Below, is the link to my Mini Action research in which I describe the way I incorporated a new tool within my instruction. It is important to diversify within one's own instruction by allowing various forms of multimedia to be used in the classroom to benefit all students. 'New_Tool_Paper' describes the usage of virtual reality as a new tool for my students.
'New_Tool_Paper'
Reflection:
I was extremely excited for this opportunity to incorporate virtual reality (which I've always wanted to use) with my students. When, I mentioned to my students that we will be using virtual reality to help us learn about Ancient Egypt, they became very enthusiastic. Figuring out an appropriate way to introduce the virtual reality, without it replacing the means of learning was my biggest challenge. I felt that using it as some of the stations during an interactive activity was the best way to have students use this type of technology. I also liked the quantity of group size when using this technology, so that all students had an opportunity to use the VR headset. In the future, I'd like to incorporate virtual reality as a main instruction tool, rather than as a review segment at the end of the unit.
Below, is the lesson plan, game, and narrated video of my review game for my class' digestion unit using Gamestar Mechanic. Students love playing games in their free time on a daily basis, especially from my experience with my students whenever they have free time in class. By implementing games as an education tool, students can enhance their learning.
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Reflection:
Using Gamestar Mechanic was my biggest challenge when sampling all the different multimedia tools from this semester. Not being the biggest gamer felt like a disadvantage when using this program, however after exploring through the quest mode, I was able to learn the ins and outs of game design. I enjoyed utilizing the different level features when creating my levels for my students' unit test review game. Students enjoyed the application of this program as well, despite having moments of struggle through the game, but eventually succeeding in it. In the future, I would like to have my students create their own games, now that they feel comfortable using this program.
Using Gamestar Mechanic was my biggest challenge when sampling all the different multimedia tools from this semester. Not being the biggest gamer felt like a disadvantage when using this program, however after exploring through the quest mode, I was able to learn the ins and outs of game design. I enjoyed utilizing the different level features when creating my levels for my students' unit test review game. Students enjoyed the application of this program as well, despite having moments of struggle through the game, but eventually succeeding in it. In the future, I would like to have my students create their own games, now that they feel comfortable using this program.
Below, is our Global Collaborative Presentation alongside our narrated video. Our group presentation describes the importance of utilizing STEM projects in the classroom. STEM, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, are extremely important fields that students need to learn to excel in. These types of projects allow students to take an active part in current global issues, while still practicing and strengthening their reading and writing skills.
Reflection:
This project was exciting to do, as this was the first major project I got to collaborate with other classmates to research a topic and discuss appropriate applications within all of our varying classrooms and disciplines. STEM projects are the hot, new thing where students get a more hand-on approach on their learning. A major component of these specific STEM projects focus on Pen Pals. I am going to take the suggestions from PenPal schools, so that I can connect my students with students from around the world, focusing on the same goal, while studying global issues.
This project was exciting to do, as this was the first major project I got to collaborate with other classmates to research a topic and discuss appropriate applications within all of our varying classrooms and disciplines. STEM projects are the hot, new thing where students get a more hand-on approach on their learning. A major component of these specific STEM projects focus on Pen Pals. I am going to take the suggestions from PenPal schools, so that I can connect my students with students from around the world, focusing on the same goal, while studying global issues.
Below, are the first two episodes of DB’s Corner, the new hottest Podcast on the east coast. Podcasts are a new, different, but entertaining medium being used in the classroom today. I created these podcasts as a test of how I will incorporate them in my future classroom. In my own experience, students are always listening to things, especially music, today. My hopes is that learning through an additional auditory means can be easier to adapt to.
Reflection:
In the two weeks that I explored Audacity, I learned a significant amount in the art of making podcasts. A main goal within a podcast is to engage the listener. If the host of the podcast is unappealing to the audience, no one will want to listen to the podcast, and more importantly if it’s being used for educational purposes, students will not be able to absorb what the host wants them to. I learned through music, breaks, sound effects, voice-tone changing, and more that there are many ways to engage the listener. My first podcast I evaluated other podcasts, while my second episode focused on my very own interview with a veteran teacher of effective classroom strategies. I would like to incorporate podcasts on my teacher website for my students in the future, as well as teach my own students how to use the software (which is easy to learn) and create their own podcasts related to the unit of study that we are focusing on.
In the two weeks that I explored Audacity, I learned a significant amount in the art of making podcasts. A main goal within a podcast is to engage the listener. If the host of the podcast is unappealing to the audience, no one will want to listen to the podcast, and more importantly if it’s being used for educational purposes, students will not be able to absorb what the host wants them to. I learned through music, breaks, sound effects, voice-tone changing, and more that there are many ways to engage the listener. My first podcast I evaluated other podcasts, while my second episode focused on my very own interview with a veteran teacher of effective classroom strategies. I would like to incorporate podcasts on my teacher website for my students in the future, as well as teach my own students how to use the software (which is easy to learn) and create their own podcasts related to the unit of study that we are focusing on.