Jen Proce - PME 811

 In researching for my final paper in this course this week, I came across an interesting piece of technology called "Teachable Agents".  With this instructional technology, students assume the role of a teacher. They add information and create causal connections on a digital mind map which teaches the “agent” character in the simulation. Artificial Intelligence technologies then “enables TA to use the concept maps to answer questions, thereby providing interactivity, a model of thinking, and feedback” (Doris et al., 2010, p. 649). Here is a video of the technology in action: I found this technology particularly intriguing because of its simplicity, and my thinking about how much my Grade 3 students would love to use it. They love feeling like experts, and I know they would be extremely motivated by the idea of being the "teacher", and having to understand content well enough to teach their "student". I think it's so neat how the technology makes them ...

Some of the technologies I've researched for this blog are things I've heard of previously and wanted to learn more about. This week, my aim was to discover recent innovations in technology that I had truly never heard of, and found particularly innovative. Here are some of the innovations in technology of today that really sparked my interest: Uncharted Play Uncharted Play is a company that developed playground items that can transfer kinetic energy into stored electrical power. The SOCCKET is a soccer ball that gathers energy each time it’s kicked and the PULSE is a jump rope that collects energy with every swing. The kinetically charged battery helps provide power to people without access. And the playground items encourage children to play and exercise.  Classes in shipping containers These are just as they sound. Around the world, especially in overpopulated countries such as India, shipping containers are being enabled with the Cloud, internet access and HP hardware, and ...

 This week was too much.  I write this post from bed, home sick with a sore throat, headache and feelings of overwhelm, and just have to be honest: this year has been a lot. A hybrid form of learning at my school means Zoom calls, virtual grading and check-ins along with regular in-person lessons, assessments and duties. Adding this to life's regular duties such as working out, completing coursework and having some remnant of a social life, and things seems to have really caught up to me this week. These past couple of weeks, technology has not been my friend. I have spent more time than ever staring at this little blue screen, and wishing that it didn't exist. As a blog that explores many of the benefits of technology and the ways it can increase critical thinking skills and enhance innovation, I am going to switch things up this week and explore the ways that technology can help people experiencing anxiety, lack of sleep and feelings of overwhelm. The most obvious answer is,...

Reflecting on my week, I realize that some of the moments I looked forward to least were my Zoom meetings. I was thrilled to see the faces of my at-home students, but dreaded the impending blank looks, distracted movements, turned-off cameras, boredom and screen fatigue that I struggle so much to prevent. In today's environment, video-conferencing tech is our reality. In order for students to think innovatively and for us to effectively teach, our learners must be engaged. For my blog post, I want to explore some of the best methods for keeping Zoom fun, connective and interactive with our elementary-aged students. 1. Incorporate movement Why not have students act out their spelling words instead of writing them? 7x3=21? Great! Do 21 Jumping jacks! Including more movement helps students stay engaged in the lesson and listen more actively. When they see their friends doing this, they won't want to miss out! 2. Be silly and include humor Wigs, costumes, songs, dances, puppets - w...

 As we navigate a new world where teaching students about technology is a necessity, we must also be aware of the disadvantages that the use of technology holds. I have identified two main areas for concern, and some ideas on how both parents and educators can alleviate these concerns. 1. Internet Safety There are several aspects of internet safety that often concern me when using technology with my students. Aspects such as privacy and data collection are one. I fear that they may accidentally share personal information with unreliable sources or visit websites that are insecure.  Another main area for concern is internet searches in general, using search engines such as Google or Bing. I taught them about how to select results when using a search engine, and I showed them how to identify which results were an "ad" and which results were actually relevant I also showed them how to scan the descriptions under each link and identify which link was the most useful. That being s...

In my definition of Innovation, it is defined as "change that creates value". Through examining and thinking critically about problems, our students can identify issues and ways to solve them, or ways to improve what already exists. This ability to apply knowledge to new situations is a key sign of true learning. This post will highlight 3 categories of technological tools that can promote critical thinking in students. I will outline a general category, list some specific apps and explain why I value that tool in specific. 1. Mindmapping  Using virtual mind mapping tools is an effective way for students to visually lay out their ideas, make connections and formulate inquiring questions. They can use mind maps as a more insightful note taking tool, while also being able to collaborate with other students in class or for group projects. Mind mapping allows students to practice the skill of breaking down large concepts into smaller chunks as well as connecting various topics to...