Blog Post #7: How Do We Become Learners

The Using iMovie and the Alabama Virtual Library in Kindergarten in Kindergarten video explains what kindergarteners do with iMovie and the Alabama Virtual Library (AVL). Kindergarteners make trailers for books they have read and are very excited about making them. Alabama Virtual Library is free to everyone and is a way to teach basic research. Kindergarteners can do so much more than some college juniors and seniors, like creating and editing videos in iMovie.

In We All Become Learners, Dr. Strange, Elizabeth Davis, and Michelle Bennett discuss how everyone is a learner and teacher. Mrs. Bennett advocates deeper learning and introduces Padlet. She talks about how she teaches students to use various applications and is taught by students as well. Children are quick learners and can teach many of us new things!

From Mrs. Bennett’s Google + Site I watched the following 4 videos:

1. A Conversation with Two Second Graders: Doing Research and Making Presentations- In this video, two second graders explain how they completed their research and how they created their presentation. They used Alabama Virtual Library to research and enjoyed using the iPad. The second graders gave their presentation to 1st and 2nd graders. They were very enthusiastic when they shared their information and were eager to get hold of the mic.

2. Mrs. Shirley & Ms. Lauber's Students Collaborate- In this video, 2 second graders present their plant presentation on the iPad. They have animations and pictures incorporated into the presentation. They have a clear understanding of how to use an iPad, and their presentation is straightforward and easy to understand.

3. Sawyer’s Story- In this video, there are many pictures of Sawyer and his friends. The video gives insight to Sawyer’s friends and school environment. The video was created through iMovie and was put together really well. It gives the audience a sense of knowing the student just by watching the video.

4. CW PBL 1-  In this video, Christie Whitehead discusses different aspects of technology in the classroom. She talks about how her students sometimes teach her, and how she can provide them with a non-threatening environment. Christie elaborates on how project based learning connects all the subjects and the dedication the students have.  She describes the evolution of education and how technology has impacted it.

When I begin my student teaching in the next year and a half, I will ask my teacher for meaningful involvement in project based learning (PBL) activities. I will watch how the teacher runs PBL projects then actively participate in creating them. To keep up with current technology, I will watch videos, participate in meetings that teach new technology, and learn from my students. Some of my strengths are being a quick learner and the ability to apply my knowledge. My weaknesses are inventing projects that include Alabama standards and time management for multi-part assignments. I intend to reflect on the PBL activities, after helping create them, to make better ones in the future.