Online Educational Resource Applications: Session Nine: 10/31/12

“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!