Category: Social Media and Personalized Learning (Page 2 of 2)

July 3^rd-July 5^th 2019

First Reflections

It has been quite interesting working from a distance, and the last few days have been overwhelming with new learning. Taking a deep breath, giving myself time to absorb a little more each day, and not being hard on myself for having not figured it all out yet is my thought process to ease myself in for a successful summer. I have also found lots of value with insights and reflections from others in the classroom setting, and as a new blogger will be include those voices that have made me reflect, or take my thoughts into another direction on to a path that I never knew existed.

From watching the video “Most Likely to Succeed” I thought of the following:

Video Link: https://teddintersmith.com/mltsfilm/

• Could a model such as High Tech High work in our school system. Presently we are working towards cementing Project Based Learning (PBL) by having a second year where all grade 8 students have a STEM course for both semesters of the school year here in British Columbia. Presently the course is still going through its development, and is being refined.
• The lottery process for selecting students provides a different clientele of learners in which it is a privilege to be at High Tech High. Students at the public school are mandated to be there, in which we have no selection process. High Tech High has an admission process that begins approximately 10 months prior to admission. The application, school information and policies can be found at https://www.hightechhigh.org/hth_admissions/. From personal experience some children don’t have that buy-in to education at home which makes it more challenging for academics, and for students being mentally present in the classroom.
• I was also curious what type of inclusion they have in the school. It was mentioned that the demographics of the school population was selected to get students from various socio-economic backgrounds. I wanted to know more about inclusion for students with special needs or physical disabilities, as it wasn’t apparent in the video that I saw. On their homepage the Student Non Discrimination Policy states the following:

HTH is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in education. HTH’s programs and activities shall be free from harassment, or discrimination or bullying on the basis of actual or perceived sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, ethnic group identification, immigration status or citizenship, race, ancestry, national origin, color, religion, religious affiliation, creed, mental or physical disability, age, parental, family, marital status, or any other basis protected by applicable law. HTH shall promote programs that serve to eliminate discriminatory practices in school activities. https://www.hightechhigh.org/hth_admissions/

• How the school supports students with mental needs I think would be very helpful in seeing, as I could then understand how it could be applied in my school setting, and compare/contrast ways to make it work in my school.
• In class this week one of our peers brought up the lens the film was viewed in. That in the design of the film, the director is trying to tell a story, and provide a climax to the story that builds up. It reminds me that the film is only a glimpse of learning and what takes place behind the scenes.
• Another powerful message from the film for me, was the social emotional learning needed work with others and the skill sets that are required that you need for 21^st century learning . The new BC Ministry of Education curriculum has been revised to better equip our younger generation with obtaining these learning goal https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/ I think in many school districts across BC, educators are learning new tool kits to address 21^st century learning. It’s also why I am here in this course too!
• Learning through a Project Based Learning context does take scaffolding. One of my peers in class pointed out the new implementation of Socratic seminars by the teacher at High Tech High, and the initial confusion those individuals had when coming into a room in when things are done differently. It also takes time to build a culture around project based learning as some of my peers pointed out. It makes me think this week how entering the course through the lens of a camera in my basement, and meeting people all across BC and beyond.

In summary,  I feel PBL does have a place in our education system. What exactly that looks like I am unsure, nor do I know how we can support students who aren’t successful with PBL.  More knowledge on integrated learning as outlined from the professor will be brought forward through our course work which I look forward to in finding learning plans for all.