My first Webinar experience

Webinar

The first time when I heard the term “Webinar”, I totally have no idea what is that about. Then, I have an opportunity to view a replay Webinar. I found that Webinar is a online lectures, seminars, workshop and conferences. Webinar is more than a live video; it is interactive. We can ask questions, share information and give feedback.

SAMR Model

The Webinar I viewed was presented by Susan Oxnevad. Her topic was “Teaching Above the Line – Using the SAMR Model of Tech Integration”. SMAR represents four levels to integrate technology into the classroom. Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and  Redefinition.

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As we see the image above, the substitution and augmentation levels, technology acts as a direct substitute. There is no learning goal of using technology and the tasks are the same. These two levels are below the line. At the modification and redefinition levels, learning goals and the tasks could not be completed without technology. The tasks have redesigned or new created. Learning has been transformed with using technology. Susan pointed out that for the beginning, teachers can start with the substitution level, have the students dip their feet into the technology world first. And the ultimate goal is climbing up to the modification and redefinition levels. Susan also indicated that teachers should create their own toolkit to design learning experiences. She demonstrated some tools, such as Google Docs, ThingLink, and wikis, etc.        

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Great Experience

I learned a lot from the Webinar, All the educational technology that Susan introduced in the Webinar was so fascinating.  It really opened my eyes and I found myself so disconnected with this cyber world. I want to learn more about educational technology because it is very helpful in engaging teaching experiences. I also want to join more Webinar, especially live Webinar since I could not join live Webinar this time. I think that would be a different experience; I can actually interact with the presenter and the audiences as well.  

Source of SAMR Model: 

Cool Tools for 21 Century Learners


More information of SAMR Model: 
The SAMR Model: Backgrounds and Exemplars

2013 Trends in Online Learning Virtual, Blended and Flipped Classrooms

        

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  About the research

After reading the report of "2013 Trends in Online Learning Virtual, Blended and Flipped Classrooms",   I was surprised that high technology had been slipped into K-12 classrooms already.  I found that the use of a variety of online learning strategies with students is not only found in colleges or grad schools. In fact, many teachers in K-12 classrooms are utilizing technology in their teaching nowadays. Moreover, there are different forms of learning models, such as virtual, blended and flipped learning. This research grants me a better understanding of today’s K-12 education.

 Data from the survey

Some of the highlights of this latest update Speak Up data are 1) school administrators, online learning teachers, students and parents who participated in the survey seem to agree online learning options provide more ways to help students engage in learning; 2) students see online learning is more personal and self-paced learning; 3) online learning teachers believe online learning motivate students’ learning more and is an efficient way for teachers and students to communicate and connect around learning materials; and 4) more students and parents are interested in the value of online learning and wish their schools would provide more online learning for the students. 

      

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My little thoughts

This report gives me a great insight of using digital and technology in K-12 classrooms. I agree that using a variety of online learning strategies with children can improve students’ academic performance, enhance teachers’ effectiveness and engage parents’ involvement. Online learning allows students working at their own pace. They can rewind, pause and review the learning materials at their own time. Since our young generation is raised in the high-technology society, they definitely would be fascinated in the digital learning environment. However, I think the school administers and teachers have to make sure the students can access online learning without any obstacles before they offer the online courses and digital learning materials.  That would be awesome all the students have the same opportunity to access online learning; especially the low income students. As they may have limited accessibility to online resources, they may benefit a lot from getting such resources.

According from the report, it can be a challenge for teachers incorporate technology in teaching. We should understand that not all teachers are “tech-person”. They need a great amount of support and training to teach in virtual, blended and flipped classrooms. Therefore, how to mobilize and equip our educators to transform their teaching techniques to a cyber level is a big project!    

Source of Research: Project Tomorrow and Blackboard K-12

                                 Speak Up 2012 National Data

                                 June 2013

                                       http://www.tomorrow.org/speakup/2013_OnlineLearningReport.html

   

Welcome to Sau's Place

         

Sau's picture 01

       Hi, welcome to my blog! This is
my first blog and I actually don’t know
what I  should  start  with.  I  think   I
should introduce some background of
myself  and  I  can  share some of  my
hobbies with you.

        I am a Chinese and I came from Hong Kong twelve years ago. I am a student
and I am studying Early Childhood Education. I want to be a Kindergarten teacher since I love children very much and I enjoy working with them a lot. I 
believe that each child can succeed if 
they have more role models walk with them. I want to be one of such person so that I can have positive influenced in their life. 

       My favorite drink is Coca-Cola, especially the glass bottle one. That is so great if you have a glass bottle of Coca-Cola in a hot summer day, it just washes away the heat and you feel so refreshing. One of my hobbies is collecting Coca-Cola products, such as cans, bottles and decors. The reason I collect Coca-Cola products is the beautiful and fascinating design. They have so many varieties beside cans and bottles, such as household products, stationary, or clothing. They also offer seasonal and special events cans, bottles and decors throughout the year.  Moreover, Coca-Cola products are universal; we see them in almost every corner in this world. That’s why I think Coca-Cola items are collectible; however, I collect them is only for my interest, not for sale or investment.  Collecting Coca-Cola items can be a costly hobby since some special collection or products are very expensive; thus, I just get the items both I like and affordable.  

        When I was in Hong Kong, I traveled places in Asia whenever I had vacations. I would look for Coca-Cola items in the countries I visited. I went to their supermarkets and stores to find the items. That was so fun and enjoyable to search them. Some of my friends also collect Coca-Cola products for me if they find something special and collectible. The picture on this post is only a tiny corner of my collection.  I will share some more images from my collection in the coming posts, I hope that you will like it and we may share more about it.