The use of the " flicker"(which is a tool use for answering questions) Students are more active in classes'discussions. Also, this method help to demonstrate student's weakness.
Groups Discussions and Games such as "Family Feud"; "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" or "Wheel of Fortune" seems to have great impact for their Thinking skills.
youtube, teachertube, and some other web sites trhat I have that in my files.
Elizabeth,
You bring up some very relevant issues that many of us in the career education sector face, thank you for sharing these concerns. May I ask what subject you teach and what your students are studying? this information would help me craft a more detailed response to your concerns.
Theresa Schmitt
Susan,
I am happy to ear you are incorporating social media into your curriculum. Which forms of social media do you utilize and how do you monitor participation?
Wishing you continued success in the classroom.
Theresa Schmitt
As far as what technologies, I am at the mercy of availability and rules of the school. As well as my own limitations. I am not technical, nor was my degree. We are not permitted to show unauthorized videos (youtube) and have limited computers for use. Many of our students are at poverty level and have no access to computers at home. A few use the computers at the local library to complete online tests assigned outside of classtime, which can affect their score since they can't control noise levels or time limits imposed by the library. Some ride the bus so coming to school to use the computer may be difficult. Some use a cell phone internet, which may be small and hard to read or have compatibility issues. Another consideration is that not all students are young and tech friendly. By using a lot of technologies, some of the other students (and instructors) become instantly turned off. I have talked students out of dropping because of the technology requirements that scared them (a few that never came back). Also, while young students may be more familiar with tech, that doesn't mean they understand how to use it. I know some young people who only use cell phones, but sit them in front of a computer to write a paper and they are lost.
I also have found Social Networking to be a successful way to engage leaners. It has really connected the students together in helping each other and encouraging them into learning more about the subjects at hand.
Tonia,
I am glad you mentioned Meetup (http://www.meetup.com/find/)- this has really gained in popularity over the past year. Meet-up groups are also a great way for faculty to get together outside of work to pursue professional development opportunities together.
Wishing you continued success in the classroom.
Theresa Schmitt
I have found Social Networking to be a relevant and successful way to engage learners. Through sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and Meetup, a broad spectrum of users are able to communicate and use technology to connect and engage in discussions with others who have similar interests as their own.
Scott,
This sounds like a fun and engaging activity, keep up the great work!
Theresa Schmitt
I have used Flash to build animated and interactive demos to reinforce lectures on particularly difficult concepts. I have also used cgi scripts and dhtml to construct interactive crossword puzzles that I use on the overhead projector during chapter reviews. The students take turns with a wireless remote, choosing a blank in the puzzle. They read the statement including the correct puzzle word. Another student types and enters the word. I have found this particular activity a very effective method of review, not to mention occasionally comical!
