Assessments

Please see the infographic that highlights the 6 different types of assessment and their attributes.

http://www.edudemic.com/2013/07/the-6-types-of-assessments-and-how-theyre-changing/

Personal Learning Networks

...Opportunities to connect with people who are passionate about similar areas of interest and develop collaborative relationships. 

Our YorkUICT has become another Personal Learning Network -a platform for connection and collaboration.  We have been able to connect face to face, through Twitter, Google+, Twitter and sharing of Blogs.   Through these vehicles we have been able to share ideas and resources with one another as well as educators around the globe. With Personal Learning Networks, everyone's knowledge grows.

For our students, many of them are participating in Personal Learning Networks already.  Social Media brings information to students and at the same time allows students to access information.  It is important for us as teachers to help student's properly navigate this process.  

Will Richardson speaks about this in his video.

You Tube

Teacher Use:  to keep up with the latest trends; inform & enhance classroom teaching; professional growth

Constructivism Learning Process

Our course began with an introduction to Constructivist Learning.  In this model the student guides the pace of content and the teacher provides communication and guidance.  The emphasis is on students gaining strategies and processes in order to attain knowledge.  I really like this chart on Constructivism Methodolody:

http://www.excelsiorlearningcenter.com/Constructivism.html

http://www.alicechristie.org/pubs/

Classroom Use:  teachers pose questions & problems. guide students; allow for inquiry; multiple intelligences; group work; peers as resources

21st Century Learning

Communication
Collaboration
Critical Thinking
Creativity

These 4 skills are learned through our curriculum with an approach that is interdisciplinary, integrated and project-based.  TCDSB is the largest board in Canada that has focused on 21st Century Learning Strategy. This has been done in collaboration with Dr. Rutherford where the emphasis is on moving away from rote learning and moving toward innovation. These skills are required by students to learn and be successful not only in school, but in life.  

6 Competencies:

1. Collaboration
    Preview & Reflect on your Lesson's Level of Collaboration 
2. Knowledge Construction
    Preview & Reflect on your Lesson's Level of Knowledge Construction

3. Real World Problem Solving & Innovation
    Preview & Reflect on your Lesson's Real World Problem Solving & Innovation

4. Skilled Communication
    Preview & Reflect on your Lesson's Level of Skilled Communication 

5. Self-Rgulation
    Preview & Reflect on your Lesson's Level of Self-Regulation

6. Use of ICT for Learning
    Preview & Reflect on your Lesson's Level of ICT Use for Learning
 

21st Century Learning and Constructivism are intertwined and have application to the real world.  It is important that we preview these areas of competencies and advance our lessons from entry levels to transformation levels.  Much of what we discussed today in terms of applying transformation level competencies to our lessons is very similar to what I see in our Gifted Programs!
A great read:   "8 Essentials for Project-Based Learning"
Parents:  see A Parent's Guide to 21st Century Learning