Blog Post # 3

Peer Editing
Well, I just peer edited my first peer. I have to say that thanks to Paige Ellis' blog post along with the other presentations discussed below, it wasn't that bad.
The video What is Peer Editing introduced me to what peer editing was along with how to do it. It explained that there are three important rules to remember when peer editing. One, it is important to stay positive. Two, it is important to be specific about what you are correcting. Finally, it is important to complete all three steps as listed in the presentation. The three steps are: compliments, suggestions, and corrections. The presentation went into specifics about what to look for when complimenting, suggesting, and correcting your peers work. I found this presentation to be very basic. Just what I needed to familiarize me with the process of peer editing!

The second presentation Peer Edit With Perfection Tutorial gave a deeper look into how to peer edit. Like the previous presentation What is Peer Editing, this presentation provided me the three rules to follow when peer editing along with the three steps. These were described in great detail. Unlike the first presentation, however, the second presentation was non audio so visually I could read all of the steps described orally in the first presentation. Also, this second presentation Peer Edit With Perfection Tutorialprovided me as the learner with examples of paragraphs that I could practice peer editing using the specific steps outlined in the presentation.

The third presentation, Writing Peer Review Top 10 Mistakes presented the same concept in a humorous way. This video filmed elementary students using the process of peer editing. The kick, however, was that the students on the video peer edited in an incorrect way, playing their role as a "Mean Margaret" or a "Picky Patty." After watching the other two presentations that explained how to peer edit, it was fun to watch and made me laugh quite a bit.

After watching all three presentations, I think that peer editing is an easy, useful tool that could be used by my students to teach them the skill of constructive criticism. Also, I think peer editing will encourage them to look for their own mistakes in their writing as to catch them before their peers do. Before expecting my students to use this skill I would present the skill to them using both the second presentation Peer Edit With Perfection Tutorial and the third presentation Writing Peer Review Top 10 Mistakes and/or another presentation of that nature.


Adaptive Technologies

For the most part, the advancement of technology has improved the way our society functions in many ways. When added into a classroom it can instantly change the learning environment to one that is interactive and engaging. This is especially noted in Technology in Special Education, a short video created by a teacher named Lacy. In the video Lacey films her Special Education students that she is working with. One of the students, Corbin, is a student who used to have to go out into the hallway during independent reading time in order for someone else to read him his book. Now through the use of an Ipod Touch and audio book, Corbin is able to remain in the classroom with his peers. Kris, another one of her students is unable to communicate in words. He typed her a message on his laptop. It read, "I like using my computer because it helps me talk." In Lacy's classroom technology facilitated student participation and helped build relationships by connecting Lacy and her students in a whole new way. She says that she wants her students to see the "value of technology" and to "transfer those skills into their work experiences".
I enjoyed viewing this presentation. I am encouraged to continue on in this class learning new skills so that I can one day employ these skills into my own teaching experience. Some of the ways that I would like to use technology in my future classroom, especially for students with special needs, is by the use of a SmartBoard that is interactive or the use of an Ipad touch and headphones for those students who struggle like Corbin in Lacy's class. I recognize that not all students in a class learn the same way. I understand the need for technology to enhance a lesson and will strive to incorporate it accordingly.

After watching the video How the iPad works with Academics for autism, I decided to check out the Apple Store and see what kind of apps could be used in my future classroom for a student with special needs. My little girl loves elephants so I clicked on a game called alphabytes because it had a picture of an elephant next to it. This app explores the 26 letters of the alphabet along with writing, spelling, and memorization. It allows children to learn the alphabet with fully animated interactions. In the area of writing it allows kids to trace both upper and lower case letters with their finger. Children are also challenged to associate letters with words or visuals.
I could use this app in a kindergarten classroom for students who are struggling to learn their letters of the alphabet, or struggling to write them correctly. This is a visually appealing and interactive approach that would be fun for the children to use to learn.

Vicki Davis's video Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts was a video presenting technology as a way to transform the classroom from teacher focused to students learning from each other. Vickie believes that in classrooms in which only pen and paper is used, only a certain amount of students will succeed. She believes in "customizing the curriculum" through the use of technology. She wants her students to "learn how to learn," work collaboratively, and to feel comfortable using all forms of technology available. She fosters this through the use of blogs, wikis, and new vocabulary in which she encourages the students to google the meaning of the vocabulary she is using.

I agree with Vickie that our instruction within the classroom needs to be enhanced through the use of technology. I do want my students to be able to discover things on their own and become independent learners. The amount of independence my students will be able to have is dependent on their age.