Schoology
BADGES-
This month I decided to explore the use of the badges in Schoology, as well as the many other resources available throughout the site. I have been impressed with the opportunity to have immediate interaction with students as they submit their assignments, but also be able to remark and respond to their work.
I was particularly interested in utilizing the badges, because PE is majorly dependent on a students participation. Through the badges I have been able to motivate and reward students for their behavior and participation throughout the class. The only disadvantage I have experienced with use of the badges is that it requires me to be very consistent in how I award them. Some students may feel they are deserving of something that I may award another student, and when it's discussed this can create some tension amongst the class. On the contrary, this is also a means of motivating some students who need that extra boost in order to be recognized. I've found it takes my unbiased attempt to recognize each student for something that they contribute to the class, and that's something I should be more mindful of daily.
I appreciate the fact that Schoology has so many versatile features, and that it provides more opportunities for teachers to interact with students beyond the classroom walls. I plan to continue to experiment with the badge icons and find ways to motivate my students as a whole, with the overall goal of increasing student performance.
My next steps are to incorporate a rewards system through the badges, something that may further entice students to participate in class at a more significant level.
BADGES-
This month I decided to explore the use of the badges in Schoology, as well as the many other resources available throughout the site. I have been impressed with the opportunity to have immediate interaction with students as they submit their assignments, but also be able to remark and respond to their work.
I was particularly interested in utilizing the badges, because PE is majorly dependent on a students participation. Through the badges I have been able to motivate and reward students for their behavior and participation throughout the class. The only disadvantage I have experienced with use of the badges is that it requires me to be very consistent in how I award them. Some students may feel they are deserving of something that I may award another student, and when it's discussed this can create some tension amongst the class. On the contrary, this is also a means of motivating some students who need that extra boost in order to be recognized. I've found it takes my unbiased attempt to recognize each student for something that they contribute to the class, and that's something I should be more mindful of daily.
I appreciate the fact that Schoology has so many versatile features, and that it provides more opportunities for teachers to interact with students beyond the classroom walls. I plan to continue to experiment with the badge icons and find ways to motivate my students as a whole, with the overall goal of increasing student performance.
My next steps are to incorporate a rewards system through the badges, something that may further entice students to participate in class at a more significant level.