D/B4

When trying to think about photo sharing and its uses in the classroom, I sort of had a hard time coming up with ideas. I can definitely see using photo sharing in an art class as part of a photography unit. As far as using it in a math class, with some of the projects we do, I could use photos to help with the written and verbal instructions needed to complete the project. I really think this would work great with some of my special ed. students, as well. I think one major concern with using this is that the students might not use it as it was intended for. I know I have a few students that are a little more mischievious than normal. :) On the other hand, I think that it would be beneficial for parents to see what is going on in the classroom. If you get a chance to actually take pictures of your classes while they are working, I think it would be cool to see what is going on in class. It would be so easy, and convenient, to to get online and look at pictures rather than finding time to get into the classroom.

After reading chapter 2, I was drawn back to page 13 where it mentions the characteristics of intstuctional design. When I sit down and make up lesson plans for a specific unit, I really try to cover those six characteristics, even though I have never seen them before. At least after reading them, I feel that is what I am trying to accomplish from my lessons! I really try to do a lot of self discovery in my classes (and my textbook helps with those ideas), so I think my lessons are "learner centered." Next, I always have a goal, and that is usually how I start my lessons. I always tell the kids, "After today's activities, you will be able to........" Many of the things we do in class are group activities, as far as learning a new concept, so they learn as a "team." Finally, they get homework, which as we all know is used for two things, gaining a deaper understanding of the subject for the student, and as a tool for us to measure what they have learned through the lesson or activity.

Finally, I wanted to comment on one last thing. Looking back at the graphs and models in the chapter, I noticed one word that really drew my attention, and I think is very critical in developing good lesson plans, and that is the word " revision." I know last year I had some lessons that did not work out as I had planned, and even had to go back and redo that lesson. I know that student learning is our main goal, but I sometimes feel that our lessons teach us more than our students. Nothing is perfect the first time, so I really feel "revisions" are the key to getting the perfect lesson plans.