Module 5
Grant Idea
The idea I have for my grant is an idea I have been throwing around in all of my classes this semester and it is the idea of using the Oculus Rift Virtual Reality System in the classroom. This 3D virtual reality system allows for students to dive deeper into content than ever before and is cheaper than one might think. The system only runs $350 and the company aims to have that price lowered to $300 or less. This is much cheaper than other tools that are used in the classroom, such as an iPad that does have some functions that the Oculus Rift does not have, but the immersion into the content is not nearly as strong. This system can help eliminate lab costs and field trip costs because the educator can actually take students to these places or do a science experiment in their classroom without having to worry about safety hazards. The system has free games and is also programmable so the educator can really develop a lesson in anything. Want to take your students back to ancient Rome to explore what it would have been like? You can do that! Why not go ahead and have them be there for the death of Caesar or any other significant event. I bet it won’t be as easily forgetting then. So for the grant I want to utilize the NASA ERC and FSU campus to develop a summer workshop for 4 days where the educators will use and develop their own game with the Oculus rift and receive graduate credit through FSU. The best part of using these resources is that the ERC can house a loaner set for educators to rent after becoming certified through the workshop. Using the ERC and FSU will also keep the cost down because of their inkind contributions. I think this could be a great opportunity for educators and one that they would be excited to participate in.
Chapter 9 Increasing Student Engagement and Enhancing Learning
“Digital Leadership is a mindset and a call to transform a school’s culture into one that unleashes the creativity of students so they can create artifacts of learning that demonstrates conceptual mastery”. Do you agree that schools should reflect real life?
I agree that schools should reflect life because that is the best way to prepare them for it. Handling current and real life situations helps students become ready to handle them when they occur. This type of learning promotes critical thinking and problem solving.
Chapter 10 Rethinking Learning Environments and Spaces
Summarize the story of Clark Hall and reflect on your workplace or learning environment. What are you thinking now after reading about Clark Hall?
Clark Hall was a project that was started to help with the crowding of schools. Clark Hall looked like an office building complete with technology integration. Students in Clark Hall had a virtual classroom where they completed assignments, but the building served as a place for students to lounge around and complete these assignments and talk to teachers when they needed help. This gave the students a more one on one experience when they needed assistance. There are also conference rooms for students to work in small groups on projects. The building is also leased out to businesses that help pay off the mortgage for the building and a partnership with a land developer was formed to create a thriving economic model that benefits the community, students, and school. Another partnership with the YMCA helped get exercise equipment into Clark Hall. Even more partnerships were formed to make Clark Hall a thriving school that takes risks and improves upon learning with unique experiences that can only become reality at Clark Hall.
After reading this it does remind me a lot of how my graduate experience has gone because it is all online, but I still go to teachers when I need individualized help with assignments. It is often a very relaxing way to go through school because I complete assignments on my own time. The advantage I see to Clark Hall is the group work portion. I know that some of my classes have group assignments, but I dread doing them long distance. This is the type of learning environment I would like to teach in if I was given the option. I love how this model takes in the community and I bet the educators can get the students involved with the companies that lease the building and in the surrounding area for the students to get real life exposure to real life problems. Building the curriculum into current affairs, such as land development for these properties. Though I am not sure we have the funds to do something like this in West Virginia it is something to dream about and maybe one day accomplish.
Sean,
ReplyDeleteGreat tech tool idea and way to utilize it through ERC very resourceful (pun intended). I have two 3D posters for students use with the Popar App on iPads, which brings the solar system alive and makes the Periodic Chart interactive. The App was free and the posters cost $17.00 each... very cool way to change the way we introduce these two science concepts. I too, like the idea of teaching in a school like Clark Hall... I almost do, but in a different way. The Option Pathway Program has good self paced online tools that all students utilize, but the testing and classroom activities are controlled by my co-teaqcher and me. We try to offer real life PBLs and experiments for group work as way to engage students and create a learning environment that is more hands-on than lecture and note taking. The office looking building really screams workplace not school so, I imagine the students go to school with a different mindset. Preparing the students for the workplace is best done by modeling the workplace... your idea of "handling current and real life situations helps students become ready to handle them when they occur," I agree!!
Rafe, I would like to hear more about your real life PBLs, do you have a specific site as a resource, or do you create the PBLs? Nice response!
DeleteSean,
ReplyDeleteYour technology idea is great! I think that this would help students visually see things and I completely agree with you that you won't forget what they have seen. This seems like it would be hands on and great for any grade to utilize. The cost is not bad at all especially when you compare it to everything else that partially does the same thing (like the iPad you mentioned). I completely agree with your thoughts on chapter 9. How are students supposed to know how to deal with real world problems when they aren't learning about them in school. I think that it is our job as teachers to teach them about the real world and what they need to know to be successful. I think Clark Hall is something that we could dream about getting as well. Great job on your post!
Yes, Brianna, it would be a low-cost initiative. Sean should pursue funding. I wonder why we don't treat school like the real-world (in some situations)?
DeleteI agree with the two comments above. I like your idea! Getting graduate credit is a plus and something I never thought about in this assignment. We feel the same that schools should have aspects of real life to prepare students, but by the same token being cautious not to overdo it. I also like pacing myself in online coursework and dread group assignments where I have to rely on others to complete aspects of the assignment. I much prefer interacting like we have been here, when we individually have time to dedicate to the interaction at our own pace and frequency. Keep up the good work on your grant proposal.
ReplyDeleteHi Laura,
DeleteI agree, sometimes the long-distance group work makes me nervous. So far, I've always had positive experiences working with others. Online courses definitely have the benefit of dedicating and organizing our time as we see fit.
Sean,
ReplyDeleteAs I mentioned in our conversation, your grant proposal idea is fantastic! You have the perfect beginning to something huge. I really think you should apply for this funding. Your network will expand and so will your leadership skills. Here's some interesting reading http://www.opencolleges.edu.au/informed/features/top-20-uses-of-virtual-worlds-in-education/
Sean,
ReplyDeleteI like your idea of using the Oculus Rift technology, but with my admittedly sparse knowledge on the subject it seems to me that the technology might be harder to use than it seems, especially having to create digital worlds from scratch. I agree with you that the Clark Hall experience is similar to this graduate program.
I agree with you that doing our grad work all online is amazing! I can do it at 6am or 11pm. And with the busy schedules that we keep, time is of the essence! I actually did notice the new furniture in HHH 3rd floor study room and that was something that really got me thinking in which direction I wanted to go with my grant idea.
ReplyDeleteI think that your grant idea sounds wonderful! The thought of taking students anywhere by using technology is awesome and can really open up the possibilities that teachers have!