Thursday, November 6, 2014

Inquiry-Based Learning Project

ED 307 students completed a module on inquiry-based learning. To begin the lesson, a brief overview was provided, leaving students with many unanswered questions....

    1. What is the student’s role in inquiry-based learning?
    2.  What is the teacher’s role in inquiry-based learning?
    3. What does research say about student achievement/success when using inquiry-based learning?
    4. What are the best practices associated with inquiry-based learning?
    5. What are the steps involved in using inquiry-based learning in the classroom? 

            To answer these questions, students were encouraged to search the Internet for information, determine relevance and correctness of information, and then organize the information in a mind-map, using MindMiester. Students then created digital presentations of their findings.

            307 students complete this assignment each semester, but the presentations linked below are some of the best ever submitted. These students did an OUTSTANDING job - I am very appreciative of their hard work - work that is definitely worth sharing.

            1. Alisha: http://www.screencast.com/t/EQ8xrgWju 
            2. Barbara: http://youtu.be/-626K_YAyDg
            3. Savannah: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQbywV6w5R
            If you had questions about inquiry-based teaching/learning before watching these videos, I'm sure they are answered now. Way to step up 307 students!!!

            A bit more about MindMiester - it's a must have resource for the classroom. Here's why -
            1. It's a great mind mapping tool that allows multiple forms of media to be attached to the map (videos, links, etc.). 
            2. Lots of design choices
            3. Mind maps can be shared and used collaboratively
            4. MindMiester includes a presentation component
            5. Apple and Android apps available too
            6. And there's a FREE version!! But for those who have a little $$ to spend, there are educator discounts.
            Be sure to check it out.

            Tuesday, November 4, 2014

            Teaching with Technology Presentations

            ED 305 students really stepped it up with their teaching with technology presentations. For this project, students are encouraged to implement best practices for creating and delivering digital presentations. Overall the 305 students did a great job. One area of shortcoming for most students was the use of graphics in the presentation - I think this is mostly due to the availability of open-source graphics that matched their content.

            One area where just about every student did an outstanding job was with presenting the information. There was VERY little reading of content. Most students discussed their content in a manner that made the presentation enjoyable and easy to listen to and learn from. I've never had a group of students do so well on this particular area.

            A few students that I would like to recognize for their submissions are listed below. While these presentations may not be perfect, I've detailed the aspect of the presentation that was particularly good. You will notice that most of these had a nice presentation rhythm, with few extended periods of time on a zoom.



            Thursday, October 2, 2014

            Amazing Student Work

            I had a very nice surprise awaiting me as I graded one of my 305 students Digital Citizenship lessons, created using SoftChalk. I am AMAZED at her work, which to say the least is WAY ABOVE AND BEYOND!

            Enjoy this really great lesson:

            Tuesday, September 30, 2014

            Course Authoring with SoftChalk

            ED 305 students have been learning how to create lessons using SoftChalk. They put a lot of time and hard work into creating a digital citizenship lesson. While all were good, a few rose to the top - thanks for your hard work!!





                                                                                                                                     ~ Maria Montessori


            I humbly thank my wonderful family for their support in all that I do. Robert Robbie Cowan, Robert Drew Andrew Cowan, and Hunter Cowan Hartselle, Decatur, AL

            Friday, September 19, 2014

            Technology Integration Frameworks

            This week ED 410 students learned about technology integration frameworks. They presented learned information as a multimedia presentation. Enjoy the following presentation - the student does an excellent job presenting the information in a non-linear format that is enjoyable to watch.


            http://screencast.com/t/0DuFhkqIiVqq



            If an educational act is to be efficacious, it will be only that one which tends to help toward the complete unfolding of life. To be thus helpful it is necessary rigorously to avoid the arrest of spontaneous movements and the imposition of arbitrary tasks.
                                                                                                                                     ~ Maria Montessori

            James 1:2-4 ESV 

            Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.


            I humbly thank my wonderful family for their support in all that I do. Robert Robbie Cowan, Robert Drew Andrew Cowan, and Hunter Cowan Hartselle, Decatur, AL

            Monday, September 15, 2014

            ED 307 - It's Flipping Awesome

            ED 307 students participated in an inquiry-based lesson about flipping the classroom. They answered back with some awesome videos. Kudos to the student videos posted here - they were selected for their great work!

            Video 1: This video takes top prize for a truly animated video - https://plotagon.com/12317
            Video 2: This video is also very good! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WX-r9Wi6O2U&list=UURfA9oRSDsDj1PO4YWri31A

            Thanks 307 folks for your hard work!
            If an educational act is to be efficacious, it will be only that one which tends to help toward the complete unfolding of life. To be thus helpful it is necessary rigorously to avoid the arrest of spontaneous movements and the imposition of arbitrary tasks.
                                                                                                                                     ~ Maria Montessori

            James 1:2-4 ESV 

            Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.


            I humbly thank my wonderful family for their support in all that I do. Robert Robbie Cowan, Robert Drew Andrew Cowan, and Hunter Cowan Hartselle, Decatur, AL


            Wednesday, July 30, 2014

            Physical Educators Embrace Learning Management Systems for Course Activities

            Tomorrow I will be presenting information about learning management systems to the best group of teachers around - physical educators! Session attendees will learn the basics of using a learning management system to
            • House courses
            • Engage students in social learning
            • Weave multimedia into class content
            • Assess performance and manage grades
            • Share resources
            We will be using COURSEsites by Blackboard for training activities. 

            The  session will begin with session attendees exploring a demo course that I have created in COURSEsites. Attendees should log into the course at https://www.coursesites.com/s/_LIFE

            Session documents
            1. What is a learning management system
            2. How to use a learning management system
            If an educational act is to be efficacious, it will be only that one which tends to help toward the complete unfolding of life. To be thus helpful it is necessary rigorously to avoid the arrest of spontaneous movements and the imposition of arbitrary tasks.
                                                                                                                                     ~ Maria Montessori

            James 1:2-4 ESV 

            Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.


            I humbly thank my wonderful family for their support in all that I do. Robert Robbie Cowan, Robert Drew Andrew Cowan, and Hunter Cowan Hartselle, Decatur, AL


            Friday, March 14, 2014

            Augmented Reality

            Students in ED 407 Emerging Instructional Technologies have been learning about augmented reality this past week. Augmented reality takes many forms - from complex and expensive to simple and affordable - with this in mind, students were asked to create two scenarios (K-12 and Jr/Sr. level college of ed) showing how augmented reality could be used to enhance the teaching and learning environment. Additionally, there were asked to discuss the social, emotional and physical pros/cons of the implementation. The following scenario is a great example of using augmented reality to positively affect the teaching and learning environment in a K-12 science classroom. Kudos to Miranda and Diane.

            Augmented Reality
            K-12 Scenario:
            "But I've Never Even Seen a Real Volcano"
            (Science/Language Arts Lesson)
                      Mrs. Smith's third grade class is reading an expository text in language arts titled, "Volcanoes". Mrs. Smith has covered the vocabulary terms with her students, and they have read the story twice as a class. She has also shared pictures and video clips with her students. However, Mrs. Smith notices that her students are not truly understanding volcanoes. What is her solution? Mrs. Smith has access to special glasses that turn blank space into a 3D virtual image that can be explored and manipulated by her students. She decided to use these glasses (her classroom has two pairs) to set up a volcano center during center time for a week. She places additional books on volcanoes, handouts on volcanoes, and the glasses at the center. In the center the students also find instructions on how to use the devices. 
                   Students can use the glasses to see a virtual 3D image of a volcano. They can rotate the volcano to view different angles, and they can also choose to view an erupting or inactive volcano. The students can also "split" the volcano in half and view the inside of the volcano. The glasses even have a special feature that allows the students to "tap" an area on the image and quiz themselves. For instance, Sally taps the red fire pouring out of the volcano and says "magma". The glasses then show a green check mark to show Sally she has answered the question correctly. This isn't all! Sally can also "tap" the magma in order for some fun facts to be displayed.
                   It turned out that Mrs. Smith was right on track in deciding to use the glasses to help her students understand volcanoes and the vocabulary associated with them. Most students, in fact probably all of her students, have never had the opportunity to see a real volcano. Therefore, the glasses allowed the students to see, inspect, and experience a "real live" volcano without ever spending money or leaving the classroom.
                  This scenario is a great example on how teacher's can use augmented reality devices to help students learn about things that may normally be "out of reach" due to safety concerns or money constraints. This scenario also shows how students can use augmented reality to learn more on a topic in an interesting and engaging way. Augmented reality also allowed the students in this scenario to explore on their own and decide just what parts of a volcano they wanted to learn about.This allows the students to have some control of their cognitive development. It also helps them develop physically as they learn to manipulate the glasses to perform the tasks they wish to perform. This "self-exploration" also encourages the student to love learning and gives them self confidence when they are proud of what they accomplish on their own or are able to do by themselves. The two students in the center can also discuss and teach one another how to use the glasses. This helps them develop social skills.


            If an educational act is to be efficacious, it will be only that one which tends to help toward the complete unfolding of life. To be thus helpful it is necessary rigorously to avoid the arrest of spontaneous movements and the imposition of arbitrary tasks.
                                                                                                                                     ~ Maria Montessori

            James 1:2-4 ESV 

            Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.


            I humbly thank my wonderful family for their support in all that I do. Robert Robbie Cowan, Robert Drew Andrew Cowan, and Hunter Cowan Hartselle, Decatur, AL


            Monday, February 3, 2014

            Horizon Report Reviewed

            This past week, ED 407 students reviewed the Higher Ed and K-12 Horizon reports. Information learned was presented digitally. All students did a very good job and learned a lot about what to expect in their future classrooms from this very valuable resource.

            Top picks for presentation best practices are (drum roll....):
            While these presentations are very similar in content and format to others, what I liked best about these is the auditory appeal of the presenter. In both videos, the presenter "talked" to me about the technologies, as opposed to "reading" the presentation.

            All submissions needed more zooms and graphics, for a more visually appealing presentation.

            If an educational act is to be efficacious, it will be only that one which tends to help toward the complete unfolding of life. To be thus helpful it is necessary rigorously to avoid the arrest of spontaneous movements and the imposition of arbitrary tasks.
                                                                                                                                     ~ Maria Montessori

            James 1:2-4 ESV 

            Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.


            I humbly thank my wonderful family for their support in all that I do. Robert Robbie Cowan, Robert Drew Andrew Cowan, and Hunter Cowan Hartselle, Decatur, AL


            Friday, January 31, 2014

            Flipped Classroom Time

            Students in ED 307 ventured into the flipped classroom craze this past week. They created animated videos about the content they learned. This weeks top pick (drum roll please).....





            If an educational act is to be efficacious, it will be only that one which tends to help toward the complete unfolding of life. To be thus helpful it is necessary rigorously to avoid the arrest of spontaneous movements and the imposition of arbitrary tasks.
                                                                                                                                     ~ Maria Montessori

            James 1:2-4 ESV 

            Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.


            I humbly thank my wonderful family for their support in all that I do. Robert Robbie Cowan, Robert Drew Andrew Cowan, and Hunter Cowan Hartselle, Decatur, AL