PAG's Teacher Blog

Asynchronous 4/28 Blog Menti: I learn best hands-on, step-by-step, and with practice. Love this question & am blogging about it as these words immediately came to mind as I was completing Canvas & PowerSchool trainings; using a system while learning about it, going along with a demonstration, & taking my own notes to reference later helps me learn best. NotebookLM - Initial reaction to NotebookLM was that uploads must be in PDF form? I uploaded existing PDFs & information was incorrect (elementary instead of middle despite the information being for 7th graders), but 2/3 were correct with extensive information that would be helpful for discussion. I prefer Magic School, but NotebookLM could be a useful tool for creating unit study guides. Ask a question and NotebookLM directs you to websites with more information is helpful & Google-esque. I asked, "What is the average architect's salary in Ohio?" & it directed me to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (...

Wow-eeeeee! Testing these last 3 weeks has me discombobulated & we still have make-ups April 30th- May 2nd followed by MAP testing May 14th - 16th. All good, however, as I have an amazingly resilient group of 7th graders who seem to have handled the choppy schedule well! The end-of-year work includes a research project and final exam that has already been mapped out, so I created a lesson for a previous unit on Journalism & Broadcasting careers within the Arts, Audio-Visual Technology cluster.  Journalism & Broadcasting Lesson The way Magic School effortlessly created a variety of choices for activities is amazing! This lesson offers ideas that would appeal to most students. Students could share which career is most appealing & why: • News Reporter/Journalist • News Anchor • Radio Host/DJ • Podcast Producer • Video Editor • Camera Operator • Producer • Digital Content Creator Students could research which establishment they would want work with and why: • TV Statio...

 Which guidelines are the most relevant for students in my classes? Ramp-Up Objectives seem to be the most useful tool I can implement. Students need to know why we are covering a specific topic. I also want to be able to justify what we're doing so students can feel like their learning is meaningful rather than busywork or something to keep them occupied for 45 minutes to log attendance.  Extend oral language practice opportunities is also a tool I can utilize in activities for students. CTE students explore many new concepts in 7th grade; I can create small group activities and assignments where students practice using keywords like CTSO (Career Technical Student Organization).

What are some of the strengths and challenges of our platform regarding collaborative discussions?  How much discussion do you currently have in your classes? How might you increase it? One strength regarding collaborative discussions is the ability for student to use readily available chat. If a student doesn't want to verbalize his/her thoughts, he/she can actively reply using chat. I appreciate the options students have when it comes to online discussions (chat, discussion threads, QA, table/breakout room chats).  One major challenge with online teaching regarding collaborative discussions in class, Newrow breakout rooms, or Engageli tables is whether or not students are actually present, especially if cameras are not in use. Are students logging in and walking away just to log attendance? Collaborative discussion can be challenging if 4 students are at a table/in a breakout room and only 1 student is engaged/present.  I try to include at least one discussion exercise ...