Using Flexible Classrooms, part 2
Flexible classroom space on the Chapman University campus is becoming more popular. As shown in part 1 of this series on flexible classrooms, it’s clear to see the variety of layouts for the classrooms. Part 2 of this series (this post), seeks to demonstrate one specific pedagogical style, namely large group collaborations, which are facilitated
Using Flexible Classrooms, part 1
Have you ever tried to talk to someone who is facing away from you? From a body language standpoint, it certainly doesn’t facilitate much discussion. Unfortunately, in traditional classrooms with heavy/bolted desks and chairs, this is the typical view of anyone sitting behind the first row. Luckily, at Chapman University, we’re adding improved flexibility into several
Spark-ing Creativity in the Classroom
I’ve mentioned Spark before, but it definitely bears mentioning again, due to its usefulness for the classroom. For example, here is a Spark Page put together by Professor Matthew Gartner, to explain how to use the One Button Studio for capturing lecture based content: https://spark.adobe.com/page/QSnuBD251p4jK/
How to Upgrade Yourself
Last week’s soapbox blog asked everyone to upgrade their use of technology. Now let’s get to the more practical advice–how to upgrade. There are several ways to improve educational technology skills. Take a look at the following list for ideas. YouTube Of course YouTube tops the list as the go-to place for how-to videos. Sometimes
Measuring Learning
This YouTube video created by EDUCAUSE has me thinking that after hundreds and even thousands of years, we still don’t have a grasp on our assessments. Even some of our education thought leaders have a hard time defining what learning is. This video acknowledges the struggle of trying to assess learning and it suggests that
Are you ready to be Googled?
No matter what your current career stage–on the job market, or are applying to present at a conference, or publishing a new monograph–you will be Googled. And the real question is then, what will be found when that happens? Curating an online scholarly identity doesn’t happen overnight, but you can get the ball rolling with
Calming the Anxious Student
This semester has been a tough one for my students. We had illness, car accidents, senior capstone stress, and the typical spring fever–all of which brought a great deal of anxiety into my already-difficult class. As their teacher, I know I’m supposed to maintain a certain amount of rigor in the content and assessment of
That time I failed
Yesterday I was talking about final grades with my students. It’s that time in the semester that I tend to lose the interest of my seniors and others who are feeling more enthusiastic about their summer plans than about finishing out their coursework, so I was giving them some advice about seeing it through to
The Future of Learning
As I referenced in a recent blog post, self-determined learners with the motivation, drive, and resources can teach themselves amazing things online. (See the blog here about two boys who taught themselves skills such as driving a car and speaking English.) What does this mean for the future of learning and the future of the
Working with Wikipedia
As instructors, we know that our students consult Wikipedia when they want to learn the basics of a topic. And while this practice can sometimes be concerning, especially if the students solely rely on Wikipedia rather than using it as a springboard for deeper learning, there are many ways to engage the students with Wikipedia