Monthly Archives: September 2014

Moodle or Blakcboard Learn

I would suggest to Benoît that he choose Blackboard Learn for setting up his online course.  This is the University’s official Learning Management System site and has support from the IT department. As he has experience working with WebCT Vista , Benoît should be able to independently problem solve the steps required to set up his course materials as well as working with his colleagues. If he is aware that there may be a delay in getting IT support, he should make a point of setting up his coursework early in case he needs support. Although his colleagues don’t seem happy with this platform, I feel it is important for him to take the time to do his own evaluation. With his background, he may be able to figure out some of the problems that his colleagues are encountering and offer his support in order to make the system more manageable.  If there continues to be challenges, his input will be valuable for the University if they then choose to go another route.

In terms of deciding which platform he will choose, Benoît needs to consider what’s available, what is currently being used, how is it supported and how much technical knowledge he requires.

The specific question he should consider is the amount and type of collaboration he feels will be required by his students. This is important in terms of making a choice based on ensuring students are able to access the tools necessary for group work. He also has to consider if he will give students the freedom to choose tools they will use to collaborate which are independent of the Learning Management Platform.

Base on the information we were given about Benoît’s technical background and experience in his subject matter (content) I feel that Benoît could set up a well structured course in 4 weeks. This should be enough time to set up the foundation of his previous f2f course to online while updating resources and ensuring that instructions are clear. This would also give him the time to figure out a new system and contact IT support with specific questions.

Perkins, M., & Pfaffman, J. (2006). Using a course management system to improve classroom communication. Science Teacher, 73(7), 33-37. Retrieved from http://20100829131520_6025161.webstarts.com/uploads/moodle_in_20_the_classroom_NSTA.pdf
Pinder, D. (2011).  How long does it take to create an e-learning course?  E-Learning Uncovered.  Retrieved fromhttp://elearninguncovered.com/2011/05/how-long-does-it-take-to-create-an-e-learning-course/

Welcome to my ePortfolio. This will be the place where I will be submitting assignments for 565A and reflecting on my learning about educational technology.

My name is Jaya Van Praagh. Most of my teaching has been as an International Elementary teacher. I have taught in Canada, Hong Kong and Singapore. This year I am the K-5 Teacher Librarian and PYP Curriculum Coordinator for an independent school in Vancouver.

ISTE Report Card and Goals

Personal Report Card

My experience developing a concept- based curriculum based on the International Baccalaureate program has increased my understanding of the importance of collaboration and developing higher level thinking skills in order to explore important global issues. I have developed units of inquiry which allow for students to explore different perspectives in authentic ways. I try to use technology as much as possible to enhance these experiences and give students opportunities to communicate in a variety of ways.

Here are some examples of how I  incorporated technology with my Grade 3 students last year through the  ISTE Teacher Standards. Overall I would say that I am meeting expectations across the different standards and feel that I need to achieve more in all areas as the expectation a s a digital- age teaching professional is to constantly develop and  learn. I feel more responsibility this year as I reach the midpoint of the MET program and in my new support role position.

1. Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity

– Helped to organize Skype talks with a Canadian astronaut and someone from the Ryan’s Well Foundation

–  technology was made available as a research tool to help in their personal inquiries

2. Design and develop digital-age learning experiences and assessments

– Helped students create videos/QR codes in order to communicate their conceptual understandings-examples include personal migration videos and   videos in the role of an ‘artist’ explaining the process and message of their artwork.

– encouraged students to collaborate and represent their knowledge through technology in different ways such as shared  presentations and movies..

3. Model Digital age work and learning

– communicated through weekly blog on parent portal

– shared resources and planning curriculum through google drive and Atlas Rubicon

– taught students how to effectively use different research websites, language and math programs for research and learning

4. Promote and model digital citizenship and responsibility

– organized school google email accounts for Grade 3 students at the beginning of the school year and followed up throughout the year with lessons on digital citizenship and responsibility

– encouraged students to share different cultural perspectives through their units of inquiry- ie- videos, pictures, interviews relating to their home country

5. Engage in professional growth and leadership

– participated and shared resources from workshops, google summit and MET courses

– collaborated with MET peers through discussions and group projects

Specific Goals

This year I am in a support position at a new school.  I am taking my experiences as a classroom teacher incorporating technology with my students to now working with teachers modeling and sharing ways to incorporate technology into their curriculum planning. I will also be using technology as a communication tool with students, teachers and parents.I feel through my teaching experiences, workshops and MET courses I have been exposed to many great teaching tools and ways to use technology to redefine  learning.  I found the MET courses I took last year helped me to consolidate and validate my teaching practices.

I feel this course, 565A will now help me share my knowledge through a variety of digital tools.

My overall goals are to use technology in ways to help students understand and share their learning at a higher level of thinking. I also want to learn to use communication tools more effectively. I have experience working with google apps for education and  can share my knowledge of how to use this tool for collaborative planning, teaching and learning while also learning how to use more of their apps more effectively. I am excited that Google classroom will be the educational tool for communication tool between Grade 6-12  teachers and their classes starting now and plan on setting up a Google classroom to communicate with teachers. I feel I still have a lot I can learn and apply  through technology which takes time and collaboration.This will be a major focus this year as we develop engaging curriculum and ways to collaborate effectively.