Week 3 SAMR Model Mindmap

This week's challenge required the use of a mindmap tool to organize a visual representation of a Digital Learning Theory. I chose to use LucidChart to create a mindmap of the SAMR Model. I utilize mindmapping tools in my professional and personal life. I feel this tool provides effective organization of thoughts and processes.
The SAMR Model is a learning theory that allows teachers to plan, organize, practice, and reflect on their technology use within the systems of teaching and learning. I have always bee partial to Bloom's Taxonomy of Questioning and Higher Order Thinking strategies. However, I have found that the SAMR Model components can be directly correlated to the progression of Bloom's Taxonomy for Higher Order Thinking Skills. With this direct relationship of these two learning theories, I believe that SAMR is an excellent self-reflective tool for educators to evaluate their effective use of technology in their teaching and student learning. 

SAMR Model MindMap: CLICK HERE

Week 2 Reflection

Week 2 of the EduGoalsMooc focused on creating Learning Missions and Digital Badges. I loved this task! I learned so much from this week's focus. I plan to continue using the Mission model for assignments to keep student engagement at the center of my class.
The Learning Mission Model really provides students the opportunity to take ownership of their learning, and provides a student centered approach to instruction, allowing the teacher to take the facilitator role. This in turn, will create multiple opportunities for students to be fully engaged in the curriculum content. 
My students love to earn digital badges for the completion of tasks. I believe badges give students something to work for, and provide

visual representations of what they have completed. 

Learning Mission Badge

I created a Digital Badge for the Scientific Method Superhero Mission. Students have the opportunity to earn the badge if they complete the Learning Mission with Mastery.

Week 2: Making Learning Meaningful for Students

This week's assignment was to take an ordinary lesson or homework assignment and transform it into a Learning Mission.

My students have been studying the Scientific Method Process. So, instead of having them complete a worksheet or typical assignment to show what they know about the steps of the Scientific Method, I decided to create a Learning Mission. Students had to show what they know by creating a fictional story about the Scientific Method Superhero who will save the world from the Mad Scientist's plot for world domination. To bring their story to life, they had to design a comic strip and illustrate the steps of the Scientific Method. 

To view the Learning Mission with LIVE webtool links, click here: Scientific Method Superheroes Comic Strip

Scientific Method Superheroes by Kazemia Terry

Week 1 Reflection

Unit 1: The Goal Minded Teacher 

Week 1 Reflection:

As I finish out my first week in becoming a Goal Minded Teacher, I must say I am thrilled to be part of a community of like-minded educators. My "Big Picture" goal is to be instrumental in the transformation of our current education system in America. With that said, I know I must embrace lifelong learning, and be motivated to set and achieve short-term goals along the way! 
From this course, I hope to:
1. Establish a routine of setting instructional goals that will transform my teaching and learning practices.
2. Explore ways to effectively integrate digital tech tools into my teaching.  
3. Collaborate, share, and learn from a global network of colleagues.

What I learned from this week's challenges:

As I began to accomplish the challenges for week 1, I found that, although I teach in a virtual setting and stay connected to my small circle of colleagues, I have lacked the motivation to use social media platforms to stay globally connected to a network of colleagues with whom I can collaborate, share, and learn from. After completing just one week in this course, I have come to realize that I have personally stifled my goal to be an innovative educator. Therefore, my personal "take away" from this week is to embrace social media platforms as a tool for staying globally connected. I have come to understand that embracing this global connection is vital to my growth as a 21st century educator! #EduGoalsMOOC

My Resource Roundup Padlet

Motivation is the Key to Achieving Goals.

As I prepared for this challenge, I took some time to reflect on my personal goal setting strategies. The biggest component I find when setting my own goals is that it must be something I feel I have an investment in, and most importantly have the personal motivation to see it through until it is accomplished. 

Achieving Goals Challenge:
Motivation is the key to achieving your goals! In order to accomplish a goal, you must be invested, and have the desire and commitment to successfully achieve the goal!!! #EduGoalsMooc  #GoalSetting