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Virtual Tour of 360 Cities
By Gabby Lembo
Summary:
After looking and taking the online a virtual tour on Stock 360 I am completely impressed and surprised I never heard about it sooner. The website had 3D pictures of places,cities, beaches, and basically any place you can think of on this website. Not only did they have so many insane places that people dream to once see in real life, but the experience of being able too click around and see it in 3D made it so much different and more realistic. When you click on the places, it offers a video/picture that you can click around and get a idea of what it looks like in real time.
My Thoughts/Opinons:
As someone who dreams of traveling the world and seeing all different places this website was extremely cool to research and explore! A lot of these places on this website are on my bucket list, and I want to visit at least once in my life. Getting to do a 3D tour was the closest I can get to visiting it at this point in my life. I have always wanted to go to Italy, because I am Italian. Going to see Florence and Rome and try home made gelato and pasta is something I have always wanted to do! Not only does it give the experience of getting to see it in real life but it can also help people plan future vacations. There is so many different places around the world and some of these places I have never heard of. This website is not only extremely unique but it is also extremely educational. I highly recommend this to anyone just to take a look!
Below are some images of what the website looks like/ offers:
Lets Collaborate and Communicate!
By Gabriella Lembo
Background Information:
After reading the Communicators chapter in the book “Introduction to Sail the 7 C’s” by Microsoft Education, it allows you to deeper think about you collaborate and communicate with others in work, classrooms, and everyday life.
Communicating in the classroom:
Teaching isn’t just about lecturing slideshows, but building a strong connection with your students should be the bare minimum especially in small class sizes. I have had teachers where I was so close with that I would sit in their classroom outside of my class talking to them. This is because they made the effort to connect and build a relationship with their students.I would go to some teachers to rant, update, or even for advice. Teachers shouldn’t just be about teaching but also taking on the role of being a trusted and friendly adult. We have all had teachers we have disliked, whether it be because of the workload, their personality, or how they graded. Having a relationship like this and dreading the class can make you dislike the class or topic you’re learning. For example, math has always been my worst subject. It takes me awhile to catch on and also be able to understand it. I have had plenty of teachers throughout middle school and high school where the way they taught never made me understand what we were learning. It made me hate math even more that I felt uncomfortable reaching out to them to ask for help or that I was struggling. I have also had good math teachers where they taught to my needs and also made it clear they were here for me and anyone else. Communicating to your students clear instruction and also making an effort for them can be extremely beneficial in their learning experience. This chapter empathizes that communication is the backbone in education.
Communicating with your classmates:
Communicating with your classmates is a really big part of going to school. School has made me have a lot of the people I call my best friends. It all started in classes we had together where we began talking about the work and realizing we had a lot in common. One of my best friends, Alivia, I met junior year of high school because we had 3 classes together is now one of my college room mates. Communicating with your peers can simply just collaborate ideas, opinions, and working together on classwork and projects. I like working together with others because it allows me to see other perspectives and ideas that I would not have thought of myself. It also helps with the workload, you can evenly distribute the work and work on the areas you excel the best at.
” The art of communication is the language of leadership.” – James Humes
Videos:
Check these videos I found about communicating in classrooms and also miscommunication
How to use communication in classroom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzWyjlg4kNs
How miscommunication happens and how to avoid it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCfzeONu3Mo
National Geographic Classroom and How to Use it!
By Gabriella Lembo
What is National Geographic?
National Geographic is a company that is on many streaming services and cable for you to watch. Not only are there videos beautifully captured with high tech camera, editing, and voice overs to learn more about the environment that we can’t see! It shows in depth footage of animals that are “dangerous” for humans to get a better understanding of like lions, cheetahs, polar bears, etc. National geographic provides not only videos but also articles and factual evidence to prove issues like climate change and other environmental issues.
Benefits of National Geographic:
- Learning deeper into planets biodiversity
- Practicing conservation
- Challenges the environment faces
- Motivating clips
- Taking action
- Learning more about different parts of the world
- Documentaries
- Diverse cultures
- Scientific discoveries
- Complex topics
How teachers can use National Geographic:
National geographic is great for informing people inside and out side the classroom. Because the documentaries are so interesting it doesn’t feel like learning! This program offers a lot of interactive learning and critical thinking. Teachers can base a lesson plan on National Geographic during units like the planet, climate, animals, and environmental issues.
What it offers:
The website holds tons of informative features to further expand your knowledge.It offers donations, links, websites, and other people who are interested in changing the world. The website has a whole area where you can meet and know more about the people who do the exploring. They have a section on their website, ” Experiential Learning”, where they have virtual field trips, and interactive lives. This includes behind the scenes footage and stories and also stories from researchers.
There is tons of lengthy videos and information for free!
The virtual tours are all over the world. They have tours of the ocean, solar system, Native Americans, and history.
The lives provide a option for students to ask questions in real time and have the opportunity to talk to the researchers. This is a unique and creative learning experience!
Below are some images I have collected to show more about National Geographic:
Overall thoughts:
After researching and exploring National Geographic website further I can see how effective their website can be for learners. They are very well known for their documentaries and photos but I don’t think people realize how many resources they provide on their website. They provide endless websites, lives, and videos. I can see this being beneficial for people who have interest in the environment or being used in science classes. It is a interesting and a easy way to learn! Watching videos is something I enjoy more than reading out of a textbook. I am sharing this so others can know more about the resources National Geographic has to offer. Get more involved and learn more about our planet!
Collaboration in Education
By Gabriella Lembo
What is collaboration?
Collaboration is coming together with one person ( or many) to express opinions, elaborate, and combine ideas.
People use collaboration in their everyday life’s. In my opinion, some things are easier when you have someone to assist you and navigate in helping you. Collaboration can be anything from helping you in a group project to even someone helping you with in groceries. As humans, we work together to help each other out. Along the way a simple gesture can lead a friendship.
In my education experience, I have enjoyed collaborating with others for projects, home works, and assignments when allowed. Dividing up certain tasks/ jobs makes the assignment more enjoyable as well has having company around you. I have created a lot of friendships and even have talked to people I would have never talked to before when teachers assigned partners. Although this seems comfortable or awkward, it actually isn’t.
On the other hand…
However, as much as collaboration is extremely beneficial, there CAN be negative aspects. I have had a couple experiences where I have gotten stuck doing a lot more work and picking up others slack. This can be extremely frustrating when in a work environment because working together is suppose to make it less detrimental! This can happen sometimes, so people chose to work with people that have the same work ethic as them. I enjoy working with others when I feel like we have a lot of different ideas to explore and bounce off of each other. There have been a couple of times where I can even improve work with others rather than by myself. I have noticed that I can create really good projects and presentations when I am surrounded with others that can expand my thinking process. I think teachers should use collaboration in classrooms more often and even try pairing students up with others they think would work well together!
Collaborating in other ways:
Collaborating can in all different kinds of ways. Putting students in centers, groups, and taking them out of their comfort zone.
Below is a picture I found on X from TCEA , it shows creative ways to get the students the students involved.
Elementary Education AI Dicussion
By Gabriella Lembo
Introduction to Article:
Getting Started:
When working in an elementary-level environment it is important to explain what the concept of this lesson will be. Being aware that you need to explain everything to a child is important to keep in mind. Explaining what Artificial intelligence is to a younger student will be the start. Although most people are aware of what AI is, you must explain it to all students to have a basic understanding. This article gives you advice on how to introduce this to the students. You can make connections to how they use AI without knowing it. This can be objects like …
- Alexa
- Google Assistant
- Netflix
- Spotify
This can make it easier for the students to make the connection.
Video Comprehension:
To further make sure of understanding for students the article suggests using videos like
“ What is artificial intelligence”. If the teacher is having a hard time explaining AI in a way a child in the grade level of 3-5 will understand, then the video is a fun and easy way to ensure comprehension. I’ve seen this technique used a lot throughout my years at school from elementary level to even high school level.
You can explain that AI can be used as a “Google” kind of resource. It is there to help you, you can research subjects and also ask questions about math, reading, science, etc. Having these students be aware that AI is an additional way to improve understanding of a topic rather than using it to cheat is very important. You can demonstrate how to properly use AI to its full extent and all features.
Definition:
“ AI is the science and engineering of creating computer programs that can imitate human intelligence. AI cannot become human, but it can perform tasks in a human-like way”( Page 15).
This image shows a representation of AI
Ending It off…
I personally think having class discussions is a great way to see where all students fall in understanding the topic. It is not just a lecture but rather everybody can contribute different opinions, ideas, and work off of each other. This teaches students how to participate in a group discussion and understand the material being presented. Having a class discussion on how they already use AI will be a less “intense” way of introducing the subject with simple understanding. I think with a topic like this a group discussion is the best way to start off!
Global Technology
Today we were asked to research virtual reality in classrooms. I chose YouTube 360 because with this you can visit any place in the world without the limitation of not being able to look around you. You can visit other countries, space, the ocean, wildlife, etc. It makes it much easier to demonstrate certain places to your students and engages them more because they feel like they are actually in this other place. You can even make your own videos (or find videos) to share with other educators that may work in places where they can’t visit other places. Most schools cannot afford to visit a new place for every lesson plan, but with YouTube 360 they don’t need to. You can visit any place in the world from the comfort of your own classroom, and even visit the same places as other educators. This helps with collaboration because more educators will have access to the same resources, helping them come together to create intricate lesson plans. I am a strong believer that the more people work on a project, the better the quality of it is because you have so many backgrounds and knowledgeable people working together towards a common goal, to better education for students everywhere. Bigger and reputable organizations such as National Geographic create YouTube 360 videos of places that teachers would not have access to otherwise such as Viking battles, the ocean, space, wildlife, Antarctica, etc.
This is one of many videos that explore different parts and eras of the world. There are many creators that have made playlists with a variety of YouTube 360 videos for others to use and even share with others, the video above is 1/68 YouTube 360 videos. You can even combine this technological tool with other tools to create lesson plans and share with others. Some educators use GPT API to have it create some lesson and edit it to better fit your classroom, and even share with others. Here is an example of a teacher who created a lesson plan with AI and shared it on X for other educators.
The use of AI in classrooms has drastically changed how teachers can present information to their students and format lesson plans, and social media platforms have changed how much access educators have to new ideas and tools. It is important to research what AI you want to use with your students so you can use it to its fullest potential, as well as share with others who could better the work you have already started. AI and VR can make learning better, and it is important that we, as educators, know how to properly use these tools to give our children (and children in other parts of the world) the best education possible.
Nearpod – The Future of Technology in the Classroom?
Nearpod is one of the leading websites in creating interactive classroom experiences. The website has a wide library of over 22,000 pre-made videos, lessons, and activities from numerous educational publishers. Nearpod also lets teachers create their own lessons, with the ability to upload videos, PDFs, and slideshows to implement into virtual or augmented reality. These lessons are customizable, with over twenty different formats for assessments and media experiences.
Nearpod’s wide array of lessons, and ability to create one’s own lessons, allows for a near endless pool of opportunities for global collaboration and exploration. For example, in this featured lesson plan students are able to take a virtual reality trip to Hong Kong to explore the celebration of Lunar New Year and the traditions behind it, which also features an extensive lesson on the holiday as well as its impacts on culture in the United States. Thus, through lessons like these, students are able to immerse themselves into cultures and regions all across the world, and thus increase global collaboration through mutual understanding and learning about, and through, each other.
Overall, nearpod’s structure is very conducive to enhanced, or even transformative student learning, and allows for increased immersion into other cultures and places across the world, all without having to leave the classroom. The potential impacts a program like this may be the future of increasing global collaboration and learning in the classroom, even from an early age.
Resources:
https://nearpod.com/how-nearpod-works
https://nearpod.com/nearpod-library
https://nearpod.com/t/social-studies/3rd/an-introduction-to-lunar-new-year-35-L109601499
The WE Are Innovators Campaign
After visiting the WE Virtual Learning Center, I researched resources and different topics for the classroom. I found this great campaign that will benefit many students as well as people around the world. Many topics are brought to the spotlight in this lesson, and I thought that was a good approach to teaching students about the problems other countries and people face in this world that aren’t talked about enough.
WE Virtual Learning Center has created a campaign called the WE Are Innovators Campaign which will teach students about real-world issues and other countries that are struggling. Not only will the students learn about those issues, but they will learn how to help and make a positive difference in the world.
This screenshot above is the opening page but also does a great way of explaining what the campaign is and what it’s made for. This campaign is made for grades 4-12 and within every age group, there is a lesson plan adapted to their grade and learning levels. There are different activities that are made for every age group.
This lesson plan has different topics to teach students how to be innovative, some of those topics are:
- Inclusive and Sustainable Innovation
- Energy and Housing
- Food Waste
- Transportation Solutions
- Circular Economy and Nature
These are very prominent topics for students to learn about so they will have the opportunity to make a difference and educate others so they can make a difference too.
WE Virtual Learning Center provides many different resources for educators to teach their students about everyday issues. Many different topics can be found on their website, and all of them will be beneficial for students to learn about. Some day I would like to teach my students about these global issues just like WE learning has presented because I think it is very important for students to learn about what is going on in the world.
Thank you for reading!
Teaching Mental Well-Being In the Classroom
Education is not just about filling minds with facts and figures; it is about shaping individuals. When teachers focus on student well-being, they recognize the human element of education. It is about nurturing academic excellence, emotional intelligence, resilience, and overall mental health. After all, a healthy mind is a thriving mind.
WE Teachers
WE Teachers is a platform initiative designed by the WE organization. WE teachers specifically focus on providing educators with resources, tools, and support. The program empowers teachers to incorporate social and emotional service learning into their classrooms.
In addition, WE Teachers provides free resources, professional development opportunities, and a community for educators to connect and share ideas. The goal is to equip teachers with the tools to inspire their students to become active, compassionate, and engaged citizens. The program emphasizes the importance of academic and social development, fostering a sense of social responsibility among students.
Breaking the Stigma
WE Teachers has added a module where teachers can get ideas to teach about student well-being in the classrooms. Teaching student well-being helps break the stigma surrounding mental health. By incorporating discussions about emotions, stress management, and seeking help when needed, teachers and educators foster a culture where it’s okay not to be okay. This openness reduces the fear of judgment, encouraging students to reach out for support when needed.
WE Teachers Mental Well-Being Module
Teachers and educators can use this module to incorporate student well-being in the classroom. The module shows you how to understand the issue with facts, statistics, definitions, and protective and risk factors. In addition, it discusses the common mental health challenges and conditions that students can encounter in school, like stress, grief, loneliness and isolation, self-harm, body issues, etc. The module can be beneficial for teachers and educators to use in the classroom because it brings social-emotional learning, where to get help for students, self-care tips and tools, and worksheets to use for activities to make sure how the students are feeling.
Building Resilience
Teachers and educators need to do mental health checks on their students to make sure they are doing okay. You are fostering resilience by equipping them with tools to navigate how they feel emotionally. Resilient individuals bounce back from difficulties, learn from experiences, and confidently face the future.
Creating a Positive Learning Environment
Imagine entering a classroom where you feel valued, supported, and safe expressing yourself. That is the power of a positive learning environment, starting with prioritizing well-being. When students feel mentally and emotionally secure, they are more likely to engage in learning, ask questions, participate, and collaborate with their peers. In addition, when students feel safe, it can boost their academic performance. They can concentrate better, retain information effectively, and perform well in exams.
How Would I Incorporate Teaching Student Well-Being In My Classroom?
Talking about mental health in the classroom is a valuable and important subject. Some tips to approach the topic with sensitivity and effectiveness that I would use in my classroom include:
- Creating a Safe Space: I would establish that my classroom is a safe and judgment-free zone. Everyone can share their thoughts and feelings if they are willing to.
- Choosing the Right Time: I would introduce the topic during a calm and open discussion time. It is crucial to avoid addressing it right before a test or in a rushed setting.
- Normalizing the Conversation: I would incorporate discussions about mental health as a regular part of my classroom because it helps reduce stigma and make it a more comfortable topic.
- Use Resources and Encourage Questions: I would discuss different resources like articles and videos that provide expert insights on mental health as they add credibility and diversity to the conversation. I would also let my students know it is okay to ask questions.
- Offer Support: I want to clarify to my students that I am here to support them. I would provide information about available resources, such as school counselors or myself, and emphasize the importance of seeking help when needed.
Conclusion
Teaching student well-being is an investment in the present and future of students in a classroom. By putting their mental and emotional health first, teachers and educators are not just shaping successful individuals academically but resilient, empathetic, and well-equipped individuals ready to tackle the complexities of life. It is essential to teach about mental health because it is part of our everyday lives. With WE Teachers’ resources, we can talk about mental health with students and tell them it is okay not to feel okay. After all, it is not just about the grade; it is about the journey and how there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
Make sure to follow my Twitter (X) account: @taliana_ayala
Innovative Tools to Make Learning Better
In this blog post I am going to be overlooking seven tools that could be useful in the classroom. The first tool that I am going to be discussing is called Google Classroom. With this tool, teachers are able to start video meetings, create classrooms where they can upload and grade assignments, post announcements, etc. Everything that teachers do in an everyday classroom, they are now able to do virtually from anywhere with the help of Google Classroom. Students are able to check assignments and they due dates as well as any feedback from their teacher. Overall, it takes all the most important elements of a classroom and makes it virtual, making it more organized and accessible to students.
The next tool that I will be discussing is called Google Docs. This is an application built into Google where you can create documents. This tool itself also has features built into it to make it easier to use. It comes with templates so you can just edit your information into an already built format. Its other features include typing with your voice, grammar check, keyboard shortcuts, using a braille display, customization, etc. It allows users to make any document their own and have features to accommodate everyone, optimizing how many educators are able to use it in their classrooms.
The third tool I will be reviewing is called VoiceOver. This tool was designed to make learning and reading easier for blind students. It can also be used to help students who learn better audibly rather than visually by reading. When using this tool, you are able to select the level of speech you prefer including speech, braille, text, announcements, and hints, all ranging from low, medium, and high. You will be able to choose the verbosity (how wordy you would like the voice over to be). In addition, you are able to select from two female voices and two male voices, as well as a customizable voice, truly accommodating everyone. Another feature called navigation allows you to use this voice over feature across the web and for any website of your choosing.
The next tool is National Geographic Kids. This tool provides games and multimedia to engage students in learning about animals, habitats, countries, and cultures. Students can explore this website and research different topics through magazines and other forms of media. There are also closed captions to make the resources more accessible to all students.
Another tool educators can use to make learning better is EdClub. This is a learning tool for students to learn typing, vocabulary, and spelling. It combines learning with games, which could engage more students as many of them would prefer learning through games rather than through worksheets and other typical learning techniques. Teachers are able to create customizable lessons through this application to create a lesson that best suits their classroom.
Google Meet is another great tool to incorporate technology into classrooms. With this application, teachers can host virtual meetings and teach through that. This was a big application used during COVID. Teachers can even screen share, put students into break out rooms for group assignments, students can share comments, etc. Educators can also use this to create a google meet with any special guest they want to talk to their class.
Pear Deck is an interactive slide show that presents students with information and asks them questions along the lesson to make sure that students are paying attention and understand the material given. Teachers can customize lessons with this as well as customizable learning checks. Educators can also upload their existing lessons and combine it with the tools in pear deck.
The last useful tool you can incorporate into your classroom is called Google Calendar. With this you can schedule when assignments are due and have it remind your students. You can also color code different reminders so you can better organize what needs to be done. This can be used with google classroom to send out reminders to your students as to when assignments are due and special events you want them to remember.
