“What did I learn and how can I use it in the future?”
I think that the readings in this session have influenced me and inspired me just as much as the video clips we watched during our very first class. The first reading I delved into, "List of What Makes a Good Teacher, Created by Students", opened my eyes and gave me a wake-up call. I think that educators, and all professionals, often get stuck in a comfortable routine. We find what works and oftentimes we do not stop to question it or to challenge ourselves. Due to a constant shortage of time, energy, or both, we do not continue to explore or experiment with new methods, strategies, routines, or schedules. Instead, we stick to what we know. This same principle connects to a concept I wrote about in my first blog. I wrote about how many educators seem hesitant of all this emerging technology because we are scared of what we do not know. We allow our timid human nature to take the reins and we take shelter in what is comfortable and familiar. If we are to succeed, we must stay vibrant, alert, and fresh. We must continue to blend the old with the new along the way. I am writing this because the article written by students was a wake-up call I needed. Although I did incorporate a lot of new methods this year, it is important to also adopt new mindsets and approaches. Reading about what students observe and respond best to has inspired me to try and connect more with my students. If I want to really inspire them as an arts instructor, I need their respect and their admiration. Every little action, every word, every mannerism is watched by students and I need to maintain more alertness to my behaviors, both big and small.
The most amazing resource I discovered in this section, Arts Alive, has completely changed my classroom and my everyday class activities. I wrote on the discussion wiki, this is a wonderful resource because it offers something for every learner and every different classroom activity. Through Arts Alive, we can do research, watch video clips, use study guides, take quizzes, critique dance, and analyze dance photos. I am so grateful for this resource and I have shared it with many other arts teachers.
Before blogging, I took a glance at one more article, "10 Sites to Use with Mobile Phones in Education". As mobile phones are becoming more powerful and more prevalent in schools, I think most classrooms will use them as a productive tool in the near future. I was amazed by ClassParrot, which is a safe way to text students about reminders and updates, or to communicate with parents. This is a great way to communicate in a favorable way without allowing students to have too much access to one's personal information. Since my students love texting, especially my 7th and 8th graders, I am interested to see how they would respond to StudyBoost or TEXTNLRN, both of which use texting to study, review, and learn. I think this ties into game-based learning and I think it will be very successful because it connects something students love with content knowledge.
I have acquired so many new resources and tools to explore through this session. As I wrote, I am ready to wake up and try some new approaches and methods, these resources are a great place to start!
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Monday, December 3, 2012
Interactive Whiteboard: Session Eleven: 12/03/12
“What did I learn and how can I use it in the future?”
I really enjoyed learning about the different types of interactive whiteboards. This is my first school year with a SMART board, and before this year I was completely foreign to the concept. All I had in my dance classroom was an old boombox and a dysfunctional TV set! I had heard of Promethean boards and SMART boards, but I had never heard of PolyVision, Interwrite, or Numonics. I feel much more familiar with these tools now and I am equipped to discuss them with another colleague or professional if the opportunity were to present itself.
After reading all of the interactive whiteboards' websites, brochures, and customer reviews, I am realizing how massive interactive technology in the classroom really is! This is a huge movement for America's educational realm and it is only going to continue to grow and develop. Interactive whiteboards are a key part of technology in the class; affecting our lesson plans, class activities, class projects, class assignments, grading, assessments, and research. Interactive technology will go on to influence our state test scores, student learning styles, and the way we communicate on both a professional and on a personal level. Like any other sudden movement or trend, a lot of money, marketing, and sales go into the interactive whiteboard. I was intrigued about how different companies advertised their product by offering slightly different deals and promotions. For example, Numonics offers a pen set complete with batteries, a recharger, and a red pen if the customer can afford to buy the whole set in addition to the costly board. On the other hand, Interwrite offers to include a wall-mount bracket, but the projector is sold separately. I found it very interesting how various companies compiled differing deals for their product. I was also surprised about the several shades of difference I found in terms of warranty. Since the interactive whiteboard is such a large and expensive classroom resource, I assumed all competing companies would have to offer the same (or very similar) warranty plans in order to stay afloat. However, all of the warranty plans fluctuated between 2 years and a full lifetime. As an individual who is immersed mostly in education and the arts, I am still amazed when I realize how much the corporate business world is involved in so many aspects of our everyday lives.
If I had to choose an interactive whiteboard for my classroom, I think I would give PolyVision a chance. As I wrote, I have a SMART board in my room and I do love it! I am extremely grateful to have this tool at my fingertips; it has enhanced my lessons and classroom activities immensely. It has also helped me to project music at a greater level and it allows me to cater to my visual, kinesthetic, and auditory learners all at the same time. However, in a school district overwhelming in size and slightly disorganized, my cords and supplemental equipment have been misplaced more than once already. None of my cords or pens were in the proper place when I returned to school in September. After Ms. Diane Maguire thankfully lent me some new cords, I had to buy my own dock in order to get my SMART board up and running. After I had a sick day out of the classroom in November, all of my equipment was missing again! I had to buy another dock and thankfully recovered the other cords and connectors. I think PolyVision would be much easier to manage, maintain, and care for since there are no cords, cables, or power outlets needed. In addition, I really appreciate that this product is made of all recycled material. This interactive whiteboard tools are large in size and intricate in design, the more materials and resources we can save on our earth, the better! PolyVision can host up to three interactive users at the same time, whereas my SMART board can only accommodate two users. Lastly, the board comes with a "forever" warranty, meaning for its entire lifetime.
I am very glad that I was given this assignment so that I am now more knowledgeable about interactive whiteboards in general and the most popular options available!
I really enjoyed learning about the different types of interactive whiteboards. This is my first school year with a SMART board, and before this year I was completely foreign to the concept. All I had in my dance classroom was an old boombox and a dysfunctional TV set! I had heard of Promethean boards and SMART boards, but I had never heard of PolyVision, Interwrite, or Numonics. I feel much more familiar with these tools now and I am equipped to discuss them with another colleague or professional if the opportunity were to present itself.
After reading all of the interactive whiteboards' websites, brochures, and customer reviews, I am realizing how massive interactive technology in the classroom really is! This is a huge movement for America's educational realm and it is only going to continue to grow and develop. Interactive whiteboards are a key part of technology in the class; affecting our lesson plans, class activities, class projects, class assignments, grading, assessments, and research. Interactive technology will go on to influence our state test scores, student learning styles, and the way we communicate on both a professional and on a personal level. Like any other sudden movement or trend, a lot of money, marketing, and sales go into the interactive whiteboard. I was intrigued about how different companies advertised their product by offering slightly different deals and promotions. For example, Numonics offers a pen set complete with batteries, a recharger, and a red pen if the customer can afford to buy the whole set in addition to the costly board. On the other hand, Interwrite offers to include a wall-mount bracket, but the projector is sold separately. I found it very interesting how various companies compiled differing deals for their product. I was also surprised about the several shades of difference I found in terms of warranty. Since the interactive whiteboard is such a large and expensive classroom resource, I assumed all competing companies would have to offer the same (or very similar) warranty plans in order to stay afloat. However, all of the warranty plans fluctuated between 2 years and a full lifetime. As an individual who is immersed mostly in education and the arts, I am still amazed when I realize how much the corporate business world is involved in so many aspects of our everyday lives.
If I had to choose an interactive whiteboard for my classroom, I think I would give PolyVision a chance. As I wrote, I have a SMART board in my room and I do love it! I am extremely grateful to have this tool at my fingertips; it has enhanced my lessons and classroom activities immensely. It has also helped me to project music at a greater level and it allows me to cater to my visual, kinesthetic, and auditory learners all at the same time. However, in a school district overwhelming in size and slightly disorganized, my cords and supplemental equipment have been misplaced more than once already. None of my cords or pens were in the proper place when I returned to school in September. After Ms. Diane Maguire thankfully lent me some new cords, I had to buy my own dock in order to get my SMART board up and running. After I had a sick day out of the classroom in November, all of my equipment was missing again! I had to buy another dock and thankfully recovered the other cords and connectors. I think PolyVision would be much easier to manage, maintain, and care for since there are no cords, cables, or power outlets needed. In addition, I really appreciate that this product is made of all recycled material. This interactive whiteboard tools are large in size and intricate in design, the more materials and resources we can save on our earth, the better! PolyVision can host up to three interactive users at the same time, whereas my SMART board can only accommodate two users. Lastly, the board comes with a "forever" warranty, meaning for its entire lifetime.
I am very glad that I was given this assignment so that I am now more knowledgeable about interactive whiteboards in general and the most popular options available!
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Lesson Plans, Webquests, and Scavenger Hunts: Session Ten: 11/08/12
“What did I learn and how can I use it in the future?”
I really enjoyed this week's lesson. I thought there was a great amount of variety and student choices in terms of what to write about, which activities to try out, and how to respond. I remember learning a very similar lesson planning format during my first course at Temple back in January of 2010. I still use the exact same format whenever submitting or composing a formal lesson. I have found this format to be so efficient and effective in the planning, classroom execution, and post-planning parts of a lesson plan. Using all seven parts of the lesson plan format leaves no room for confusion or miscommunication. I remember one of my instructors at Temple said that the lesson plan should be so clear that if a substitute teacher came in to read it, he or she could execute the lesson without any questions at all. I like to keep that goal in mind as I am brainstorming, planning, outlining, writing, carrying out, and reflecting on a lesson. I was happy to prepare the lesson plan assignment; it was a great reminder and refresher to me. Unfortunately, I do not use this format for every lesson. It is simply too intricate and too detailed and there are not enough hours in the day to make one for each class I see ( I teach at least six different classes a day!). I use a modified version of this format on a daily basis, but I was glad to challenge myself with a refresher on this.
I also learned a lot about Webquests and Scavenger Hunts! I think that these are both great tools I can use in my dance classroom. My students tend to respond well to activites with a concrete goal at the conclusion. I think both of these resources induce inquiry-based thinking and allow the teacher to work more as a facilitator while students take the wheel. I love how both Webquests and Scavenger Hunts have a rather stiff outline that can be personalized and customized to almost any lesson, concept, or classroom! I think these can even offer special accommodations to different grade levels and learning styles. I am excited to use both because I can be creative in designing them, and my students can be creative in completing them!
I really enjoyed this week's lesson. I thought there was a great amount of variety and student choices in terms of what to write about, which activities to try out, and how to respond. I remember learning a very similar lesson planning format during my first course at Temple back in January of 2010. I still use the exact same format whenever submitting or composing a formal lesson. I have found this format to be so efficient and effective in the planning, classroom execution, and post-planning parts of a lesson plan. Using all seven parts of the lesson plan format leaves no room for confusion or miscommunication. I remember one of my instructors at Temple said that the lesson plan should be so clear that if a substitute teacher came in to read it, he or she could execute the lesson without any questions at all. I like to keep that goal in mind as I am brainstorming, planning, outlining, writing, carrying out, and reflecting on a lesson. I was happy to prepare the lesson plan assignment; it was a great reminder and refresher to me. Unfortunately, I do not use this format for every lesson. It is simply too intricate and too detailed and there are not enough hours in the day to make one for each class I see ( I teach at least six different classes a day!). I use a modified version of this format on a daily basis, but I was glad to challenge myself with a refresher on this.
I also learned a lot about Webquests and Scavenger Hunts! I think that these are both great tools I can use in my dance classroom. My students tend to respond well to activites with a concrete goal at the conclusion. I think both of these resources induce inquiry-based thinking and allow the teacher to work more as a facilitator while students take the wheel. I love how both Webquests and Scavenger Hunts have a rather stiff outline that can be personalized and customized to almost any lesson, concept, or classroom! I think these can even offer special accommodations to different grade levels and learning styles. I am excited to use both because I can be creative in designing them, and my students can be creative in completing them!
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Digital Storytelling: Session Eight: 10/25/2012
“What did I learn and how can I use it in the future?”
I am so excited to work with digital storytelling in the future. After doing the assigned reading, watching the student podcast and PowerPoint, and beginning to work with my own pod casts, I feel equipped to start my own digital story. I think that digital storytelling is a wonderful way to blend technology with student writing and communication. It is a great outlet for students and teachers to maintain their own creativity while sharpening literacy skills and doing research.
When I read and began to understand applications such as digital storytelling, I am so grateful for the advancements in technology our country has spearheaded over the past decades. We are so lucky to have so many tools and options right at our fingertips. Our classrooms have the potential to be so colorful, so interactive and so creative thanks to tools such as digital storytelling, web 2.0 applications, websites, spreadsheets, and more!
Storytelling is a childhood tradition ingrained in so many of us. I love the fact that so many old time traditions can be carried over into something new. We can keep the art of storytelling, but add a digital element. We can keep the practice of research, sequencing, editing, and presenting while incorporating a brand new digital element. Digital storytelling, therefore, allows us to maintain traditional educational practices in a novel venue. The mix of consistency and novelty is a perfect for an educational setting. I think that digital storytelling can only enhance students' literacy skills from writing to spelling and grammar. More importantly, I think that digital storytelling can improve students' enthusiasm and approach to writing, research, and organization. Digital storytelling inserts more creativity and plain old fun into these essential educational components.
I am excited for my own personal future with digital storytelling and the positive effects I think that it will have for students all across the country!
I am so excited to work with digital storytelling in the future. After doing the assigned reading, watching the student podcast and PowerPoint, and beginning to work with my own pod casts, I feel equipped to start my own digital story. I think that digital storytelling is a wonderful way to blend technology with student writing and communication. It is a great outlet for students and teachers to maintain their own creativity while sharpening literacy skills and doing research.
When I read and began to understand applications such as digital storytelling, I am so grateful for the advancements in technology our country has spearheaded over the past decades. We are so lucky to have so many tools and options right at our fingertips. Our classrooms have the potential to be so colorful, so interactive and so creative thanks to tools such as digital storytelling, web 2.0 applications, websites, spreadsheets, and more!
Storytelling is a childhood tradition ingrained in so many of us. I love the fact that so many old time traditions can be carried over into something new. We can keep the art of storytelling, but add a digital element. We can keep the practice of research, sequencing, editing, and presenting while incorporating a brand new digital element. Digital storytelling, therefore, allows us to maintain traditional educational practices in a novel venue. The mix of consistency and novelty is a perfect for an educational setting. I think that digital storytelling can only enhance students' literacy skills from writing to spelling and grammar. More importantly, I think that digital storytelling can improve students' enthusiasm and approach to writing, research, and organization. Digital storytelling inserts more creativity and plain old fun into these essential educational components.
I am excited for my own personal future with digital storytelling and the positive effects I think that it will have for students all across the country!
Friday, October 19, 2012
Creating a Webpage: Session Seven: 10/19/2012
“What did I learn and how can I use it in the future?”
I found the readings and assignments in this lesson much less interesting and stimulating than some of the past sessions. I did not find too much new information or tips in the readings, although the attached powerpoint was extremely helpful on a technical level. However, since I have been designing, updating, and editing my own dance website for the past three years I think I learned more than I realized simply through trial and error. I may not have sat down and read that less text is more, but I discovered it myself as I played with different ideas and designs on my website. Creating www.coexistdance.com was extremely tedious and frustrating as a novice to website design and set up. However, with time, patience, practice, and experience I have sharpened a lot of website skills.
As I mentioned in my past blog, I have used Go Daddy and Wix as domains for my dance company's website. I was excited to try Google Sites and compare all three domains for personal gain and knowledge. Unfortunately, I am disappointed to admit that I was not impressed with what Google had to offer. I found Google Sites extremely difficult to navigate. I did not find this resource user-friendly by any means. I found myself frustrated or confused much more often than I have been with any other source we have tried - including Excel, PowerPoint, Desktop Publishing and Web 2.0 Applications. I was surprised that Google did not offer more customized options for users to experiment and play with. I loved making the flyer and brochure for this class because I could test out so many different WordArt options and other features. The templates Google Sites provided were great; but I regretted choosing one of the automated templates in hindsight. I felt stuck and much more committed to a specific design than I had anticipated.
The other aspect of Google Sites that I did like was inserting Google Calendar. The convenience and easy access Google Sites provides with linking the calendars is great! I love how the calendar on the website automatically updates and how easy it is to read.
Overall, I think I would still choose Go Daddy or Wix for a professional website. These both offer an easier navigation system and more customization choices. However, I think Google Sites is a solid, cost-free resource for teachers or any educator who wants to create a website with very little funds.
I found the readings and assignments in this lesson much less interesting and stimulating than some of the past sessions. I did not find too much new information or tips in the readings, although the attached powerpoint was extremely helpful on a technical level. However, since I have been designing, updating, and editing my own dance website for the past three years I think I learned more than I realized simply through trial and error. I may not have sat down and read that less text is more, but I discovered it myself as I played with different ideas and designs on my website. Creating www.coexistdance.com was extremely tedious and frustrating as a novice to website design and set up. However, with time, patience, practice, and experience I have sharpened a lot of website skills.
As I mentioned in my past blog, I have used Go Daddy and Wix as domains for my dance company's website. I was excited to try Google Sites and compare all three domains for personal gain and knowledge. Unfortunately, I am disappointed to admit that I was not impressed with what Google had to offer. I found Google Sites extremely difficult to navigate. I did not find this resource user-friendly by any means. I found myself frustrated or confused much more often than I have been with any other source we have tried - including Excel, PowerPoint, Desktop Publishing and Web 2.0 Applications. I was surprised that Google did not offer more customized options for users to experiment and play with. I loved making the flyer and brochure for this class because I could test out so many different WordArt options and other features. The templates Google Sites provided were great; but I regretted choosing one of the automated templates in hindsight. I felt stuck and much more committed to a specific design than I had anticipated.
The other aspect of Google Sites that I did like was inserting Google Calendar. The convenience and easy access Google Sites provides with linking the calendars is great! I love how the calendar on the website automatically updates and how easy it is to read.
Overall, I think I would still choose Go Daddy or Wix for a professional website. These both offer an easier navigation system and more customization choices. However, I think Google Sites is a solid, cost-free resource for teachers or any educator who wants to create a website with very little funds.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Creating and Evaluating Websites: Session Six: 10/10/12
“What did I learn and how can I use it in the future?”
I found the PowerPoint, teacher-made videos, and "Evaluating Websites" reading for this section to be extremely helpful. I created my first website in September 2009 for my dance company, CoEXISTdance, Inc. We used the web host called Go Daddy and it was an enormous task! I had no idea how tedious and time-consuming creating a website could be. It is also a big job to stay on top of the website and remain consistent in terms of updating content and images. Looking back, I was also so ignorant in terms of website aesthetics and organization. After our contract expired this past September 2012, I switched to a new web editor called wix.com and kept our domain host with Go Daddy. I changed all of the color schemes, sub page titles and content and now I am much happier and confident in presenting my web page and web marketing material. I also changed how users can view photos and videos with a simple click of the mouse!
I think it is ironic how often we use websites and web resources without questioning or thinking twice about the layout or design. However, whenever I am browsing or doing research, I know I tend to stray away from a page that is hard to navigate and decipher. This goes for anything from finding new classroom activities to planning a vacation. We judge and evaluate websites without consciously realizing it all of the time! We live in such a fast-paced and changing world that time is of the essence. Users today need efficient, quick, and immediate gratification. The less work and digging we have to do, the better. Since there are so many websites and resources for any given topic, today's consumers have the luxury of picking and choosing which websites to decline from using and which to refer to repeatedly.
I have learned a lot from having my own website and promoting my own dance company. However, this session has pointed out a few new ideas to me. First, it is great to have colors, but not too much! Everything should be in moderation. The colors also should not clash, they need to complement each other. Second, content is obviously important but not too much content. Half of the battle is manipulating a page to showcase important information without adding clutter or too much busy, frivolous text. I will be using these two new lessons to create my own web page for this class and I am excited to do so!
I found the PowerPoint, teacher-made videos, and "Evaluating Websites" reading for this section to be extremely helpful. I created my first website in September 2009 for my dance company, CoEXISTdance, Inc. We used the web host called Go Daddy and it was an enormous task! I had no idea how tedious and time-consuming creating a website could be. It is also a big job to stay on top of the website and remain consistent in terms of updating content and images. Looking back, I was also so ignorant in terms of website aesthetics and organization. After our contract expired this past September 2012, I switched to a new web editor called wix.com and kept our domain host with Go Daddy. I changed all of the color schemes, sub page titles and content and now I am much happier and confident in presenting my web page and web marketing material. I also changed how users can view photos and videos with a simple click of the mouse!
I think it is ironic how often we use websites and web resources without questioning or thinking twice about the layout or design. However, whenever I am browsing or doing research, I know I tend to stray away from a page that is hard to navigate and decipher. This goes for anything from finding new classroom activities to planning a vacation. We judge and evaluate websites without consciously realizing it all of the time! We live in such a fast-paced and changing world that time is of the essence. Users today need efficient, quick, and immediate gratification. The less work and digging we have to do, the better. Since there are so many websites and resources for any given topic, today's consumers have the luxury of picking and choosing which websites to decline from using and which to refer to repeatedly.
I have learned a lot from having my own website and promoting my own dance company. However, this session has pointed out a few new ideas to me. First, it is great to have colors, but not too much! Everything should be in moderation. The colors also should not clash, they need to complement each other. Second, content is obviously important but not too much content. Half of the battle is manipulating a page to showcase important information without adding clutter or too much busy, frivolous text. I will be using these two new lessons to create my own web page for this class and I am excited to do so!
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Adaptive Technology: Session Five: 10/6/2012
“What did I learn and how can I use it in the future?”
I am so happy that this course included a full segment on adaptive technology. Ironically, I was just having a conversation with a colleague or mine about special education and disabled students in school. I sadly believe that these students are still overlooked and not fulled immersed into the classroom environment today. There is still a strong line of separation amongst both the students and the teachers. For example, if a student with special needs is constantly being pulled out of my classroom for extra help, how do I create the same trust and relationship with him that I establish with my consistent students? I understand that it is important for these students to be pulled out and to get help, but I think in today's world of advanced science, technology, and plain old intelligence, we can approach these situations in a better way.
This conversation sparked after the debate on Wednesday evening between Mr. Obama and Mr. Romney. Special education, special needs, and disabilities are all essential topics that I want to research further before I decide where my vote is going. In order for any student or human being with a disability to keep up with our ever-changing world, this topic needs to be a priority in terms of both funding and planning in the federal sector.
I feel ignorant and embarrassed to say that I was completely unaware of how many different tools there are under the adaptive technology umbrella. I was familiar with the laws and legislation in our U.S. history, but I am thrilled to see how many tools we can use to make education as easy and normal as possible for any student. Of course, I understand that these tools are expensive but I can not help to wonder why I have not seen, tampered with, or heard of more of these products until now? As a third year teacher I am skeptical that these tools and resources are being used the way that they should, at least in my own district.
What does that conclusion mean? Is there not enough funding to access these great tools? Is the administration not putting enough time and effort into obtaining them? Regardless, adaptive technology has the potential to drastically enhance a student's entire education process. It is our responsibility to take advantage of these resources. We need to get more adaptive technology into the classroom and put it to use!
I am so happy that this course included a full segment on adaptive technology. Ironically, I was just having a conversation with a colleague or mine about special education and disabled students in school. I sadly believe that these students are still overlooked and not fulled immersed into the classroom environment today. There is still a strong line of separation amongst both the students and the teachers. For example, if a student with special needs is constantly being pulled out of my classroom for extra help, how do I create the same trust and relationship with him that I establish with my consistent students? I understand that it is important for these students to be pulled out and to get help, but I think in today's world of advanced science, technology, and plain old intelligence, we can approach these situations in a better way.
This conversation sparked after the debate on Wednesday evening between Mr. Obama and Mr. Romney. Special education, special needs, and disabilities are all essential topics that I want to research further before I decide where my vote is going. In order for any student or human being with a disability to keep up with our ever-changing world, this topic needs to be a priority in terms of both funding and planning in the federal sector.
I feel ignorant and embarrassed to say that I was completely unaware of how many different tools there are under the adaptive technology umbrella. I was familiar with the laws and legislation in our U.S. history, but I am thrilled to see how many tools we can use to make education as easy and normal as possible for any student. Of course, I understand that these tools are expensive but I can not help to wonder why I have not seen, tampered with, or heard of more of these products until now? As a third year teacher I am skeptical that these tools and resources are being used the way that they should, at least in my own district.
What does that conclusion mean? Is there not enough funding to access these great tools? Is the administration not putting enough time and effort into obtaining them? Regardless, adaptive technology has the potential to drastically enhance a student's entire education process. It is our responsibility to take advantage of these resources. We need to get more adaptive technology into the classroom and put it to use!
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