5364+Week+3

=**Now I Get It!**=

Week 3: Planning Student Centered Learning Experiences With Technology

This week has been a whirlwind of new information and tools, not only from the readings and videos, but also from the experience of using the CAST site to create the lesson plan and the online book. The main idea of the class this week is planning for student- centered learning experiences. My aha moment this week, was when I realized why I am struggling so much this year with my fifth grade class and their achievement scores after using the CAST website lesson builder and book builder. As I have mentioned before, my class is ability grouped because they are pulled out all at the same time to make it easier on the classroom teachers. All of our dyslexic students are in the first class, all of the GT students are in the second class, and all of our low students are in the third class. This set-up does not bode well for cooperative learning. Most of the ideas presented through the CAST website included all learners working cooperatively through the lesson. Through technology projects, my students would begin helping each other in all areas, but because they are ability grouped, scaffolding the instruction isn't working. Heterogeneous classes is what I am going to push for when making up our 5th grade classrooms next year!

I was pleased that when creating my lesson this week, I wasn't struggling with technology ideas to incorporate into the lesson. I was surprised that I had almost too many resources to pull from when creating my PSA Science Safety lesson, not only from the readings the past few weeks, but from my overall experiences I have acquired through my Lamar classes. From the Pitler readings this week, it helped to be reminded to always start with goals, as well standards before planning technology units, and it felt good that I had a solid grasp on what was important as I planned out my part of the unit. I am excited to try and incorporate some of these ideas into my own classroom this year.