EED 509- Module 1 Assignment

Part 1: Essential Question

"What is 21st Century Teaching and Learning?"

21st Century Teaching and Learning is a vital part of today's classroom 21st Century Teaching and Learning is the basis for all educators and students today. Page 4 of the text discusses that a large part of 21st Century Teaching and Learning are Digital Technologies and Access to Information. Students are fortunate to have access to technology that makes all information easily accessible to them. Because technology is such a big part of the world today, utilizing technology in the classroom will not only allow them to learn while in the classroom, but will also prepare the students for life outside of the classroom. 21st Century Teaching and Learning allows teachers to better engage their students by presenting information in a variety of ways. Presenting information through the use of technology allows students to feel like they have a greater role in the classroom. Using applications and resources to give students the opportunity to express their creativity.

On page 8 and 9 the text refrences Bloom's Taxonomy and how their are 4 different types of knowledge. Using different types of technology in a classroom will allow the teacher to hit all 4 types. For example, the text describes Metacognitive knowledge as "comprises knowledge about cognitive knowledge and ones own cognition." This could also be described as empathy. By showing students first hand accounts through videos or websites and relating them to current events, we are using technology to help foster empathy in our students. This creates a deeper, longer lasting knowledge that will remain with students longer than simple memorization. According to the text, Bloom's Taxonomy has also recently been revised to include more active learning. Students take on more responsibility by conducting their own research, and creating opinions and responses.

A less talked about aspect of a 21st century classroom is Differentiated Instruction (pg. 12). Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences states there are different types of learners present in the classroom. It is our job as teachers to make sure most, if not all, of these learners are present in lesson planning. This can be done by using a variety of instructions and assessments. Differentiated Instruction also demands that students with IEPs be included. This requires the teacher to accommodate students by providing the least restrictive learning environment possible. Gifted students could use technology by creating open assignments that would encourage, instead of minimize, creativity. Technology can help accommodate students. One way would be to show videos that require no reading which would allow struggling readers to be included in the lesson.

Part 2: Evernote Strategy

I have just recently been introduced to Evernote and I enjoy that it gives me the option of taking notes on my laptop or cellphone, rather than on paper. I am the type of person who enjoys being able to write down thoughts or important details while completing readings and assignments. Having the option to do so electronically is very convenient. Evernote is a great application because it provides so many tools to optimize the learning experience. When using Evernote, you are able to make many different "notebooks" that can be used to divide information into different classes or assignments. Evernote also gives the option of including pictures or sketches. This allows users to ensure that nothing is missed during their note taking. Evernote is a great application and would make a great addition to any classroom's learning experience.

In an elementary classroom, I would use Evernote to encourage students to jot down their ideas and thoughts during discussion. In younger classrooms, it may be difficult to utilize this application; however, older students could use Evernote when reviewing the textbook to highlight key points from the text. Evernote also gives the option of sharing notes through the application, which I would utilize to ensure that I could view all of the students notebooks that are dedicated to that particular class or assignment. Teachers could oversee what the students felt like were important parts of the text or lesson. Students could also provide evidence of their participation in lessons by having teachers review their Evernote notebooks for that particular class. Students seem to learn best when technology is involved and allowing them to use technology can better their understanding of the lessons. Another beneficial use for Evernote would be to allow students to work together to assemble notebooks on an assignment. This would allow multiple students to contribute their thoughts on what they feel are the key points of that lesson.

 

Part 3: 21st Century Tool Review 

I have recently become familiar with the 21st Century Tool, Kahoot. I learned about Kahoot through Pinterest and have had the opportunity to become more familiar with the application through my own experience using Kahoot as a student. Kahoot is an interactive application where teachers are able to create quizzes for their students to participate in. When using the application in the classroom, students are provided with a unique code to use to access the quiz. Teachers are then able to go through the questions created on the quiz with the students and can go at a pace that gives all students the opportunity to give their responses. Another great feature of this application, is that educators are not limited to just the use of questionnaires. Teachers have the ability to add pictures or diagrams when necessary. Kahoot is a great 21st century tool to use because it combines the knowledge of content with the use of technology. Kahoot also closely follows the TPACK model because allows educators a tool for assessment. By using this application, educators can access their students' scores to see what areas students are performing well on and what areas of instruction may need to be revisited.