Branch Blog 7234

When I registered for FRIT 7234, I honestly had no idea what I was signing up to take.  I saw inquiry in the title and decided the class would cover material applicable to my classroom.  Reading the syllabus and discovering that the class involved so much technology, I was immediately intimidated.   Embracing the fact that I was involved in a new learning experience, challenging or not, I was going to soak up as much information as possible.  I am going to finish a better teacher!   As I reflect on the goals I established during the first week of the semester, I do feel that I am progressing toward achieving my learning objectives.  I have already begun learning new strategies and resources to promote a culture of inquiry and information fluency in the classroom.  Just today I had a conversation with a colleague about Galileo Kids, and I plan to better guide students through information searches.  My second goal was to develop digital ...

As a teacher, what is my role in the classroom?  The answer to this question has changed greatly over the last decade.  Today a teacher is more of a facilitator, an adult who supports the learning environment rather than someone who controls it (Lehmann, 2013).  Has this transition been easy for me?  Absolutely not!  I am excited about the change, but I struggle with the daily release of responsibility that is necessary for student success (Wiggins, 2014).  As professional development opportunities have given me resources and instructional strategies, my pedagogy has evolved; I am incorporating more technology and inquiry-based learning experiences.  I am a believer in the shift!  However, through the shift, I have maintained control.  The time has arrived for me to LET GO. The question that continuously drives my reflections: how do I make learning relevant and more rigorous?  I present scenarios through word problems where stude...

Just today, as I sat in a planning meeting at the school, the group began to discuss possible quotes for our presentation.  My response... I completed a Google search.  Responding in this manner is not a reflection of taking FRIT 7234; my natural tendency is to use the most convenient device, usually my iPhone, to look up the answer.  Even though I was born well before 1993, I guess you can say I have characteristics of the Google Generation. As with anything, I have become a better searcher over time.  I have learned tips along the way that have made finding information easier.  I still find myself bogged down at times, trying different combinations of key terms, but I am also still learning new ways to search.  I am completely fascinated by the fact I can upload a picture during a Google search!  Unfortunately, I am much like students in that I literally type my question instead of using Google operators.  I have room for growth, right?? Eve...

Just as the InfoWhelm and Information Fluency video demonstrates, information is limitless.  There is no boundary to what students can learn.  However, in order to access knowledge beyond the print materials in a school, students must have access to digital technology.  Electronic resources open the door to the world! As I read through Bryan Alexander's blog, I could not help but think about how overwhelmed I am beginning this class.  I feel confident with tools like email, Facebook, and Google searches.  I use several online resources in my classroom and would rate myself ★★★☆☆ for using technology in the classroom.  However, I obviously have a lot to learn!  Starting blog and Twitter accounts and trying to figure out how to establish a PLN is quite overwhelming.  I am excited and nervous all at the same time.  I know I will be stretched personally, but the results will benefit me professionally.  I want to create an innovative c...

Personal Learning Goals for FRIT 7234 To learn strategies and resources to promote a culture of inquiry and information fluency in my classroom. To develop digital resources that can be implemented in my classroom. To create a more student-centered classroom where students discover knowledge.   I chose to take this class as an elective because I want to learn new ways to foster inquiry-based learning.  I recognize that a change in my pedagogy must occur for students to be successful in today's academic setting.

Branch Blog 7234 was created for my FRIT 7234 graduate class.  Blogging will be a new learning experience for me! 😊