Learning Diary for MENTEP by Stella Lamprianou

Stella

stellala — 2015-10-02 19:13:06 UTC

I am a teacher at General Upper Secondary School in Rhodes island, Greece.

I was appointed as a head teacher the last years so I do not teach many hours, yet I still try new ICT tools with my students.

I think the most successful tool was http://www.bitstrips.com . It is an online application which allows students to create comic strips and share them.

We used the website. The mobile application of Bitstrips has very restricted options

Using comics. Bitstrips online application

stellala — 2015-10-02 19:23:32 UTC

The links show a project completed by 16 years old students. The project was about "living in a new country" in 3 Episodes.

Episode 1

stellala — 2015-10-02 19:42:30 UTC

Episode 2

stellala — 2015-10-02 19:45:51 UTC

Episode 3

stellala — 2015-10-02 19:46:59 UTC

Module 1: Self-reflection

stellala — 2015-10-02 20:17:28 UTC

1) What was the added value of using technology?

The lessons were more interesting and students were really creative. Students practiced their English and digital skills.

2) Did I effectively integrate the technology into my lesson plan, linking it clearly to the learning objectives and syllabus?

Technology was not clearly linked to specific objectives or syllabus. Yet it was linked to general educational goals such as practicing English vocabulary, digital skills, team work and social issues.

3) Was the technology used to its full potential, and did I and my students have the sufficient digital skills to benefit from it?

Yes, it was an easy and enjoyable online tool. Some students were already familiar with similar applications.

4) Did the technology support learner choice and personalized learning?

Yes, students could choose their topic or comic scene.

5) Did the way I use the technology allow the learner to be a co-designer of their learning?

Yes, students were very creative.

6) Did my use of the technology allow my students to go beyond learning traditional subject-based competences and develop more transversal 21st century skills such as collaborative problem solving?

Yes because students practiced digital and teamwork skills. Moreover they had to think about and present the topic of racism in a comic strip. They had to decide not only on texts but also on dress code, colour and other details connected with the "new comers" avatars.

7) Did I allow enough time for students to work with the technology, and what could I have done to make the activity run more smoothly?

It took some time for students to be able to use bitstrips easily. Maybe more time was needed because the feeling was that technical problems restricted creativity.

Module 3

stellala — 2015-10-19 15:05:46 UTC

Module 3

stellala — 2015-10-19 15:08:15 UTC

Module 3, Learning activity, results

stellala — 2015-10-19 15:13:34 UTC

Module 3, Larermentor

stellala — 2015-10-19 15:14:04 UTC

What is useful and less useful about it?
It had very clear descriptions per category
What did you find difficult or unclear?
Nothing
Were you surprised at the levels you reached?
I did notexpect to be at high level in some categories
Did you find the advice offered useful?
Yes,althoughabit general
What will you concretely now do in order to act on this advice to improve your level?
Think more and try to do what is described at higher levels

Module 2, Self reflection

stellala — 2015-10-19 18:07:01 UTC

1) Why and how is self and peer assessment important to me?

Self assessment is through students' engagement at a lesson, peer assessment is not a usual practice at our school.
2) When I have engaged in self and peer assessment about my professional practice in the past, what were the most useful benefits I gained from the processes and outcomes?

Improvements at an existing lesson plan.

3) And what about the aspects I have found most challenging when engaging in self and peer assessment?

Students' comments and informal evaluation of learning activities
4) How often do I take part in self and peer assessment?

In self assessment very often, no peer assessment only informal discussion with colleagues about lesson plans.

5) Finally, what precise gains do I expect to receive from being involved in self and peer assessment, and how can I ensure I obtain them?

I have decided to ask colleagues for peer assessment

My lesson plan

stellala — 2015-10-25 09:04:10 UTC

A history lesson for Alexander the Great

http://v.gd/8SdScR