Digital Blog Post #I

The first concept that I chose to reflect on is Teaching Goals, Methods, and Procedures (How to Teach). This concept talks about what each term means and how they are used in educating students (Maloy, 2013). Goals are the reasons why a lesson is being taught (Maloy, 2013). Methods are the instructional strategies teachers use to teach academic material to students which can include a small or large group, discussions, lectures, role-plays, etc. (Maloy, 2013). Procedures are the scheduling and grouping of students by teachers during a lesson and the decision of how much time to spend on each activity (Maloy, 2013). I believe it is so important for teachers to combine goals, methods, and procedures throughout their lesson planning/teaching. Knowing the difference between each one and incorporating them through technology will motivate student progress.

Teaching Goals, Methods, and Procedures - Created with Haiku Deck, presentation software that inspires

The second concept that I chose to reflect on is Using Electronic Grading Software. Electronic grading software is a virtual recordkeeping system allowing teachers to quickly calculate and record student grades/performance on the computer (Maloy, 2013). With this software, teachers can input the students graded homework, quizzes, or test and receive an exact grade within seconds. I remember when this software was becoming popular while I was still in high school. I thought it was so convenient because it allowed students to see their grades right, instead of waiting for a monthly progress report. This software also gives parents a chance to stay on top of a child’s performance.   

The third concept that I chose to reflect on is Student Performance Rubrics.  Teachers use student performance rubrics to evaluate student work on course assignments and activities (Maloy, 2013). 

Rubrics establish known-in-advance criteria to assess student performance, describe in concrete terms what students need to do to meet those criteria, and allow students and teachers to discuss areas in which the best work has been done or improvement is needed (Maloy, 2013). I believe rubrics are so beneficial in student performance on a certain assignment. I noticed in myself best work on an assignment is done when given a rubric because they provide me with very clear instruction about what is expected from me to succeed. It is so important that as educators, we have a clear framework and know exactly what we want the students to accomplish.

Resources:

Maloy, R., O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2013). Transforming Learning with New

Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.

Digital Blog Post #H

The first concept that I chose to write on is Multimodal Learning. Multimodal learning "happens when teachers combine spoken words with visuals or written text with audio or utilize simulations and models" (Maloy, 2013). I believe this concept targets different learning styles. For instance, if a student is more of a visual or audio learner, multimodal learning targets more than one learning style at a time. This allows teachers to give their students a great advantage to learn effectively through more than one teaching/learning style.

 The second concept that I chose to reflect on is PowerPoint in the classroom. PowerPoint is a software program designed to create presentations. It is very commonly used in schools by both teachers and students. There is so much creativity that can come from using PowerPoint beginning with text, data, imaging, colorful graphics, videos, and other attention grabbing techniques (Maloy, 2013). There are many advantages and disadvantages when using PowerPoint.  I believe that PowerPoint is a fun and exciting way for students to get creative with different assignments and group projects.

The third concept that I chose to reflect on is Video in the Classroom. Videos are oftentimes used for classroom instruction while redirecting the method of instruction from teacher to screen for part of the class time (Maloy, 2013). I believe videos are great for student learning because they tend to interest students, provide resources as well as offer a fun learning experience for all ages. I remember when I was in school, I would always look forward to when the teachers turned on educational videos for the class. We were interested in the subjects/topics for longer periods of time which was beneficial.

In conclusion, technology plays a big role in how our students learn today. As future educators, we should know the importance of integrating the use of multimedia technologies in our classrooms. It will greatly help the students learn in different and interesting ways. We want students to learn effectively while using the new technologies this world has to offer.

Resources:

Kobenko, K (2017, March 1). PowerPoint Advantages and Disadvantages. Created with Piktochart https://magic.piktochart.com/dashboard

Maloy, R., O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2013). Transforming Learning with New

Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.