Shana

  Using visuals such as photos, picture and diagrams; are a useful tool to engage students into having deeper thought patterns about current unit topics. Students can engage with each other and learn from peers by sharing visuals and pictures that represent items from the unit. The purpose   of this is to see others opinions and collaborate. For example, in a Health and Physical Education (HPE) unit students can draw a ‘plate’. The plate will show their average dinner meal: the portion of protein, carbohydrates, fats and vegetables. By sharing these with the teacher or fellow students, they may learn about the different eating habits and the socioeconomic factors that cause this. Teachers can use the SAMR model to propose the use of visuals and images in the classroom. As a substitution, students may draw or create a concept map using an online tool such as ‘wise mapping’ (free for all users). As augmentation, students may have to create digital posters or PowerPoints as par...

Getting the most out of technology in the classroom As a new teacher, I am constantly reminded of my need to use technology in the classroom... but what if I struggle to use technology  myself ? Everyday there are more and more technology advancements being made, and everyday, we as users are expected to know how and when to use it. Technology has a place in every classroom, but as teachers we need to know the right way to integrate it. Over the last three weeks I have been exposed to different web spaces, such as Blogger and Google Sites. Blogging is a common means to share new information, discuss passions or teach others in a user friendly way. I often use ‘food blogs’ to search for new recipes or to find baking tips and trick. Blogger is a google extension, it is easy to use and very customisable. The site allows you to choose a specific them to your blog, create a unique look and share it with as many people as you like. In particular, for me, I chose to share it with m...

  Pedagogical Principles What are the Pedagogical Principles (defined in the Learning Materials)?   1.Facilitating deep knowledge through higher order thinking   2. Facilitating collaborative learning in which conversations are important   3. Supporting students in knowing how they learn best   4. Planning learning that is problem-based, and situated in real life contexts   5. Is relevant to students, and connects to their background knowledge   6. Supports learning that is owned, controlled and managed by students themselves   7. Is socially supportive, engaging, and values cultural knowledges   8. Is supportive of the development of active citizenship, and strong group identity. What do the Pedagogical Principles mean to you in common language? Pedagogical principles, should scaffold teaching to be engaging and current to students. Tasks should prepare them for a world that is immersed in technology and have them think critically ab...

A challenge to your beliefs   You as a Contemporary Teacher? To what extent is it reasonable to conclude that if you are not experiencing positive or negative emotions about the materials and activities in any learning experience, that you are potentially disinterested or not motivated? DIscuss in relation to your first emotional response to the nature of this unit. I believe that our emotions are tied to our motivations. My emotional response tot he nature of this unit was initially negative. As someone who has struggled with grasping technology, for someone my age, I felt overwhelmed by the tasks required. Elaborate on your emotions on engaging further with this unit? Positive, negative. Indifferent? After engaging further I felt much more positive and am looking forward to using the skills I learn in this course, to better my teaching strategies. To what extent do you have the commitment to actively interrogate your emotions, and your beliefs about creative pedagog...