2020 Vision

In 2020, I will be in my 19th year of teaching, and the 8th grade students I teach will have been born in 2006. They will have no memory of 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, nor the Indian Ocean Tsunami. New events will aim their lives in different directions. The jobs of today will not be the jobs of the future. The US will be in debt up to their eyeballs, we still fight for the oppressed, and the national poverty is still high.

Jobs will require more discussion and collaboration. Often people will be working from home due to high costs of buildings, electricity, and gas. Due to this change, the educational system needs to change also. We will need to include more activities that require critical thinking skills. We need to encourage the students to come up with answers that are not typical. This will require teachers to use more open-ended questions to guide learning. We will have to use tools in the classroom that aid in this exploration.

These tools could be as simple as Blogs, to as complicated at Second Life. Teachers, and students, will need to learn material together to fully grasp the concepts, and learn how to use it, in the new careers that will be around in 2020. Students will need to learn to use the basic skills on the computer in order to succeed. How to collaborate online is more than just emails. It requires people to depend on others, refine their writing and communication skills, be available at all times, and learn new languages. Students will most likely be working with individuals from other countries in these new jobs, and we cannot expect the entire world to know English.

Education needs to be more than just six hours a day. Independent learning will need to occur. The student will need to search out new information on their own. Parents will need to encourage learning from today, and insist that their children do more than just the minimum. Independent learning could range from taking virtual field trips with podcasts acting as guides, to taking a class in Second Life to learn about environmental issues that are pertinent to the world. Students could use their mobile devices to learn; pocket PC, tablets, smart phones, along with inventions of the future will aid the student in completing their work.

In order to get this to occur standardized testing need to be eliminated, or at least reduced. Right now we are aimed at getting all student proficient in reading and math. While this is an important task, we also need to prepare them for life, and life is not made up of exams, but problems that have to be dealt with NOW. We need to teach them to work on their feet, team with people who can help, and share what they know to help others.

As a teacher, the choices I make in my class will affect the student’s future. If I teach them by lecture and papers only, they will not learn a lot of information. They will be bored, and it may lead them away from science. I need to include activities that involve communication, team work, and hands on experiences to my classroom, to keep the students intrigued in science.

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. (2011, June 2). Untitled. NASA Goddard Space Flight Photostrem. Retrieved July 17, 2020 from http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasa_goddard/5805389221/.

Yet, if I do activities that require students to learn through doing, the interest in science may grow. Students need to learn from mistakes, so allowing them to work through problems with the help of others will make learning meaningful. During these science activities, students will not only be learning science but also communication skills. Each student will need to learn how to work with someone they do not like. In life, you don’t always get to work with people you like. Therefore, teaching students how to deal with others is a great skill. This could be done by having conversations with individuals who are quarrelling, or by having other classmates learn how to diffuse situations, by allowing them to work with the individuals.

In the year 2020, teachers need to be more of a facilitator than a giver of knowledge. We need to assist the student in learning, help the student to understand the new material, and encourage the student to delve deeper into the subject. There will be times that we have to stand in front of the class, and give direct instruction. But, the majority of the learning should be independent learning, with the teacher as the facilitator.

In order for this to happen, many things need to occur in education in general, and in the school that I work for. The goal of education need to change from testing student’s reading and math skills, to teaching the whole child what is needed to succeed in the work force. Critical thinking skills need to be just as important, if not more, than if they know how to read a box and whisker chart.

In the school, I would need to have ample access to the sources of information that would help the students. This is mainly in the form of computers. Not just any computers, but computers that are wirelessly connected to the internet, have tools on them that can be used to store or make videos, and stay charged longer than thirty minutes. My students will need to be able to move easily around the room … wires would just get in the way. The students need to be able to get to wikis, blogs, and other Web 2.0 tools, to make the communications needed to increase the learning. The students need to be able to listen to their iPods, MP3s, and smart phones. Some students do their best work while listening to music. So, allowing them to listen to music of their choice would help them to concentrate. Also, by allowing some individuals who work best with music to listen to it alone, it allows the others to work in a quieter environment. If the students are able to use their MP3 Players, I would be able to assign students to listen to podcasts either created by me, or by another expert. Students would be able to download them during class, if these devices were allowed.

In nine years, in the year 2020, we all hope that the world will change. However, I am not sure that it will change as much as it is needed. The aim of teaching and education is, unfortunately, led by the politicians who want to be reelected. Teachers do what they can by making small changes, and encouraging schools to increase the use of technology in each classroom. Parents can help by encouraging their child to do the best they can at all times, and not accept ‘just passing’ work. Students need to see that school is not meant as a punishment, but as a way to see the world without leaving their hometown, and as a way to make the world a better place.

Web Applications

After looking at many different web applications, I would recommend a student to use Zoho. This program has so many applications that can be used either alone, or with others. There is a writing tool, to do lists, presentation makers, excel type sheets, and wikis, just to name a few.
This would be recommended to a student who does not have Microsoft office on their computer. Since the online program is free, the student would be able to still type, prepare presentations, and collect information easily. The student would also be able to share information. Some students need everything in one place; this program allows all its applications to be reached at the top of the page.

Paperless Classroom

Having a paperless classroom is a wish of mine for the last decade. I am an environmental science teacher at heart and would love to make my class paperless first of all to reduce the amount of paper that is used in schools. After reading the article, I see there is much more that can be done to a paperless classroom. Allowing the students the ability to access the ‘class’ would allow learning to occur anywhere. This would change my role from giver of data to facilitator of learning.

If I could have a paperless class, I would be able to encourage parent involvement in education much easier. Having students access the class at home, would allow the parents to see exactly what is occurring in their child’s learning. This can start a dialog in the home and that discussion will enhance the discussion in the classroom.

With a paperless classroom, assessments of learning would also have to change. Many grades would come from projects, discussions, and online tests. Activities can be group activities or can start out individual that lead to a class discussion on a blog, forum, or wiki! While meaningful learning does not mean that students learn what is on the test but in this age of testing, teachers need to know if the students actually learning what the standards say they should know.

I think it would be easier to build a learning network with a paperless class since it will be incorporated into the class. Once the student learns about learning networks, I think they would be more willing to participate one on their own. Also, including other subjects in the learning network would help all classes and would see how learning could be done outside of science.

The social, collaborative constructive of meaningful knowledge

Students are social. Even if you assign an individual assignment; students find a way to work together. Productivity, the students are working together to find and explain answers. Unproductively, they are copying someone else’s answers. Since I know this fact, I arrange my room to allow for some collaborating. I have lab tables (2 students sit at one table) and I arrange the desks so two tables are face to face, making square groups of four. I also seat the students where I think is most appropriate for learning. Once I get to know the students, I arrange them so that individuals who work well are next to each other and individuals who copy sit next to each other. I allow the students to work together on assignments, reviews, and project. The students, who typically copy, learn quickly there is no one to copy off of if they both normally copy and they begin to do their work.

In the future, I plan on extending the collaboration to more activities. Allowing students to pick their groups in the future would allow them to be more involved in the activity. I have observed when students get to pick, or at least have a say, in their group members are more likely to stay on task and do their best work.

I have always known that group work was important; it allows the students to learn interpersonal skills. Now I know that students crave interactions and need it to learn. This encourages me to include group work as much as possible in my classroom.

If I had computers in my classroom more than once a week, I would love to use them to incorporate blogs, wikis, and web pages more into my lessons. This would make learning more enjoyable and I would be able to all the students more informal learning than lecture.

Responding to Connectivism

I looked at group A’s wiki and I agree with the connectivism and students section of their wiki. If a student wants to learn, then they will do their best through interactions with others. Once they experience learning without a book, I believe that they will learn more. Wendy DG, on her blog, stated that once the foundation of learning occurs then independent learning will take the lead. This independent learning should be through interactions.

DG, W. (2008, November 17). Cck08-connectivism, disruptive innovation, and the long tail [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://teacherweb2.blogspot.com/2008/11/cck08-connectivism-disruptive.html

Skype

I had a quick Skype conversation with Rebecca Y. We lost connection once and the audio and video did not match, at least on my end. It was not a fluid video conversation. This could have been due to the program or the internet connection, since I am on a wireless connection. While I see that use of this program, I am wondering if there is another free program that would work better. I have used Tiny Chat before and I like this much better. Anyone can join the group (as long as they have the link), you can use the video conference option, and YouTube videos can be shared along with other options.

I am required to have Skype on my computer at work, not really sure why since we cannot use it while we are teaching and the school is not that big that we cannot walk to another teacher’s room in under 4 minutes! After about the first 5 days, I turned it off since it was beeping every time someone turned on their computer. I do not plan on using this program very often. It is slow, and unreliable. If I want to chat with an expert with my class I can use the mobile teleconference device.

Podcast in the Classroom

I am a 8th grade science teacher and really enjoyed this podcast.

Science Update Podcast Weekly Edition

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Flickr Possibilities

Garske, L. (2008, June 26). Bicentennial Tower on the Erie Bayfront. L. Garske’s Photostream. Retrieved June 26, 2011, from http://www.flickr.com/photos/lori_g/2617504008/.

Using Flickr in my classroom will be a bit difficult since most science processes are not photographable. But, I could have the students use Flickr to find examples of volcanoes, earthquake locations before and after, and animals found in the different biomes. A project that I have done in the past using pictures could easily be adapted with the use of Flickr. I could have students search of geologic outcrops. They could then place that image on the wiki or blog page they are using. The student could then comment on how the outcrop had developed, using the rule of geologic history. Other students would be able to comment on the order given and the student’s response.

Part of my science class is also environmental science. Having the students see how society and nature can work together is very important. Showing local areas is also important to me, since my students live in a small town less than 30 miles form a state park and many of them have never been there. That is why I have chosen to include a local landmark.

Wikis in my classroom

There was not one classroom wiki that inspired me but I do use one with my 8th grade team to share the material for a joint class. That way we do not have to find the material in emails, and can share reading questions.

The most challenging thing I found while working on the group wiki is how it is hard to get answers to questions when you need them. I post a comment or a question and it takes 24 or more hours to get an answer. By that point I have either figured out my question, or forgot what I asked. I am learning patience with this project, which I do not have a lot of. This is one of the reasons I do not participate in wikis in my everyday life.

I use Wikipedia all the time for myself. But I use it as a starting point. If I don’t know anything about a topic, I learn the basics of this topic, so I can better search for reliable sources. I still do not like Wikipedia as a main source. With my luck, I would look at it the moment that some incorrect information is posted. Teachers in my school district do not allow students to use Wikipedia for projects at all. Now I know they look at it, just like I do, to find some information to search for online, but they are not to use it at all in reports. I think they are right. Wiki’s are great for sharing information, but not for real data.

I do not plan on changing my ideals about Wikipedia. I think that it is only a place to start but should not be main reference source.

Social Bookmarking Plan

Option A:
In order to use social bookmarking in my classroom, many things would need to be done.
1. Have all students sign into delicious.com
2. Have all students add me to their network
3. Have all students click on my name in their network
4. Have all students click on the tag minerals, rocks, or identification.
5. Using the sites, the students will identify rocks and minerals.
6. If a student finds an interesting site that is useful they can book mark it so that I can add it to my collection. (they will tag it with my name so I know which sites they think I should know about)
7. By doing this, I can help students to narrow their searches .

Pageflakes

Here is my Pageflakes.

I have made it so that my students could use it to help them complete their current event project in environmental science.

RSS Feed

RSS is a great way to stay caught up on current events in science. I hope to use the feeds that I have from the current event sites to help my student to complete their ‘In the News’ project. In this project they have to go to different science current event sites, read and print off articles that interest them, and summarize the articles. These are then made into a book for a grade. This activity encourages reading and science. By having the RSS for the sites, the students can just go directly to Google Reader to see what articles are new. This way not time is wasted.

To be held back... or not to be held back? That is the question!

As many of us wind down the school year and prepare for summer school, a question comes up. Should this student be retained? Dr. Laura does not believe this is a useful option for most students. According to “The Great Debate Surrounding Grade Retention”, holding a student back does not have a huge benefit with academics or adjustment problems. A student is more likely to drop out of they are retained a year compared to their peers. (Brooks, 2002)

Unfortunately, do to this idea, many student are being socially promoted. This means students are being promoted to the next grade even though they have not met the grade level expectations. According to the North Central Regional Educational Laboratory, research has shown that social promotion does not reduce drop-out rates, does not increase student achievement, and produces graduates who lack the skills needed to be employed. (North Central Regional Educational Laboratory, 2001)

In high schools, students can be required to repeat only the course that was not passed but in elementary school and some middle schools, a student would need to repeat the entire year. Dr. Brooks went to a conference where a speaker said, “It makes no sense to promote students who have failed to learn. It will only lead to more failure down the road. Why promote someone who hasn’t met requirements for promotion?” (Brooks, 2002)

Personally, I agree with this statement. If the student is not prepared for the next grade, then why should they go? I am not saying that all students who do poorly in school should be retained but if all accommodations were made, all options tried, and the student is still not ready for the next grade, then he or she should stay behind.

What do you think? Are there any other options that could be used to help these students to be successful? At what point is retention the best option


Brooks, R. (2002, November). School retention: a common practice but is it effective?. Retrieved from http://www.drrobertbrooks.com/writings/articles/0211.html

North Central Regional Educational Laboratory. (2001). Critical issue: beyond social promotion and retention—five strategies to help students succeed. Retrieved from http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/students/atrisk/at800.htm

Student Blog

Here is Marta's blog

Blog Project Inspiration

I found a blog written by Marta and it has a science base. She started her blog in 2007. The blogs are about science topics along with observations of politics and life. Marta had read a book called; “365 Ways to Save the World”. She has been inspired to change things about her life to help the world. There are some science entries and even some discussions based upon what the teacher posted on his blog.

I found this really interesting since this student put a lot of work in her posts and she seems to be learning a lot about herself and the world. She has not posted anything since 2008 but I believe that it is due to the fact that she is no longer in the course.

I really like the idea that the students were able to include nonscience related topics on their blog. Letting the students express their thoughts is a great way to help them to practice writing and critical thinking.

Read/Write Web

I learn from the Read/Write Web. I find lesson plans and activities from the web and use the comments and feedback to judge their effectiveness.

In my classroom, my students depend on the Read/Write Web to obtain information normally by going to sites where they can type in the info and someone else answers their work like the one here. They use Facebook, YouTube, and other social networks regularly.

I would love to use this skill to make a paperless class. I may use Edmodo or Blackboard. Making the class more interactive may keep the students interested more in the topics.