Common Sense and Six Influencers

/ Anna Diemecke / Leave a comment

We are all born with common sense, people always expect you to do things because the reasoning is you have common sense. But if we are trying to change an infrastructure that has been built for a long time, we need more than that, we need to gather facts, data, and studies to prove a point.

Knowing and understanding the six influencers is not enough, We need to put in the plan and in action, it will be an ultimate guide towards changes as we are trying to influence are influencers in the school a.k.a. admins. My innovation plan is to have a successful computer science with the use of student engagement activities such as blended learning, flipped classrooms, and project-based learning. I did my research and studied student engagement works on student motivation. that it works. It is ongoing right now, I am in the process of gathering data, to prove to my admins that it works. With that being said, I can wait to influence my influencers.

TEDxTalks. (2013, March 20a). Three myths of behavior change – what you think you know that you don’t: Jeni Cross at tedxcsu. YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5d8GW6GdR0

TEDxTalks. (2013, April 26b). Change behavior- change the world: Joseph Grenny at tedxbyu. YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6T9TYz5Uxl0

School in the Clouds

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The “School in the clouds”, this phrase is very impactful to me, made me dream of doing one. It’s been proven with all the research that technology is just a tool, the most important ingredient is learning. Technology will always be present and involved, I think it is how we use technology to make the delivery of learning easier and more impactful. I am a technology teacher and every innovation and new app that I can gather is an additional educational box for me. Blended learning is now a trend that innovators would like to apply in the classroom, I find it exciting to be able to teach students with the use of technology, realizing that all the information and content are just on the tip of the fingers but in the same way, a student will be lazy and reluctant because the data is just there. I believe as an educator it is still our job to motivate our students and facilitate their learning, without the care and connection with the students, no matter how innovative one educator’s class can be, it will still not be enough if the students are not motivated to learn. Learning initiatives will always come from within oneself. I love the use of the classroom screen for every single period, I can write students’ directions, CHAMPS, and timer all on one page. I also use learning management system, Schoology, which is really good because I can organize all the lesson plans, and the contents are always available as long as there is an internet.

Emerging technology is great for teachers and students, as long as it is balanced with learning initiative and motivation to finish the learning. Just like the quote from the spiderman movie “Great power comes with Great Responsibility”.

References:

Mitra, S. (2013, February 27). Sugata Mitra: Build a school in the cloud. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3jYVe1RGaU&t=478s

ProjectHappyWay. (2015, March 27). Best TED talks 2015 – draw your future – take control of your life. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vl6wCiUZYc&t=14s

Growth Mindset : Revisited

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In order to create significant learning environments, learners must remain positive in the face of challenges and believe in themselves. When learners develop a growth mindset, they have the opportunity to learn everything imaginable in authentic contexts, recognizing that their learning is limitless and intelligence is not fixed (Dweck 2017). Dweck firmly believes that the growth mindset recognizes that learning is the result of effort, not of natural ability. This helps learners understand that there is no such thing as “can’t” because dedication and hard work lead to success (2017).

​The power of YET concept is huge to me, as we all know that as part of Computer Science classes, coding is a part of it and most of the students are scared of the idea of not learning. A student who studies computer science cites a bundle of reasons why students drop out, lack of practical skills, inability to keep up with the workload, and difficulty with understanding (Whitmore, 2022). “A computer science class is clearly no walk in the park” (Whitmore, 2022, p. 1). When students are engaged, they are more likely to excel in core instruction and less likely to need an academic intervention (Toth, 2021).

I will model a growth mindset and I will be persistent, I will keep going as  I know that my students can learn as long as I am providing them with significant learning and opportunities for growth. Because of brain plasticity, learners can grow through challenges to learn new concepts and skills (Dweck, 2016).


Grit can be misconstrued as being hard-headed if we do not embrace change. But I believe that with grit, I will not give up developing my growth mindset and my student growth mindset. I would like for my students to understand that mistakes are part of learning, I always tell my students that Errors are part of learning, we debug codes and corrected them and that is how we learn. I know talking about a growth mindset, and modeling it is still not going to be enough, but with the consistency of embracing mistakes as a part of the learning process and with the consistency of creating a significant learning environment.

References:

Duckworth, A. L. [TED]. (2013, May 9). Grit: The power of passion and perseverance .

Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. New York: Random House.

​Whitman, G. (2014, August 06). The power of yet. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/discussion/power​76

Whitmore, R. (2022, April 12). Why is computer science so hard? Online Schools Report.   Retrieved July 9, 2022, from https://www.onlineschoolsreport.com/why-is-computer-science-so-hard/

Toth, M. D. (2021, May 14). Why student engagement is important in a post-COVID world. Learning Sciences International. Retrieved July 9, 2022, from https://www.learningsciences.com/blog/why-is-student-engagement-important/

Cyberbullying is A MUST Lesson

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtfMzmkYp9E

Cyberbullying has been rampant nowadays, for the reason that students do not know how to become good digital citizens. It is something that I as an educator can be a part of prevention. According to Hinduja and Patchin (2015), cyberbullying is “willful and repeated harm inflicted through the use of computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices” (p. 11). Essentially, cyberbullying is bullying through the means of electronics. If you are being mean on a screen, you are cyberbullying. Brewer and Kerslake (2015) remark that the main difference between traditional bullying and cyberbullying is that cyberbullying happens quickly, is permanent and makes victims more available. Unlike traditional bullying where students could escape the bully by running home, cyberbullying has no escape because the Internet is always with us through our devices.

 As a technology teacher, I always include cyberbullying as part of my lesson, always at the beginning of the year.  I believe that it is my duty to teach awareness to my students, how to acknowledge the cyberbullying act, how not to be a cyberbully, and how to prevent cyberbullying.

Thus, I would like to influence my fellow educator to do the same, and together we can STOP CYBERBULLYING.

 

References:

Brewer, G., & Kerslake, J. (2015). Cyberbullying, self-esteem, empathy and loneliness. Computers in Human Behavior, 48, 255-260. doi:10.1016/j.chb.2015.01.073

Hinduja, S., & Patchin, J. W. (2015). Bullying beyond the schoolyard: Preventing and responding to cyberbullying. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.

StopBullyingGov. (2021, August 24). Is it cyberbullying? YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtfMzmkYp9E

YouTube. (2020, January 28). Cyberbullying – how to avoid cyber abuse. YouTube.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMdKmHjpgFk

  

 

Who owns the work?

/ Anna Diemecke / 2 Comments

It was amazing to be a part of the program that advocates freedom to choose, show your own voice and be authentic in creating an E-portfolio, for me, it gives me a sense of ownership because I know this is mine. And because this is mine, I am responsible for designing the website and choosing the content of my website. Since I am only beginning to create my own e-portfolio, I am very excited about the journey that I am taking. I know it is not a perfect and straight path. But as someone who tries to have a growth mindset, I am sure that my e-portfolio will evolve as I continue my learning,

Creating significant learning environments (CSLE) is what I would like to offer to my students. I want them to experience authentic learning and not be afraid of any errors or mistakes. I would for my students to experience the COVA(Choice, Ownership, Voice, and Authenticity) methodology. Because the experience of learning is more important than being worried about being perfect.

References:

Hapnuik, D. (2015, May 8). Creating significant learning environments (CSLE). YouTube. Retrieved September 27, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZ-c7rz7eT4&t=19s

What is your End Game?

/ Anna Diemecke / 3 Comments

“Connect dots or collect dots, Grades are illusions, Passion and Insight are reality” – Seth Godin. As an educator, this statement has had a powerful impact on me. It is indeed true that creating a meaningful connection matters, it matters to have a relationship with my student, and it matters that a student has a relationship with their classmates. I got lucky that as a Technology teacher most of my activities are done with groups (group research, group presentation, and pair programming). In my class, I am practicing collaboration. If it is individual work, I am pushing my students to help one another, in my grading system I put a grade for participation and collaboration. Based on my observation, students tend to give more productive output whenever they work with groups and if they are working solo, students give more effort in project-based learning, but I also encourage peer feedback. So for me, the structure of the learning really depends on the situation and on what is needed in the lecture. I would like my students to do more hands-on so they can practice their analytical and algorithm teaching.

The only thing that will hinder me from bringing my student to pushing forward is a walkthrough from the admin, some of my admin in the school is still looking for the same teaching style where the teacher teaching, students are quiet and listening. I wish that we can go out from that norm since student-led classrooms are the end goal.

Harapnuik, D. (2021, January 18). Collecting dots vs connecting dots. YouTube. Retrieved September 21, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7o3Jh1KZLw&t=26s

Why E-portfolio?

/ Anna Diemecke / 1 Comment

Why e-portfolio?

What is the benefit of an e-portfolio?

As technology evolves every day, opportunities, and creating an e-portfolio is a tools that we can use in different aspects. An E-portfolio can showcase any information that can benefit a specific group. One can use it for business, showcasing products and services. One can use it as an information barrier for an educator, it can contain information and suggestions for teaching. One can use it to express themselves or it can be a collection of all digital works. It is amazing how an e-portfolio can be used in different ways.

I think regardless of what is the reason for creating an e-portfolio, the most important thing is that it showcases owner choice, ownership, voice, and authenticity. Creating an e-portfolio should be a reflection of yourself.

As soon as you found your own Voice and the reason WHY? IT IS TIME TO CREATE YOUR OWN!

Barnstable, K. (2010, September 30). 41 benefits of an eportfolio. Stable Transitions. https://kbarnstable.wordpress.com/2010/01/08/41-benefits-of-an-eportfolio/

Is Computer Science is HARD?

/ Anna Diemecke / Leave a comment

Computer Science is a hard discipline to learn. According to the research:

  1. Students who are weak in mathematics tend to be weak in programming and therefore weak in Computer Science.
  2. Students tend to be unprepared for the constructive nature of the Computer Science discipline.

Many students are not motivated or prepared to invest this amount of time. They are looking for an “easy” discipline that “allows them time for significant extra-curricular or social activities.” They don’t believe that they can have a fulfilling social life in college while putting in this amount of time to study. Fortunately, students who are motivated to invest the necessary time often find that they can also fit in active extra-curricular or social calendars and still be satisfied.

But I believe that just like any principle or study if you are motivated and devotee sufficient time to studying the discipline, then it is possible to learn Computer Science. The only difference is that Computer Science  students must utilize really good time management skills, and must plan for these extra-curricular and social activities. If you think of it, everything that evolves in technology right now is because of computer science. Yes, it is hard but with growth mindset and dedication, any student can pass this classes and be the future computer scientist.

References :

Is computer science hard? Lindenwood University. (n.d.). https://www.lindenwood.edu/science/mathematics-computer-science-and-information-technology/computer-science/prospective-students/is-computer-science-hard/

Learning Revolution

/ Anna Diemecke / 2 Comments

I love watching these two videos; they resonated with me and reminded me that what I am doing right now has an essential purpose. As stated by Sir Ken Robinson, we can revolutionize education with technology and the combination of teacher talent, and each school will flourish tomorrow. However, in order to achieve it, we must have the right people taking the job; Robinson mentioned that you need to have the passion, and excitement, to feel free and get lost in that moment because you love that job so much that this is the only thing you want to do. I love helping my student, but sometimes I get frustrated and tired; I have those moments that I want to quit, but I stay simply because I know in my heart that I can help my students; more than the academic aspect. Moreover, I tried my best to make them comfortable in my class, that it is okay to make mistakes and that we are all learning. I have previous students who inspired and made me believe I am in the right place.

Pinks’ video is so on point; just like Robinson’s ideas, the power of motivation makes people do their best and maximize their potential. Starts treating people as people, and they will be better; applying this notion to students is true; they work more if you have shown them that you care. Based on my experience, they are building a relationship with our student’s matters. It is one of the keys to a thriving learning environment.

Robinson, K. (2010, May 24). Bring on the Learning Revolution! | Sir Ken Robinson. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9LelXa3U_I&t=65s

Pink. (2010). RSA Animate: Drive: The surprising truth about what motivates us. Youtube. https://youtu.be/u6XAPnuFjJc?list=PLOs0lcCMEHfKWAfRRmVNhb0jEMBz2i2a_

New Culture of Learning

/ Anna Diemecke / Leave a comment

As a computer science teacher, when I teach coding to my students, it is important to me that I would be able to incorporate play while learning the codes. It was terrific how Douglas Thomas mentioned using scratch in his book on learning to code, which I can attest is true; students tend to understand coding using blocks, shapes, and colors, and my students play and understand the concept. I am amazed how my students were imaginative enough to be able to resolve coding exercises. I also agree that a person who wants to learn something new will be successful as the learner is passionate enough, willing to do hard work, and is already claiming success in that learner’s mind. As a learner, I am the same thing. I put my all in once I decided I wanted to learn, and I will ensure that I will put my 100% effort. I believe I am proactive as a teacher; I give freedom to my students to learn something new, discover the world, and remind them to be careful with their choices. I believe that having a relationship with my students makes them calm and feel welcome. I always tell them that I am here to teach them, make them grow, and hopefully succeed as learners.

My only regret is that sometimes due to school grading requirements, I have to create quizzes or tests that do not really showcase their individual learning as it falls on the numerical grading. However, I am not losing hope; I know one day, I will be able to showcase all my learning plans and styles and to be able to create a significant learning environment for all of my students. I acknowledge that I am working on progress too. I want to grow, as I know that it will help my students to grow and be better versions of themselves.

I agree with Dr. H that technology is a tool that helps us solve a problem, but the most significant role is a teacher. As a teacher, I have many roles to fulfill, but the most important is to coach and evaluate my students. I believe my part is to groom my students. Like plants, as Dr. Tony Bates mentioned, I can provide them with a significant learning environment, taking account of their differences, and give a more profound understanding for them to grow as learners.

Bates, T. (Dec. 14, 2015). Building Effective Learning Environments. https://youtu.be/3xD_sLNGurA

Harapnuik, D. (2015, May 9). Creating significant learning environments (CSLE).

TEDx Talks. (2012, September 13). A New Culture of Learning, Douglas Thomas at TEDxUFM [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lM80GXlyX0U