21st Century Learners - Response from SMARTen Up Westcast Session

I just had to share this link.  I will reflect soon.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Kl0nazUArY

I think it is safe to say that the weather did not affect the overwhelming success of WESTCAST.  For whoever participated, I hope they walked away with something refreshing.  I know it was the linked video above that really inspired me. 

The first session I am reflecting on is my experience as a presenter at the session “Jazzing Up Your Math Program”. I loved the format of this presentation. Each presenter featured one specific tool or strategy that they wished to showcase at their table. Then the students who attended rotated every couple minutes so that they were introduced to as many items as possible. We also had a draw at the end that gave out great prizes . . . Most of them were samples or objects that we discussed during our presentation.
This presentation had a good turn out. Every teacher should have a kit of activities or gimmicks related to teaching in general. For this purpose, it was math, but you could have one for any subject. I showcased “Music Math” with the emphasis that it is a Monday morning ready activity, and perfect to leave for a substitute.
One thing that other students said during the presentation was how great these would be and how they had never heard of this idea before. They wanted more and unfortunately we couldn’t get through everything in only forty five minutes.
The suggestion to bring a camera instead of handing things out is a great tool. It allows the audience to take in as much as they want…and remember what they saw when they return home.
But now I am done my presentation, so I can sit back and enjoy the sessions tomorrow. I am really looking forward to it.

Session 2: Addicted to Learning: Strategies to Encourage Student Engagement
WOW…I could have listened to Robyn Sneath share her ideas all day. Her session was fabulous. Maybe I was so mesmerized that she was a Harvard Grad student. J
Her session really put into perspective and for some into reality, that entertainment is driving the youth of today. Cell phones, ipods and headphones are attached to kids and even in class these objects are hiding not to far from reach. So as a teacher, how do you make things exciting enough to challenge this other output entertainment…how do you compete?
She showed us some interesting techniques that requires students moving to sides in the classroom based on their opinion of a topic, or instead of shouting out answers they write their answer on a white board. The key is to keep the whole class involved.
She said what works best for her, is to make everything a game. Cut up the worksheet and put it in a Ziploc bag, call it a fun name…and watch the kids eyes light up.
Her sense of humour and her honesty made this session a must see. I learned a lot of helpful tips and tactics for engaging students in the classroom. Though the session was more geared for high school, I embraced the knowledge and am very happy I went.
　
Session 3: SMARTen Up: Effective use in the K-8 Classroom

WOW! I can’t say enough great things about this session. The opportunities are endless and available at your fingertips, if only you take the time to find them. Devon Caldwell did an extraordinary job of showcasing the basic features.
I’d like to think that before this session I had a basic understanding of the capabilties of the SMART software, but after this session I am in awe at the possibilities. Did you know that you can record an entire SMART board lesson and then play it back or convert it so your students can watch it again on an iPAD.
As I am writing this journal entry I am looking at the pages of notes that I took at this session and I am overwhelmed with the ideas. The irony of falling upon this great session, is that next Monday I am travelling to Killarney to do a SMART board presentation for the K-6 teachers. I definitely feel more confident, now that I know how fabulous this program really is. As I finish this entry, I have presented my Smart board knowledge. It is definitely more difficult than it looks and technology never seems to work properly in the best of times. I guess the first time is always the trickiest, so by the time I am a “real” teacher I will hopefully be a pro.

Overall, as WESTCAST has come and gone, I think it was wonderful to embrace all the different and new ways of learning. Technology is moving way too fast. We will never be able to keep up, but use what works best for you and your students.

Session 4: Teamwork will “Get it Done”
This was a fun session to attend and I was able to easily relate as we have already done this in our class. Pick and author and relate it to a theme. Eric Carle works great with a unit on Nutrition etc.
As a future teacher, this was extremely beneficial. No matter the style, the author or the topic, you can intergrate anything. You just need to have an open mind and a great imagination.
I found this extremely beneficial, as we have just completed planning an integrated unit. It was neat to see the ideas that each teacher brought forth.
I also really liked that they had a faculty supervisor speak at the presentation. It was really neat to see the classroom from their point of view. It is a team effort.
Two authors mentioned during this session were the infamous Eric Carle, as well as Mo Weillem. Both have extremely different styles, but the integrated units were fabulous just the same.
I am more confident in my ability to integrate units across curriculum. It takes some time, but it is so worth it in the end. When students can connect to real life and connect the concepts throughout the entire day, its going to have a great impact on their learning. Afterall, that is the ultimate goal.
　
ps.  I hope you enjoyed the video.