Let's Use Video to Reinvent Education - I thought you'd never ask!

I found the TED video with Salman Khan fascinating! I always appreciated what Khan Academy provides but it was great to hear the story behind its beginnings and the motivation that propels it forward. The section of the video that really stood out to me was when Salman Khan talked about how teachers are currently using his videos to flip the classroom, then use class time to focus on humanizing the classroom experience.  I can also appreciate his perspective because I can see how teachers can fall into spending too much time reviewing the basic concepts instead of engaging with students and checking students for content understanding.  It is interesting because I always thought Khan Academy were only videos without interaction and did not check for understanding or track progress. Knowing that Khan Academy does in fact check for these things is fantastic. Sites such as IXL test for math comprehension show you how to get the correct answer but Khan Academy seems to step it up by offering detailed videos with audio then showing how the problem was solved. Khan Academy can test for comprehension with 10 questions.  Once the 10 questions have been answered you automatically advance to the next level. All in all, I am impressed with what I learned from Salman Khan.

The Flipped Classroom - Let's flip it!

This week’s resources focused on the flipped classroom.  Although there is still controversy over the use of a flipped classroom, I thoroughly agree with the use of the flipped classroom. The flipped classroom has the power to increase a student’s comprehension level. This is an invaluable tool that is far too often dismissed. The flipped classroom not only has the potential to assist non-disabled students to comprehend information better but it would greatly assist in creating an even playing field for those students who struggle with learning disabilities. You see, in using the flipped classroom you are allowing students the opportunity to go back and review information as many times as needed. For example, the use of the flipped classroom would work perfectly in a math class. Students would not only have a have a concrete example of the math concept they are currently working on but the ability to refer back to that concept when they do not understand the content being taught in class. Making the transition to a flipped classroom should not be taken lightly and as this week’s resources stated that the flipped classroom is not the answer to all classes. However, I do believe all teachers should make an attempt in flipping sections of their class. It not only introduces students to different methods of instruction but can make learning fun.

Storytelling - The unknown power

The power of storytelling is one that, unfortunately, is often overlooked.  This week’s resources have brought to light the full power that storytelling possesses. I really enjoyed reading the article from lifehacker.com “The Science of Storytelling: Why Telling a Story is the Most Powerful Way to Activate Our Brains.” I appreciated how this article along with this week’s resources cemented the fact that in order to teach effectively we need to connect with our students. The easiest way to connect with our students is through storytelling. When looking back at my own educational path I realized that the only teachers I remember bringing lessons to a level that I understood are the ones that brought the lesson back to reality by connecting it to something that they experienced. Even my personal experiences growing up, the most memorable lesson I have learned without experiencing it myself includes storytelling. Also, when trying to guide my 12-year-old, I have found that one of the best ways to relate is by telling a story of my past. My realization is that storytelling is more than just powerful, it quite possibly may be the key to connecting with those that you want to teach. After all, it has been proven that when you tell a story, those listening to you have the power to experience what the story is telling to a certain degree.  A great example of this would be a movie.  A move can be engaging, provoke emotion and teach you something.  The goal in teaching would be to create the same outcome with students.  

Communication devices - If you don't know, now you know.

I really enjoyed viewing this week's resources.  Approximately 1 in 68 people currently have Autism.  Unfortunately, not everyone is aware of the resources out there to assist those who have difficulty expressing themselves. I was one of them. Seeing Lianna’s story was heartwarming.  To see that such a young girl had the ability not only to express herself but do so in a way that was engaging and playful was extremely encouraging. Watching this week resources forced me to realize how in the dark I am regarding something that is unfortunately very common. Learning about Proloquo2go and watching the 60-minute video about Josh’s struggles with expressing himself really opened my eyes. In hindsight, I realize that the iPad is a crucial tool for Autism but have never the opportunity witnessed the power that it holds. I personally know have a family member that has trouble expressing herself due to Down syndrome. As she grew older she began to communicate less and less. I am now inspired to provide her with an iPad and the apps to help her communicate with those around her. I am thankful we had to view the videos and resources as part of this week’s requirements.  As a future special education teacher, it is crucial that I am not only aware of the technology to help those with difficulty expressing themselves but know how to use these resources first hand.

Assistive Tech – To be or not to be

It's astonishing that some people are still skeptical about assistive technology's use for those with disabilities. This week’s resources had fantastic example of why we need assistive technology and how lives have been changed for the better by it. I was particularly moved by the story of Lianna Bryant. Being a child not too far from my own son’s age. It was truly amazing to see how she is so much like many kids her age. Not only was she able to communicate through her mobile device on her wheel chair but was perfectly average in terms of social development! In the short in the video it was apparent she loved to joke, talk about gross things and had interest in boys. I found this video heartwarming and hilarious.

In reflection, although I am familiar with some assistive technology as my son uses assistive technology in school, I can now see how much further assistive technology can go than I originally had envisioned. I now have hopes of somehow getting an iPad into to the hand of an adult family member with Down Syndrome. Perhaps if she had a speaking app she would be able to communicate effectively.