Module #3 Reflection

In Module #3, I was able to learn about collaborative and non-collaborative learning.  Through reading about and creating collaborative and non-collaborative learning opportunities, I am able to engage my students in different ways. I was able to read a few articles about collaborative learning and how it promotes critical thinking among participants through discussion. Students are talking through their problem or activity and gaining new insights as to how to solve or complete it. While collaborative learning is a promising mode of instruction, the teacher and participants need to keep an open mind and work together in engaging and solving real-world problems.  To read summaries of the articles I read, you can go to my original blog post.

Non-collaborative learning is different in that students are able to work on a project at their own pace and at the most appropriate time.  This is a fantastic way to differentiate your classroom instruction by allowing students who demonstrate more independence and motivation to complete an activity. There are many non-collaborative learning opportunities such as WebQuests, Scavenger Hunts, Virtual Tours, and Hotlists.  For my assignment, I chose to make a Teacher and Student Hotlist of websites that I frequently use while teaching or websites/blogs I frequently use as resources in my teaching.

The final project I worked on within Module 3 was using PowerPoint to make a game using index cards.  I took a game that I've had my students play for years but amped it up to make it more visually appealing and matching our school mascot.  Sight Word HOOT! was born using fun clip art, borders, digital paper, and of course, formatting it to fit 4x6 index cards.  This project was so useful to me because I never would've thought to print on index cards.  Besides Sight Word HOOT!, I plan on making personalized name cards and bookmarks for my students this next year.