Self-directed Learning using Feedly

Melissa Holt

Assignment 8

EDT 5372

Dr. Zhang

            After reading two educational post from the educational technology blogs that I subscribed to, I found the postings to be very enlightening. A synopsis of what I learned from each of the educational technology blogs is listed below:

Edutopica: The Science of Effective Learning Space

            In this blog post, I truly learned several really great things that I plan to take back to my classroom.  I enjoyed this article, not only because the findings held a scientific basis, but also because the suggestions in the article are specifically geared to promoting student learning in the classroom setting.  The blog post provided numerous examples of variables that can affect a student’s learning and impact their cognitive abilities.   Some notable factors that can promote or hinder learning include noise levels, classroom temperature, seating arrangements, interactions, distractions, and light exposure.  An interesting finding presented in the blog post included that fact that daytime light exposure can contribute to boosting learning, while night light exposure can be attributed to hindering learning for students. I found the section on seating arrangements to be especially informational. The blog post article suggested that educators arrange desk according to the tasks that will be completed for the day.  Providing students with seating arrangements that promote optimal learning conditions for students is a reason why educators might find value in reevaluating seating charts on a weekly basis. 

Free Technology for Teachers: Tiny Tap Courses-Create Interactive Lessons for iPad & Android

            In this blog post, I was able to learn about a new technology that is available to educators as a resources that is intended to help promote active learning in the classroom. With an increase in creating lessons that incorporate blended learning, it has become increasingly important for educators to incorporate and integrate quality instruction through technology.  This blog post presents information on the app Tiny Tap.  Tiny Tap is an app that can be uploaded onto any IPAD, IPAD mini, and/or Android.  The app allows students to play games that are teacher-created.  These game can also be used a s formative assessment in order to ensure that students understand key concepts and academic vocabulary that has been presented in classroom lessons. Tiny Tap may also serve as an instructional tool that can provide additional help and additional practice for those students who need instructional interventions in various content areas.  The blog post articles highlight a new feature available with the Tiny Tap app.  Currently, the new addition to the app is called Tiny Tap Course, which allows educators to organize games into thematically aligned units.

Both of these educational technology blogs provided insightful information that can be used by educators to support students in an effort to meet the needs of the 21^st century student in effective, creative, and meaningful ways.