Amanda's ECMP Blog

For my Final Project I have created a Wiki on Teaching Treaties in the Classroom.  I have provided information, links, and videos which would aid in the teaching of treaties.

I used different sorts of technology to create what is on the pages and I hope you find it easy to follow, and benefical to you!

Click here to access the Wiki: http://teachingtreaties.wikispaces.com

In our ECMP class on November 25th, Dean asked us to Google ourselves, take a look at what shows up, and think about our digital footprint.   I had Googled myself before, and was pretty sure that not a lot was going to appear.  To my surprise, I had about 15 different items come up.

I looked into these and decided that I am fairly satisfied with what is representing me on the Internet.  Most of what appears are my blog pages, posts, and comments from this class, as well as my comments on Kathy Cassidy’s Blog for my mentorship.  These are things which I feel are positive and useful things to have available to others.  I feel that they show my growth through this semester and the beginnings of my own online community.

Also, different things which I have been involved in, including Junior Curling appear when my name is searched.  This shows that I am involved in different activities and would give future employers a sample of what I am interested in.

There is one thing that I wish I could change.  When I was in Grade 8 or 9 I created a hi5 account, because that was the “cool” thing to do then.  Although I have my hi5 profile set to private, I feel that it is not a useful item for me to have, as it is out of date.  I have not used this account in at least 4 years, and because of that, I can not remember the password and can not delete my account.

Overall, I am fairly happy with my digital footprint.  I have blocked by Facebook page from appearing on a Google search because I feel that my Facebook is not something that I want everyone to see.  Not because I am ashamed of what is on there, but because I am not prepared to share that much with someone randomly typing my name into Google.  There is little I would change about my digital footprint, and I hope to add more to it as I continue to grow as a professsional.

On November 18th, our class was given presentations from three different educators, all of whom use technology in their classrooms in interesting and effective ways.  These presenters shared great ideas and insights into how I could use technology in my future classroom.

Our first presenter was Darren Kuropatwa, a math teacher from Manitoba.  He shared with us ways in which he allows his class to become connected with the world.  Darren archives his lessons online, making them available to students who missed class or need a ‘refresher’ while doing their homework.  I think that this is a great idea, and one that I hope to implement with my own classroom in the future.  Darren also stated that he doesn’t expect the students to read a textbook, but rather to write their own.  Each day, one student is given the task of the scribe and s/he posts the day’s notes online for the rest of the class.  This is something which I would find nerve-racking as a teacher… what if the scribe gets something wrong?  What if s/he doesn’t really understand?  Darren was asked what happens if the information is incorrect or done poorly, and responded by telling us that he hasn’t had that problem because the students know that this is helping them, so they do it well.  All in all, Darren’s approach to technology in the classroom is student-controlled and student-centered, which is something that many teachers seem to fear.

Our second presentation was from Kathy Cassidy who teaches Primary students in Moose Jaw.  She presented us with common myths surrounding the teaching of Primary students.  She spoke to how many believe that Primary students are too young to use technology to learn, and how she believed this to be incorrect.  She uses technology with her students in fantastic ways.  Each student has their own blog page where they write about their family or things they like.  Kathy also makes videos of them counting or reading and posts them on the blog as well.  This exposure to technology is important, but Kathy also mentioned that it is important for students to work with papers and pencils too – the key is balance.  Kathy told us that people believe that students learn best from the teacher, and was not ashamed to tell us that her students asked her questions about rocks that she didn’t know the answers to, so she found a Geologist who was willing to Skype into her classroom and asnwer these questions.  This shows the amazing ways that technology helps students learn, regardless of grade or age.

Our last presentation was from Clarence Fisher, a Junior High teacher who has created a space for his students called the “Idea Hive.” He uses a Wiki and a Blog as key components of his classroom, and keeps old posts up year after year.  His approach seems very student centered, making it an interesting and engaging tool for them.  Clarence focused on teaching literacy, and what it means to be literate in today’s society.  He spoke of how we need to expose students to different things, and teach them how to handle different online tools and spaces.  Through this, we will teach them how to discern fact from fiction on the web.  I think Clarence’s approach is very significant, considering that many teachers just assume that students understand everything about the internet (which, most often, they don’t).  Clarence has a focus on teaching students to collaborate and become part of an online learning network.  I think that all of the skills which Clarence is teaching his students now will benefit them for years to come.

A big thanks to Darren, Kathy, and Clarence, for taking the time to come into our classroom and sharing your ideas with us!  We really appreciate it!