When mentoring our pre-service and in-service teachers we need to describe
and model both research-based and clinically tested best practices, and
demonstrate how these best practices can be applied in the real (i.e. physical)
and virtual (i.e. online) classroom for both teaching and teacher training. The
combination of face to face instruction in a physical setting and online
learning is called blended learning. In this section of the blog we will
describe how the internet can serve as a supplemental resource for instruction
and the mentoring of pre-service and in-service Jewish educators. In this post
we will discuss how the avatar creation web tool , Picasso Head, can be used to promote
instruction in the blended learning classroom.
What is a computer
avatar?
A computer avatar is a
graphic image or file that represents the person using the computer. Click here
to connect to a blogpost that elaborates on the definition of a computer
avatar.
In a previous blog post
we shared how avatars can be used to promote instruction in the blended
learning classroom. Click here to connect to that blog post.
Assumption: The teacher or mentor teacher has an interactive white board (i.e. SMART
Board, Promethean, etc.), a Tablet PC (also called a Slate or Blade), a computer
presenter or computer with internet access attached to an LCD projector in the
classroom. It would be ideal if students or mentees had access to their own
laptop computers or Ipads. Given parental and school approval, and the
development of specific guidelines, smartphones can be used to enhance
instruction as well.
Note: Although Picasso Head can be applied in the Judaic Studies blended
learning classroom, it can be also be used for training pre-service and
in-service Jewish educators for professional or staff development. It is our
hope that Jewish educators around the globe will form an online community of
practice, a CoP, a group of people who share an interest, a craft,
and/or a profession, to enhance the delivery of instruction and training of
Jewish educators. For example, here is a CoP you
might want to join.
Note: Picasso Head can be used in a face to face and virtual classroom.
Where is Picasso Head located on the internet?
How Picasso Head, an avatar creation web tool, can be
used to promote instruction in the blended learning classroom
Click on the links below
and find resources explaining how Picasso Head can be used to promote
instruction in the face to face and virtual classroom:
- http://nerdtronictechnews.wordpress.com/2011/12/24/picassohead-com/
- http://learni.st/learnings/118387-gallery-picassohead
- http://www.jogtheweb.com/flat/TexK9Zu8oD7Y/Ms-Teresas-Artsy-Classroom
On the next blog post we will discuss how Picasso
Head, an avatar creation web tool, can be used to promote Judaic instruction
and to mentor or train Jewish educators.
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