Why Reinvent the Wheel?

Throughout my browsing of many educational blogs, there are two types of posts and information I personally find most interesting. I enjoy reading about new ways to incorporate technology into the classroom, because after learning about the many tools available during this course, it's valuable to read ways teachers are actually putting them to use. I also always find it useful to read about other teaching ideas or techniques that may or may not use technology. As a teacher it's nice to keep an ongoing "list" (an actual one or mental) of ideas to use in the future. The blog I chose to comment on discussed an idea for a review game that I have seen before, but with variations. This activity can be used with any subject and almost any grade level. I like this post because it's great to have a variety of games and activities to use when it comes time to review!
This game involves a set of "I have" "Who has" cards. One student begins saying, for example, "I have triangle. Who has a shape with four equilateral sides?" The student with the "square" card would then continue the same way. A variation can be done where students each have a card and they must wander around the classroom looking for the classmate that will complete the statement. When this person is found, the students trade cards and the game continues.

Check out the post I commented on!

My comment offered an additional idea to use with this activity. I suggested having students create the cards themselves for additional review. I was glad to see someone respond to my comment! I feel like an official blogger.

Today's Learner...

Today's learner is like an ipod. When brand new, it has the potential to become a tool equipped to take on many tasks. The first step in using an ipod is charging it and turning it on. Similarly, people must turn on their minds and be open to the vast amount of knowledge and information that is available. To take full advantage of ipods, one must add music and applications. Learners also acquire new information from a variety of sources, and their own personal "applications" are opened when called for in different situations. According to Siemens' article, "nurturing and maintaining connections is needed to facilitate continual learning". An ipod must connect to sources like computers, chargers, and the internet in order to be constantly up to date in terms of software and content. As stated in his video, "the network is the learning." Likewise, learners must connect to various online and print sources, as well as other people to create an environment in which they learn constantly.

Consumers will notice that original first generation ipods are no longer on the market. The technology that existed in them has become isolete with the addition of color screens, larger storage devices, video ipods, touch screens, and ipods that have the ability of going online. Though ipods in general are a fairly new technology, those created as little as five years ago realistically are no longer used. Up-to-date information is also a necessary component of connectivism. Information presented today may not be relevant tomorrow. Learners must keep up with the constant flow of information to remain an informed member of today's ever-changing society.

Article referenced: Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age

Video referenced: The Changing Nature of Knowledge