chris – Chris Walsh Portfolio

DB11 – Considering Activities that Align with Standards	Outline an activity you would use in your classroom that is aligned to a learning standard; using the activity as a starting point, determine the technology that can be used to conduct the activity and identify the level on the SAMR model it belongs to.Comments: Suggest how you could alter your peer’s activity to change its level in the SAMR model.

Discussion 8

DB08 – Empowering Students Using Technology for Alternate Learning	Select a gamification solution that you might use for your classes, describe the rationale for using this specific tool in your setting, and clarify the method you will use to foster greater student engagement.Comments: Share your own opinion on using this provided solution for your own classes.

Since I am aiming to be a wood shop teacher I chose mincraft and related it to my subject field in ways I could see it being used.

Gamification Solution: Minecraft: Education Edition
Minecraft Education Edition is a versatile gamification tool that can be adapted for a variety of educational settings, including woodworking classes. Its open-world format and building mechanics make it an excellent platform for teaching design, planning, and construction concepts in a virtual environment before students apply these skills in the real world.

Why Minecraft:
Visualization and Design: Students can use Minecraft to create 3D models of their woodworking projects. This helps them visualize their designs and understand spatial relationships and dimensions before they begin actual construction.
Engagement and Motivation: The game-like environment of Minecraft is familiar and enjoyable for many students, making learning more engaging. The sense of achievement from building complex structures in Minecraft can translate to a similar sense of accomplishment in physical woodworking.
Collaboration and Teamwork: Minecraft allows for collaborative building projects where students can work together in the same virtual space. This fosters teamwork and communication skills essential for group projects in the woodshed.
Problem-Solving Skills: As students design and build in Minecraft, they encounter and solve various challenges, enhancing their problem-solving abilities, which are critical in woodworking.

Teaching Method For Minecraft:
Using a blended learning approach to integrate Minecraft into a woodworking class can create a dynamic and engaging educational experience. By combining the virtual design phase in Minecraft with hands-on construction in the woodshed, students gain a deeper understanding of design principles, construction techniques, and problem-solving skills. This method leverages the strengths of both digital and physical learning environments, fostering greater student engagement, collaboration, and achievement.

Homepage. education.minecraft.net. (n.d.). https://education.minecraft.net/en-us
Lessons. education.minecraft.net. (n.d.-b). https://education.minecraft.net/en-us/lessons/the-great-tech-story2
Powering up stem with Minecraft. education.minecraft.net. (n.d.-c). https://education.minecraft.net/en-us/blog/powering-up-stem-with-minecraft

Discussion 5

DB05 – Communication With Parents	Create a table that assesses the benefits and drawbacks of the following types of technology for communicating with parents: Emailing Newsletters, Phone Blasts (Mass Recorded Phone Calls), Mail Merging Letters, Parent Video Conferences, and Social Media.Comments: Share a technique that you use to communicate, be specific about the technology.

I personally am a one-on-one phone call person. I feel this method is the most useful and personal. I feel that on a phone call with a parent you can affectively hit on all the positives of all the methods with a limit on the drawbacks. For example, you get a personal feeling for the parent there is personality, tone of voice and so on, so you can address what is going on at home with the student more effectively. I also feel in this method there is no loss of communication or misinterpreting anything. I also feel a phone call there is no hiding or being around the bush the parents have to be upfront and transparent and so does the teacher.

Technology
Benefits
Drawbacks
Emailing Newsletters
Instant delivery to parents’ inboxes
Risk of emails being overlooked or filtered as spam

Cost-effective compared to traditional mail
Lack of personal touch and engagement

Allows for easy sharing of attachments and links
Potential for miscommunication due to text-only format
Phone Blasts
Immediate and direct spread of information to all recipients
Lack of customization, impersonal
(Mass Recorded Phone Calls
Can reach parents who may not have email or internet
Potential annoyance if received at inconvenient times
Single message that my not address individual needs

Good for urgent or time-sensitive announcements
Limited to voice communication
Mail Merging Letters
Tangible format that may grab attention
Higher cost associated with printing and postage

Allows for customization with personalization
Longer delivery time compared to digital methods

Can be more formal and official-looking
Environmental impact of paper usage
Parent Video Conferences
Facilitates face-to-face interaction from a distance
Requires access to technology and internet connectivity

Allows for visual aids and demonstrations
Scheduling conflicts due to time zone differences

Enhances engagement and understanding
Technical issues such as connectivity or audio problems
Social Media
Wide reach, especially among younger parents
Potential for information overload or distractions

Interactive platform for feedback and discussion
Privacy concerns if sensitive information is shared

Allows for multimedia content and storytelling
Need for active monitoring to maintain appropriate tone

Discussion 2

DB02 – Analyzing an EdTech Solution	Provide a recent example of a trending educational technology solution (i.e. An Actual Product/Software) that explains the benefits, as well as any drawbacks that could occur from implementation in the classroom.Comments: Reflect on the given solution to determine if you would/have used it.

NEARPOD
Computers in education reflection 2

The presentation method engages from a variety of interactivities (e.g., formative assessments, students can easily participate in polls, open ended questions, 3D videos, games, etc.). Each task benefits the student as they can immediately apply the content being taught, as well as benefiting the teacher to quickly check for understanding. Students can receive feedback continuously during their learning processes. Furthermore, teachers have the ability to anomalously share the results of polls, open ended questions, games, etc. with the class. This type of peer sharing benefits students in seeing the varying answers or opinions about a certain topic, or to know they were not the only one to struggle with a certain concept. This is also a great tool for those quiet students who have important things to share but might lack the confidence to speak up verbally. Students also love Nearpod because they can interact and participate without ever leaving the presentation! This prevents students from having to stop and find a new screen, and potentially becoming frustrated if they get behind. Nearpod proactively keeps students on task and engaged. (Nearpod (fall 2020/winter 2021)

My take on Nearpod is very similar to that of the passage above I believe that Nearpod is a new, trending, uphill technology solution that you will more widespread use from in the classrooms in the next few years. Nearpod takes traditional teaching methods and combines them with the futuristic and technology education demands of the modern teaching environment. I believe it is important to recognize that in today’s teaching environment, both the teachers and the students inherently have more technology literacy than ever before based on the generations in which they grew up. Just like when you go to a party for your family and you see your four-year-old nephew, playing with an iPad. You don’t think about it then but that will end up translating to his learning within the classroom. I believe this platform to be extremely useful because of its peers sharing benefits, and the ability for the teacher to have real time data and profiles of each students learning abilities, their strengths, weaknesses, and also appetite to learn. Nearpod really helps identify what students are struggling and in what areas this intern only helps the instructor targeting students with different educational practices to more effectively help that student learn. It is important to realize that every student has their own way of learning and ability to learn, and that Nearpod might not be for everyone, but what I can say is that it provides a very good platform for teaching the class as a whole and I believe since this platform is personal to the student, and not as interactive and social with the classroom all the time, it does help remote learning for those students who might be a little bit more shy in the classroom and those students who are suffering from different inequities outside of the classroom and afraid to make the mistakes and look foolish. I think this platform really does help hide that and bring out the best within the student. I believe there’s a teacher that I can’t see myself using this platform as it really gives great data to each student performance within the subject and within the class I think that is probably the best benefit for me as a teacher is to be able to see which specific areas, each student struggling in and Nearpod being able to show that from a whole class on a chart if there is a specific topic that the entire class is then struggling with it without help me as a teacher to be able to implement different strategies to better address this deficiency in learning within the class. Please note, I am not currently teaching, but this is how I feel I would use this program.

Benefits of Nearpod in the classroom:
Engagement: Nearpod helps to increase student engagement by providing interactive and multimedia-rich content that captures students’ attention and makes learning more enjoyable.
Personalization: Teachers can customize lessons to meet the individual needs and learning styles of their students, providing differentiated instruction and targeted support.
Assessment: Nearpod offers real-time assessment tools such as quizzes, polls, and open-ended questions, allowing teachers to gauge student understanding instantly and adjust instruction accordingly.
Collaboration: Nearpod facilitates collaborative learning experiences by enabling students to interact with each other through activities like group discussions, collaborative boards, and shared presentations.
Accessibility: Nearpod is accessible on various devices, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones, making it convenient for both in-class and remote learning environments.
Drawbacks and challenges of Nearpod implementation:
Technical issues: Like any technology platform, Nearpod may encounter technical glitches or connectivity issues that can disrupt the learning process and frustrate both teachers and students.
Training and support: Teachers need adequate training and ongoing support to effectively integrate Nearpod into their instructional practices. Lack of training can result in underutilization of the platform’s features and functionalities.
Equity concerns: Access to technology and internet connectivity can vary among students, leading to disparities in participation and learning outcomes. Schools must ensure equitable access to devices and reliable internet connectivity for all students to fully benefit from Nearpod.
Over-reliance on technology: While Nearpod can enhance teaching and learning experiences, excessive reliance on technology may undermine critical thinking skills and interpersonal communication abilities if not balanced with other instructional approaches.

Nearpod: An example of digital tools for class collaboration. C2C Digital Magazine (Fall 2020 / Winter 2021). (n.d.). https://scalar.usc.edu/works/c2c-digital-magazine-fall-2020–winter-2021/nearpod-tool-class-collaboration

Project 2 Multi Media

Task:	Option 1: Audio Podcast – Create a max five-minute or less (but more than three minutes) audio podcast that introduces a topic from your subject area that a listener can learn more information about in the short non-visual manner.Option 2: Video Tutorial – Create a max four-minute or less (but more than two minutes) video tutorial that demonstrates the instructions/process from your subject area that a viewer can learn a small skill.
Format:	Option 1: Audio Podcast – Submit a finalized version of the five or less minute audio in .mp3 format with the naming scheme “FirstInitialLastName_Function_MM-DD-YYYY.mp3”. The written intention statement can be provided in .txt, .docx, or inputted directly in Blackboard.Option 2: Video Tutorial – Submit a finalized version of the four or less minute video in .mp4 format with the naming scheme “FirstInitialLastName_Function_MM-DD-YYYY.mp4”. The written intention statement can be provided in .txt, .docx, or inputted directly in Blackboard.
Resources:	Audio Editor: Audacity OR Adobe Audition OR Any Personal ChoiceVideo Editor: OpenShot OR Adobe Premiere Pro OR Any Personal Choice
Notes:	Naming Scheme Example: DMastrandrea_InstallingCPU_01-01-2020.mp4You may use any audio/video recorder/editor to develop your product.

Reflection-this multimedia project we were tasked with teaching a small task within a 2 to 4 minute video. I thought this was a very good project because in a vacuum, it taught us how to teach instruction effectively and quickly it taught me how to choose very specific things and how to touch on more specific points then the big picture to really get my point across and teach a small lesson within this time constraint I feel that this could be a very good tool in building a full on lesson plan that fits into the time frames. We are constricted within the classroom.

https://bbhosted.cuny.edu/webapps/assignment/uploadAssignment?content_id=_83403834_1&course_id=_2362443_1&group_id=&mode=view#

Project 1 – Spreadsheet Data Analysis

Reflection-project one was centered around us, creating multiple choice questions for our students for a class and subject matter of our choice. This is a very good activity that taught us how we should ask questions, and what questions students had a better chance at answering correctly, by choosing the questions, wisely, and seeing the data of the students, this can truly help you as a teacher, as you are able to see what’s subject areas need more attention for the students overall, and what areas you cannot put so much emphasis on as the class as a whole through seeing the data does understand certain topics more than others. Overall, I think that this project was very beneficial and learning how to shape assessment for the classroom.

spreadsheet-project-computers-in-education-PDF Download

Project 3

Reflection-In project three we took a look at lesson plans either way or someone else I created for me. I chose to use one of my existing lesson plans and learn how to expand on it using technology in the classroom. After some research and looking around online, I was able to get a very good feel as to what different technologies in the classroom can help meet my standards and realized that there are many ways that you can shape technology in your classroom to benefit the students in today’s classrooms technology is going to always be ever prevalent, and it is up to us as educators to find the most effective means of using this technology.

Task:

Modify an existing lesson plan (or create a new one) to enhance the learning experience using technology that is aligned with your subject area.

Format:

It is recommended that you use the CTTE Department’s lesson plan format, however, you may use your preferred format as long as there are the following components: Learning Standards, Listed Materials/Equipment, Essential Question, Instructional Objectives, Opening Task, Activity, Summary/Closer, and any Checks for Understanding (Formative Assessment).

Resources:

CTTE Department Recommended Lesson Plan Format

Any Previously Used Tool

Sample Lessons [1] [2]

Notes:

Lesson plans may vary, but often contain equivalent parts, which will be considered when graded.

Woodworking Activity Outline
Activity Title: Creating Birdhouses
Grade Level: Middle School (6th-8th Grade) Learning Standard:

• Standard: MS-ETS1-2 from the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards): “Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.”

Objective: Students will design and build birdhouses, evaluating their designs based on specified criteria and constraints, such as size, materials, and functionality
Materials:

Wood pieces
Nails, screws, and wood glue
Hammers and screwdrivers
Measuring tape and rulers
Sandpaper
Paint and brushes
Safety goggles and glovesActivity Procedure:
1. Introduction (10 minutes):o Discuss the purpose of birdhouses and the importance of providing habitats for birdso Introduce the design challenge each student will create a birdhouse that meets specific criteria
2. Design Phase (30 minutes):
  o Students brainstorm and sketch their birdhouse designs onpaper
  o Each student shares their design with a partner forfeedback
  o Revise designs based on peer feedback
3. Construction Phase (2 class periods of 60 minutes each): o Distribute materials and tools
  o Students measure and mark wood pieces according totheir designs
  o Assemble the birdhouses using nails, screws, and glue o Sand down rough edges and ensure stability

page1image838437200 page1image838437504 page1image838437808 page1image838438112

o Paint and decorate
4. Evaluation Phase (30 minutes):

o Students present their completed birdhouses to the class. o Evaluate each birdhouse based on the criteria and

constraints discussed in the introduction.
o Discuss what worked well and what could be improved

Technology Integration: Tools and Technology:

3D Design Software (Tinkercad,SketchUp,Fusion360):◦◦
Online Collaboration Platform (Google Classroom or Padlet):◦◦
Video Tutorials and Demonstrations:◦ ◦

page2image837386608

Students can create digital models of their birdhouse designs before building them. This allows for precise measurements and virtual testing
SAMR Model Level: Augmentation: The software enhances the design process by providing tools that are not available with traditional sketching methods

Use: Students upload their sketches and digital designs for peer feedback. They can also share progress updates and final presentations
SAMR Model Level: Augmentation: This platform enhances communication and collaboration beyond what is possible in the physical classroom

Use: Provide instructional videos on woodworking techniques, safety protocols, and the use of tools
SAMR Model Level: Substitution: The videos replace traditional teacher-led demonstrations, offering a consistent and accessible resource for students to reference as needed

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Author: chris

Discussion 11