Using ComicLife

This was my first experience with ComicLife, so I really wasn't sure what to expect. I immediatley realized the potential uses of the program. I created a comic strip based on European exploration, which is a unit that I just finished teaching. My plans are to use the comics that I created as a review tool before our first 9 weeks exams; I told my students what my plans are and they are very excited that we are going to try something new. I have to admit that I was a little excited about the possibilities of this program while I was working on the project. I am certified to teach high school students, so I am constantly looking for resources that are more appropriate for 6th graders. I can only hope that the lesson I have planned is as beneficial to my students as I am anticipating it to be.

Problem Based Learning

Problem based learning is a teaching concept that emphasizes the student role in education. By working to apply real world solutions/ideas to teaching standards, students are able to gain a greater level of understanding. When I first started teaching I was a little hesitant to let students work on their own; I felt like I had to be in front of the class lecturing in order to feel as if my students had learned something. As I have become more comfortable with my curriculum and the resources that are available to me I have become more open to this teaching concept. I still believe there are days that I am responsible for introducing new ideas, but I have learned the importance of allowing students to experiment on their own to master learning objectives.

Blogging So Far...

I have really found the blogging experience to be a great resource in this class. After viewing the blogs that my classmates have created, I realized what a great tool this can be. Blogs are all developed in way that expresses the interest of each person and a variety of information. There truly were no two blogs alike!

Using Blogs in Education

I believe that blogs can be used in numerous ways in education. Blogs that have a specific purpose, such as a class blog, provide an outlet for reflecting on various topics and a way to share ideas. Blogs can be a common place to link other websites and resources that are related to the purpose of the blog that followers and contributors of the blog will have access to. Using this blog throughout the semester will provide practice setting a blog and including appropriate information. My goal is to take the skills I learn blogging for class and create a blog that can be used by students and parents access useful learning resources and hopefully enhance their learning experience.