From the seven principals I found the 2 that were most meaningful for me were engouraging active learning and respecting diverse talents and ways of learning.

3. Encourages Active Learning

I couldn’t agree more with the statement made “Learning is not a spectator sport.” (Bates & Poole,  2003) I find that all too often teachers get the wrong idea in that they think it is their duty to expel the information that they have acquired. In my experiences and observations students take in very little by receiving information from someone else as the truth. This also sets them up for failure by not encouraging them to become self-directed and inquisitive learners. My favorite observation and moment I like to observe when teaching is what I refer to as the “ah-ha” moment. This is when a student figures out a process using their own understanding and often in children they will blurt out “Now I get it!”

7. Respects Diverse Talents and Ways of Learning

I also feel that proper use of technology should promote students to become self -directed, work at their own pace, and track progress over time. Today, it is much more feasible to provide each student a personalized experience based on a particular need. If a student struggles with a concept then more practice and explanation should be provided. If they have acquired or mastered a skill, they should be able to move on to the next concept or receive an engaging activity that enriches their knowledge. This would ensure that students are remediated or enriched as needed and create a differentiated learning experience that meets the needs and interests of a diverse population of individuals.

Resources:

Bates, A.W. & Poole, G. (2003). Chapter 4: a Framework for Selecting and Using Technology. In Effective Teaching with Technology in Higher Education: Foundations for Success. (pp. 77-105). San Francisco: Jossey Bass Publishers.

Chickering, A.W. & Ehrmann, S.C. (1996).  Implementing the Seven Principles: Technology as Lever. American Association for Higher Education Bulletin, 49(2), 3-6.

Chickering, A.W. & Gamson, Z.F. (1987).  Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education.  American Association for Higher Education Bulletin, 39 (7), 3-7.

In my own teaching, in what ways do I:

• facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity;

I like to create inquiry based activities for students to make observations and decide on the facts for themselves. I also have a children’s entertainment background as I have worked for several years as a “Mad Scientist” and regular perform shows and presentations. I use the skills from these experiences in my teaching to engage students in a fun an entertaining way whenever possible.

• design and develop digital-age learning experiences and assessments;

I am always looking for ways to use technology in the classroom. Something I have done regularly with students is created a class wiki where each student had their own personal log in and would create their own page where they have to upload writing  and media assignments and embed gadgets etc. The students also comment and share on other students pages and work which helps promote and model digital citizenship and responsibility. The students are all aware that they are responsible for their own login and every activity they post or delete will show in the history. I had a student post a rude comment to another on the wiki once and used it as a teachable moment to that student and the entire class on digital citizenship. We then followed with a research and writing  activity on cyber-bullying.

• model digital-age work and learning;

I always like to create and demonstrate samples for the students so they can see a modeled demonstration of what my expectations are. I will often draw on previously generated work available online and encourage students to research and see if they can be inspired by something they find.

At times I have created step by step instructions with screenshots on how to perform a task and posted them online. I then instruct students to visit the instructions and try it for themselves.

• engage in professional growth and leadership?

My undergraduate degree was in computer science and I do try to regularly research and learn any new technology that I come across. I also jump at every opportunity to take a course or workshop. As well we are all committing to professional growth by engaging in this very course.