Recreate and Educate

What is Active Learning? Active learning is an approach to instruction and lesson creation that involves actively engaging students with content through many different methods.  This approach allows students to be responsible for their learning whereas in passive learning (lectures) it puts more responsibility and guidance on the teacher. Active learning approaches place a greater degree of responsibility on the learner which allows for intrinsic motivation to blossom in the classroom. Photo Credit: Google Search What is Active Learning? Active Learning Activity: Greetings From Room 211! Personal Photo from Padlet Summary: We were broken into partners (see my partners blog post ) and given a classroom activity that we then had to create a padlet for.  Before I go any further, padlet is an interactive website that allows several users to create an online bulletin board.  Their slogan is "The Easiest Way to Create Collaboration."  Click here...

What Is A Digital Space Map? A digital space map is a way to organize different digital applications and websites.  Digital Maps are broken up into four different overlapping sections that provide a "map" of how you spend your time in digital spaces. Resident: You are a resident in a digital space if you provide input into that application.  For example, if you are a resident of Facebook that means you have your own profile and spend time commenting on other peoples profiles. Visitor: You are a visitor in a digital space if you often visit the application or website, but you don't provide input into that space. For example, if you are a visitor of Realtor.com you visit the site, but do not comment or post on the website. Personal:  A personal digital space is an application or website that you use for personal reasons.  Professional: A professional digital space is an application or website that you use for professional reasons. What Does My Digi...

(Photo Credit: Murphy Google Slides) Augmented Reality in Education is a hot topic right now due to diverse learners and the need to create learning tools that increase engagement and allow ALL students to show content knowledge. Please review my presentation which outlines Augmented Reality, how it can impact education, implications for special education, and several apps that can be used in ANY classroom!  Feel free to drop by the comment section to provide your own input and experiences with AR in the classroom! Applications Not Discussed in Presentation: Photo Credit:  Book Widgets Resources: Book Widgets: This is an article that goes over in detail the ten Augmented Reality Apps that are highlighted in the above picture.  The article is entitled, 10 Fun Augmented Reality Apps For Teachers to Use in the Classroom.  https://www.bookwidgets.com/blog/2018/12/10-fun-augmented-reality-apps-for-teachers-to-use-in-the-classroom E...

Self-Evaluation of Framework: Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) When looking at the different frameworks surrounding technology in the classroom, it can be overwhelming to decide which framework suits your teaching style and classroom.  The framework that I relate to most is called Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge, or TPACK.  It encompasses three pillars, or circles that are Technological Knowledge, Pedagogical Knowledge, and Content Knowledge.  As shown in the picture, each circle overlaps with one another creating a continuum of sorts.  I like this framework because it outlines how good teaching and technology are related to each other.  I also like this framework and relate to it so closely because TPACK is designed around meeting students needs based on technology, content, and pedagogy. (HELLO Special Education teachers!  This SCREAMS Inclusion and Differentiation!)   It's pillars closely align with my philo...

(personal photo) Welcome!   On Friday, shortly after this picture was taken a student said, "Ms. Murphy, you like playing with play dough and you were a tagger in gym, but you look like an adult."  After laughing at his honesty, I reflected on how his statement not only reflected the person I am, but it also provided a glimpse into my teaching style.   Now I suppose it is time I explain.... Hello!  From about 8:30 am-3:45 pm Monday through Friday, I go by Ms. Murphy, but my friends and family know me as Mary Kate.  I am a late twenty-something who is on a quest for inclusion.  My background is in Recreation Therapy, which means allowing ALL people and abilities to have access to recreation and leisure (inclusion).  Click here to learn more about Recreation Therapy! I spent  time in Special Recreation Associations and mental health facilities providing meaningful recreation opportunities.  As much as I loved my time in ...