21st+Century+Questions

1. We believe that the learning parpadigms between the Industrial-age and Information-age vary depending on the school and district where you teach. Lindsay and I teach in Central Valley School District. CV is moved from the industrial-age to the Information-age, but unfortunately, it is a slow process. We both have our own computers and document cameras for teaching. Lindsay's school has a computer lab and my school does not. I have 3 student computers, but they are old.

2. In the 21st Century classroom, students are provided with technology that allows them to monitor their own learning. In our classrooms we are able to use student computers during reading, writing, and math. Students are able to use a variety of technology inside their classrooms, including tape recorders for a listening centers, leap pad, computers, document cameras and elmos.

3. An effective learning tool is one that students can use independently to develop skills, share their thinking and build critical thinking skills. During our reading workshop, students are able to practice reading using starfall.com on the internet, listening to stories to build fluency and vocabulary. During writing workshop students are able to use the document camera to share their writing with classmates. United Streaming provides a unique twist to our Math workshop. Math Monsters get kids interested in new concepts they will be learning. Instructors must have the knowledge to teach their students these different programs so they are able to navigate on their own to be successful.

4. Contructivist learning environments include student-centered, hands-on learning activities, and building critical thinking skills by allowing students to work together and share their thinking. The teacher is the facilitator who guides and scaffolds the learning so students are successful. Through teaching in type of environment, teachers create a community of learners whom are independent and are not afraid to share their thinking regardless of having the right or wrong answer.

5. The instructional model we chose is Cambourne's Model of Literacy Learning. The process begins with the teacher immersing students in rich literature. Next, the teacher demonstrates the skill of what readers do. Then, the teacher provides a purpose for learning and models what is expected. Students will then have an opportunity to practice the skill with teacher support. After practicing, students are able to work independently to develop their skills. During this process students will discover what their strengths and areas of weakness are. The teacher then uses techniques to support each individual learner. The goal of this model is to build successful, independent learners.

6. There is a framework that works as analyzing and evaluating media. This framework is called the TAP Model. The TAP Model is based on the work of Eddie Dick from Scotland, but has been modified by others. The model looks at three different elements, which are used to explore and understand media products. The three categories include text, audience and production. The students' goal is to look at the different media products with a critical eye and evaluate the different sources and media messages they are sending.

7. The Web 2.0 tools are a collection of sources we can add to our student’s assortment of learning resources. These tools provide students a way to develop inquiries, explore, and play using the computer. The Web 2.0 tools are usually free and benefit not only the students learning, but the teachers. Teachers can use the tools to provide learning spaces for their students and bookmark different web sites that correlate with what they are learning in the classroom. Teachers can record themselves reading a book or make a presentation for the end of the year. These tools range from wikispaces, blogs, protopage, survey monkey, glypho, different webquests and games, and so much more. The Web 2.0 tools are a great resource and add a media rich learning environment to your classroom.