A. Current Classroom Learning Environment
As I continue moving towards teaching higher level courses at the high school, I find that I am moving more and more towards a teacher-centered classroom. I allow time for students to develop inquiry skills, but definitely not as much in Chemistry as I did in Environmental Science or freshman Physical Science. Frankly, I feel that I have a duty to prepare students for college level science at this level, and I'd like to give them the tools necessary to be successful. My content, rather than the Summer Institute, has created this shift. Students are able to move through content without me, to an extent. I do direct instruction to help teach math problems in Chemistry, etc. But, students are able to navigate my website with ease. Otherwise, students are dependent upon my guidance through content. I think that they should be for the most part. I've tried to "flip" my classroom and haven't had any success with the level of student learning, compared to direct instruction and more traditional learning with Chemistry and Anatomy. Students feel comfortable with how I'm teaching Chemistry and Anatomy. They haven't responded well to my teaching through flipped units.
B. Summer Institute Project Work
I would like to improve my Anatomy content and begin developing my Chemistry 2 content. I will know that I have made progress by moving through my existing content and improving it and making a new wiki page for Chemistry 2. I don't feel a need for support. But, if I decide to try using iTunes U, I might need help.
C. I would say that my classes are in the adoption/active category most of the time. I'm trying to integrate technology, but the core of my class is to prepare students for college level science courses, so I'm finding a balance. Students do some projects that encourage technology collaboration and infusion, but the bulk of my class is just integrating. Incorporating the use of probeware, next year, will help making the class more authentic, goal directed, and transformational with lab work.
