Engaging Learning Environments
From the Campfire to the Holodeck
Creating engaging learning environments to
- boost student engagement
- enable project based learning
- incorporate technology
- encourage student-led learning
Blending of 4 types of learning environments
Campfire
Delivery of knowledge or information from a central source
Watering hole
Peer to peer conversations around information
Cave
Quiet, independent reflection and contemplation of information
Life
Meaningful application of things that have been learned; solving real world problems
Thornburg's concepts to consider in building classroom learning environments
- answering questions for students vs. allowing them to discover the answers to their questions
- creating inquiry based learning environments
- giving students ownership of their learning; teacher as a collaborator
- freedom to move between learning spaces as necessary
- greatest power lies in synergistic connection between the learning spaces
Activity 1
Directions for Activity 1
- Independently read the NEA article Creative Ways to Use your Interactive Whiteboard (link below)
- Take the quiz using Infuse Learning or Socrative (your choice)
- Discuss your thinking about the article with a colleague
Infuse Learning Quiz
Socrative Quiz
Share your thinking
Driving Questions
- Can the IWB be used to facilitate all 4 types of Thornburg's learning experiences?
- How can we create interactive lessons with our IWB?
- What do those lessons look like?
- What resources are available to help?
Activity 2
Directions for Activity 2
- Read the article below from Mimio's blog.
- What connections are you making between the article and the LCISD presentation?
- Talk about your thinking with a colleague.
Share your thinking
Mimio Resources Tour
mimio.com
Resources
Webinars
Training
Quick Learn:Sign up for live guided sessions
On Demand:
Mini videos on basic & advanced tips
Quick Learn session recordings
Guides (if you prefer reading)
Community
Takes you to mimioconnect.com
mimioconnect.com
Interactive teaching community
Requires account to access resources (free)
Lesson plans and activities
Search "gallery packs"
Activity 3
Directions for Activity 3
- Explore today's resources and tools
- Create something you can use
- Inquire, discuss, reflect
- Take ownership of your learning
- Make this time work for you
- Be prepared to share
Resources
Share your thinking
Book image from iTunes
Image of sharing hamsters is from ryancr via flickr.comAll other images courtesy of Pixabay