Wednesday, November 7, 2012
BYOD...Bring Your Own Decisions
I have utilized the information I gained from interviewing my colleagues yet again this week. Perhaps I am listening and thinking deeper about technology because of the topics we have discussed in EDUC 639. Either way, it is a new frontier for this ol' gal and I like it! I have been inspired by all of you to consider, maybe even try a BYOD project in my class. Some of you young whippersnappers out there may think the whole BYOD idea is not that far away from breathing, but I can assure you, it is a teaching explosion for me. My first decision was to do a bit of research about devices we had available in the school. I asked some of the "baby carrots" I knew who were using BYOD assignments in the classroom. Several bemoaned the lack of devices for all students. I am proud to say, I was able to empathize and even add a few techie sounding comments. Unfortunately, I found the lack of devices more of a problem than I originally realized, but I was committed to adding BYOD assignments so I persevered. I have decided on two assignments I will try for the rest of the first semester. In my American Literature class today we watched two versions (an older Vincent Price and a more modern rendition) of Edgar Allen Poe's, THE RAVEN, via YouTube. The students had printed versions of the poem, as well, but I wanted them to mainly listen. Although I have some students without phones who needed to write the response, I had the others twitter two sentences discussing which version was the best rendition and the reason for their opinion. My class today responded positively. I plan to print off the twitter responses for further discussion. Next week is our regularly scheduled library day. I have set up a blog situation (I found out about a new program from my principal), which will be used for students to respond to my literary questions from Hawthorne's novel, THE SCARLET LETTER. My principal was receptive to the idea and maybe just a little bit impressed. When technology moves passed the normal computer skills, I usually flatline in interest. Today's lesson using cell phones (which seem to be permanently attached to the palm of their hands) made my blood pump a little faster. So is this the feeling all you techies are talking about? Okay. I get it!
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Krista,
ReplyDeleteWow, good job with your adventure. I am not that daring yet. I think that my school is a little bit behind some of those adventures. Our school would not allow for students to have their own devices out. We do have a cart of iPads that we are allowed to use in our classrooms. Your story inspires me to figure out how I can use the iPads every so often in my Algebra and Geometry classes to enhance student learning and engagement. I think the biggest thing teachers are faced with is the time and training on such tools. I would love to attend a conference for math teachers using technology in the classroom. I went to a conference this year but it did not incorporate technology in the activities that were shown to us. I will be given the gift of time after December 14th because I will be done with my masters, which is so exciting !!
Sherry-Here are the results of the experiment. I had several students who were able to Twitter answers....maybe about 8 out of a class of 29. Several students said they did not have a phone. Others said their parents would not allow them to join Twitter (because it is a social site) even though it was set up for updated information from the school (such as when ballgame buses would be returning. I haven't given up on including technology. I still plan to use the blog idea this week. I found out BYOD can be a challenge if everyone has a differenct device. Jen gave me an idea about using VOOKS for literature; I will check into when I have time. Nice to talk to you. K
DeleteKrista!!!
ReplyDeleteWe totally need to talk. You should be doing Vooks with your students on this great literature. Ok - so go to the app store and search for vooks. They are e-books with embedded video. The video is done by students who reflect on the actions of the characters in the story. FUN!!!
Let's Skype and I'll show you.
:)
Jen----Vooks sound interesting. I will try to check into it after this week. I am searching for the best tech practices that match with my classes and the technology we have available at our high school. Thanks.
DeleteKrista,
ReplyDeleteI look forward to reading your blog each week. :) And now that I've spoken with you in our group meeting, I just love you. Your interest and passion to connect with students makes you more techie than you know. I'm proud of you for even trying Twitter, I'm still not sure I understand everything there! You may want to look into Poll Anywhere (I think). You can give the students a number to text their responses to and ask them a question(s) to gauge their comprehension on topics - especially handy for test prep.
I'll talk to you tomorrow night!
Thanks,
Dyan
Now that sound like something I could add. Jen suggested Vooks might be useful, as well. I love that quality about teachers; we share ideas and info without hesitation. I wonder if other professions are so willing? I will see you online tonight. It was a good visit on Thursday. It has been a rough week. Friday, Nov 9, was the tenth anniversary of losing my husband, Rick. The kids needed some TLC, especially since we just buried my mother-in-law two weeks ago. A person goes to auto pilot during those times. God has really been with us during the last ten years.
DeleteHi Krista,
ReplyDeleteYea! I applaud your efforts. You are performing such a great service for your students. I love that you came to the students instead of requiring that they come to you for the how to process the information. There are so many awesome ways to integrate the cellphone in and outside of the classroom for educational purposes and you probably chose two of the student's favorites...posting comments and viewing videos. What a way to apply a real world experience without even realizing it. FYI, just in case you aren't aware, you can utilize cellphones for polling use (polleverywhere-http://www.polleverywhere.com/) and QR Codes for scavenger hunts, reviews, book trailers, quizzes, etc (http://www.schrockguide.net/qr-codes-in-the-classroom.html) This is a great resource to learn all about it. Students absolutely love using their cellphones in this way and you will be amazed at how much more engaged they become in your content. Enjoy and keep persevering :)
Krista,
ReplyDeleteI think you may be on to something. Technology can really get the blood flowing. My colleagues have labeled me an ed tech addict. It is a label I wear proudly. The addiction didn't come until my first experience with a tool that I could really sink my teeth into and that proved promising in the classroom.
Anymore, i have been forced to change my definition of classroom. It turns out that my students can really accomplish so much on their own, outside of class. The challenge for me, then is to establish procedures and a mechanism for measuring understanding and accomplishment for each of my students.
More and more my role as a teacher has changed as my students and their interaction with technology tools has changed with the times.
Keep your eyes on the horizon!
Matt