The first challenge was to create a learning
journal. A learning journal allows me to reflect on each activity,resource, comment, etc. As an educator of over 30 years I continue to reflect on each lesson/activity. I think by journalizing this gives students anopportunity to revisit the reflection which can lead to further reflections and extended learning. Just imagine the impact of using reflecting with our students.
During and after our classroom instruction, we engage our students in many forms of reflecting including questions, assessments, homework, or assignments. Just think of the impact
reflecting can have on these 21st century learners who are constantly seeking interactive activities. I think the key to the success of reflecting is to model for the students how to create a reflection as well as responding to their peers. In addition, we should also encourage students to take ownership of their learning.
The second challenge featured an introduction using images. The goal of this activity is to get to allow each participant an opportunity to know each other. During the past several years I
have been able to participate in various online professional learning activities with Shelly Terrell. She is awesome. I was actually blessed to meet Shelly a few years ago at the Georgia Educational Technology Conference.
Shelly uses the 3-2-1 introduction in a variety of formats. Each time she uses this activity she includes a different “twist”. These activities include examples in her book the 30 goals challenge for Teachers, Teachers
Creating e-Textbook and digital storytelling learning opportunities. This activity would provide students with the opportunity to begin the class building a connection with
their peers. Once again Shelly provided a new twist for me using Facebook/Twitter to move the 3-2-1 Introduction Activity to the next level.
The third challenge is to indicate location using google maps. As the participants collaborate and share ideas, their location can assist the participants to engage in further conversation on various topics. This resource might be used in the classroom to allow students to explore the location of authors, mathematicians, scientists, places discussed in lessons, and many other explorations. Teachers could develop additional lessons allowing for more instruction across the curriculum.