Dr. Devin Thornburg and Dr. Laura Martin Second Life for an Elementary Education Curriculum a.k.a Swarovski Pearl a.k.a Brutus Darkfold
To have students Design and develop a virtual representation of an elementary classroom. Design classroom spaces to support elementary curriculum. Meet, collaborate and attend supplementary classes outside of the scheduled class time. Develop 21 st Century technical fluency (technical skill development, problem solving, creativity, collaborative teamwork). Understand how virtual world technology can be used to enhance elementary curriculum. Class meeting Curriculum Goals
Meeting Curriculum Goals Second Life Virtual World Technology Simulates real-world places and events. Participants interact using avatars – self or alter representations. Participants communicate via text and voice chat. Participants can build physical structures and environments. Web-based – anytime/anyplace access. Global outreach.
Utilization of Second Life Virtual World Technology Building of the Adelphi University Island
Project Assumption Our younger graduate-level students would be “digital natives” rather than “digital immigrants,” allowing for a faster, more receptive response to this particular technology. Our students
Project Outcomes Students designed/developed virtual representations of elementary classrooms. Students designed/developed classrooms that support elementary curriculum. Class instruction was extended to several mid-week virtual sessions. Students displayed development of 21 st century fluencies: Technical skill development Creative thinking and problem solving (design/development/organization of classrooms) Collaborative teamwork (working together to create an end product) Meaningful content development through artistic design
Other Findings Digital Natives" may be adept in some areas of technology while being more like "Digital Immigrants" in more "academic" technology tools. Instructional support of Second Life was significant. Powerful connections can be made between educational philosophy and classrooms through the use of virtual world technologies. Second Life allows for important opportunities for reflection.
Teaching and Learning with the Apple ipad
Project Goals Project Overview: Following a recent invitation by the Mineola School District, an iPad partnership program was developed between Jackson Ave. Elementary School and Adelphi’s Elementary Education program. Project Goals: Develop and deliver innovative iPad lessons and “apptivities” to the fifth grade students and teachers at Jackson Ave. Elementary. Provide elementary students with the opportunity to work hands-on with a current technology being used in the elementary schools. Provide elementary education students with an authentic learning experience. Evaluate applicability and value of the iPad for higher education classes.
Findings to Date Students report that: They are excited to use the iPad. Gained technical experience with the iPad. Discovered strategies for integrating the iPad into teaching and learning. Working with students has been a valuable experience. Found most free apps to be of poor quality. Paid apps are essential. Found that they use the iPad mostly for research, reading books/documents, writing notes and keeping a calendar. Students do not believe the iPad can replace a computer for development work. Finding wifi access has been challenging.
Video Integration
Curriculum Goals To apply theories of learning, development and motivation to peer-based teaching. To develop reflection strategies using video of teaching. To learn about the use of video editing techniques for use in the elementary classroom.
Video Integration/Outcomes
Outcomes Students expressed appreciation for opportunities to develop content and pedagogical knowledge. Students described how their lessons reflected their understanding of instructional delivery and research-based practices of effective teaching. The video project supported their preparation for video-based work in future field-based courses.