SET BC Self Evaluation-1dryob0

I thought I’d share what I am using for student assessment. Unfortunately, some of it didn’t show up, so I will also upload the PDF version.

Happy Almost Summer!

Thea

SET-BC Computer Self-Evaluation

________________________________________

Name: ______________

SET-BC Computer Self-Evaluation

Big Idea:

Career Education:

• Confidence develops through the process of self-discovery
• Learning is a lifelong enterprise

Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies

• Skills can be developed through play
• Technologies are tools that extend human capabilities

Curricular Competencies:

• Demonstrate effective work habits and organizational skills appropriate to their level of development (CE)
• Use materials, tools, and technologies in a safe manner in both physical and digital environments (AD,S,T)
• Develop their skills and add new ones through play and collaborative work (AD,S,T)
• Explore the use of simple, available tools and technologies to extend their capabilities (AD,S,T)

This year, our class had the privilege of participating in a SET-BC project with Classroom Suite. Students utilized a half-class set of MacBook computers on a daily basis. Originally intending to promote and support our Joyful Literacy initiative, this inquiry project had lasting results with creating a collaborative classroom that allowed for the fostering of independence and problem solving (as sometimes things don’t always work out perfectly with technology). Enhanced leadership opportunities emerged, especially with the grade 2 students, and an increased sense of self-regulation could be felt throughout the classroom during literacy and centre time. What a wonderful gift.

Activities included:

• Raz-Kids – to develop reading fluency and comprehension
• Starfall.com, Tumblebooks, Brainpop Jr., PBS Kids
• YouTube
• Classroom Suite – for journaling and activities connected to cross-curricular learning

Student Voice

Which activities did you enjoy doing?

How independent were you with the laptops?

What was your favourite part about using the MacBook computers?

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What is something NEW that you learned about with the MacBook computers?

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Teacher’s Comments

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Beginning

Developing

Applying

Extending

Cinnabar Celebrates-1ipaynd

Mrs. Miscavish finally let us play around in Classroom Suite. We played in creativity tools. Some kids wrote journals and others made messy pictures. I felt happy because it was fun.

Check out what they wrote. There was NO prompting at all!

I finally let those awesome Grade 2s FLY…and they LOVED it!

I used the Elmo/projector today to model/remodel how to use Classroom Suite because it’s been a while since they were completely independent with it. I was determined to have the Grade 2s work on their own to explore the various areas of Classroom Suite. Initially, I planned to have them do this in pairs (while I worked with a little group during our Blitz stations) but once they started it was evident that they really wanted to PLAY with it to explore on their own. We had enough Macs so off the went. It’s interesting that they all ended up back at the drawing and colouring spaces. They had a blast. Today was for exploring…tomorrow will provide them with more time to explore and on Thursday I want them to create something to share with us next week.

It’s happening…and I’m thrilled. They have so much more confidence and reading ability so they can problem solve. Also, this little group of grade 2s are so respectful so when they need help, they speak in teeny-tiny voices that are not distracting to others in the room.

Here are some photos!

Here we are…it’s MARCH!! I can’t believe it has been a month since my last blog post about our technology in the classrooms. As I have an upcoming meeting with SET-BC, I thought it would make sense to work smarter and blog about the Core Competencies and how we address it (or plan to) with respect to the use of our technology.

First of all, I’ve noticed that the kids are getting slightly less conscientious about the laptops, which DOES worry me. Transitions have always been a bit of a struggle, however, I’ve found the computers left on the carpet or their headphones broken or thrown to the side. As a class, we will be revisiting what the expectations are for the use of technology and I will be reminding them that they are definitely a privilege for us. I’m hoping to start with a discussion and lead into creating a matrix/rubric so that they can self evaluate. This will be done prior to spring break!

We are using the technology for plenty of reading, although sadly, not the Classroom Suite program as much as I’d hoped. Students are using Raz-Kids (subscription paid for through our amazing PAC) and I have a few starting on Reading Eggs this week. That being said, I DO plan to have them explore some of Classroom Suite’s programs through independent play with a partner, specifically the grade two students. I haven’t, truthfully, found a way to incorporate Classroom Suite directly with our Inquiry Question so this worries me, but I know there is still time.

Here are some of the Core Competencies that we will be self-assessing with respect to technology this year:

Core Competencies – Related to MacBooks and Classroom Suite

Personal Awareness and Responsibility

2. Self-regulation

•I can persevered with challenging tasks.

•I can take ownership of my goals, learning, and behaviour.

3. Well-being

•I can participate in activities that support my well-being and tell/show how they help me.

Social Responsibility

Contributing to community and caring for the environment

•I can participate in classroom and group activities to improve the classroom, school, community, or natural world.

•I contribute to group activities that make my classroom, school, and community a better place.

That’s all for now. Looking forward to our upcoming mid-way meeting with our mentors at SET-BC to possibly revisit our inquiry question.

I find myself constantly commenting on how exciting it is for ALL of us to be using these computers in the classroom. The big kids will walk by our classroom and say, “Wow…you guys have MacBooks!?” We’re the envy of the big kids!

Today we had about half of the class away (families declared snow days!) so it gave me some time to do 1:1 assessment with students and they LOVED having some ‘free’ time. I currently have about 4-5 websites available on the computer. They know that they are to go ONLY to these websites and if they wander off, someone will likely ‘tell on them’.

I encouraged the kids to find a safe place to work. It was neat to see how some of them stayed at tables and others worked on the floor.

Carter and Nevin with side-by-side work (helping each other out, when needed) on the laptops. They were SO into it that they didn’t even know I took a photo!

Another rewarding observation that I made was that the kids are learning how to a) ask their peers for help, b) offer assistance when they see their friends need it, and c) share exciting games and explanations that they’ve discovered online!

I still struggle with the headphone issue. Some are getting a bit sloppy with putting them away properly and they are getting very tangled. I don’t think that I’ll opt for the cheap dollar store headphones in the future.

In this photo, Emily is showing Presley a fun game that she found through PBS Kids. She’s demonstrating kindness and sharing by allowing Presley to try it out. (Mrs. Miscavish has to learn how to rotate the photo!?

Sophia is loving some quiet time with the laptops. Look how self-regulated she is!

At this point, it has primarily been the 1/2 class that has been using the laptops and the grade 1 class has started to learn to be independent with them while using Raz-Kids. I will be heading in to the grade 1 class to do some mini-lessons through some newly acquired collaboration time that our school has just received. We’re excited to introduce more Classroom Suite opportunities to these little ones very soon.

In addition, our primary classes are planning to start a BLITZ program for four weeks, three days a week. I’m so excited to develop and work with the extension group who will be using these laptops to further their already strong skills.

Want to know about BLITZING? It’s part of our Joyful Literacy approach to learning! I’d love some ideas of how to use the laptops to increase development of sight words and beyond!!!

The kids are still LOVING the laptops and it’s rewarding to watch them become more independent and to support each other.

I no longer have to remind them where to get their headphones; they just get them when they’re ready and they now know that if they are messy putting them away it is likely to lead to stress for someone else next time they’re used. That being said, I am considering asking parents to purchase better headphones, or use some classroom funds to buy them. These ones don’t take up a lot of room but they aren’t as user friendly as I’d hoped for them.

Yesterday while they ate lunch, I modeled how to receive an airdropped file. It was quite possibly the highlight of my time (so far) with these laptops. They sat with their MacBook partner and waited for it to show up. I explained that each MacBook had its own name but that the names were numbers (recorded on the bottom) so they had to use their Eagle Eyes to watch for the file. As each group received the document they would cheer. It was so cute and the others watched in anticipation!

Today I used the projector to model how to open Classroom Suite on their own and how to access the previously received document in the downloads file. Half the class (well, almost) worked on the numeracy or phonics activity that we airdropped yesterday while I got to work with another small group. I observed them supporting each other when they were stuck. It was a really proud moment for me to see them be leaders and supporters, all on their own!

Last week I was frustrated with myself for taking so long to get them into the (Classroom Suite) program, but now I’m delighted because the transitions are easy, engaging, and motivating! They take their jobs seriously and now I feel like the time that we spent with websites has taught them how to be independent.

So proud of these little people! Photos to come soon!

On Friday, we had only eight students in our class. The kids were about 30 minutes into the day when they all agreed that this was the PERFECT time to bring out the MacBooks.

Here are some of our favourite websites, for when we don’t use Classroom Suite!

1. Starfall – usually the emergent readers enjoy this one, although we have found a way to extend it for the more advanced students. These kids LOVE to find sight word in the online program!
2. PBS Kids – another favourite!! There are so many interactive activities on here and they enjoy playing and experimenting. I’m excited with how they have found ways to exit if they’re not enjoying the game. So much independence is being learned and applies here!
3. Tumble Books – I use this one often for ‘listening to reading’. It allows students to have choice in what they read and with some exploring, they can find a variety of genres. Fortunately for us, we can use the VIRL (Vancouver Island Regional Library) login so it’s free!!

This is actually my daughter demonstrating the use of these websites…I get so involved in what they’re doing that I forget to take pictures!

Well, I wish that I could say that I had this blogging thing down, but I’m still learning! Sadly, I wasn’t able to add the last two photos into my blog (that I did two minutes ago) so, you’re getting another post!

This is K and A who are my amazing helpers! We were puzzled as to why the CS activity wouldn’t transfer via airdrop. We’re still working on it as a team!

Here is what a typical ‘computer station’ looks like during literacy centres. I’ve opted for tables this year so the students get to work on one of FOUR activities. It’s really amazing to watch them be independent with this. (Shhhh…it might be the quietest part of our day!)

More photos to come soon!!

Check out these amazing Grade 2s who have become supportive helpers with our projects! They love to push the carts and watch for the CS activities to pop up in Airdrop. One of the most exciting things about having these helpers is that they have been given the opportunity to explore CS a bit on their own and are familiarizing themselves with the programs…and learning literacy skills at the same time!

 Here they were a little puzzled about why the documents weren’t quite showing up! We’re working through it as a team!