Matthew Boomhower

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EDUC 932 Blog Post #2: Why Digitize Learning?

7/5/2016

5 Comments

 
The ISTE published its newly reenvisioned 2016 ISTE Standards for students only days ago.  For those of us transitioning into greater implementation of educational technology in our classrooms, the Standards are useful guidelines for lesson planning regardless of how deeply we have integrated technology in our lessons so far.
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(image credit: pixabay.com)
Here are some ways that ‘digitizing’ assignments to meet ISTE’s standards can improve and enrich student learning.  As an example, I’ll describe how I intend to use the standards to inform my implementation of a makerspace within my 5th grade classroom next semester.
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  1. Data Collection: Students can create a survey using google docs or our classroom blog to gather data from their classmates to further define the problem and seek ideas from their peers about solutions. (Standards 1c, 2b, 3d, 5b)
  2. Planning and Design: Students use online mind-mapping programs to brainstorm elements of their design solution, and model their design using drawing programs and 3-D modelling. (Standards 2b, 3d, 4a, 4b, 4d, 7c)
  3. Documenting the Process: Students use digital media such as video and photographs to document the design process and stages of creation of prototypes. (Standards 4c, 7c)
  4. Sharing and Critique: Students create a presentation or video to share their solution and present it to the class and classroom parents.  Presentations will be shared on our class social media platform for constructive feedback.  (Standards 1c, 2a, 2b)

These are just a few of the ways that our classroom makerspace, already a great chance for authentic learning and innovation, can be made an even richer experience by working to meet ISTE’s Student Standards.  What are some other ways to improve our makerspace experience with tech? Share your ideas in the comments section!

UPDATE (2016-7-7): I've created some resources and an exemplar for my students to use during their makerspace presentations.  Check it out!

5 Comments
Al
7/6/2016 17:40:22

I can't wait for PhD with you!! Like the way you see things!

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Matthew Boomhower link
7/7/2016 13:36:07

Really excited to move forward on that once we finish out time in this course, study buddy!

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Andrew link
7/6/2016 17:43:21

I really like the idea of a makerspace. After starting at Uchon, I entertained the idea and wished I had the opportunity to get something going. But I dig what you have in mind. It would be cool to have a corner in the back of the room with a computer or tablet for students to access, with apps ready to go, or a camera in the wings if students wanted to record something.

Kinda interested in following up more cause I hadn't realized how much there was to them. Between this and ISTE standards, something pretty cool could be worked in.

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Matthew Boomhower link
7/7/2016 13:38:10

I'm going to start something small after summer vacation as as test run for next year. I'll keep you updated on how it works out, and maybe our grades can collaborate on a proposal for some funding for next year!

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Steve Katx link
7/7/2016 14:25:03

Great examples for digitizing assignments! We will have to talk makerspace soon. My school has been trying to get one up and running, and it has been a very slow process.

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    Matthew Boomhower is a mid-career educator with 18 years of classroom teaching and educational leadership experience. He is Head of Innovation & Learning at an international school in Malaysia and is a proud husband and father.


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