Digital Learning Environment Inventory
Marquette Alternative High School/Marquette Area Public Schools
*MAPS staff-please contact me if there are tools/resources that you use and I will update this site.
What tools, software, operating systems, and equipment are available in your school and classroom? (including but not limited to: videoconferencing, streaming, photos sharing sites, video sharing sites, document sharing sites, podcasts, blogs, wikis, social networking sites, etc.)
During the 2014-15 school year our district opened wireless access to all staff, students, and visitors. As classroom teachers we are able to use any equipment that is purchased either personally, through grant funding, or by the district. When guests attempt to connect, they must accept the terms and conditions of the district.
Current tools being used
- Videoconferencing (Skype/Polycom)The Polycom/Skype systems have allowed my classroom to experience the world quite easily. From learning art from teacher and students in Africa to virtually visiting the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., my students have gained knowledge from the places ideas originate.
- Streaming
- Photo-sharing
- Google Docs Although I have only began to use Google Docs on a local level, there is high potential for student and teacher collaboration worldwide. Through use of the Polycom system and Google Docs, students are able to collaborate on documents and projects from around the world. There are few barriers to having classrooms interact and join on projects and show perspective from multiple sets of peers.
- Podcasts
- Blogs This tool has allowed student and teachers to interact through responding to blog questions and ideas on my international travel. It has been a great resource, especially when time zones are over eight hours apart.
- Wikis
- Facebook, Twitter Facebook has given my classroom easy access to developing student friendships and teacher friendships quickly and easily from around the world. It allows educational groups to be formed and dialogue to be shared with the simple access of a computer.
- Smart-boards
- Google Earth This tool has allowed me to show where any place in the world is quickly, and give my students a perspective of where we are "traveling" to prior to using video-conferencing.
How does your school make use of school and/or teacher websites?
Teacher websites in our district are encouraged to create websites, yet it is optional. The teachers who are comfortable, or willing and able, create their own classroom websites and can have it accessed through the main district site by school and teacher. Many teachers will send personal notes home through students to give parents information about how to log-in. The main use for many students and their families is to use our Family Access on Skyward to access grades, attendance records, contact teachers, and view personal/food service information.
How are you currently utilizing technology for learning?
Technology is used daily in my classroom through research, presentations (Prezi, Google Slides, Emaze), Google Docs, Google Classrooms, video viewing and recording, attendance and grading. Students are required to do weekly online grade checks at our school in their advisory classes.
From the list of global e-learning sites included below, which are available and which sites are blocked by your firewall? The only sites that you're required to explore are listed here, but feel free to look at/comment on others on the list that I have attached. Please reserve time to explore these sites and process what they have to offer.
None of these sites are blocked at this time by our firewall for staff.
Skype www.skype.com
iEARN www. iearn.org
ConnectAllSchools http://www.connectallschools.org
Peace Corps Speakers Match http://wws.peacecorps.gov/wws/speakersmatch/
ePals http://www.epals.com
Global Nomads Group www.gng.org
Omprakash http://www.omprakash.org/about
Primary Source www.primarysource.org
Edutopia http://www.edutopia.org
Outreach World http://www.outreachworld.org
The UN Works http://www.un.org/works/
Global Education Conference http://www.globaleducationconference.com
Online Newspapers http://www.onlinenewspapers.com
What sites and tools are colleagues in your building using?
During the 2014-15 school year, I was approved to use the Global Education Conference. Within my building Skype, Peace Corps Speakers, ePals, Global Nomads Group, and Edutopia are being used. There are many different apps being used on the Ipads varying by teacher and subject. All teachers have transitioned to using Google Classroom to connect students to information and assignments. Additional tools that are used are Odysseyware, Apple TV, Elmos, and Gizmos.
Is there a system for evaluating student technology literacy in your school? If so, how effective or helpful have you found the assessment?
Currently there is not a formal system for evaluating student technology literacy in our school.
Gather suggestions from students on their ideas for integrating technology into their learning.
A small handful of my students stated that they do not want to use technology and do not like that they have to use Edmodo to find their assignments. Many state that they enjoy watching video recordings of other students in the school, but do not want to watch themselves. They are becoming more comfortable with video recording as we have been increasing its use within the classroom. Many students also want to use Skype and the Polycon again this year because they enjoyed being able to “go places” that they may not actually be able to afford to go to, and talk with people from all over the world. Most students feel that we should have Ipads for all students to be able to use. I have also discussed the use of Smart Boards and Google Glass with students and they were very excited.
What tools that are not presently available, would help to achieve district objectives?
I would like students to have quick, easy access to Ipads to be able to do more project-based learning and assessment through different apps. Also, Ipads would allow for many of my struggling writers and readers to have access to apps that could assist them with classroom assignments. One of the district objectives is to focus on the achievement gap between students with and without disabilities. I believe that we need to give the students the tools that they need to be able to help them gain the information that they need in any setting. I would also like to have a SmartBoard in my classroom, I feel that this would better engage students because most of my students learn more with active, hands on learning. This would increase student use of technology and gain 21st century skills as stated by another district objectives.
Global Education Assessment Tools Inventory
For assessing student work for global competence one of the best resources available is the Asia Society's Educating for Global Competence: Preparing our Youth to Engage in the World. This resources gives a useful overview for educators of what it looks like in the classroom when globally competent students investigate the world, recognize perspectives, communicate ideas and take action on issues. It is also very specific on what schools can do to teach global competency and review public policy.
Additional Easy-to-Use Guidelines:
American Forum for Global Education Checklist
A practical tool for elementary and secondary teachers to assist students in developing the skills of analyzing issues, problem solving, research and investigation, through the scope of global education.
Education for Global Citizenship: A Guide for Schools - Oxfam’s curriculum for Global Citizenship
Provides multiple guides for assessing student working, adapting curriculum and using best practices.