Posts

GCE L2 Units 10 & 11 Reflection

 In Unit 10 I really learned about emphasizing student voice and finding the right tools that can accomplish that goal. I also really liked learning about the 20% projects and making learning a collaborative and flexible way to meet student's needs and provide a platform for their learning. Both units made project based learning stand out to me, finding Google tools to help solve community problems and allowing students to work closely with the community is really inspiring. I hope to utilize YouTube more with my students. Currently YouTube is really a tool for me as the teacher and presenting information, but I hope to create lessons where students create informational playlists, create their own videos, possible hold a Live session for community members or other students. Google Groups also looks really important in having another form of discussion that can be more content/thematic based rather than tied with a class or specific cohorts. I think it could provide life long learni...
2 comments
Read more

GCE L2 Units 8 & 9 Reflection

 A) Units 8 & 9 had a lot to offer. I really enjoyed learning all about the use of google maps/earth and street view to try and engage students. I also really liked the thought of using google meets to be able to connect with other teachers and classrooms around the world. In unit 9 I enjoyed finding more about the advanced searching tools and especially the aspects related to research. While I teach middle schoolers, eventually if I move to high school, I think this will be great knowledge to share with those students. B) I hope to use the Google Map and Earth features to design a geography and history lesson around the study of the Underground Railroad. Last year I wanted students to make a brochure of the different stops along the route and now I think the map-route making tool can step up this lesson. We can learn first about the different stops, what it looks like through street view and then push students to make their own route along the Underground Railroad and share wi...
2 comments
Read more

GCE L2 Units 6 & 7 Reflection

  a) Unit 6 & 7 were really helpful because it made me think about what I am currently doing in the classroom and how to make it better! I love the idea of having differentiated Google Classroom sections, and make it a personalized way for students to work independently or collaboratively with their peers. Also, I definitely want to learn more about the "cards" feature on Youtube- it seems like it could be really helpful. b) I hope to use Google Sites more with my students. I have always wanted student made portfolios, so they can see their progress overtime and it would be a helpful tool for parents to track and observe as well. I am hoping to use it in Trimester 3 coming up and have students pull what work they are most proud of and can showcase learning for parents and classmates. 
2 comments
Read more

GCE L2 Unit 5 Reflection

  a) In Unit 5 I learned how tools like google sheets and the different functions can help sort data, along with Google Forms and Classroom make a much more focused learning environment for students with excellent ways to provide feedback to students. I liked how Google Sheets can be a data tracking tool for myself when looking at student and assessment data, but I also gained a lot of ideas on how to use Sheets as a way to get student's involved while still being able to sort data for my own purposes. b) I hope to use the "Conditional Formatting" and "Pivot Table" in my future google sheets, it is important to me to sort data in a structured way and I think this could be a great way for me to track student progress. I also see this linking up well with Google Forms, and have students take formative assessments using that tool- and combine it with their own google sheet so they can see clear feedback right away, and also track their learning. 
2 comments
Read more

GCE L2 Units 3 & 4 Reflection

 a. In Units 3 & 4 I learned a lot about how to utilize google tools to communicate with parents and bridge what is happening in the classroom to the community/home space. I will need to definitely practice and explore more of these tools. It is interesting because at my school, we use Schoology as our homepage for assignments. I think encouraging more use of the GSuite apps both in class and at home would be beneficial for families and students.   b. I really love the idea of setting up appointment slots for parents and students. Currently we are in a 100% remote model, while we have designated Zoom office hours- I think being able to set up slots for parents to communicate or students would be awesome and offer more flexible times. I also really loved the idea of incorporating progress tracking (and more so having it student initiated) and allow for it to be transparent to families. I would like to use a Google Form as a checklist for students to track their weekly pro...
1 comment
Read more

GCE L2 Units 1 & 2 Reflection

In Unit 1&2 I learned a lot about using different tools to collaborate with colleagues, students and parents. I really like how it brought up new ways to engage with each other, especially during the pandemic and working virtually. Technology is important to help improve engagement and clarity when working remotely. I love the idea of utilizing Blogger for student journaling and reflections or even a Google Site to allow parents to view student work!  I hope to try out YouTube live and the playlists to keep all my videos organized and ready to use whenever. I also hope to use the flipped classroom or blended model to create differentiation in the classroom, and more time targeted to individualized learning and growing. While we are virtual now, I think it is still applicable. It could look something like: students are completing tasks asynchronously to learn a concept or skill from a video, image, article, map, etc. and then in class they practice and showcase what they learned...
1 comment
Read more

Introduction

Image
Hello Everyone! Who: My name is Jordan Balhorn Where: Islander Middle School, Mercer Island, Washington (Close to Seattle) What:   I teach 8th grade social studies, this is my 2nd year teaching! How: I have always really enjoyed using tech in the classroom, students love it and it makes learning so much more exciting! Also- holy crap, who knew my first year of teaching would be end up in a whirlwind of online teaching and total reliance on technology! Why: I really love learning, and technology is so vital to teaching, now more than ever! I think it can provide a great environment for students and make learning accessible to all. I want to continue fine tuning my abilities and try to be the best educator possible. 
3 comments
Read more