Tuesday, June 5, 2012

What a year!! - Going 1:1 with Android devices

This school year had both it's challenges and amazing moments!   The beginning of the year was a little rocky as we spent time figuring out the devices, glitches, procedures and other surprises that came our way.  However, the benefits and high points of implementing a 1:1 Pulaski Community School District 21st Model Classroom most definitely outnumbered the obstacles!  I have laid out some of the new 'tools' implemented in my classroom this year, student favorites (based on their informal feedback), and goal/ideas for next year....

New tools implemented this year:
  • Class Blogs - A daily post was made each day to each blog that included the lesson, videos, links, activities, and any other resources needed by students.  
  • Individual Student Blogs
  • Video Lessons
  • Individualized Listening Activities 
  • Assessments via Google Forms
  • Interactive Reading Activities
  • Many Android Apps utilized throughout the year.  Click here to see a detailed list!
  • QR Codes 
  • New Problem Based Learning Units
  • Soapbox for discussion
  • TodaysMeet for discussion/back-channeling
  • Class Dojo - Used to track student participation in the target language
  • A SmartBoard and SMART software
  • Video Documentation of new tools used in the classroom
  • Youtube - used to upload all of the videos created throughout the year
  • New Performance Based Assessments
  • Google Forms to assess listening
  • Google Voice - Used for speaking assessments
  • Google Docs for collaborative writing assignments/projects
  • Gmail - Used with students for 24/7 communication and for assessment purposes.
  • Quizlet for online vocabulary activities
Student Favorites:
  • Class Blog!
  • Their own individual blogs
  • Video Lessons
  • Interactive Reading Activities
  • Online discussions via TodaysMeet and Soapbox
  • Google Forms
  • Google Docs
  • Google Voice
  • Quizlet
  • Choice in Learning/Individualized Learning!
Goals/Ideas for Next year:
  • Re-design the classroom setup and create a more collaborative learning environment!
  • Twitter Accounts for Students - Class created hashtags for discussion. / Open class walls to have discussions with other Spanish Classes & Spanish speakers. / Create an additional opportunity to teach about digital citizenship / Provide discussions in target language outside of the designated class period
  • Enhance Individual Student Blogs and create more student discussion between each other's blogs.
  • Increase Problem Based Learning Units
  • Increase Performance Based Assessments
  • More meaningful cultural lessons
  • Tie other curricular areas into lessons to create deeper understanding and meaning
  • TPR Storytelling Activities for each unit
  • Increase use of Google Apps for assessments and activities
I can't wait to see what next year brings!! :)