can teachers evaluate and assess students' learning?

They can evaluate and assess student's learning with tests, quizzes, individual activities, and rubrics. Technology makes it so much easier and provides teachers so many other resources for evaluating. Different teachers prefer different ways, but some ways are mandatory such as standardized testing But there are different ways that teachers can teach in order to prepare the students. In my opinion, one of the best ways that teachers can assess student learning is through performance assessment, which would be a project or presentation. Technology helps teachers find new ways to make it easier. There are many different websites where teachers can go and find rubrics. Technology also helps the students. Some examples are PowerPoint and digital portfolios. Teachers can ask the students to make a PowerPoint presentation on a certain topic and through the presentation the teacher can assess the student's knowledge of that topic. 

Tech Tool: http://rubistar4teachers.org 

This website is a great resource for teachers. It provides rubrics for teachers that they can change up and personalize it to whatever they need. I think it is really helpful to teachers because it is really easy to navigate through the website and teachers can make any type of rubric that they might need. 

This chapter was about the different ways that teachers and students can use technology. Teachers can use it to assess and evaluate students and it keeps students motivated. I think that is very important because school needs to be interesting and "modern" in order for kids to be interested in what they're doing. 

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2011). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc. ISBN:10 0-13-159611-X, ISBN:13 978-0-13-159611-5    

Common Core

The common core state standards is a benchmark that students should reach each grade level. It helps the teacher know where the students should be at academically at the end of the year. The common core state standards is put together by teachers, parents, and community leaders, "Developed by education experts from 45 states"- What is Common Core

Common core standards are effective because "High standards that are consistent across states provide teachers, parents, and students with a set of clear expectations that are aligned to the expectations in college and careers. The standards promote equity by ensuring all students, no matter where they live, are well prepared with the skills and knowledge necessary to collaborate and compete with their peers in the United States and abroad" This was an article by: http://www.corestandards.org/resources/frequently-asked-questions

I think the Common Core State Standards are one hundred percent effective. I believe you need a benchmark and goals for the students to reach. Without goals, there is nothing to achieve. "Standards advocates argue that common standards are necessary for keeping the nation competitive in a global economy"- William J Mathis

K-12 Technology benefits

I don't necessarily agree or disagree with technology based classrooms. There are definitely pros and cons to technology. I disagree with basing the whole class on technology because I feel like it'll make the students rely on technology way too much. As a teacher I would explain to parents of a k-12 student about technology along these lines. Let's say for instance in a 3rd grade math class learning division, if it's on the computer, I'm sure with the experience they've had in the past they know how to use the calculator. What is using the calculator going to teach them? To type in numbers? For that situation it's better to learn on paper with a pencil. But like I said there are always pros. For instance a physical education class; I witnessed a P.E teacher pull up a 3D diagram on the projector on the human body and all the muscles, showing what workouts work which muscles. I thought that would be a lot easier to learn than seeing a diagram in a text book.

Journal Post #1: David

Journal #1:

In David Warlick's blog he spoke about "There is less reliance on textbooks and authority, and more reliance on the work of learning" I see that in classrooms that I have attended over the years. I was in the era where computers were prevalent through my years of school. I agree with Warlick because I learn better on computers than textbooks. I have always resorted to the internet than the actual textbook for research. 

Another point that he made is There is a natural convergence between the rich information skills of literacy and numeracy, and the information and data that define the content areas. I agree with this point because you see how all three are connected. In my experience of education, teachers often use math and English interchangeably. For example teachers use my labsplus for short answer question and multiple choice as well as using as a technology math tool.

The last point that stood out to me,  "Teachers teach from new learning, as master learners" I also agree with because I feel like as a future teacher I will do this. I will constantly be learning everyday and adapting teaching ways to fit the needs of my classroom. 

In conclusion, I have found this reading to be eye opening and fascinating. Schools all over the world are using new technologies to enhance education. I agree with the use of technology because it can be a helpful tool used to assist educational needs. When I become a teacher I would like to use all types of technology in my classroom.

Sample Post

Listen up people. BEWARE! Maria is a big bully!!!