My Technology Showcase
Over the course of the last 21 months, I've taken fantastic courses in the Michigan State University Masters of Arts - Educational Technology program (MAET). These courses have given me the opportunity to learn about new technologies and how to apply them in effective and creative ways. Take a look around and see some of the things that I've produced!
A Stand-Alone Instructional Resouce
A stand-alone instructional resource, or STAIR is a great example of what I created in the MAET program. It's a clickable power point lesson that provides feedback depending on how students answer questions. It's a great way to help students learn, and provide feedback that is specific to them. For this example I created a STAIR that would help my economics classes understand one of the more difficult concepts, Elasticity of Demand. Below, you can download my STAIR and give it a try!
Elacticity of Demand, Made Simple
Elacticity of Demand, Made Simple
The Wicked Problem of Teaching Geography
The "Wicked Problem Project" was a way of thinking about how to solve a teaching problem with technology. Here's an example of a screencast (which I'll get to later) that explains the process of solving my boring problem of teaching geography, and turning it into a fun, exciting lesson that the students can enjoy.
Sharing Your Screen, and Knowledge
A challenge that I had while teaching computers was how to show students specific concepts, and allow them to re-learn that skill over the course of the class. Many times, teaching a step by step process would have to be repeated many times over the course of the hour. By using Jing, I was able to show students how to complete a task online, and then they could re-watch the video as many times as needed. Using Jing, I'm able to create a virtual lesson that I can share with all of my students.
Digital Storytelling
Teaching in high tech times, in a society where there is multimedia saturation is taxing. As teachers we have to compete for attention, and attract students when they might be attracted elsewhere. A great way to do this is by digital storytelling, or creating videos to use in your classroom. Here's one example that I created in the MAET program.
The Power of Podcasting
When I think about teaching, my goal, obviously is that I want students to learn. I do everything possible in my classroom to make this happen. But there is more than just working inside the classroom. How can students learn in just one hour a day? How can they learn the material needed when they're at home, or on the go? By creating podcasts students can learn to lecture on the go - and with today's tech savvy students, they can use this technology to learn using their iPod, or Smartphone. Here's a great example of a podcast that I created in the MAET program.
Blogging with a Purpose
Communication inside and outside of the classroom is extremely important. It's also a great way to communicate with other educators, techies and people across the web about what is going on in your classroom. On my blog, I'm able to share interesting articles, examples of lessons that I've taught and share ideas to help other educators do what I've done, and to avoid mistakes that I've made. Check it out!
Tom Gunnells' Blog
Tom Gunnells' Blog
Wiki's and the classroom
Wiki's are more than just the popular web encyclopedia. It's a great way to form a virtual classroom and web resource for your students. Together with MAET classmates, we researched Wiki's and their usefulness in the classroom. See it below!