Week+3+-+Student+Centered+Learning+Activities

Developing Student Centered Learning Activities [[image:Picture_036.jpg width="289" height="208" align="right" caption="Students engaged in activity"]]
**//"Finding new approaches and using varied methodologies is beneficial to both the teacher and learner".//** //Solomon, G. and Schrum, L. Web 2.0 new tools in schools//

We will engage in student-centered learning activities with technology. The supports of multimedia tools to web-capable electronic graphic organizers to programs that help translate content from one medium to another. All of these resources not only help enable an educator delve into variety but also help the educator engage the learner.

As we see, today’s learner need more variety, so it is crucial to first establish a goal then plan instruction that gives the learner multiple pathways to achieve their goal. This is where utilizing a UDL, which provides each student an individualized method of teaching that is flexible and designed to support his or her needs.

Emphasis is placed on three tools that are used for learning. They are; blogs (writing process) which is considered a natural tool for writing instruction/process. Wikis (collaborative writing), which allows teams to write, revise, update and contribute on a regular basis. And finally, pod casting (student feedback) which allows student to record their reflections, memories and wishes.

The following web links are useful for both educators and students.

** TEACHER RESOURCES: ** - Create wiki’s for classroom instruction: [|www.wikispaces.com] - Create blogs for classroom instruction: [|www.blogspot.com] - Reach beyond the technical skills one needs to perform tasks using computer and networked information and encompasses the critical faculties one needs to evaluate, criticize and learn from those resources: [|www.NewMediaLiteracy.org]  - Social Studies, Talking History Podcasts that focus on themes and periods of history: [] - Geography, My Wonderful World offers a variety of tools to assist educators in teaching geography at age-appropriate levels: [|www.mywonderfulworld.org] - Science, This Week in Science offers weekly adventure through podcasting on recent topics: [|www.twis.org]

**STUDENT RESOURCES:** - ThinkQuest, inspires students to think, connect, create and share. [|www.thinkquest.org] - Offers stories, blogs, and podcast relevant to its audience: [] - Provides links and information to assist students in electronic journalism: [] - Digital storytelling merging writing, photographs, music, and voice tor create a personal multimedia story: [|www.flickr.com]