Nancy Keck’s Blog

My current topic…

Students are communicating increasingly with each other through online social networks and video technology. Mark Twain once said, “It is noble to teach oneself, but still nobler to teach others – and less trouble” (Mark Twain). Will video content/lessons/public service announcements (psa’s) created by students be able to communicate mathematical/literacy concepts to their peers and create a more meaningful learning experience based on Howard Gardner’s “Multiple Intelligences Theory”? Will hosting student created media literacy and video content/lessons on Classroom Blackboard site become an important tool to enhance their peers and their own learning experiences in the mathematics classroom? Will this student created tool be the solution to increasing interest in the 21st century mathematics classroom?

How it/they relate(s) to the EMDTMS program

“To connect to students today, you need more than just raw information in books”(Full Sail University, 2008) – My topic will create a Blackboard site that incorporates student/generated technology and media. Students will be able to use media creation tools and technology to create video content/lessons/public service announcements to develop a more meaningful learning experience and become a “content creator” in their classroom. My topic is based on Howard Gardner’s “Multiple Intelligence’s Theory” methods and how it works best in a 21^st century student/centered learning environment. Finally, my topic will explore how to create and fully utilize a student/centered video curriculum and online Blackboard site that will inspire my students and their peers and hopefully give them an awarding educational experience.

What knowledge will be added to the conversation in regard to your topic(s).

Students teaching each other via video lessons can be a social process where students can enhance their mathematical skills by communicating with each other.  Students love to talk, play games, teach, and learn from each other. This student generated video communication system with topics that are valued by their peer group will hopefully build an excitement and as a result the students will get to the point of discussing mathematics not because they are told to but from the excitement of creating their own lessons for each other.

Why would someone, either an educator or a professional, want to read

your thesis?

It is common knowledge that our classrooms are using 20^th century tools to teach and 21^st century concepts such as critical thinking and problem-solving skills, computer and technology skills, communication, and self-direction skills are sadly lacking in today’s classrooms.  We’re not reaching the students we need to…unless we change what and how we teach. I think that my thesis topic and online project might introduce other professionals to the concept of using student/generated lessons/videos into their 21^st century classrooms.

How do you envision your topic(s) representing itself in a media project?

My topic will explore how to create and fully utilize a student/centered video curriculum and online Blackboard site that will inspire my students and their peers and hopefully give them an awarding educational experience.

Nancy Keck