In this weeks class, we discussed a variety of strategies that can be implemented in the classroom, to assist students with information retention, and aid with learning processes. Below, I’ve included an example of my sketchnote from class. The purpose of this assignment was to see how information can be retained by drawing, and in my sketchnote, I used drawing to help me remember French words.
We also discussed discussed infographics, specifically infographics created using Canva. Infographics are a great way to depict information in a clean, and simple fashion. Below I created my own infographic using Canva, which includes some facts about trees!
We also discussed the SECTIONS model by Tony Bates. The SECTIONS model is great breakdown on how we can implement technologies in the classroom, and challenges teachers to think deeper when doing so. Teachers can use the SECTIONS list to prepare themselves, by asking important questions about the technologies they choose to use. Who are my students, and how can this technology best address their learning needs? Is this technology simple, and reliable enough for classroom use? What are the costs involved? How does this technology improve my classroom? How does this technology engage the learners, the learners to each other, and to new information? Does the school, district, and province support this technology? How can this technology connect my students to various other experts in the field? Is this technology safe, for both my use and the students? These are some of the questions SECTIONS can create, and are important for teachers to think about before using technologies in the classroom. After going through the entire SECTIONS model, a teacher can then feel confident implementing their technologies in the classroom if their chosen technology passes all the questions they were able to create, using SECTIONS.
Sketchnoting was also discussed during our class this week. Sketchnoting is a great resource for students to process information, and actively listen while doodling their notes. By sketchnoting, students are able to be creative with their note taking. In turn, this helps with their retention of information. I believe the creative aspect of sketchnoting is a great tool at the elementary school level, as it lets students express their ideas through visual drawings. It also promotes active engagement, as students are engaged in lessons where they can express themselves through their custom notes. Sketchnoting also helps students structure their ideas into a single page, working as an organizational tool for their thoughts. This can also be implemented cross-curricularly with an art class, where students can use various art supplies to make their sketchnotes pop!