Genius Hour Ted Talk Preparation

Hello! I am nearing the end of my Genius Hour project and have begun planning for my Ted Talk to document my process. I have created a list of questions that will help me to consolidate my thoughts and direct my Ted Talk. This is my list so far:

Introduce the topic
Introduce my Genius Hour Question
Why did I choose it?
What research that have I done throughout the process?
What are the highs and lows of the process? What has been easy and what has been difficult?
Can I use this information in the classroom? Are others doing similar things in the classroom?
What is my final product? Was I able to fully answer my question?

I am excited to get going on this project!

Before this class I had not engaged in so many technological tools! I am not someone who tweets regularly and I had never created a Powtoon. I was very nervous about this course, but have learned that it's actually easier to navigate these tools than I thought! I feel much more prepared to use technological tools in the classroom and introduce my class to these tools as well! 

Genius Hour Reflection

Up to this date I have learned quite a bit about HOW to learn French in a short amount of time but probably not as much actual French as I would like. I have found some very helpful apps and tools that are tailored to people who are busy and want to learn a little bit of French here and there. I am quickly learning that being immersed in a culture where they speak a different language is definitely the most effective way to learn that language. If only I could go to France this semester!


What's next...


Over the next two weeks I will be continuing to use the tools that are helpful and will start writing out a conversation that I will have with my friend. She has agreed to help me out and have a conversation with me in a couple weeks. Until next time! Au revoir!

Learning Objective: Paper.li

In today's class I looked at the amazing web tool "paper.li" where you can create an interactive, online newspaper! I created one simply about Genius Hour! This could be used to introduce Genius Hour to my class and allow them to read and explore before they begin their own Genius Hour projects! With the tool you can choose what topics to include in the newspaper. You can add twitter pages, hashtags, youtube videos, and other web sources to the collective information. You simply send your class the link to the newspaper and they can explore all of the content you have gathered! This is a great way for teachers to ensure that their students are reading information that is directly related to the topic they are studying. Another great feature of the tool is that it updates every 24 hours so the information in the newspaper is always current! Here's a snapshot of my Genius Hour newspaper! 

R. Maddy. (2016) Screenshot

Response to ALIPARKINSONBLOG

As a teacher candidate I am always interested in learning from other teachers who are willing to share their amazing ideas! Discovery School’s principal wrote a blog about her brand new school titled “Would you want to be a student in your class?” 

The title grabbed my attention immediately! I think that’s an amazing question for every teacher to ask themselves. In the blog post, Principal Parkinson outlines exactly why she can confidently answer “YES” to that question! She says that because of the following reasons, her school is where students want to be: relationships, choice and time, student-centred, flexible learning environment, and 21st century skills.

My goal is to continue learning from teachers around the world and adopt others’ amazing ideas so that my students won't want to be anywhere else!

Genius Hour Progress: Duolingo App

Bonsoir!

I have been working hard on my French skills this week and wanted to write about an amazing feature of the Duolingo app! I particularly LOVE this feature because it is designed to directly improve your conversational skills! The "Bots" feature allows you to have conversations! Here's a picture!

R. Maddy. (2016) Screenshot

The conversations are automated by the app, however they are much more customizable than I expected! I have had conversations about pets, art, and a restaurant! The way this feature works is that the "person" you talk to sends a message. You then have the opportunity to respond. At any time you can click any of the words they sent and see the English translation. Additionally, if you do not know how to respond you can click "help me respond" and the app will offer some suggestions. This has helped me when I have understood only parts of the conversation. Duolingo is impressing me more and more each time I use it!

Genius Hour Journey

Hello again!

Since my last post I have been well on my way to learning French! (At least enough for a conversation).

During Genius Hour I have moved on from the "Basics 1" level of Duolingo and onto "Phrases". I chose to move on from the simple basic words because I will be having a conversation with my friend in a few weeks. I need to prepare myself to have more fluid conversations and feel that the "Phrases" section will help me.

Here are some phrases I have learned that will definitely come up in our conversation.

bonjour - hello
bonsoir - hello (in the evening)
d'accord - agreed
pardon - pardon me?
s'il vous plaît - please
merci et au revoir - thank you and goodbye
oui - yes
non - no
ça va - I am well
merci beaucoup - thank you very much
bonne nuit - good night
désolé - sorry

The Duolingo app is so helpful in explaining the mechanics of the French language as you progress. In this photo they explain how vowels are replaced by apostrophes in some words.

R. Maddy. (2016) Screenshot

This photo explains one of the correct uses of the word "il".

R. Maddy. (2016) Screenshot

In addition to tips throughout the journey, the app helps you meet your gaily goals by using a point system. Here is a photo I took after completing one of my lessons today.

R. Maddy. (2016) Screenshot

I feel very confident in my ability to improve my French at a fast pace with this app!