My original driving question or hook was: Is the Hour of Code a Waste of Time? I really wanted to create something that would cause people to look twice, and draw them in, but more importantly, I wanted to cause educators and administrators to take a closer look at the power of computer science education. My initial research focused on the impact learning to code had on elementary school students' critical thinking skills. Since that time, I have been able to dive even deeper into an innovative classroom structure, and have created an entirely gamified version of my class. Students now level up by completing tasks and earn badges as they learn. One of the greatest lessons that I have learned in the last few years is the incredible power of developing a growth mindset. I have applied this to my own digital learning, which has resulted in a transformed classroom. I am hoping to be able to include some of these new ideas into my capstone project. I am still confident that developing true computer science skills not only empowers all students, but can be a powerful weapon in the war against the damaging effects of poverty, but can see even beyond that. Developing an openness to learning new things not only empowers students but also those who teach them. Being able to infuse students experience with design thinking process will allow them to explore new skills.
I am not so focused on the individual type of digital experience students receive, as long as it is an authentic one, but rather want to focus on the idea that exposing students to real digital learning provides them with the skill set and tools to create, design and build their own future. The Hour of Code is only the beginning. Our cohort is one of my favorite things about this entire experience. I am surrounded by intelligent, creative educators who I respect and admire. Each person is unique but brings so much to the group. I know that they will continue to support me by pushing me to think deeply about our assignments. Each time I think that I have expressed all that I can about a topic, I talk to a someone in our cohort, or read their blog enteries and realize that I need to go back, and think some more, and write some more. It really is the best situation for learning, and one that I hope my students get to experience. We already have some great norms - in the ways that we respect and support each other. We all show tremendous respect for one another's time - as a group we are on time, and when doing individual projects, I never had an issue meeting up with my partner or group whether in person or online. We also show tremendous respect. No one has ever called anyone out publically on any issues. If there has been an error or misspelling on my part, I've been told privately - which I greatly appreicate. Respect is a crucial norm when working together and supporting one another. I hope that my cohort memebers feel that I am respectful of their time, ideas and capstone.
1 Comment
Nai Saelee
9/6/2017 05:00:07 pm
Jen,
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorJen has been teaching school for awhile now. She's learned some stuff, but she's got tons more to learn. Archives
October 2017
Categories |