EDRD 7718: Module Five

I enjoyed all of the videos and readings in this module. I especially was interested in the video about the first graders sorting through cards and working hands on with a partner. My second graders would benefit greatly from activities like those. It is so valuable to make sure they are constantly being entertained and intrigued by the activity they are doing so they do not become bored too quickly. Literacy centers are also a great way to individualize learning along with keeping students entertained and active in different literacy lessons. There are many ways to incorporate this in a classroom and it is very important to keep the students active in their reading and writing, making sure they are focusing on the skills being taught in the classroom.

            I think classroom layout is key in creating a successful learning environment for all students. It is important to make sure that all students feel comfortable to ensure their learning potential. Being well prepared is also a key component to making sure that your lesson will be successful.

            I also liked watching the video about “Spaces and Places.” It is so important to make sure that your classroom is accessible and practical for different types of instruction to be successful. You want to make sure that the children are able to have independent work space and small group space. My current classroom has a great flow to it. We have many different “nooks” for reading or different small group activities that students love to work in. I enjoyed watching Debbie Diller’s video. I learned many new and great tips from her! 

I had never seen a talking word wall, but what a great idea! My second graders would benefit greatly from hearing the correct pronunciation of the word along with re-reading the correct spelling of the word. I found this to be a great tool for many classrooms. 

EDRD 7718: Module Six

While reading through Module 6, I learned many new and helpful things. I appreciated the PowerPoint about presentations. It is always a great reminder to know how to present your material in a professional and easily understood manner. In particular, the section about good and bad graphs was very helpful because we are beginning to  compile all of our action research into our results section so this was a good tool to know which types of graphs I should include in my paper. I also appreciated the research tutorial. We have had to use those databases often during my graduate career, and at times, they can still be very confusing or difficult to find “full text” articles. Therefore, your presentation will remain a great resource when I am researching more the rest of this semester.

            I agree with the powerpoint from Duke that your slides and Powerpoint presentation should not deter from your presentation, rather they should compliment and aid your presentation. I have witnessed presentations that do distract the audience and take away from the speaker due to the colors, animation or over concentrated information.

             I had never heard of “Kid Pix” before, but it seems like a great program for students to use. Any opportunity my students have to get on a computer and create something, they become ecstatic. So utilizing a great tool such as Kid Pix, would allow them computer exposure along with creating a unique way to present different information they have been researching. My students just finished a unit on the Georgia Regions and using a program such as this would’ve been a great way for them to present everything they have learned this year.

            Lastly, the web 2.0 tools were very helpful to all have in one place. I will reference them again and introduce them to my students. They will welcome the chance to work with computers and learn something new!