InstrucTech Weekly
Celebrating Student & Teacher Learning at LR Schools
October 21, 2016, Vol. 1, Issue 1
Welcome to the first weekly update about what is happening in the world of technology integration at Logan-Rogersville Schools. Each week, you will find teacher and student spotlights, app reviews, upcoming events, and general information about teaching and learning through the integration of technology.
Chrome Extension of the Week
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TES Teach Quick Start Video
Teacher and Student Spotlight
Math Students Piloting Online Learning Modules
117 high school and middles school students began a pilot program of ALEKS (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces) this semester. ALEKS identifies a student's current knowledge and builds individualized online math instruction. Ms. Worsham at the high school and Ms. Klein and Mrs. Becker at the middle school are the math teachers leading the pilot.
After four weeks of use, student surveys of the use of ALEKS in the classroom have been favorable however, some have voiced concern about accessibility of online resources away from school and problems with connectivity to the website in class. The district technology department has been working hard to pinpoint problems with connectivity and this concern appears to be diminishing.
Using ALEKS has forced these teachers to reevaluate their role in a new blended learning environment. Mrs. Worsham suggested that ALEKS has allowed her to "spend more time with struggling students while accelerated learners can progress at their own pace." Although there have been some early struggles for both teachers and students, logistically and pedagogically, ALEKS may serve as a great instrument to help build differentiation in the classroom.
Some feedback from students after four weeks:
"I like how we can work at our own pace. Working on ALEKS has really made learning math a lot easier for me. It's much more interactive and that's how I learn."- BM
"It seems like it takes longer, but then you can work at your own pace"- LM
"My least favorite thing about it is that it sometimes freezes."- GV
"I can work at my own pace when I want and set deadlines for myself to have assignments done."- JC
117 high school and middles school students began a pilot program of ALEKS (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces) this semester. ALEKS identifies a student's current knowledge and builds individualized online math instruction. Ms. Worsham at the high school and Ms. Klein and Mrs. Becker at the middle school are the math teachers leading the pilot.
After four weeks of use, student surveys of the use of ALEKS in the classroom have been favorable however, some have voiced concern about accessibility of online resources away from school and problems with connectivity to the website in class. The district technology department has been working hard to pinpoint problems with connectivity and this concern appears to be diminishing.
Using ALEKS has forced these teachers to reevaluate their role in a new blended learning environment. Mrs. Worsham suggested that ALEKS has allowed her to "spend more time with struggling students while accelerated learners can progress at their own pace." Although there have been some early struggles for both teachers and students, logistically and pedagogically, ALEKS may serve as a great instrument to help build differentiation in the classroom.
Some feedback from students after four weeks:
"I like how we can work at our own pace. Working on ALEKS has really made learning math a lot easier for me. It's much more interactive and that's how I learn."- BM
"It seems like it takes longer, but then you can work at your own pace"- LM
"My least favorite thing about it is that it sometimes freezes."- GV
"I can work at my own pace when I want and set deadlines for myself to have assignments done."- JC
Upcoming Learning Opportunities
Below are upcoming professional learning oppertunites.
Monday, October 24: District PD Day (requires sign-in to LR G Suite for Ed)
Wednesday, November 2: Monthly Tech Talk (RSVP Below)
Monday, October 24: District PD Day (requires sign-in to LR G Suite for Ed)
Wednesday, November 2: Monthly Tech Talk (RSVP Below)
Event Information
November Tech Talk
Come share ideas, problems, and solutions you have found integrating technology into your lessons. Stay for an hour, or come and go. Sending an RSVP ensures we'll have plenty of cookies for all!
When?
Wednesday, Nov 2, 2016, 02:30 PM
Where?
LRHS Library
check_box
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
LR Instructional Technology
Please let me know how I can support your integration of technology in the classroom.
Email: gkatzin@logrogstudents.net
Website: http://www.nowallsneeded.org/
Phone: 417.753.2813
Twitter: @LRInstrucTech