Mr Hammerlund

Some notes from a MOOC  about teaching reading in Science.  If you have ever taken a MOOC, you know the basic format - the course will have video lectures, links to further reading, and will encourage [or force] participants to use the discussion forum. This MOOC is a little different, and the professor has made short formative comprehension tasks to be answered during the videos. I like this model, and hope to see it more in flipped learning environments. == Notes == Before reading difficult [nonfiction] texts, elicit students' prior knowledge about the topic by discussing relevant topics students have learned to see if they will be able to make sense of the new ideas in the text. "Reading to Learn" involves reflective reading skills - knowing when to reread parts of the text for clarity. Visualize figurative and metaphorical language Give students strategies to develop a metacognitive awareness of their reading habits. Reading comprehension can be strengt...

Unit 1 - Stewarding the Future of Digital Learning & Teaching What is an Instructional Technology Coach? How can an Instructional Technology Coach help me? How do I contact my Instructional Technology Coach? Coaching is ... ongoing job-embedded support opportunities for practice and reflection Coaches should not be a part of a teacher’s evaluation process Build relationships and trust over time Share expertise Share competencies in 3 ways ... tech integration focus on pedagogy and learning objectives lesson design help teachers understand link between technology and learning help teachers rethink design of their lessons coaching effective communication and collaboration ask good questions active listening Instructional Technology Coaches empower and prepare educators to be active, creative, and knowledgeable when planning technology-enhanced learning experiences. There are two kinds [of innovating questions]...

How do you evaluate the apps you use? Do you find your own? Do you go by recommendations you find? Are you like me and find apps, and try them out to see if they will work? I will download anything that sounds good to try it out. I then see if it will work with my students, or matches units and/or projects being done by other elementary classes in my school. I also think about the students and their interests and skills. We were given three resources this week to help evaluate apps:   Application Checklists for Educators Author:  Med Kharbach Offering six options to evaluate tools and resources for curriculum and instruction. It is of paramount importance that you keep apps evaluative rubrics at your disposal whenever you want to recommend an app for your colleagues.   Ways to Evaluate Educational Applications Author:  Tony Vincent Instructional Technologist, Tony Vincent shares his rubric for vetting educational apps with emphasis on the abi...