Blog Post Eight

        I’ve really enjoyed working with Diigo these past few weeks. First off, I like the idea of being able to share these links with my classmates. It makes it much easier to share information openly that can benefit us all. From the perspective of a teacher, this is an awesome tool for students. Being able to annotate directly on the website makes life so much easier. Diigo really makes me use my website evaluation skills because I don’t want to share bad websites with the class. It also forced me to develop some organizational skills with using tags to make finding specific websites easier. I like Diigo and plan on implementing it into my future classroom. 

I’ve heard about Bloom’s Taxonomy in high school, but haven’t really analyzed it since. I do however know a decent amount about using PowerPoint, which I’ve been using since I was s child. To begin my lesson (let’s say it’s on verbs), I’d start by introducing the definition of a verb on slide one and having my students write it down. I’d ask them to repeat it a few times out loud, which would help them remember the definition. Then, on the next slide, I’d explain when verbs are used with examples and maybe an embedded video. I’d have my students locate some examples within a sentence to help them truly understand their purpose. Then, on my next slides, I’d direct my students to write a sentence using a verb. Afterwards, on the next slide, I’d show my students some examples of sentences using verbs incorrectly and have them analyze them. I’d make my students express what made the sentences incorrect and fix them on the PowerPoint. One the next slide, I would show a sentence without mentioning if it was using verbs correctly or incorrectly. I’d have my students argue whether the verb was being used correctly or incorrectly, and why they felt their answer was correct. They’d have to defend their answer to me and other students using prior knowledge and facts. Finally, the last slide would inform them of their final assignment. I’d ask my students to design a story (two paragraphs) using a minimum for 15 verbs. They’d need to assemble the story in chronological order and include one main character (for plot development). 
          I think it’s important that teachers learn about technology through professional development training. These trainings allow teachers to gain insight from professionals on what new, innovative technology can be utilized. Teachers are held responsible to not only teach their students about specific subject materials, but also a variety of life skills, including computer fluency. It’s important these educators are guided to teach the most relevant information that these students can benefit from. Besides going away to for trainings and seminars, there are multiple websites specifically centered around this subject. One website that can be used to stay in-touch with the newest technological trends is Envisioning. This website focuses on emerging technology in multiple industries, but won’t fully launch unto 2020. Once this website is fully developed, I believe teachers will benefit greatly from its content and research. I did scroll through some of the technology displayed on the website- which was awesome. I pictured using multiple devices pictured in the classroom, or even just talking about them and their relevance to society. I plan on checking back in 2020 to see the completed website. I seriously think Envision could benefit the professional development of teachers in technology, expanding their knowledge and making their classes more engaging. Browse the website! It has tons of cool information that I’m sure you’d enjoy reading! 

Link: https://www.envisioning.io