Amanda Galvan's Blog – September 2014 Archive (8)

Virtual Learning: Change of Heart?

Beginning this week’s learning, I was definitely an advocate of using virtual worlds in the classroom. I thought it would be difficult to find resources that emphasized the disadvantages of virtual realities. However, there is a lot of research that points to potential pitfalls of using virtual environments.

I found that just about every advantage could be spun into a disadvantage and vice-a-versa. To me, virtual worlds seem to be a matter of opinion. A more liberal educator…

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Added by Amanda Galvan on September 27, 2014 at 6:07pm — No Comments

Blogging about Social Networks and Digital Citizenship

I have always been a fan of using technology to bridge the gap between distance and time. Using blogging and social networks to help students collaborate within the classroom and from afar makes it possible to connect students with others from around the globe. In addition, social networking in the classroom gives students a safe platform to practice digital citizenship that will impact them for the rest of their lives.

Social networking was a term I hadn’t really thought about much…

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Added by Amanda Galvan on September 20, 2014 at 9:46am — 2 Comments

Analysis of Academy School District 20 Acceptable Use Policy

The National Education Association has outlined 6 key elements that make an effective Acceptable Use Policy. Reading through several AUPs, I found that most had these elements. I’d like to briefly analyze Academy School District 20’s AUP. Because it does have the 6 key elements, I would say that it is an effective AUP. It even includes a disclaimer to legally protect the district. Although it is a strong document, it could be organized in a more effective manner.

The first element of… Continue

Added by Amanda Galvan on September 13, 2014 at 1:40pm — No Comments

Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) Reflection

Although I had looked at AUPs in the past, I didn’t fully realize the thought and consideration that goes into creating these documents. Before, it was clear that the AUP was meant to establish guidelines for technology use that would protect students, technology, and the District. I also knew that this document’s purpose was to bridge communication between home and school and as an agreement by students and parents.

Reading through the National…

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Added by Amanda Galvan on September 10, 2014 at 9:02pm — No Comments

District AUP Wordle

Added by Amanda Galvan on September 10, 2014 at 8:27pm — 1 Comment

Blogging about Bloom & Marzano

Blogging about Bloom & Marzano

Bloom’s Taxonomy and Marzano’s 9 instructional strategies outline best practice. When it comes to lesson planning, it is comfortable to only consider covering standards and/or implementing lessons that are fun. By boosting student achievement and engagement, both Bloom’s Taxonomy and Marzano’s research outline ways to satisfy pressures of standards and the desire to make learning fun. When lesson planning, I refer to an instructional planning tool… Continue

Added by Amanda Galvan on September 6, 2014 at 11:58am — No Comments