Using Technology to Enhance Inquiry-Based Learning eMINTS comp year 1
Exploring different ways to encourage collaborative learning was one of the main focuses of this class. We shared different activities that were ways to build a cooperative learning environment. Having students that are able to share ideas and work together are an important part of educating in the 21st Century Classroom. I also was responsible for demonstrating and sharing a lesson that I created for students to interact with the Smartboard. The project that I gained the most from in this course was when I was responsible for the observation of a peer as technology was integrated in the classroom. The “aha” moment came when I was able to see the seamlessness her students demonstrated as the came into the classroom and immediately started to interact with technology. I loved seeing the way they learned with the technology and the projects that they were responsible for completing. The laptops were a normal part of their day just as pencils and paper. I enjoyed seeing the depth of their learning as finding information was not the challenge, but reflecting on that information was the focus for their learning. I was struck with the fact of the importance of technology in our world today. After this observation, I was able to reflect and plan for changes that I could make in my classroom. The observation was a very beneficial lesson for me as a learner.
Exploring different ways to encourage collaborative learning was one of the main focuses of this class. We shared different activities that were ways to build a cooperative learning environment. Having students that are able to share ideas and work together are an important part of educating in the 21st Century Classroom. I also was responsible for demonstrating and sharing a lesson that I created for students to interact with the Smartboard. The project that I gained the most from in this course was when I was responsible for the observation of a peer as technology was integrated in the classroom. The “aha” moment came when I was able to see the seamlessness her students demonstrated as the came into the classroom and immediately started to interact with technology. I loved seeing the way they learned with the technology and the projects that they were responsible for completing. The laptops were a normal part of their day just as pencils and paper. I enjoyed seeing the depth of their learning as finding information was not the challenge, but reflecting on that information was the focus for their learning. I was struck with the fact of the importance of technology in our world today. After this observation, I was able to reflect and plan for changes that I could make in my classroom. The observation was a very beneficial lesson for me as a learner.