Summary of December, 2019 Integrating Technology group Discussions

Submitted by David Rosen on Wed, 01/01/2020 - 12:34
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Hello Integrating Technology Colleagues,

Welcome to 2020.

Here's a summary of six of our substantive discussions in December, 2019.

Online Learning Environments (platforms) and free or Inexpensive Online Resources for Blended Learning for Adults discussion, posted by David J. Rosen. There have been 13 comments and 555 Views, to date. https://community.lincs.ed.gov/discussion/online-learning-environments-platforms-and-free-or-inexpensive-online-resources-blended The discussion began in November and continued with four additional posts in December.  Platforms mentioned so far have included: Google Drive, Google Classroom, and LearningFRONT. Software used to get in touch with or remind students, or send them announcements or assignments, includes: Remind, and Freemsgateway. This is an ongoing discussion, join in with your answers to these questions:

  • Do you use blended learning (i.e. integrated online and in-person learning) in your adult education program or school?
  •  If so, what free or proprietary platform -- e.g. learning management system or course management system -- do you use?
  • How do you use it?
  • How do you like it?
  • How could it be improved?

Technology: Friend or Foe? How do we decide?  https://community.lincs.ed.gov/discussion/technology-friend-or-foe-how-do-we-decide Posted by Jeff Goumas, this ongoing discussion began with a focus on YouTube. In his most recent post, Jeff asked, “…when we encourage our students to use these platforms (which makes sense because many of them already spend time in these spaces), what are we doing to help them understand the ramifications of their use? I personally think it starts with increasing our focus on information and media literacy, for which I know Michael Cruse has been sharing some great things on here for some time. And, I've compiled a skill directory dedicated to information literacy. But I'm curious as to what instructors' strategies are for helping their students understand what they are seeing....and why they are seeing it....when they venture onto social media and content platforms. What types of activities, discussions, "contracts," etc. do you use with learners to help them safely and effectively utilize these tools...FOR GOOD....while being aware of the potential pitfalls?”

Revisiting in December 2019 the “Teaching English Using Smartphones” Discussion https://community.lincs.ed.gov/discussion/teaching-english-using-smartphones that Paul Rogers originally posted in February, 2019. Included in the discussion so far are the following communication tools, websites, and an app. The conversation is ongoing. Review it and add you questions and comments.

Free Communication Tools:

  • WhatsApp groups
  • Facebook groups

Websites:

App:

  • Learning Upgrade

"Chromebooks for Beginning ESL," -- Video and discussion with ESL teacher, Coordinator and Subject Matter Expert, Alisa Takeuchi https://community.lincs.ed.gov/discussion/chromebooks-beginning-esl-video-and-discussion-esl-teacher-coordinator-and-subject-matter This two-day discussion about the use of Chromebooks and the Chrome browser, initiated by David J. Rosen, was based on a 13-minute OTAN video with Alisa Takeuchi introducing how she used Chromebooks with her ESL students. To date, there have been 27 comments and 555 views.

Revisiting in December 2019 the discussion “Best Sites for Math, Reading, History, and English” https://community.lincs.ed.gov/discussion/best-sites-math-reading-history-and-english created in August 2013 by Paul Rogers. One new comment was added in November, and another in December, 2019. There have been 10,1717 views  and 8 comments to date.

Welcome, Geoffrey Woodland: A Conversation @ Google Classroom https://community.lincs.ed.gov/discussion/welcome-geoffrey-woodland-conversation-google-classroom Initiated by Susan Finn Miller, on December 16th, this discussion focused on using Google Classroom. To date, there have been 11 comments and 405 views.

David J. Rosen, Moderator

LINCS Integrating Technology group