EDLD+5364+Week+Three+Reflections

This week, I learned about providing feedback and the types of feedback from Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski’s book entitled __Classroom Instruction that Works__. I learned that feedback should focus on formative assessment which is giving students information on how they can improve. Also, feedback must be corrective, timely, and that this was the key to enhancing student achievement (Pitler, H., Hubbell, E. R., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K., 2007).

I believe this to be true because in my own classroom, students want to know immediately, how well they have done. Immediate feedback is of more benefit when given soon after students have completed the assignment or test because it is still fresh in their minds. Corrective, immediate feedback provides opportunities to clear up the misconceptions that students may have had before they are engrained in their minds. "Communication software, such as blogs, wikis, e-mail, instant messaging (IM), and video conferencing, can provide timely, interactive, and criterion-based feedback to students. Each of these types of software has distinct classroom applications." (Pitler, et.,al). Blogs can be used to practice writing skills or processes, wikis can be used as a collaboration tool to plan team projects, podcasting can be used for student feedback or storytelling digitally, web conferencing can be used for communicating with students around the globe, e-mail for updates, and more. More specifically how these tools can be integrated into each subject area was covered in the Solomon and Schrum’s Web 2.0 book. Other ways to enhance feedback are through word processing tools (WORD to track changes and comments and Kincad’s Readability scale to calculate the complexity of writing). Data collection tools can provide instant feedback such as with the Student Response System.

In addition, using technology for technology's sake is not the best use of technology. “Use technology only when it helps you achieve your lesson’s goals” (boxofftricks.net). “It is essential that teachers design a quality lesson plan first and then select the most appropriate technologies to support that lesson” (Pitler, et.,al). I will now put more thought into planning lessons and picking the technology that best enhances those lessons. I will also remember that kids don't care what you know about technology, they just want to use it and can discover some things for themselves.

In addition, I learned ten tips for using technology in the classroom which were: //1. To use streaming video (U-tube)// 2. To use music more often (I-tunes) 3. Use teleconferencing tools (Skype) 4. Create interactive exercises (game makers, hot potatoe, through languageonlineaustrailia or content generator.net 5. Use interactive Whiteboard more effectively 6. Create own podcasts (garage band, audacity) 7. Start a blog or Wiki (showcase student work) 8. Use social networks (Facebook and create **closed** group) 9. Use internet tools (Animoto, Stykz) 10. Make the most of your pupil’s gadgets that they already have (ipod, cell phone) (www.boxoftricks.net)

This was one of the most interesting weeks yet. This week I have learned a lot or it has refreshed my memory of what I already knew.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E. R., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, p 41,217. Solomon,,G., Schrum, L., (2007). Web 2.0 new tools, new schools. International Society for Technology in Education, p 77-98.

Boxoftricks.net (nd). Top ten tips for using technology in the classroom. Retrieved from you tube.com on Oct 5, 2009 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiisteObuhk.