Graphic Organizer

CCC GraphicOrganizer

For content, I chose Environment, Choice, and Assessment.  The learning environment is critical in student engagement.  It also has to be aesthetically appealing in order for students to feel comfortable.  Student choice makes the content relative for students to connect to the information.  When students have choice of how to show their learning it makes the content come alove for them personally.  Some students have test anxiety.  Some students have language differences or learning disabilities.  Also, some students need to be challenged in order to try their very best.  Therefore, assessments have to look different for different students.  As the teacher, we need to know that every student GOT the standard and c an apply it inthe way they know how, NOT the one way cookie cutter type of traditional assessments.

For communication, I chose Email, FaceTime, and Text.  Although, these are not the easiest modes of communication nor are they examples of newer technological advancements, they are more apt for my group of students (4th grade) to have access to and feel comfortable using.  Email is a great mode of communication as it makes communication real at any time of day.  You can send pictures, videos, or text to communcate a thought.  FaceTime is a way for students to interact with one another via phone or iTouch.  They can interact with one another while viewing their faces, body language, hand gestures or items that another student may be using to discuss whatever the conversation is about.  Text is another communication tool that allows students to interact with short phrases and convey meaning with instant messaging. 

For collaboration, I chose Wikispaces, Blogs, and Group Assignments.  Wikispaces allow for a group of learners to add information that they know to be true. Students can log on and add information from wherever they are and collectively create a group of posts to inform others about a common topic.  Blogs are very similar.  Students can log on, view other posts and share their idea about the topic as well.  Although, I do see how this could be a form of communication, especially for personal blogs, I believe educational blogs provide a safe forum for students to use other students post as a means of confirming their own understanding thus making it a collaborative concept.  Group assignments obviously lend themselves to collaboration.  A small group of students can come together with their own strengths and collectively show their learning in a powerful way making it possible for each other to gain more understanding from each other.