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Thursday, August 14, 2014

The Fist and the Glove

In the article, "The Ben Bloom Fist in the SAMR Glove", the author is examining the relationship between Benjamin Bloom's Taxonomy, the SAMR Model by Ruben Puentedura, and Gregory Kulowec's invention of app-smashing.

The author relates to us that when she gives a project that is going to involve technology, she doesn't dictate what apps must be utilized to complete the project.  The first step in app smashing needs to be that the teacher examines and sets the educational goal(s).  Then with students input, together they can agree on which apps to use in completing the project.  One thing to keep in mind when app smashing is that the amount of apps utilized is not as important as the quality of the apps used.

In the illustration, the reader can see that Bloom's Taxonomy is displayed in an equitable way.   The apps a teacher uses should fit together just like the glove in the illustration.  The author stated that she uses the SAMR Model as the lacing of the glove.  This was used to show the interdependence of the glove and the lacing.  The SAMR model helps teachers to be able to reflect on their own instructional practices.  When used effectively teachers will see the connection.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

And now it's August

It is just hard to believe that summer is soon coming to an end.  This has been a summer that didn't provide much down time for me.  This has been a summer in which I attended more staff development, workshops, conferences, and special trainings like none other.  I have stayed so busy and have learned so much.  All of the time I have spent in class has been time well spent.  I am grateful for the opportunities that have been provided to me.  

There is so much that I have learned about teaching students, as well as teaching adult learners.  I am excited about the new school year and the opportunities that it will provide.  As each group of student's are different, so are some of  the ways that I will approach teaching these.  I feel like I have a new set of tools in my chest that I am equipped to use.