Brittney Noland
February 16, 2017
ETEC 424: R. Wolfe
Teaching
Resources
Clickers
can be extremely useful in the classroom to facilitate discussion and gain
immediate feedback from students, allowing educators to best tailor lessons to
what most needs to be covered. In my own classroom, I mostly visualize clickers
or a similar program being used for reviews and discussions. As the video
stated, I would not make the clickers a large part of student grades, resulting
in less pressure for the students to get the correct answer and allowing for
students to calmly recall answers and discuss thoughts. Similarly, as discussed
in the video, it is important for students to understand why clickers are being
utilized so that they do not feel that they are being tracked or tested. With
clickers, students will be allowed to display knowledge, discuss a variety of
in-depth topics, and more actively participate in the structuring of class
time, including just how in-depth certain topics are covered.
Information
visualization tools, such as Instagrok, can be useful for outside study and
review of key words, definitions, and topics covered in class. Personally, as a
theatre teacher, this would be extremely useful in displaying how the many
areas of theatre connect to each other. While it may take time to learn and
perfect, an information visualization tool like Instagrok can be incredibly beneficial
to students. With related nodes, drop-down menus, and links to websites,
photos, videos, and other information attached to each node on the visualization
tool, programs such as Instagrok can prove incredibly useful, particularly for
visual learners. I would use such a tool as a supplement. I would not
necessarily make this a requirement, as some students may not process
information in a visual format as well as others, but for those who are visual
learners and choose to study with this tool, Instagrok and programs like it
could be groundbreaking.
As
stated in the article, games within the classroom can include anything from
board games to video games and from professionally designed and crafted games
to handmade and student-written games. As it is, games play a large role in a
theatrical classroom. From warm-ups, to team building, to honing
improvisational skills, games are a great way to get students on their feet and
actively engaged in the theatrical learning process. Games can be utilized in a
number of ways within the classroom, from initial teaching to reviews and
rewards. In addition to using more traditional theatre games, I would be willing
to adapt other games to suit theatrical needs or concepts, so long as my
students were engaged and learning. For example, I might allow students to use
a video game platform to design sets and costumes, or allow them to do a
character profile based on their online avatars.
Students today are using technology more than ever
before. These numbers will only continue to rise, so it is important for future
educators to take note and adjust their classrooms and teaching strategies accordingly.
For many, this means meeting their students with what is already interesting to
them, and using these platforms to teach lessons. Whether it be unique online
platforms, interactive activities, or in-class games, teachers must begin integrating
technology into the classroom in ways that benefit and engage students in a
meaningful and impactful way. Technology is not going anywhere anytime soon, so
it is advisable to utilize this gift to reach students in ways that fit their
needs and interests.
Resources:
Clark,
Chris. (11 May 2012) NspireD². A quick
look at Instagrok. Retrieved from https://ltlatnd.wordpress.com/2012/05/11/a-quick-look-at-instagrok/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ltlatnd+%28Nspired2%3A+Learning+Technology+%40+ND%29
Clark,
Chris. (30 September 2011) NspireD². Games
in the classroom. Retrieved from https://ltlatnd.wordpress.com/2011/09/30/games-in-the-classroom/
How
To Use Clickers Effectively [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0q5gQfQmng&feature=relmfu
Brittney,
ReplyDeleteI like the use of clickers in your classroom. I feel it is important to not make everything a competitive issue, and more of a learning objective. That is what I took from your clicker idea. You are using them in a way for student to participate and be a part of the lesson. This will also help them retain the material. I also loved your idea of games. Anything that allows students to be creative and active is a great tool for learning and retaining information in my opinion, I use retain a lot because I think that is an important function of learning. great post!
Brittney,
ReplyDeleteI just love your post; you explained the material so well. Reading your post was very helpful and informative. I support your ideas about the use of clickers and games in the classrooms. I know your going to be a great teacher. Great Job!
I did clickers too and I like how you want to use them for reviewing. Like you said, it's also a really great way for students to be able to display knowledge in a less stressful way. I also like that you talked about games because in my theatre class games made it so much easier to warm up and become relaxed around my classmates. In a regular classroom they still serve the same effect, helping students relax so they can learn better. Awesome job!
ReplyDelete