AGAPE Teacher Reflection

The transformation from the start of the Masters program to now has been incredibly beneficial. Especially looking at AGAPE and what it stands for has really been present in my classroom in the past many months of this program. I observe the association of learning, generativity in building community of care, adaption to authentic learning problems, presence with others through a spirited inner life, Engagement of whole hearted learning. To look at all of these elements as a whole in my classroom I feel the learning is so much richer. I feel I am more of a facilitator of learning with my students. I give them guidance, but they are the ones doing the problem solving and collaborating to make their best work. I hear myself asking a lot of coaching questions and letting them come up with the answers. The asking of questions might be what I like the most from the changes I have made. I have implemented the iPad a lot more in my classroom and I can see that there is engagement happening with my students and the use of technology as an educational tool. I do believe that the technology needs to be limited to keep the community of the classroom. As the old saying goes "Everything in Moderation." Letting the students have choice in their projects keeps them present and engaged. I have truly enjoyed how far I have come in this program and where my classroom is today.

Action Research Critical Thinking Questions

For my Action Research I have the following critical thinking questions for the people that come to my presentation. 1.How can the iPad be used to enhance your current projects? 2. What classroom rules help keep distractions on the decline? 3.Unplugging, how it can benefit students? I am hoping that the questions will get the listeners minds thinking about how iPads might change their classrooms and what steps might need to be taken. Hoping to help them find their own balance with using the iPad in the classroom and finding the best use of apps per assignment. I think there could be a lot of discussion around these questions.

Action Research Questions

How do you communicate your action research with your student and their parents? I have just talked with my students about my research about the iPad in the classroom. How do you communicate your action research to you administration? I have mentioned it to them, but there has not been much inquiry about it. What do you hope is the outcome of your action research? My hope was that the iPad was a valid and useful purchase. My school is 1 to 1 iPads. How do you plan to sustain what you have started? The projects that have been beneficial to the learning process will be kept. I will continue to add 25-50% use of the iPad in my classroom. Who or what has been the most helpful resource for your work? Being able to talk to our digital learning committee. I have many teachers that I can go to ask about good apps, questions and brainstorming. How do you involve your learners in action research planning? I have given google forms to have them answer questions about what devices they prefer for certain projects. How do you see your action research impacting your teaching? I feel that it has brought me closer to the 21st century technology and learning. How do you see your action research impacting your students' learning? I feel like it makes it more interesting for them and another opportunity to create, but with a technology medium. What evidence do you have that supports your action research? I have gotten evidence that proves that there are both positive and negative, but it has become more specific for me to be able to decifer when to sue the iPad and when not to.

Entertaining an elephant last chapter

If I were to write the last chapter of the book it would be Week 3, day 2. Mr. Reaf was at home reading the students writings about the quote "The future will depend on what we do in the present," by Mahatma Gandhi. After having an successful reading of his students he will write is own paper reflecting on what is currently happening in his life. He would then take the writing and share it with his class, emphasizing the changes he made with the help of Louis. I would have liked to see Louis running an after school program with middle school to high school students So, this chapter would then reveal that he was cut as a janitor, but was given a new opportunity in the school district to help young people. It saddens my heart to think that such a kind soul would be homeless, so I would rewrite the ending. I would also have written that Louis left Mr. Reaf a number to call so that they could catch up every once and awhile and talk about the reading in the new literature book for next year. I imagine them having coffee at a table as equals and as friends.

Action Research Analysis of Data

Action Research Analysis of Data I have found that the analysis of the data shows that the iPad is great motivational and educational tool. It makes researching and using the internet very convenient. Having a 1 to 1 program has created a mainstream tool among teachers that helps each teacher help each other. Having everyone using the iPad instead of multiple devices have mainstreamed the learning of certain apps. As well as having a self serve site of where the apps that the school paid for is housed for students to use. This is the 2nd year we have had the iPads and there has been a huge learning curve for me from year 1 to year 2. I have also found that having a determined plan for the use of the iPad in your classroom was extremely beneficial. The iPad is only a tool and does not need to be used all the time. I also found that needing to have the kids unplug was very important and changed the dynamic of the classroom and the community of the classroom I found that the iPad worked very well as a communication tool with students regarding email, websites, grades, assignments and so on. The more items I make digitized for examples, assignments, descriptions, rubrics and so on the easier it is to communicate expectations. So when asked if the iPad is Helpful or Harmful? My answer would be helpful!

Entertaining an Elephant

What are 3 positive things that are happening for Mr. Reaf? 1. Mr. Reaf is being flexible and changing up his routine. 2. He has let his guard down with a student. 3. He is using the quotes for the students to learn from. What are 2 characteristics of Mr. Reaf that you see in yourself? 1. When working with high school students you want to be able to have conversations, but still maintain your classroom management. 2. There are some students in my class that are very hard to motivate. If you could ask Luis 1 questions, what would it be and why? Have you always been a janitor? I would ask him that because I am curious of his story. Did he get all of his knowledge through reading? He seems to have a good re pore with the students. Answer the following question by creating a TV dinner that you could feed from. Who is your “janitor?” Bob and Allen. Bob is our day janitor and Allen is our night janitor. We also have Brian who is our district maintenance man. What role do the quotes play for Mr. Reaf’s class? The quotes get the students engaged, thinking and learning. The quotes for them to do critical thinking. What do you use for “quotes?” I do not have quotes on my board, but I should put some up. Most wisdom comes from personal conversations I have with the kids. What do you consider Mr. Reaf’s greatest transformation? Starting to share information about himself and caring enough to learn information about someone else.