I loved going into Mr Johnson's class!  When we went to his class earlier this semester, it was really brief and I still had questions.  It was good to go in and have a good chunk of time to ask questions and hear other people's questions.  I got a lot more insight into his classroom.  I realized that technology is his passion, so he has figured out ways to incorporate it into his classroom.  A lot of teachers incorporate their passions into their classrooms, but it doesn't make learning more effective.  He has mastered the art of making technology a valuable asset in the learning process.  Although technology is a big part of his classroom, he also takes opportunities to  do things that don't involve technology.  So basically he is flexible and technology is not a must.

I really liked the idea of using a camera to take pictures of geometric shapes.  It is so valuable when kids are able to make connections between what they learn in school with the real world.  I especially think that it is hard to make those connections in math.  I think those kids will know there shapes better and longer than if they learned them off of a worksheet. 

There are several other things that he effectively used technology for.  For example:  Online calendar, blog, email newsletters, etc.  These were all very effective.

He mentioned something about using databases.  This is something I would like to learn more about.   He made a couple points about being an educator that were good.  One is that we need to use the summers effectively for preparation.  When we put the time in before hand, everything goes much better after.  Also he said that we as educators are here to teach kids HOW to learn.  

project based learning

• give students a problem that requires the skills to solve
• ex:  the project in the end is the students, the kids often want to make the effort to make it look good

Problem based

• teacher is facilitator
• open ended questions
• small groups
• ex:  go out find info, use it to solve problem (regurgitating info helps keep it in the noggin longer)

inquiry based learning

• directed by students' questions
• ex: content and processes kids need to learn
• what color is it, is it soft or bumpy??? etc
• county activity in Mr Johnson's class

WEB QUESTS

• online scavenger hunt
• work as a group
• focus on units
• instructional architect
• implements all three methods of learning
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