Google Vs. Database

Going through the school's database and Google looking for "Differentiated Instruction/Teaching Strategies for Students with ADD" made me realize that Google is more efficient and provides a number of very useful information. The database provided sites that one would normally use for an in depth research, like requirements for a thesis, for example. Google on the other hand had sites that included practical tips for classroom teachers that are highly functional.

Incorporating the Big 6 in my Lesson Plan

UNIFYING NOTIONS OF 

MEDIA AND INFORMATION 

LITERACY: UNESCO

Information Literacy Mind Map

Follow the link:

InfoLit Mind Map

Information Literacy: A Neglected Core Competency

We are busy equipping our classrooms, libraries, schools and homes with a variety of electronic gadgets, that sometimes, we overlook preparing our students for the influx of information provided by these technologies. With the availability of so much information and misinformation both at an equal rate, every student should not only have reading and computer skills but information skills as well.

Information competency is the ability to identify the amount and nature of information need, then to evaluate, organize and use information from a variety of sources and turn this information to knowledge that is highly useful in the real world. To ensure that we graduate information literate students, it is the task of every educator to provide deeper understanding of how and where to find information and train students to have effective critical thinking skills on which information is credible or not.

While students are expected to be active learners, they should also be able to give careful evaluations of their work by becoming self-critical and reflective. The goal of every educator should be to prepare students early on to be information constructors, by constructing new information from previous ones already known to the learner. By taking time to question and test new information acquired, students become expert learners and carry on this skill into different areas of their lives, allowing them to become independent seekers and consumer of information all throughout their lives. 

PLN Challenge 4: Making Time to Build Your PLN

I realized that first thing that you will be when you start a PLN is overwhelmed. It’s a common adjective that a lot of first time personal learning networker becomes. But as I read through this challenge, I realized that like all learning experience there is a practical way of getting into the rhythm. Sarah Poling’s tips gave a lot to think about.

1. Learning styles and personal preferences:

I’m a visual learner. Blogs, video hosting sites, web-based free lecture, tutoring resources and social networks attract my attention.

2. Set a goal

Why didn’t I learn about futureme.com in the past? Creating S.M.A.R.T. goals makes them powerful and achievable.

3. Set a routine

The best time for me to build my PLN is at 7:00 before dinner. I feel extremely lazy and ready to retire after dinner.

4. Find resources that help

I found that www.emergingedtech.com extremely helpful in providing links to free tools and resources.

5. Decide what works best for you

I have not decided on anything yet. But I think I’ll do well with blogging.

6. Don’t force it

I have not joined any conversations yet or shared much on twitter or blogger. I think I should give myself time before I take the plunge. 

Being able to write my thoughts down about these tips help me identify where I’m at as far as PLN-ing is concerned. Great!

What is a Personal Learning Network (PLN)?

Reading through PLN Challenge 1:What the Heck is PLN?
http://teacherchallenge.edublogs.org/2011/06/15/pln-challenge-1-what-the-heck-is-a-pln/
and PLN Challenge 2: What is it that you want to know?
http://teacherchallenge.edublogs.org/2011/06/18/pln-challenge-2-what-is-it-that-you-want-to-know/,
I learned that PLN or personal learning network could simply be defined as knowledge distributed or shared. In having a PLN, there is a possibility of acquiring a constant supply of resources, teaching strategies, and endless ways to integrate technology in the classroom from highly capable educators. To have a successful PLN, one has to be completely immersed in the social media and be able to understand terms like “Twitter”, “LinkedIn”, “Blogs”, “Wikis”, “RSS Readers” etc. As we move away from just teaching students basic computer skills and software programs, taking on the challenge to create a PLN for educators becomes highly necessary.

In the coming weeks, I hope to learn though my PLN, how to effectively integrate technology in the classroom learning where students will be actively engaged and have a feel of what a modern real world looks like.