Week 3 - Reflective Task (Oct. 17 - 23, 2011)

Task Discussion

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  tbraught   Oct. 25, 2011, 11:26 p.m.

  1) What evidence is there of deeper learning in Sample #1? For example, to what extent do you see critical thinking, collaboration, global outlook, etc.?  To be honest, I would need to know what the assignment was about to fully understand the deeper learning.  It was an emotional video that conveyed the notion of poverty.  Creating the sound effects, the dripping, and the containers showed the understanding of poverty.
  
  2) What evidence is there of deeper learning in Sample #2? The students were presented with an scenario that didn't have a right/wrong answer.  They had to think through all the scenairos to come up with their right answer.
  
  3) What strategies or tips should teachers keep in mind when trying to design lessons that promote deeper learning through use of social media? Assignments whould be be thought provoking and should not have a right/wrong answer. Example: When is civil disobedience good?  We could use Occupy (City) as an example.  Our English instructors took our students down town to interview the "occupiers" to write their story.  This could also be a good discussion on a blog.

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  Anna   Oct. 30, 2011, 12:30 p.m.
  In Reply To:   tbraught   Oct. 25, 2011, 11:26 p.m.

  I think your point 3 is a critical one. Asking "open questions" is a critical strategy for educators trying to inspire deeper learning. I can't remember if I shared this with you, but you might find my blog post about Powerful Questions of interest.

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  Harry B   Oct. 24, 2011, 11:44 p.m.

  1) What evidence is there of deeper learning in Sample #1? For example, to what extent do you see critical thinking, collaboration, global outlook, etc.?

  The evidence of this exists in the free movement of differing camera angles (representing points of view), symbolism of different countries represented ( types of clothing, quality clothing, details of dirt and grime on skin, etc), as well as the mood of seriousness represented through small children.  The audience feels the urgency for every single drop, and the soundtrack music helps build this tension and sense of need.  Global is represented becuse this is a neutral issue all worry about, whether a wealthy or a poo country, this si an issue that touches us all.  Collaboration is shown with the long shot of the children in line, showing the need for water from many people, just just a specific group or individual.

  
  2) What evidence is there of deeper learning in Sample #2?

  The varied formats from a talking avatar, to a Choose your own adventure, to the representation of vried experiences through cultural evets that occur, to the inetractive elements of a video that correpond to an actual visit.  Then the varied look at countries through pie charts instead of flags, all of these represent so many different perspectives rather than just writing, writing, writing...:)   Also, the "lenses" the audience looks through are varied thansk to the varied formats the creator of the blog creates for the audience!

  
  3) What strategies or tips should teachers keep in mind when trying to design lessons that promote deeper learning through use of social media?

  Vary your presentation methods to attract a more diverse audience.

  Critique your methods through the eyes of others for impressions.

  If you want to convey a particular feeling/outlook, do your best to poll the individuals or group centered on to capture the real philosophy they look at things.

  Use a variety of technology that best meets the needs of your goals/objectives, not just randomly using technology to use technology, use specific tools to achieve a specific purpose.

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  Anna   Oct. 30, 2011, 12:31 p.m.
  In Reply To:   Harry B   Oct. 24, 2011, 11:44 p.m.

  Nice strategies. Perhaps you can consider adding some to your wiki page? Thanks Harry!

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  cinmil   Oct. 23, 2011, 8:56 p.m.

  In Sample #1, deeper learning is evident in how the students chose this particular type of situation to showcase the perception of how water is distributed to children of poverty in our world.  I think the next step for students is to determine what information is needed to solve this issue.  Then they can write out a problem statement that clearly explains the situation, the questions being asked, and show the model for a possible solution.  Lastly, locate the individuals who can help them implement this solution through Skype or other video conference method.  All of this will help students develop the critical thinking, collaboration, global outlook, and problem-solving skills needed to deepen their learning.

  In Sample #2, the blog is helping Emily develop a deeper learning for various new experiences and problems that can arise every day, and this allows her to share her insights of those experiences that deepen her learning.

  Strategies or tips teachers should keep in mind when trying to design lessons that promote deeper learning  through use of social media is:

  • Students need time to discuss and collaborate on ideas and/or come up with possible solutions;
  • Implement project-based learning, designed around real world scenarios;
  • Connect with other students around the world, on topics of study that really matter to students; and
  • Engage students in a learning experience that allows them to struggle with a problem, gaining higher-order thinking skills from tackling the solution.
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  Anna   Oct. 30, 2011, 12:37 p.m.
  In Reply To:   cinmil   Oct. 23, 2011, 8:56 p.m.

  Thanks Cindy.

  Are you familiar with the Global Education Collaborative? It is great for connecting with other teachers and students.

  Your last bullet is critical. We (Chris, the Bon Education Team and I) host regular education events in Dubai for our client the Shelter. Last Thursday we hosted a fashion and retail masterclass where local student designers had to present their clothing, challenges and questions to a panel of experts. This problem based approach not only helped the students, but the audience as well. The audience started co-problem solving! Next month's education theme is social enterprise. We are going to host a simulation that will be problem-based too :-).