The trends
outlined in the New Media Consortium Horizon Report signify the direction of technology
in the classroom. My experience with
these six trends varies, depending on the opportunities my school district and
education have provided me. My only true
experience with online or hybrid learning is taking this technology class. The
second trend is not simply for the classroom, but for anyone using
technology. Due to the abundance of
online resources educators must assist students in determining credible sources
and material, and what to avoid. It is a
new dimension for preparing students for the real-world, or current world. Irving ISD currently has a Bring Your Own
Device (BYOD) policy established, but I do not notice it as much because we are
already a 1-to-1 district. The fourth
trend, students learning whenever and wherever, has caused some of the teachers
in my school to create a “flipped” classroom.
Students watch videos over the lesson and spend class time elaborating
and collaborating about the material.
The fifth trend, technology intelligence, is a constant objective in
Irving ISD because we try to prepare our students for a world with technology
by teaching simple professional skills such as proper emailing protocol. And finally, the sixth trend focuses on
providing more challenge-based and active learning in the classroom. I realize that connecting lessons to the
real-world is critical for student learning, but I find it difficult in the
math classroom while trying to stay on track with the curriculum.
One trend that is affecting my
teaching and learning the greatest right now is the online/hybrid classroom
because of my participation in this class.
Every week an assignment is due and about every five weeks there is a
class meeting to summarize the past and explain the future projects. I have really enjoyed this experience. I particularly like the fact that the class
still meets and is not 100% online. I
wonder how effective this would be in a high school setting because it takes dedication
and self-motivation to complete assignments when not in the classroom. Most the high school students that I teach
not do possess these qualities yet. The
fifth trend also has a large impact upon my teaching and learning. The Horizon report discussed the importance
of technology and its impact upon our success.
This is a message that all the teachers at our school struggle to
convey. We emphasize the importance of professional
communication through email but, I constantly receive emails without a heading
or closing, that lack courtesy and proper introductions. This is worrisome because students do not
realize how critical these skills are to opening opportunities and making the
right impression.
One
challenge that is a constant battle in the classroom is the need to personalize
and differential instruction. This is
particularly relevant in my classroom this year because I am implementing an
online Algebra 1 course called APEX.
Students are in my classroom everyday using this online program, but
this course is completed at their own pace.
It differentiates their strengths and weaknesses at the beginning of the
program when the students take a diagnostic test. Students can simply take quizzes and continue
until they pass, or they can complete the study guide to gain more information
in weaker areas. I am constantly there
to keep on task and answer questions.
These students all failed Algebra 1 last year, so they all require some
sort of differentiation. Whether it is
having to constantly monitor to keep on task, or individual tutoring; APEX
provides an opportunity for students to earn credit for Algebra 1 in a more
personalized fashion. Another challenge
is the lack of real-world connections in the classroom. This proves difficult when a specific
curriculum must be followed and completed and a certain schedule must me
maintained. Many times real-world
connections involve projects and tangents that consume more time.
