What did I learn this week and how can I use it in the future?

This week I learned about digital storytelling. It's a very fun way to get your students involved in class. First you come up with a basic script of the story you want to tell. For our project assignment I chose a funny take on a string of events that occurred when I studied abroad in 2005. I still have some pictures from my trip to Europe that were taken in Ireland, so I looked through them and selected those that could help flesh out my story.

In the classroom you can take pictures from historic events, or of historic places, and add your own words to them to tell a story to the class. One of the most powerful aspects of digital storytelling is that your students don't need to be in the classroom to watch and listen to the file. Students can access the videos and podcasts from anywhere, which helps bridge information from the classroom to their real lives.

This week I learned the step by step procedures in creating a podcast. I can take this information by creating more podcasts that are specific to the lessons I teach. This is important because students aren't just subjected to handouts and textbooks. The podcasts tell stories, show interesting pictures, and make learning REAL.

What did I learn and how can I use it in the future?

This week I learned a lot about inquiry based learning and differentiation. Inquiry based learning moves the students closer to the steering wheel in regard to their education. Students can ask questions and then seek answers, all while in the classroom. Students can begin with basic facts, work to concepts, and then take that information into real life. That is the point of inquiry based learning: connection information to real life in order to engage students and get them motivated to take a more active role in their education.

Differentiation speaks of adapting your teaching style to reach all of your students. Your students aren't all cut from the same mold. They have strengths and weaknesses, and it is our job as teachers to teach to their strengths. I can use this information in the future to reach more of my students and to hopefully get them more interested in education overall.