Blog Activity #2

I decided to select presentation software, classroom response systems (“clickers”) and games as my teacher resources that can be used to support the teaching and learning process.

Presentation software is used to create a sequence of text and graphics, with audio, video or images to support a presentation. The reason I selected presentation software as one of my resources is because I believe it could be a very useful tool in the classroom. A good example of a presentation software is a PowerPoint. In a PowerPoint you can do a lot of different things like add animations, shapes, tables, images, change the font, the color and more. It’s creating your own presentation in which you can add or use whatever information you believe it’s best and more helpful for your students. Presentation software can help increase visual impact on students, proving audience focus and increasing spontaneity and interactivity (Smith, 2016).

Another resource I want to integrate into my classroom is a classroom response system. This consist of individual remotes that students use to respond to multiple questions. “Clickers” can facilitate peer learning and class discussion, help students recognize gaps in their own learning and increase student engagement and classroom interaction (Cornell University, 2016). Another advantage is that since the responses are instantly evaluated teachers have a better idea of how good or bad the students are doing. And It could help the teacher know what questions are causing trouble to the students and why.

My last resource is games; I think integrating games to a classroom is a great idea, it makes learning fun and easier. Games have been used by teachers as a learning resource for years; I remember playing Bingo, Jeopardy and other games to learn about geography, math, and science. Teachers can adapt a variety of games for academic purposes (Marzano, 2010). The recommendation for this type of resource are to always have a well-organized game and also the results of a game should never be reflected in student grades. I can integrate all these resources in class lessons, lectures and assignments, like I have explained all these resources could be great tools to support the teaching and learning process.

 

References

Cornell University. (2016, December 09). Classroom Response Systems. Retrieved February 18, 2017.

https://www.cte.cornell.edu/teaching-ideas/teaching-with-technology/classroom-response-systems.html

 

Marzano, R. J. (2010, February). The Art and Science of Teaching / Using Games to Enhance Student Achievement. Retrieved February 18, 2017

http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/feb10/vol67/num05/Using-Games-to-Enhance-Student-Achievement.aspx

 

Smith, K. L. (2016). Effective Use of PowerPoint. Retrieved February 18, 2017

http://www.fctl.ucf.edu/teachingandlearningresources/technology/powerpoint/index.php

Blog Activity #1

I choose the template “Daily Lesson Planner”. I plan on teaching 7-12^th grade students and I considered being organized as very important factor for teachers. A Proper classroom planning will keep teachers and students well organized and on track.  A good lesson planner can help students reach objectives more easily, the better prepared the teacher is, the better she can teach. A lesson planning could provide a positive feedback for teachers and students, it can help the teacher be more confident when delivering the lesson. Using learning objectives, quality questions, supplies and activities can improve students learning.

I modified this template by using it for a middle school Spanish classroom. I also modified it by erasing the space where it has “Grade and Overview” and the chart instead of having Objectives, Information, Verification, Activity, and Summary I changed to Objectives, Overview, Activity, and Evaluation. At the end of the page there’s space for extra notes.

This template can be very useful in my classroom, I believe having clear the objectives and the information you’re going to provide to the students is a fundamental key for good teaching also a good evaluation on the activity could help me improve as a teacher and help my students.