My Final GAME Plan Post

As I look back on my GAME plan I am very happy to say that I have learned a lot of new things that will be to the advantages of my students. My students have not had the chance to use my classroom blog because I’m going to use it next semester, but I feel that I am completely prepared and they will love the blog. I am so glad that I took this class because I have learned so much about technology that I can now use in my class. I have my parent letters to send home so not only will my students be involved so will their parents. I have permission from my administrators and my school district to have a blog for my class because blogs are not usually allowed for our classes in my district. I am very excited and I can’t wait to put my blog into my student’s lives.

For my second goal, I have already secured my people in the community to come and speak to my students. For my middle school students our high school is a place that they all look forward to going to so I got all my people from there to come and talk to the students. The principal will come and talk to them about expectations of a high school student at his school. Our football coach will come and talk to the students about things they need to do to be successful in everything they do, and some of the high school football players will come and speak on doing the right things and working hard to accomplish the things they want in life. For my students this will really make a difference because they really look up to everyone that is at our high school.

One immediate adjustment that I will make to my instructional practice regarding technology integration in my content area as a result of my learning from this course is I will use a digital storytelling activity for my final for my health class. I will give the students a chance to pick from any chapter that we discussed and make a digital storytelling activity for their final exam. Before taking this course I would have never thought of anything like this I would have given the same test that I always give at the end of the semester. The students will love this idea for a final and these are the type of things I have learned with taking my master classes.

Using the GAME Plan Process with Students

My NETS-T standards were:
Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments
Model Digital-Age Work and Learning

NETS-S standards: Creativity and Innovation

Every week we have added on something new to our GAME plan, and I think that was great because that gave us a chance to evaluate what we were doing for it. I have gotten great feedback from my classmates and colleagues are helping me improve my ideas about my GAME plan. After looking back at the NETS-T and checking out the NETS-S standards I found that my two standards of the NETS-T matched the first standard of the NETS-S which was creativity and innovation.

I have my classroom blog page (3B) prepared but I have not tried it out yet in class because I'm doing it next semester. I will use it for everything from daily classroom assignments to getting information home to the parents. I hope that my parents get involved with the blog so they can help their children out when needed. They can also know exactly. What their child is doing in my class and they don't have to worry about getting the information from them. I don't know how well this will work because I don’t know how many of my students or their parents will use it.

With my second standard (2A) I try to promote student learning and creativity on a daily basis. I feel that with the help of technology it gets the students more involved and interested in what you are teaching therefore it will help them with their learning and creativity. I am currently using computers, internet, smart boards, TV, DVD players, and videos to help add technology into my lesson.

Monitoring my GAME plan

My GAME plan has not change a lot from last week because I am not doing my lesson until next semester, which is January. I am learning new tools for using technology in the classroom every week in the learning resources that we must read, and the videos that we watch. I do feel that I will be fully prepared and my students will love my lessons.

I feel that everything that I have done so far will help me to accomplish the goals for my GAME plan. I have my parent letter for my students to take home that explains what we are doing and how the blog will work. I already have the computer lab reserved for next semester so that the students can see what a blog looks like and how to use it. I have gotten permission from my administrator and the school district so that I can use a blog for my class because without permission, in our district, a blog would be blocked and I would not be able to use it. Vicki Davis said in the video that one of the benefits of using online networking sites for teachers and students was creating a blog (Laureate, 2009), so I am ready to add this benefit to my classroom. In addition, another tool that Vicki talked about this week that I feel that will be very helpful with the blog is to use a RSS Reader (Laureate, 2009). With this tool I will be able to manage everything that is added to the blog and I will only have to look in one place.

I am very confident that my blog will work, but I am still wondering how my students will react to the new tool that I add to my class. I know that my students will have internet access at school, but what about the ones that do not have access at home. I hope that their parents will get involved and maybe take them to the local library or a friend's house to use the internet. After adding this to my lesson, I can evaluate how many of my students and their parents use the blog. If it works well, I will add it to all my Health classes and this will enhance my student's ability to use technology for their success!

Resources:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas. Baltimore: Author.

Evaluating the progress of my GAME plan

I am still planning on using my GAME plan in January, but I have done a lot to make sure that my GAME plan works well for my students. For the first item in my GAME plan, I have decided to have some speakers come to my class. I have talked to the principal from the high school, the head football coach, and some student football players and they are planning the come down and talk to my students. This will be a big deal for my students because our high school has one of the best high school football teams in the state of Georgia. The high school currently has seven players that have accepted football scholarships to major colleges and they will come and speak about their journey to attain those scholarships. The head coach will come and talk to my students about hard work and dedication. The principal will come and talk to the students about the high school and how he expects them to be hard working, successful students.

The second item in my GAME plan was to get my blog approved from my administrator. I got the approval. I have also made up letters to send home to the parents so they will know about the blog. On my letter I will have examples of blog websites so they can go on them with their child, and they will see why blogs will be important for our classroom. Dr. Ertmer stated that one of the ways that teachers can assess students learning is by using blogs (Laureate, 2009).

Reference:

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Spotlight on Learning: Problem Based Learning [Webcast]. Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Monitoring My GAME Plan Progress

One of things I have planned for my class is doing my class blog. In a previous Walden course, we learned about blogs, and I still have my blog today. For my class, I must continue reading and asking other colleagues about their classroom blogs. I will give my students the opportunity to go to the computer lab so that they can visit different blogs and get familiar with using them. I must make sure I monitor my students in the lab so that I can make sure they are on the right track. Before I introduce it to my class, I may have to go back to the site and refresh my memory on how to use it. I don't think I have to change my plan because I feel that my blog will be great for my students. Dr. John Ross stated that digital technology provides more flexibility for teachers (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009). With this flexibility my classroom blog should be great.

To enhance my students learning and creativity I have been giving the students ample opportunities to use any technology available to them. Video, computers, and projectors are some of the things we use in class. Like Dr. Katherine Cennamo said, in order to have creative thinkers we must make our students confident in what they are doing (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009).

I am glad that I have concentrated on what I'm going to do next. I really want to try the classroom blog with my next class I get in a few weeks. I want to make sure I got everything together before I start my GAME plan.

Resources:

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Integrating technology across the content areas. Baltimore: Author.

Resources for My GAME Plan

My first GAME plan indicator I will need the following resources: colleague assistance, computers and computer software, guess speakers, and a lot of patients with my students. I have to give my students a healthy environment in which they feel like it is alright for them to try new things to help them bring out their creativity. I will need my cell phone so i can call motivational speakers so they can speak to my students about being creative and being successful. I will have to talk to my administrator so that I can get approval to do all the things I want to do for my students. the only step I havetaken so far involves me speaking to co-workers about ideas of how I can reach my goals with this plan. They have been very helpful and I look forward to getting to some of the other options in my plan.

My second GAME plan indicator I will need the following resources: computers lab and computers, projector so I can show them examples of what blogs will look like, and the white board in the la so that I can write all the instructions up for the blog. I have created a blog in my masters program, but I don't think my students have ever done one. I have not been able to take any steps so far because the computer lab is always full; being a Health teacher, I always get to use it last. I am excited about doing a blog for my class because I know it will help my students stay up to date with all our asignments. Anytime I put technology into a lesson my students love it and they seem to do a better job in the class!

Blog Application Week Two

The two indicators that I have choosen from the NETS-T are: 2A. Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incoporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity and 3B. Collaborate with students , peers, parents and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation.

In order for me to be a better teacher Ifeel that Ineed to look at these two indicators. Indicator #1 (2A) promotes student learning and creativity by incorporating digital tools. In order for me to attain this goal Imust set my students up in a learning environment where they can be creative on a daily basis. With the use of techenology in the classroom the student will have the chance to use their creativity in many ways. Students have an abundance amount of resources and it can only enhance their creativity. I will monitor the students while they are in the computer lab and we will make charts showing how their progress improve each time we go in the lab. In order to evaluate and extend students learning I can ask other teachers for ideas on how I can improve my lesson in which we are doing.

Indicator #2 (3B) promotes collaboration with students, peers, parents , and community members. I will achieve this goal by setting up a class blog for all of my students. I think a blog is a great idea because students will be able to get assignments even if they miss that day of school. The students and I will be able to communicate at any time of the day and even on the weekends. This blog will also be a great way to communicate with my student's parents. A classroom blog will be great for conferences, homework, assignments , collaborative projects, and any student questions. In order for me to monitor the student's progress I will check the blog at the end of each day to see how the students are using the blog. I would evaluate and extend student learning by asking other teachers that have used a blog in their classroom how they make their blog an effective tool for their students.

REFLECTION EDUC 6711: Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology

In the last eight weeks, I have experienced many new ways to integrate technology into my classroom. During week one of this course, I wrote a paper on my personal theory of learning. I continue to believe it is important to utilize several different learning theories in my classroom. After this course, I believe that most of my lessons utilize the social learning theory. Dr. Orey states the social learning theory has "students actively engaged in constructing artifacts and conversing with others" (Laureate Education, 2008). I continue to consider behaviorism a theory that has value in a physical education class. I also continue to believe that such things as learning styles, multiple intelligences, best practices, and educational technologies can all be addressed so each student will be provided with the best possible opportunity to learn. Collaboration and cooperative learning will take on more of an important role in my classroom in this upcoming school year.

My teacher tool box has expanded greatly thanks to this course. I now know how to use technology as a learning tool as well as a teaching tool. Educational technology is a support for teaching and learning that both teacher and learner can call on to help ensure the opportunity for optimum performance. My focus has moved from how I can use technology to how my students will use technology in an instructional event. I feel like my students will buy into this and hopefully develop a deeper understanding of the concepts I am teaching, as well as, to continue to develop their twenty-first century skills.

I plan on implementing the use of VoiceThreads in my classroom. In the integrated lesson completed in week 7 of this course, I developed a plan to have my students work cooperatively and contribute to a VoiceThread on maintaining a healthy weight. The interactive nature allows the VoiceThreads to continue to grow and provides a positive learning environment for those who experience it. I think my students will love creating and working with VoiceThreads.

Additionally, I plan on implementing the use of a class blog. This technology will be used for student interaction on specific topics. It will allow the students to develop a deeper understanding of the material as well as an opportunity to interact with others to see different points of view. I look forward to continuing to develop lessons that will involve the use of my class blog.

One long term goal is to develop lessons for my PE class that utilizes technology on a regular basis. The lessons will be student centered and the technology will be used by the students as a learning tool. According to Dr. Orey, the student uses the technology to be an active learner. the teacher becomes the facilitator. The teacher asks "what can the child do with this technology" (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008)? Learning tools let the students be responsible for their own learning.

My second long term goal is to really get to know the Microsoft Excel program. Many of our resources made suggestions on how to use Excel with your students. This is a program that I need to "play with" to develop my knowledge of all that it is capable of doing. Once I develop some skill using Excel, i think it will be a tool i will use often. I think it fits well with our data collection of fitness scores. By utilizing Excel, I believe my students will be able to better interpret their fitness scores. Once I become familiar with the ins and outs of Excel, I am sure there will be many different ways my students and I can utilize this program to make the lessons more meaningful.

This class has opened my eyes to many different uses of technology in my classroom. I hope to implement the use of a class blog, concept mapping, virtual field trips, Venn diagrams, VoiceThreads, and Microsoft Excel as a way to raise student motivation in my physical education class.

References:

Laureate Education, Inc., (Producer). (2008). Program eight Social Learning Theories [Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore: Author.

Laureate Education, Inc., (Producer). (2008). Program thirteen. Technology: Instructional Tools vs. Learning Tools [Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore: Author.

Voice Thread on Maintaining A Healthy Weight

http://voicethread.com/#u968986.b1211673.i6537163

Connectivism and Social Learning in Practice

This week I am examining the correlation between instructional strategies and the social learning theory. Dr. Orey states the social learning theory has "students actively engaged in constructing artifacts and conversing with others" (Laureate Education, 2008). He also shares "teaching others helps the learner develop a deeper understanding of the content" (Laureate Education, 2008). Social learning is very active and is students centered, as well as peer centered. Simply put, the teacher facilitates students learning by providing opportunities for them to work with others cooperatively to create artifacts. Additionally, connectivism is a learning theory that "integrates technology, social networks and information" (Laureate Education, 2008).

Cooperative learning is a strategy that "focuses on having students interact with each other in groups in ways that enhance their learning" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007). Students "make sense of, or construct meaning for, new knowledge by interacting with others" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007). Our text shared several technology based strategies that can provide students with cooperative learning opportunities. "Technology can play a unique and vital role in cooperative learning by facilitating group collaboration, providing structure for group tasks, and allowing members of groups to communicate even if they are not working face to face" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007).

Examples of technology based cooperative learning opportunities are creating a video (multimedia), web site creation, blogs, wikis, shared bookmarking, WebQuests, and web-enabled multi-player simulation games. When creating a video "students are not only working together in cooperative groups to create the movies, but are actually participating in cooperative teaching" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). I believe this could be Incorporated in my PE class. Many of my students are already developing their skill for making videos in our video production class. WebQuests allow students to "work together to learn about a particular subject or to tackle a particular project or problem" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). I think WebQuests could be utilized in my PE class as a form of cooperative learning. Once my county opens up the use of blogs and wikis to us, i will make use of them to facilitate students learning.

The concept of students interacting with each other for a common purpose of learning is the idea behind cooperative learning. To sum it up "cooperative learning is not so much learning to cooperate as it is cooperating to learn" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). Learning socially and utilizing technology is beneficial for students and should be used in our classroom for years to come.

Resources:

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Program eight. Social Learning Theories [Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore: Author.

Pitler, H., Hubbell. E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K., (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Constructivism/Constructionism in Practice

This week I am examining the use of Constructivism and Constructionism in the classroom. Constructivism is defined by Dr. Orey as "a theory of knowledge stating that each individual actively constructs his/her own meaning" (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008). He defines Constructionism as "a theory of learning that states people learn best when they build an external artifact or something they can share with others" or simply put, students get "involved in building stuff" (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008). I agree with Dr. Orey when he stated Constructionism is "more important to classroom teachers. (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008).

In Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, I read about how technology can be utilized in implementing the instructional strategy Generating and Testing Hypotheses. I think this is a good fit for this week's learning theory. According to the text, "when students generate and test hypotheses, they are engaging in complex mental processes, applying content knowledge like facts and vocabulary, and enhancing their overall understanding of the content" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). The students should be guided through a variety of structured tasks and should be able to describe their hypotheses and conclusions.

Technology enhances our use of this strategy thanks to the development of probeware and interactive applets which "allow students to spend more time interpreting the data rather than gathering the data" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). The use of spreadsheet software, such as a teacher generated Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, allow the students to "compare their predictions to actual results without spending lots of valuable time doing calculations or designing spreadsheets" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). Another option is for students to use data collection tools to "see the bigger picture and recognize patterns" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). The text states web resources and gaming software "allow students to use background knowledge, make decisions, and see the outcome of their hypotheses, often in virtual situations that would be impossible or financially unfeasible in real life" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007).

This strategy demonstrates constructionism by having the student create an artifact through their development of a hypotheses and then testing that hypotheses. As they draw their conclusions and present their findings they have experienced constructionism.

Resources:

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Program seven. Constructionist and Constructivist Learning Theories [Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology.
Baltimore: Author.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD

Cognitivism in Practice

Cognitivism is a mental operation that takes place when information enters through the senses, undergoes mental manipulation, is stored, and is finally used. Dr. Orey adds that the Cognitive Learning Theory "revolves around information processing (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008). This week I am examining the correlation between the principles of cognitive learning theory and instructional strategies. These strategies will assist the student in moving information from the short-term memory to the long-term memory. In order for the student to be able to retrieve the information, we must develop as many connections to that material as possible. This is called the Elaboration Theory and it is defined as the "primary mechanism for storing information in long-term memory cna only process around seven pieces of information so it can be moved to long-term memory before more information is attempted to be presented.

The use of technololgy-based cognitive tools is valuable with today's digital native students. Many times, when students are using technology to learn, they forget they are learning. Cues, questions, and advance organizers improve the "students' ability to retrieve, use and organize information" that is presented (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). Advance organizers help students to "focus on their learning" and are provided by teachers prior to a learning activity to "help them classify and make sense of the content they'll encounter" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). Other ways to develop connections are with summarizing and note taking. These focus on "enhncing students' ability to synthesize information and distill it into a concise new form" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski). All of these strategies can be presented using technology. The strategies listed provide elaboration of the concepts and will facilitate moving information to long-term memory.

An example of how this can be utilized in physical education is by taking my students on a virtual field trip. I find a "destination" of interest, http://www.fi.edu/learn/heart/index.html, and we are off. As we travel, we develop a concept map using http://www.bubbl.us/index to assist the students in organizing the information. This will help the student to "visualize ideas and connections between ideas" (Laureate Education, Inc.,2008). This trip integrates multiple senses while presenting the information and helps to move the information from short-term memory to long-term memory in a way that digital native students enjoy.

Resources:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Program six. Cognitive Learning Theories. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore: Author.

Pitler. H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn. M., & Malenoski. K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Behaviorism in Practice

As I continue my exploration of technology use in the classroom, I am always eager to learn new strategies. This week I am delving into reinforcing effort and homework/practice as they relate to the behaviorist learning theory. The strategy of reinforcing effort is defined as students comprehending the "relationship between effort and achievement by addressing their attitudes and beliefs about learning" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). According to this week's resources, "homework and practice give students a chance to review and apply what they have learned" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). These are not new strategies to me but some f the ideas presented provide a new angle from which to work.

As a middle school physical education teacher, I am enthusiastic about learning new approaches to reinforcing effort. Our text surmises that effort is the only source to success that is within an individual's control" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malennoski, 2007). It is recommended that educators "explicitly teach students about the importance of effort" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). It is also suggested that "students keep track of their effort and achievement" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). A good way to put these recommendations into practice is through the use of technology. One suggestion is to use a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to help make a connection between effort and achievement. Developing a spreadsheet to utilize data provided by rubrics and grades is a user friendly way to connect these dots. The key to success with this strategy is developing a rubric that will show the students what effort looks like. The website http://rubistar.4teachers.org/index.php is a free tool to help teachers generate effective rubrics. This strategy demonstrates the behaviorist learning theory by providing evidence to the student that giving their best effort (stimulus) will result in positive results (response). It can also show them that giving less than their best effort can lead to negative results. This is a strategy I can put into action in my classroom to assist the students in giving their best effort. Another strategy discussed was the used of data collection tools and, in particular, surveys. I have found the website http://www.quia.com/ to be useful in delivering surveys.

"Having students practice a skill or concept enhances their ability to reach the expected level of proficiency" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). A statistic I find interesting is "students need about 24 practice sessions with a skill in order to achieve 80 percent competency" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). One web resource I use to provide practice with the concepts being studied in my PE class is http://www.quia.com/. the teacher inputs the material covered and the site generates activities and quizzes. The students access it for practice and review. The site provides instant feedback so the students know the area(s) that require attention. This is another example of how technology demonstrates the behaviorist learning theory. Homework and practice are important to students learning. "Web resources allow students to practice concepts and skills repeatedly from their home, during a study period, or even as an anchor activity in a differentiated classroom" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). Plus, with our students being digital natives, this type of study is of interest to them. There are a vast number of web resources available to teachers, students, and parents. "As an extension of the classroom, homework provides opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of the content and to gain proficiency with their skills" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007).

Resource:
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2207). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD

Reflection: Final Blog Post

This course,Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education,Work, and Society, has helped me develop several technological skills as a professional teacher. One of these skills is the ability to create blog sites that enable me to incorporate learning not only for my students, but also for the parents of my students. I have also learned how to follow other relevant blog sites that are beneficial to both me and my students. I have learned the function of wiki sites and ways to incorporate the students in participating in this process. Finally, I have learned how to create a podcast in which I did a demographic profile for my class. It was really cool for my students to hear themselves on the podcast.

This learning process has greatly deepened my knowledge of the teaching and learning process because these are tools I previously was unable to use. Because of this, my perspective has changed greatly from teacher-centered to learner-centered. It is evident that these tools allow lessons and learning to be centered on the student rather than the teacher. My role now becomes one of a mediator/facilitator instead of the traditional role of presenting information to students for them to absorb. Using these tools students have the freedom and flexibility to "learn on their own" and help their classmates learn along the way.

I think I now have the basic skills to easily expand my knowledge of learning and teaching with the aim of increasing student achievement because I have found ways to convert the normal classroom experience to a 21st century classroom experience.

In my ninth year of teaching PE, I have experienced a few obstacles that will not allow me to instantly implement some of the technological tools I have learned in this course. The main obstacles are students access to computers and the time involved in trying to get into the computer lab. Being that I am in the gym or outside on the track the majority of the time, it is very difficult for my classes to implement the technological tools that I have learned in this class. A long term goal I have is to have equipment put in place that will allow students to exercise and play games interactively. Of course, the obstacle to doing this is finding the financial resources to make this happen, but perhaps I can hold fundraisers, such as open gym where the students pay a dollar to play basketball for an hour before school, in order to purchase this equipment. Another goal I have for transforming my classroom environment is to create a class blog that my students will be able to access and fully participate in. Not only do I plan to have activities posted on it, I also plan to have nutritional facts for parents and students. Another section would allow students to research sporting events and activities and also be able to contribute to the site.

Podcast Assignment: Profiling the Student's of Today

After surveying and interviewing my middle school students, I have learned a lot about their interests and understanding of technology. I have recorded a podcast of the demographic profile of my class, along with interviews with three different students on podbean. Please click on the link below.

http://roderickrussell.podbean.com/

What is the website http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/ all about?

My reaction to this website is a very postive one. I am amazed at the commitment that has been made to incorporate 21st century skills to some students in our country. I found out that the “business community, educational leaders and policymakers” are working together to see that the students of today come out of school with the “skills needed to be effective citizens, workers, and leaders in the 21st century”.

I am very impressed with the amount of members in this partnership. However, I am very surprised though that only 14 states are currently involved with this initiative. Knowing how important and how technology is growing and becoming more advance, you would think that more states would want to convert and start using these skills while teaching. My state, Georgia, is not one of them. Wouldn’t you think this should be a national partnership? Why are more states not involved with this? After all, these skills are going to be what our students are going to need in order to compete in the working world, as well as, with machines. I feel that more states should already be making the initiative to incorporate these skills.

It is refreshing to know that there is a place for educators and students to go to for guidance and support in order to teach and learn 21st century skills that are increasingly needed in order to close the gap between our students and those from other countries. I think it is to an educator’s advantage to take the time to study this site. There is a lot of useful information that will support the teacher in providing their students with the 21st century skills they will need. How hard would it be to nationalize something like this Partnership? I am not talking about the funding but the general ideas of the whole framework. I think starting off in the same direction would be a step forward instead of each state working as an individual. We all need to get in the same book, if not on the same page.

Using A Blog In Physical Education/Health

After much thought, I came up with an idea of how I would like to implement the use of blogs in my middle school physical education/health classes. Diseases is a major health unit in our middle school curriculum. First, I would assign a specific disease to each student in my class. Next, I would have my students research their particular disease via books, magazines or internet. After all their information is gathered I would take my class into our computer lab and teach my students how to create their own blogs on their assigned diseases. Each of their blogs should contain facts about their disease and even a picture of what the disease looks like. I was thinking that after each student's "disease blog" is created then all the students could go post their links on a links board and subscribe to each of their classmate's blogs. I could have the students use the poll gadget and every day for a whole week each student would post a multiple choice question about their particular disease. Each student would need to visit each of their classmate's blogs to read about the disease and answer the question in the poll. Hopefully, this would be a fun and exciting way to learn about all of the many diseases!