Deep Thoughts.....by Brett Eubank

I do not have a class that I use with Schoology, so I was unable to try something new using the program.  I am very much a novice user of Schoology.  I have been using this class as a way to learn about some of the capabilities of the Schoology platform and get ideas from those that use it.  I am not going to be able to show anyone anything new on Schoology, so I am going in a different direction for this post.

As I plan for teaching US History next year I am focusing on what I want the students to learn in my class.  I want to go beyond the factual knowledge that anyone with internet access can find numerous ways.  I have been creating a list of skills that I want students to have when they leave my class.  Some of these include:

·        Problem solving process

• Working in teams- Using Roles
• Source Documents- Demonstrate how to read critically and identify arguments while using background information. Critical reading  Critical Thinking
•  Media Literacy- Crash Course (Youtube) Discussions on how we are influenced and whether we are passive or active consumers of media.
• Use flowcharts (Lucid Press or Word) to look at cause/effect or timelines  https://bubbl.us/
• Assess for learning styles.  Test   Info
• Skills employers are looking for.  7 skills
• Look at difference between “What, When” questions and “Why and How”
• Florida Matrix Tech integration
• Writing skills- demonstrate with class

I started looking at these skills because that is what employers are looking for in employees.  Most of the things that are being requested are problem solving, working in teams, communication, and responsibility.  Our job is to prepare students for life beyond school and these are the things that help them to become successful.

           I have been reading a book by Scott McLeod call Harnessing Technology for Deeper Learning.  The book examines the role that technology should be playing in school.  He discusses that we need to be moving to activities that emphasize deeper thinking, authentic work, student personalization, and are technology infused.  One of the tools that was looked at was Bloom’s Taxonomy along withDepth of Knowledge. It has been great book for challenging what I want my classroom to be and how that can benefit students.

           I know that this is not what the focus on the assignment was this week, but I guess I want to focus on the content that I place on Schoology, not just the bell and whistles that are offered.  I do believe that Schoology is a great tool, but I want to make sure that tool is in the hands of someone that has great skill.  That is what I want to work to becoming in this time.