ThirdGradeFun

This course was on integration of technology in the classsroom. So at first, I thought 'how much more can I learn? I already integrate technology into my classroom. I use Classroom Google, Kahoot, I have students write their stories on Google Docs.' However, learning about UBD and flipped learning has really changed my thought process when I plan a lesson or unit. It's actually changed the dynamics in my room. I now use flipped learning during math time at least 3 times per week and this has allowed me more time to take smaller groups and reteach concepts missed. One of the most useful lessons for me was the Tech Tool Hunt. I learned so much from that lesson! Another thing I enjoy are t he class discussions. I learn so much from everyone else during these discussions.  I enjoyed reading the article, Introduction: What is UBD? This really broke what this is step by step. It helped me think about and use essential questions more often. I also enjoyed the video by Gr...

The topic of flipped learning was brought up in my Technology class (EEND 678Y). For those of you that have never heard of flipped learning, let me try to explain. It's basically a recorded lesson that students view before coming to class so that the class time can be used in being engaged in an activity or doing math practice problems and enrichment activities. Having the students view the lesson before class allows for the teacher to provide more support for those that need it durng class time.  There are many pros and cons that we can debate. However there is one con, that many teachers that I know have stated over and over again, "Many of our students do not have internet access at home. So flipped learning is not possible for our students." While this is true, I decided that students would not have an excuse for not being able to watch the video. Since we have an hour for math, I decided to use 2-3 days for flipped learning. I recorded a few short videos for the ...

Fig. 1 Photo Credit: educationaltechnology.net According to Grant Wiggins , Understanding by Design (UBD) or backwards design is a planning framework. When using this framework, the teacher should consider the end goal(s) of a unit. (see fig. 1). This makes sense and if planned correctly can cut out a lot of miscellaneous content and it allows you to get to the core of the unit. So being that we read and discussed UBD in our Tech course, I have become more mindful of what is the end goal? Most of our curriculum is suppose to be planned out this way. Each content area department has developed pacing guides and post tests for our students. Oridnarily, with Science, I would give an overview of the unit. Then we would read the book and do some of the labs in our book. Finally, I would give the end of unit test. Most of my students would fail the test and then we all would feel horrible. I say we, because I would feel that I failed them as a teacher. So I experimented with UBD...