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Reflect on the idea that tests are the only objective assessments of student learning.

The idea that tests are the only way to assess student learning is a flawed and is often misunderstood.  As educators, we understand that students are different and so wouldn't they also learn differently.  
Hence why there is ton of research and support around different types of assessments other than tests.

I believe most of the confusion draws from what is a formal or an informal assessment.  The myth is that formal assessments are strictly tests and the only way to gather accurate data.  No matter, an assessment checks for understanding; whether it is a high-order thinking question during class discussion or a quiz.   The key to successfully integrating the results into teaching is to assess differently, both qualitative and quantitative date so observations are not biased.

In the video below is a great example of how to use all the data to get an understanding or your students and teaching through analyzing the data.

A Technology Infused Classroom

Reflect on the idea of what a technology-infused classroom looks like. How do you plan to have a technology-infused classroom?

Don't worry! One day you will succeed!

If you glanced in a technology-infused classroom you would see a classroom where students are effectively using the equipment to take charge of their own education. Students have multiple technology resources at their fingertips when they need it. Technology is readily available all of the time in the classroom.  This classroom would have work stations with computers or IPADs, a document camera or webcam stations to record, and media stations that encompass sound and video equipment.  As teachers use technology to deliver lessons (Smart board, recorded modules, simulations), students engage in learning situations through communication channels with other students.  This allows the students to gather and analyze data and much more.

      Having a fully integrated technology-infused classroom takes time.  It is smart to introduce a new technology component one at time; this may take a few years of trial and error.  Plus, not all your students will have access to computers or internet.   One of the first and easiest ways I have integrated technology is sending out homework assignments through email and text messages through a lovely web application, Remind101; both parents and students can sign up.  I can report that this has been beneficial and have not had to deal with any hiccups. 

My next goal has been focusing on integrating SMART Response clickers more. The SMART Response clickers combine wireless, keyboard-style remotes (or clickers), a receiver and powerful assessment software. SMART Response integrates with SMART Notebook collaborative learning software, providing you with one application for creating lessons, delivering assessments and evaluating results. I know this sound fancy-dancy but it relatively painless once the students are setup and grouped.  Unfortunately, it is difficult to integrate with math and does take same training before one can become comfortable with using all the software combined.

Visual Literacy and Internet Impacting Our Classrooms

How can visual literacy and the use of the Internet impact the teaching and learning process in the classroom? What are some visual-thinking strategies you would like to use in your classroom? What role do you want the Internet play in your classroom?

Visual literacy can be a great aid in the classroom. I sure I am like most teachers who use visuals all time to help student connect their learning;  whether it is using picture, charts, or graphic organizers. Providing any visual allows them to gain better understanding on the topic; especially in math.  Sometimes I even draw random pictures.  Recently I drew a rainbow to help my students remember how the distribute property worked.  I let them have a little fun with it and draw a unicorn, pot of gold, or leprechaun to lighten the mood.  In one class we completely went off on a tangent and even named a unicorn Jelly so whenever I mention Jelly the unicorn the students always remember the distributive property. Whatever works!  

Again, this is a visual-thinking strategy that I use in my classroom to provide my students with pictures and visuals that they will be able to reflect back on.   I tend to often do this with their new vocabulary words.  The picture often does not necessarily have to match the direct association to the definition.  The point is to let the students create their own visual.  For example, we are starting statistics and the new word was ‘sample.’  However, a student drew a food sample that you would get from Sam’s Club or Publix.  Funny enough, this picture did correlate to the meaning but students will often find the best solution for themselves.   As for the internet, I generally view the internet for additional resources. Sometimes the internet is great for proving a point, such as, when are we ever going to use this again.  I might pull up a video or even a job description to “prove it” to the students.