Week 3 of the 4C's

Week three has come and almost gone.  This week was looking at video technology and using it in the classroom.  I have students in a video production course that create several videos throughout the semester.  Some have specific requirements while others are flexible.  The students enjoy doing them especially the creativity aspect of them.  That is an often mentioned part they enjoy.

I have often thought of having other classes create videos but haven't tried it much.  It always seems to just a bit more involved than I really want to do.  There are also technical aspects that make it challenging such as sound control.  My current engineering and robotics courses will be doing more with video.  I started documenting their works last year, and will continue this year.  Robotics will tape their robots as they complete their challenges.  Engineering course will use screenr to record how to use the software.  These are some valuable tools that will make learning more fun and more real.

Week 2 of 4C's

Week 2 of the 4C's class I found to be useful.  I have been interested in flipped instruction for quite some time, and this forced me to spend some time reviewing it.  I like the concept in general, but have some worries and concerns.  Biggest concern for me is whether my actual students would do the homework of viewing the video clips.  My students typically rarely do homework, so this could be a problem.  Perhaps watching a video clip would grab their interest better.

I do like the idea of students doing learning outside the classroom.  It would allow basic introduction of material done at home, and the class time can be for practice and application.  It also would allow for differentiation to take place easier.

I have begun the slow process of creating clips for both my engineering class and robotics class.

Week one of the 4C's

Here we are again talking about the same thing - how education must change to prepare students for the future.  Been a common theme for many years.  I agree though, that the world really is changing and that the traditional model of education needs some updating.  Technology is making the world a different place.  Communication is easier.  Collaboration, as much as I hate trying to include in my classes, is something that needs more of my attention.

The class should be good and useful.  The vialogues looks intriguing and will be tried in my classes.  It will take some time to do and setup as time is precious and seems to be missing at this point.  Much of the rest of the subjects to be covered in the course I am familiar with, so hopefully I can get some deeper explorations of these items.