PODCAST FOR WPP PART B
This podcast explains the integration of TPACK (content, pedagogy and technology knowledge)
with my Wicked Problem of Practice.
WPP PART B
1.
What is the TP knowledge for the
solution? (i.e., how does the technology
you have chosen support the teaching strategies and methods you have chosen?)
When coming up with my wicked problem of practice, the first
thing that came to my mind was my students who struggle with the basic math
facts. A lot of students struggle their freshman year of high school. Is it because in elementary school if a
teacher thinks a student of theirs should be held back and repeat the course
but the parent refuses, we have to listen to the parent? Teachers are highly qualified
and know what they are talking about. We
as educators want what’s best for all of our students. These students who have just been “pushed
along” and “getting by” don’t make it when they get to high school. These “stragglers”
have the same mindset that they did in elementary and middle school and think
they just have to show up, even if that means doing nothing. NOOOOO!!!! Things really count and matter in
high school. If a student’s fails a class,
they have to repeat it until they pass.
Why isn’t it like this in elementary? Especially if the teacher recommends it?
By the time a student
is in high school, they should already know how to add and subtract integers;
know their multiplication facts through 12 (at least!), fractions, decimals,
place value, basic fractions, inequalities, etc. I feel like as a high school algebra teacher,
I spend half of my time repeating things that they should already know…the
basic foundations of algebra/mathematics that should have been taught in their
elementary years. However, I know they
were taught, the students just seem to forget them. Many students these days seem to lack
motivation and have the drive to learn, they want to continue to just “get by.” This shows throughout the school year with
their behavior and lack of engagement.
That is why I choose to use technology based drills and practice when it
came to my algebra class. Due to the fact that my students have 1:1 technology,
the iPads… I chose to use Study Island,
Khan Academy and trying a few lessons by a ‘flipped classroom.’ By doing so, this was turning on their
motivation switch, turning them into 21st century learners, making
them engaged, providing feedback quicker and allowing students to work at their
own pace.
2.
What is the TC knowledge for the solution?
(i.e., how specifically does this technology make the content in your problem
more intellectually accessible? Be sure
to think about representation.)
The TC knowledge for implementing
mathematical technology based drills will enhance exploration of the content. Study Island is a leading academic software
provider of standards-based assessment, instruction, and test preparation e-learning
programs. Study Island allows the teacher to monitor their student’s progress
while Study Island provides the students with immediate feedback while focusing
on common core standards. Study Island
has games programmed for each subject where student can choose between beginner,
intermediate or challenging level. So
even though they are learning and working their brain, to the students it is as
if they are just playing a video game as if it were an incentive.
Khan Academy provides
educational videos for almost all the topics covered in my Algebra class. Each student
can be working on their particular topic they are struggling with, I as the ‘coach’
can see on my exercise program chart which Khan provides what they are working
on, if they are proficient, struggling with a topic, what they have finished,
what they are working on currently, etc.
Students who have access to a computer at home can also look up these
videos at any time, their parents can too if they are struggling with helping
their child.
When it comes to flipping the classroom students, the
benefit is students can hear their “own” teacher’s voice. They can be introduced to the lesson at home
(as their homework) and maybe be given 2-5 basic questions. Then when they return back to class the
following day they can be given the assignment and have time in class to work
on it and ask questions.
The more technology brought into the content area the more
excitement the students will have. The
way they are being taught is different. Technology has changed the way we live
and now it is changing the way we teach.
With the transformation of technology comes quality teaching. Students will start to become excited about
learning new things, which then leads to greater participation in math related
concepts and a different view when approaching the topic. Furthermore, if the students know they have
an awesome resource with them 24/7 (the iPad) and know how to use it,
they will do so and take it to their advantage.
3. What is the PC knowledge
for the solution? (i.e., how specifically do your pedagogical choices make the
content in your problem more intellectually accessible?) Be sure to think about
how the student will experience the content given these instructional
strategies.
The use of technology
based drills with the iPad such as Study Island, Khan Academy & Flipping
the classroom will help make the content of my algebra class more manageable. Like I had said before, if each student has an
iPad and knows how to use it, they will use that to their advantage. Also, by having the students use this
technology throughout the school year will help them become 21st century learners. The students
will have a different mindset when they go to Algebra class. They will know that if they have a question on
something, they can ask me or use one of the educational resources we showed
them. Students while using Study Island and Khan Academy get feedback a lot
faster and have the opportunity to better and further their skills. These technology based drills and practices
should be used throughout the school year but not to replace the teacher. These
are for the days when students need refreshers for formative and summative assessments
or if students finish an assignment early and need something to work on. Nonetheless,
my special end students are in need of the basics and come from all different
backgrounds and the nice things about these programs is they will know where
the student left off and know what type of level they are at and things they
need to work on. Students are able to practice the skills they struggle with using
technology, I can do this with my co-taught classes easier because I have
another teacher in the classroom with me which is an extra set of eyes.
Technology changes what and how to explore, create and share
things. But it comes from the teacher’s creativity that we transform our students
learning into something engaging, exciting and life changing. Like Prezi was saying in his video, not only
is it our job as teachers to “integrate” technology but to “innovate” it.
