Knowledge Construction

What did you learn?  

I learned that to get to the top elevator floor, you must increase the DOK level for the tasks that students are working on. The first floor is like a level one in the DOK level, while the top floor is a DOK 4 where students are writing, making connections between different content areas and using technology to construct their new knowledge. The purpose of the task is to have students construct their own knowledge instead of following a set step of directions.

What changes might you implement based on your new knowledge?

I am hoping to use YouTube more often to have students find their own videos on a topic and then share the links with their class mates through Google Classroom.  I am going to try to have the students research what they need to learn and then teach each other. 

Skilled Communtication

What did you learn? 
I have learned that skilled communication is when students can communicate in different settings and with multiple modes of communication. Students who are skilled in communication can use written, verbal, visual, and other modes of communication.  Students are thoughtful in how they use these communication tools and provide supporting evidence targeted to a specific audience.

What changes might you implement based on your new knowledge?  

First, I realized my students are more skilled at communicating than I originally thought. I am going to push students to communicate more with a SPECIFIC audience in mind when they are explaining their thoughts and providing supporting evidence. I am also going to be more purposeful about what they students have to communicate and why they are communicating those thoughts.

My Journey Begins...

What about yourself are you most aware of as a learner?

I know that I am easily distracted by people around me. I need an opportunity to process information in silence. I often take longer to process information and form coherent thoughts.  I prefer to learn through visual models.

What do you know about student learning and the 21st Century Learning Competencies (the six dimensions)?
I know there are 6 domains and that 21st Century learning is about having students use technology to create information, not just watch videos to "get info". They need to interact with the technology, not just use it. Twenty-first Century learning is about communicating, collaborating and developing knowledge.

As you think about your instruction, how do you use the 21st Century Learning Competencies (the six dimensions) as a guide to your teaching practices?
I don't know how much I use the 21st Century Learning Competencies to guide my instruction. I have students work together and discuss what they are learning, but I don't always get a chance to have students use technology to interact.