Blog Post # L 

 I really enjoyed Chapter 12 because I feel like it really ties together the whole book. The whole concept of the chapter and this course is integration of technology. This concept leads to many other elements that are necessary to get the most out of learning. This applies to not only students but teachers too.

  Teacher mindset is an essential element that I am very glad they brought up because I believe this is going to set the tone for what is being taught, the way you teach, and the overall learning environment you create for students. Adding to their specific definition to a teacher mindset, in the context to technology, I want to expand further by saying this mindset needs to be positive, and open minded to the endless possibilities that 21st century teaching skills can bring which most often has to do with technology. This mindset leads to what the book refers to as multiple pathways, or those endless possibilities. As a teacher it is important to support educational change and keep updated on new ways of learning. In my opinion a teacher stuck in their old ways or even those who are afraid of technology will not make for effective teachers or not as effective as they could be. This is the 21st century and displaying critical thinking today involves the use of technology.

  Computer literacy is necessary for higher level thinking today and gives us new "tools" to learn. Mindtools is a cool idea the book discusses. This is vital to achieve to gain skills in computer literacy and critical thinking. This gives us a new area to explore and develop and even create new ways of learning and thinking. When we get to the level where computers become mindtools we are able to gain so much more out of thinking and learning because computers alone are not enough, we have to learn to use them effectively in the right way in order for them to be effective.

Mindtool Goals:




 Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Blog Post # J

  In Chapter 11, I feel like the book did a great job on discussing what the classroom needs from both students and teachers in order for it to be an effective learning environment. Bringing up the need for students to be involved in not only the learning but assessment process as well, is a really important aspect for the overall environment in the classroom. This allows students to feel included. Therefore, students now feel more motivated and apart of something bigger. Mentioning this is important because I learned that this is another lesson for me to take into consideration for when I become a teacher and as a teacher I have to be able to student assess so we can better student self assess.

  Talking about assessments really made me understand the use for student portfolios, which is something I had never really given much thought. Digital portfolios for students, I believe is a great idea because it allows for the portfolio to not only help keep track of student success but in a personalized way. They can also refer back to accomplishments and teachers can see where they are at. They are portable ways to inspire creativity and build technological skills in order to communicate with electronics.  Teachers also have their own portfolios that play a vital role.

  This chapter really explains what makes up a teacher portfolio and why it is so important. It is like showcasing who you are and what makes you, you. It also shows what sets you apart from others. This tiny piece of you gets judged just how qualified you are to be a teacher. It also helps when someone else looks at your portfolio to see what you want to keep or improve on. I will make sure to keep this in mind when I make my future portfolios!

Below I have embedded a prezi that will give you a brief explanation of the key aspects I have picked up from the chapter that will help in the classroom and in creating a portfolio.

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.