The ISTE NETS-S starts off with 6 indicators to match the description of the activity the students will be performing. It has creativity and innovation, communication and collaboration, research and information fluency, critical thinking, problem solving and decision making and technology operations concepts. The students’ standards, NETS –S will help students with web 2.0 tools.
Students using the communication web 2.0 tools would explore NETS-S and is able to view what they would learn.For example, Diigo is a site that helps students organize, bookmark and highlight information from the internet.In addition, if they were working with a group of students from another state or country they could communicate together by sharing their ideas.Diigo allows students to research identify and investigate a global issue and generate possible solutions using digital tools and resources.The indicators that go with this standard are research and information fluency and critical thinking, problem solving and decision making.
Students using the collaboration web 2.0 tools would look at the standard that reads conceptualize, guide and manage individual or group learning projects using digital planning tools with teacher support.For example, Wikispaces and Google Docs would allow students to work together especially if their project calls for group learning.Also, these two sites would help students to manage their group and the project.This standard would cause students to use their critical thinking, problem solving and decision making skills and technology operations and concepts.
Lastly, when students have to use publishing web 2.0 applications they would use digital imaging technology to modify or create works of art for use in a digital presentation.The web 2.0 tools such as, Prezi, Glogster, Voicethread, Blogger, Slide Share, ZooBurst and a host of others would meet this standard for students.These sites would allow students to show their creativity and knowledge about a subject.The indicators that support this standard are creativity and innovation, communication and collaboration and technology operations and concepts.These websites are eye appealing plus they permit students to communicate.
Project Based learning is taking an essential question and exploring that question.After reading More Fun Than a Barrel of Worms by Diane Curtis, Geometry Students Angle into Architecture through Project Learning by Sara Armstrong and March of the Monarchs” Students Follow the Butterflies’ Migration I saw a commonality they shared and that is incorporating real world situations into the classroom.I called these projects rigor.
Two years ago my principal wanted her students to have rigor in the classrooms.As she began to explain and I did not understand the concept that she wanted us to have in our lessons and neither did most of the teachers.Later, she further gave us an article that caused me to have a light bulb moment.I read that many corporations were not impressed on how well young adults could articulate their opinion neither were they enthuse about their reading nor writing skills.They needed young adults to be able to use their critical thinking skills, be creative and solve problems.As I began to further my research I read that rigor is active, deep and engaging.Nancy Lundsgaard (2004) states, “its active either through conversation or hands-on or minds-on activity; meaning there is questioning and discovery going on.It is deep, rather than broad, project based.The learners are digging into a topic or project and lastly it is engaging, either on his or her own or with the help of a teacher, each learner had made a real connection with the material to be learned”.All three articles showed rigor.
The role of the teacher was to facilitate. He or she would walk around and ask questions to either entice the imagination or to help them focus on the topic and avoid being detoured.The teacher also scaffolds by bringing in professionals to further answer any questions they may need answers from. The teacher who participates in this activity engages his or her students to make the connection with the material learned.
The role of the students is to be critical thinkers.In the articles and on video I saw students engaged by doing hands on and minds on activities.For example, in More Fun than a Barrel of Worms article the students were touching and smelling the worms.They would do field trips and lab work.Students had to examine dead worms.This project led them to be investigators.I saw how real life world experiences came into play.Students learned that scientist do this when they want to explore the ecosystem.
As educators we are driven to making sure our students pass the state exam.We know that many are learning how to be good test takers but in reality many students are not prepared for real world experiences.As I mentioned earlier, businesses want young adults to be creative and inventive.They want to know that the person they hired can come up with an idea that will bring more profit to their corporation.Project base learning increases students’ awareness of collaboration and business ethnics.It is allowing them to experience and see how the business community operates and the most profitable experience they receive is when they apply their knowledge to what they have learned from the classroom to the business world.
Works Cited
Armstrong, S. (2001). Geometry Students Angle into Architecture Through Project Learning. Edutopia , 1.
Curtis, D. (2002). March of the Monarchs: Students Follow the Butterflies Migration. Edutopia , 1.
Curtis, D. (2001). More Fun Than a Barrel of Worms? Edutopia , 1.
Lundsgaard, N. (2004, April). FOCUS. Retrieved April 16, 2011, from Small School Project: http://www.smallschoolsproject.org/PDFS/apr04_focus.pdf
Creating my digital Portfolio was exciting.The website I chose to create my portfolio is About me.I had no idea how to work this site but once I explored I saw how user friendly it was to use.About me had only a few choices of design backgrounds; but, About me allowed me to choose my own background and that made up for what the site did not have.When writing the text it only permitted 2500 text characters.I felt it should have stated that before I wrote my biography.The choices of fonts were many but it did not have enough good fonts to make your page appealing.On the other hand, I had plenty of colors to choose.
However, the highlight of this website was uploading your favorite assignments that were done on websites.This was very easy to do.I am not a fan of having my social networking sites on my portfolio so I avoid uploading them. I believe your social life should remain private.I wished the site had an area where I could upload my favorite assignments from the software’s I use.That feature would have made my page worth while viewing.
I was concerned that I could not add my resume.However, as I was searching I found out that site Google will allow me to create a resume page, and upload all of my favorite software assignments.Once I created my site page I was able to link it to my portfolio.Creating my portfolio was an awesome adventure!
I truly enjoy doing a digital story.The assignment that I chose is “I knew I was going to be an educator when…”.This activity was different because I had to use my cell phone to capture the pictures.As an educator I can see how cell phones can play an intrigue part in students’ learning.Taking pictures is one task but students can do research, take quizzes and create digital stories.I just hope that the school districts can see what most educators see. Also, they need someone that can work out the kinks and take the fear away from using cell phones in the class.
The rubric I chose was Movie Maker.I find it very long but it fit most of my criteria.
Story line – Story line has a clear beginning, middle and end.It is well developed
Point of view awareness of audience – Strong awareness of audience in design; explains clearly why they felt the words, audio and graphics chosen to fit the largest audience
Dramatic Question – Little or no attempt is made to pose a dramatic question or answer it.
Clarity of voice – voice quality fluctuates though out the presentation
Pacing Narrative – The pace (rhythm and voice punctuation) fits the story line and helps the audience really “get into” the story
Meaningful Audio Sound track – Music is distracting in appropriate or was not used
Quality of Image – An attempt was made to use images to create an atmosphere/tone but it needed more work.Image choice is logical.
Story Detail – The story seems to need more editing. It is noticeably too long or too short in more than one section.
Grammar and language usage – Grammar and usage were correct (for the dialect chosen) and contributed to clarity style and character development.
I would modify this rubric by deleting dramatic question, grammar and language usage because this type of assignment did not require questioning neither did it need subtitles running through the movie. If I had to follow this rubric I would have scored higher. According to this 10 category rubric I scored a 23/30
Creating a digital story is always fun and exciting!However, this assignment was a little different but not impossible to do. I have done several of digital stories using a video and a digital camera but never using a cell phone. Capturing pictures from your cell phone is different. Some of my pictures I took were pictures I had but I used my cell phone to take the picture of the picture. I can truly see how a lesson would take place using a cell phone.Many students should really enjoy this activity.
After waiting and hoping someone would respond to my request of using cell phones in the classroom; I made a phone call to a former colleague of mind asking her help on cell phone use in the classroom.Kirstin worked for my school district as a Resource Teacher Coordinator of the Office of Newark instructional technology.Kirstin was assigned to different schools in Newark and her job was to support the technology teachers and help classroom teachers incorporate technology in their lesson plans. One of her job assignments was getting schools to use cell phones in the classroom.
Kirstin did a workshop teaching the technology teachers on how to use cell phones in the classroom and as a result they would turnkey the information to the administrators and teachers.She introduced a web 2.0 tools called poll everywhere.Students would use their cell phones as an assessment tool.They can answer the multiple choice questions and open ended questions by texting their answers.Kirstin said, “The response would be answered instantly and the results would be on the website”.If a student did not have a cell phone the student can go on the website and answer the questions with the same results.In addition, this project was demonstrated to the teachers.
According to the Pupil Safety Policy, students are allowed to carry cell phones but under certain conditions.As long as it is used for safety methods , concealed (this is written in black bold letters), and in a carry bag with cell phone turned off at all times during school day on school premises or at school functions. The district of Newark is very adamant about their policy.
Parents are responsible to this policy too.They must sign a parent guardian user agreement and acknowledge that the district assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage to the cell phones.I asked Kirstin, what she thinks the parents would say if students can work with their cell phones.Kirstin mentioned with the web 2.0 toll poll everywhere parents can go online and look at the students’ data.They will get a chance to see how the cell phone operates in full force and be able to give feedback.
As for a technology problem there was none that existed.However, the biggest challenge that was presented was the use of the cell phone and breaking the pupil safety policy.If their policy was broken the students’ cell phone would be confiscated and their rights for having a cell phone would be suspended or revoked.With that in mind the project of using cell phones in the classroom was not embraced by the district of Newark.
Being aware of doing a live stream assignment was exciting and nerve provoking at the same time.This caused me to come out of my comfort zone and enter in an unknown area.There were several websites that were available for me to choose.However, I narrow it down to two Ustream and Blog talk radio.
UStream was the first live stream I chose.The set up was very easy to follow. I did not need to learn any new hardware. But, I needed to be familiar with using sites online.When I decided to sign up Ustream took me to their profile page and I was asked for a username, a password and my email address. I also had the opportunity to choose a category.This is the area where the website wanted to know my interest.I was extremely surprise to see other categories such as news, campaign 2012, pets & animals, entertainment, sports, music, education, technology, gaming, spirituality and much more; within those categories were also subcategories such as in technology there was graphic design. In addition, when I typed in my email address the site pulled up my contacts and allowed me to choose the people I wanted to be a part of my live stream.Then I went to manage my channel.This is where I can personalize my site such as add a design, a picture, my events, videos, chat room, channel information, off air content, and advanced settings.
Unfortunately, there are two concerns I had about this site.Ustream has a huge amount of ads that are on the web page.This is a distraction and when I went to delete the ads Ustream suggest upgrading your package if I want the ads to be gone and that would cost money. The decision that caused me not to use this site for my project was my test.I tested out the filming and saw how the camera caught my every move.I saw where I looking down and not facing the camera.That made me extremely uncomfortable. My viewers would constantly see me looking down reading the chat messages instead of looking at the camera.In addition, I needed interaction with my viewers without worrying about how I was looking on camera.After viewing one of my peer’s projects I decided the best site for my needs would be blog radio talk.
I felt blog radio talk gave me the best of both worlds.It is still an online live stream site and I was able to communicate with my audience and that was powerful.Blog radio was fairly easy to operate.I love how this site has a tutorial.I viewed getting started three times.I wanted to be sure I had everything in place before the actually show.Once you logged in, the site is going to ask you for your profile, a picture and your social networks you want to advertise your show.After setting up your profile then you must schedule your show.
I pulled down the menu with my picture attached and clicked on schedule show.There you would find a page that reads BTR (before the recording).I wrote the title, and a fascinating description of my show that would attract viewers.I had to add tag words to help viewers find the show. I selected a category, chose that everyone can hear the show, added 30 minutes for the entire broadcast, and chose a date.Warning, for the free basic plan I could only have the times between 12am to 6pm. The premium users have primetime 7pm to 11pm.
After planning my event I clicked on studio and this is where I could add music and get my host number, pin and my guest phone number to call in.The studio is set up as a control board.I can edit my description of the show and I can promote it by using the social networks that I am a member to such as, Facebook, Twitter and blog talk radio.Also, towards the left hand side of the screen this is where I see my callers’ number, the mute icon and the microphone for the caller to join in on the show.The night before my first show I wanted to have a test run.However, the site did not allow me to pull up my studio.This caused a panic for me but the next day the web site went back to normal.
The day of the broadcast I went through several emotions.I felt excited, nervous, anxious and concerned.I wanted this project to be a success.The callers I chose initially were colleagues, parents, and family. Unfortunately my colleagues could not join my radio show but the parents and family members did. One highlight of the show is when I spoke to a student.I needed to hear his point of view on the topic and was glad to hear that young man’s comments.When I finished the live broadcast I felt elated. In order for me to listen to my recording I had to go to schedule my event and click on archive.I have to chuckle at myself because when I played it back I realized I stumbled on some words and I had to do big time improvising when I could not reach a caller. I am a strong believer practice makes perfect.
I can see me using this site with my students especially my students of special needs.Many of them struggle with writing and this site is another form of differentiate instructions.Instead of them writing a persuasive essay they could present this to me in the form of a talk show.I am quite sure they will have fun!
Again, thank you to all of my guest who participated on my show!
This Saturday, July 30, 2011 at 12:00 noon I will be having a live talk show on Blogtalkradio.My topic is coming from an assignment that I recently discussed among my peers.Should teachers and students become friends on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace or GooglePlus.This time I want parents, students, and teachers to respond to this question.I am excited about how they are going to address this issue.For the most part this website has three packages; free for Basic users, Premium, Plus and Pro.Unfortunately the Basic user can only have 5 callers. You are more than welcome to listen in!
I chose to do a social studies lesson on the States in North America.Many of my students who live in New Jersey have not traveled outside of their township.I wanted them to get to know facts about the historical states, geography, and the culture of different states.
Subject: Social Studies
Grade: 5th
Goal: To utilize a social network web 2.0 tool for the purpose of research and collaborating with their peers and teacher
Objectives:
All students will utilize historical thinking and research skills to maximize their understanding of history and geography 6.1
Students will create a Edmodo group and share their information
Students will explore and research the different states of their choice and write descriptions, highlight important information and create a list in Edmodo
Students will describe the geography of the state and give historical facts and write their findings
Students will create a travel brochure using publisher
Students will write a one paragraph reflection blog
Description: There are 20 students in the class. Five students are gifted and 7 are special needs. There will be 4 groups of 5 students. Each group will chose a team leader and that team leader will collaborate with his or her team. The team will discuss who will have the different tasks.
Teacher will explain each student must contribute to the project and will create graphic organizers on www.bubbl.us.com
Students will create a social group in Edmodo
Students will do research on historical places within the state and make sure to create a list of your research and add to your library
Choose one area where they would like to tour and do a geography research of that state
The next student will take that information and find tours they can attend and visit the museums
Student will find a place to have fun day and type up the brochure
Student will find a hotel, a place to eat and present the cost for the weekend
Teacher will show students an example of a brochure
Once students are finish with their brochure they will write a one paragraph reflection on their project
Evaluation:
Students will be evaluated on their brochure and reflection blog by a rubric
Searching for web 2.0 tools became over whelming.I felt like I was in a candy store and became uncertain about which candy I can choose that would entice my taste buds.There seemed to be a vast amount of sites that does different task.The human filters I used were Google, Kathy Schrocks guide for educators and students and Discovery Education Web 2.0 Tools.Using Google may have a huge amount of information but I was still able to narrow my search. I took Kathy Schrocks’ course on Web 2.0 and I knew I was going to receive quality information.Lastly, I looked at Discovery Education Web 2.0 tools.They did not present many tools but I knew the site had valuable information.My main goal was to search for sites that educators, students and parents can view and use.I am pleased about the sites that attracted my attention. I chose PB Works, JayCut and Prezi.
PB Works 28/32
PB Works is a wiki. The website has 3 cost options. Basic is free, classroom is $99 per year and campus is $799 per year.What enticed me about this website, it minded me of our school base website but this site has more options.Using PB Works gives me the feel of independence and it allows my classroom to feel like a community within itself.I love the fact I can use this site for class resources such as publish class notes, power point lectures, schedules and give examples of students’ work.Also, my students can collaborate when doing group projects, students can present student portfolios and best of all parents would be informed about homework, upcoming exams and events.Furthermore, I explored the site and read where it is highly recommended by administers, teachers, colleges and business associates.I opened up a page where a 5th grade teacher, Mr. Boyer used Glogster and posted it on his page.I created a test page just to see how easy it is to use without using a tutorial.It is fairly easy but practice makes perfect and using their tutorials would help out a lot.PB Works often has webinars about using their site. The next section is August 2, 2011 7pm Eastern time and 4pm Pacific time.In addition, I feel safe when using this site.
PB Works has a “secure socket layer technology that protects your information using both server authentication and data encryption, ensuring that your data is safe, secure and available only to authorized users”.I love this information because as an educator we must make sure sites meets the CIPA.
JayCut 26/32
JayCut excited me because I love creating digital stories.I recently completed the Digital Story course and had fun with my projects.It was a lot of work but educational.JayCut is an upscale editing and movie maker website. It reminds me of movie maker but its features are somewhat different. You work in the timeline mode.Whereas, in movie maker you have an option; you can use story board or timeline to work in. I upload one of my digital movies that have a wmv file and it automatically converted the file. In addition, I upload some pictures to create a movie and the process of laying out my pictures and adding transitions on the timeline was not the same as I thought it would be in Movie Maker.I came to the conclusion; I must review the tutorials and practice in order to see the high end of this site.I like the idea I can share my videos with my class, the parents and my friends. Also, the site is strict about users uploading pornography or obscenity.However, this site does “contain links to other websites and they strongly feel they are not responsible for the privacy policies or practices of third party websites”.
Prezi 28/32
Lastly, I chose Prezi.I enjoy working on Prezi’s site.Prezi is fun and upscale.You work on a large blank prezi canvas in which you can change the color. It has a transformation zebra that allows you to do great things with your typed words and it has a bubble menu that permits you to add video, audio, pictures, frames, boarders, colors and a path that helps you to organize the sequence of your presentation.Their tutorial is excellent and easy to understand.The only problem I had and a host of other users is importing audio on your prezi. I followed the manual to the letter and it gave me audio but not how I wanted to appear on my page. However, the website’s security surprised me. It stated, “This site is for adults to use”.In addition, “The service may contain links to other independent third party websites (Linked Sites).These link sites are provided solely as a convenience to our visitors.Such linked sites are not under Prezi’s control, and Prezi is not responsible or doesn’t necessarily endorse the content or practices of such linked sites, including any information or materials contained on such linked sites”.I did not get a chance to ask the website is there anyway educators can change the filtering. But that question is going to be on my list of things to do.It would be a shame that students under 18 cannot use this site.
On the other hand, I did have the opportunity to email 2 websites.One was about one of their security features and that site is Flickr and the other site was Prezi.I was concern about their audio feature.However, Prezi did not respond to my concerns but Flickr did.I was previously informed that Flickr has many objectionable materials on its site. I do like Flickr because it gives educators and students the option to choose pictures from creative commons.I sent an email to the developers explaining how students need a site like this but I also gave my concern about the pictures not being student friendly, what can be done to avoid my school district from blocking this site completely.Flickr wrote back and said, “To avoid such issues, we suggest that you enable the SafeSearch of your account. SafeSearch is a feature that allows you to control what turns up in your searches on Flickr, and it's on for everyone by default. For more information, please visit our FAQ page at:
I chose to use images under the Creative Common Licensing. Many teachers give projects that require students to incorporate pictures.Most educators teach their students not to plagiarize when copying other authors’ work. However, we do forget to carry that same concept when it comes to downloading, and copying photos from the internet.Most people think it’s only one picture and they are not going to sell it.Having this mind set can cause problems.The five images I chose under the Creative Common licensing were Flickr, Google Images, Animal Photos, Free Large Photos and Dreamstime.
Flickr and Google Images are the well known sites many teachers and students have used for projects. Flickr is stricter than Google Images.I find their pictures to be very limited in the liking but it meets the need.Animal Photos are great for teachers and students to use for science.The pictures are clear and colorful.There was no price tag for using the images but users must read the details.In addition, Free Large Photos are excellent for teachers and students who are doing a social studies project.The pictures are clear and free.However, there is a fee for business use.Lastly, Dreamstime has free sign up but some of their images have price tags if you want high quality resolutions frames. From experience having high RF is needed when creating a movie maker project.
Creating a creative common license for my blog was very new to me.I have heard of this website but never knew how to go about licensing my work.After reading the different creative common licenses, I found this process difficult for me to choose.As an educator I must be honest with myself.I’ve learned how to recycle, borrow, share and ironically still be territorial in the classroom. Having these thoughts in mind I chose Attribution-Non Commercial No Derivative License.This is the most restrictive of the licensing that are listed.
I love to share my work and ideas and many teachers have the same thoughts.Having my colleagues see the value of my work makes me feel proud and would cause me to create more.However, I still want to keep a part of my originality for my own.I don’t want anyone to remix, tweak or build upon my work.I believe certain ideas or work should be honored and untouched.Also, I have problems with people loving your ideas, changing them to fit their likings but don’t want to give credit to the original owner and keeping the same licensing.I want to make sure my licensing does not have any room for this to happen.
As for my students I would encourage them to critically think about choosing a license that best fit their needs or ideas.I would be very honest and avoid choosing for them.I do not want to give them the wrong advice because there can be a time when something can go drastically wrong. I would explain the different licensing such as, the licenses, Attribution-Share Alike, Attribution-No Dervis, Attribution-Non Commercial, Attribution-Non Commercial-Share Alike, and Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivs and the power each one have.Also, I would inform them to keep in mind; they are going to have mixed emotions on how they want their project or ideas to be shared.At times they may not mind if their ideas are modified.However, there is going to be that one project that they would want to protect and not allow anyone to remix, tweak, build upon or use for commercial use.Lastly, my students are going to be aware of people taking their work but don’t want to give credit to the owner.With all of this knowledge I would advise them to choose wisely.
My name is Yvonne Harper.I am married with two children; a daughter 22, a son 18 and a 2 year old female black Labrador. My son just graduated from high school and will be attending Rider University this September and my daughter is transferring to Kean University.I am a non-traditional student.I received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education 8 years ago and now I am pursuing my Master in Instructional Media.
I started this journey of graduated school March 14, 2011.I was very nervous about attending graduated school online.My last online course I took was disappointing. The course was extremely accelerated. I took a 3 week course and I felt it was only busy work and not work that gave me meaning. When I spoke to Wilkes’ advisor of the program she was very encouraging and supportive and that broke the ice.After completing my first week I was satisfied that I made the right choice in choosing Wilkes University.The work load is a lot but comfortable.I feel like I am learning instead of just completing a vast amount of busy work.I will recommend this program to my colleagues or anyone who may be interested in a graduated program in technology.
As stated earlier, I am a Special Education teacher.I started my career in Middle School and work there for 4 years.In 2007, our district went full time inclusion.That year my assignment changed.My principal and vice principal wanted me to teach the lower level grades.I was needed in the lower grades because I have training in the Wilson Reading Program.This program is geared to students who cannot read, have a difficult time decoding words or struggle with comprehension skills.This year I taught Pre-K to 5th grade literacy and math.
Technology is a powerful tool and it provides a wealth of information and in many cases it’s free.Google Earth gave me an opportunity to express one of my passions and organize a trip without leaving the room.The topic I covered was the Native Americans and the areas explored were their origin, their contributions and their hardships.I wanted students to demonstrate their knowledge of the United States, understand life and the events in the past and how it relates to them in the future.
In many of our history books it’s written that Christopher Columbus discovered North America.However, North America was never barren and indigenous free.The Native Americans’ ancestors came from Asia and travel throughout North America.Students will learn that people migrate for many reasons and just like the people of today they move because of a need.Students will also discover the Native Americans were smart people.
When the Europeans first came to this country many reported back to their home that the Native Americans were a wild group of people, untamed.To the contrary, they were an organized tribe with excellent agricultural skills, hunting skills and a well developed society.Many of the Native Americans befriended the Europeans, taught them how to plant, hunt for food, have domestic animals and some believe they took part of the United States’ Constitution. I believe when students use their synthesizing mind some will investigate the Iroquois Confederacy and their laws and make connection to our Constitution.Unfortunately many people still did not appreciate their value and began to complain.
Lastly, through this virtual tour my students will see the cruelty that the Native Americans experienced.Former President Andrew Jackson showed he did not have a respectful and ethnical mind.I want my students to experience what the Native Americans went through and make a connection to their own personal lives. I believe once students study the Native Americans’ culture they will realize they have many things in common.
According to Tim Tyson’s blog (2008), Julene Reed’s passion lies on collaborating with other ethnic groups and learning about their culture and creating meaningful projects such as her “Roots and Shoots” organization.Tim Tyson pointed out, “Roots and Shoots is an international organization that focuses on care and concern for animals, the environment, and the human community. Through this organization, she encourages both adults and youth to make a difference in this world, one step at a time.” (pg.1)
Students are not born knowing how to separate themselves from other ethnic groups when it comes to the respect of others. Gardner states (2008), “Infants in a nursery see or hear the distress of another infant; they signal their awareness by whimpering or crying themselves; Furthermore, Toddlers, slightly older, become proactive when confronting the distress of another” (p. 107). However, when young people grow older somehow the respect of others becomes separated and many educators see this in the classroom, at lunchtime and during recess. With this in mind, Julene wants students to think outside of the box and explore their world with an open mind through digital technology.
Thinking about her passion I began to reflect on the activities I’ve done with my afterschool students.Every month we have a culture dinner.The students get a chance to choose the meals they would like to eat.Students have a choice of Chinese, Indian, Mexican, Italian, Southern, Spanish, Portuguese and all American.Having this activity can lead me to do a culture study.Students can use digital media to explore what these cultures eat in their native country and investigate their beliefs, family life, education and the arts.Students will discover that the world they live in is not that different from the people they study in other countries. Other ethnic groups have the same values or goals but their process of getting them are different.
The driving force that echoes through the hallways, at our staff meetings and classroom is rigor.My principal wants her teachers to develop rigor in the classroom.She gave out articles on how important students should have this concept. Rigor is active, deep and it’s engaging.Creating an assignment on glogster has allowed me to make a connection to rigor and having a discipline and synthesizing mind.
The assignment I chose for glogster is figurative language and how it’s used in writing.As I mentioned earlier rigor is active.It allows students to communicate, it’s tactile, thought provoking and it’s inquisitive.This reminds me of having a discipline mind. It is taking a skill figurative language or a topic and permitting students to explore the different areas of that skill or topic and connect it to their disciplines such as, literacy, science, math, art and social studies.
Secondly, Digital Media helps the learner to visualize and comprehend the skill or subject.Using glogster can lead students to dig deeper.For example, on my glogster I linked a YouTube video clipping of the old Batman and Robin program. I remembered that Batman and Robin had words on their screen when there was a fighting scene.I did not know what those words were called until I became a teacher.When my students see this video clipping some would pose a question I wonder what other television programs have figurative language.Another example, some of my students can do additional research on a particular author who uses figurative language in his or her writings such as J. K. Rowling. J.K. Rowling uses figurative language as one of her writing styles. In the novel “Chamber of Secrets”, Rowling used personification.The tree yawned and the car burped out the suit case. Also, she used metaphors, such as “The girl was a flower.”Digging deeper reminds me of synthesizing.Using information learned and extending your knowledge to a different level.
Lastly, glogster is engaging and it builds on creativity.For example, students will see a video clipping from Discovery Education.They will view how the narrator uses figurative language to help the viewer understand the skill and teach them how to incorporate this writing style into their writing.In addition, having digital media allows the teacher to facilitate with questions and answers, help with research and projects.Students will know they are not working totally alone.
Just recently, I had the opportunity to interview a former afterschool student of mine.Jennifer is in the 8th grade and president of the student counsel.She was born in Santiago, Dominican Republic and been in the United States for 6 years.She has an outgoing personality and eager to learn and loves technology.
Jennifer’s job at the school causes her to be creative and it’s slowly moving her to have a synthesizing mind.However, it is difficult for her to be creative because our district blocks many websites.To add fuel to the fire she expressed her concerns about digital media.
As mention earlier, Jennifer was not born in this country.Speaking English and understanding it is quite challenging.She loved when the math teacher was able to show the students a math problem being taught by another teacher on YouTube.She expressed watching YouTube gave her another strategy to use for the math concepts she was learning.Also, observing digital media allows her to put a face on what she was reading in her text book.Lastly, it helped her with speaking English and understanding it.
The challenge that troubles Jennifer is the lack of digital media.YouTube is not our district’s favorite and the only way she was able to view an assignment was through her teacher’s laptop and the video was projected on the SmartBoard. In addition, Discovery Education is not blocked but it does not allow users to play the video clippings.She expressed her concern; digital media would be a great asset in our school’s community. Having digital media allows’ students to have a discipline mind for projects, a synthesizing mind when you want to extend your knowledge and being creative when the lesson calls for presentations.
Before I address “Do schools kill creativity” let’s look at the characteristics of a creative mind.Gardner (2008) points out “The creator stands out in terms of temperament, personality and stance.She is perennially dissatisfied with current work, current standards, current questions, and current answers.She strikes out in unfamiliar directions and enjoys or at least accepts being different from the pack” (p.83).Gardner and Sir Ken Robinson are similar with their thoughts about a creative mind’s character.In Robinson’s speech he talked about the behavior of a well known person, Gillian Lynne.When she was a little girl back in the 1930’s she would have been classified as a child with ADHD.However, when the mother took her to the doctor, the doctor diagnosis her as a dancer and that was her intelligence and creativity.When I read Gardner’s belief and view Robinson’s video a flood a faces popped into my head.There are many students who I know fit the criteria.However, along with these characteristics home environmental issues hinder the creativity too.Gardner also continues to describe a creative person by making the connection to a synthesizing mind.A creator Gardner (2008) “Does not shrink from that unexpected wrinkle; indeed she wants to understand it and determine whether it constitutes a trivial error, and unrepeatable fluke or an important but hitherto unknown truth” (p. 83).Knowing the characteristics saddens my heart.I believe education does kill creativity because most people who do not work in the classroom don’t understand its importance and unfortunately they are the ones making the decisions for many educators.Our focus is mainly on Literacy and math.
As a teacher of special needs I’ve talk to many parents about their children’s desires.What do they love to do? I try to tie in their gifts with education but this concept is challenging.However, this course allowed me to use other strategies that can help with creativity.I would use digital media as another support to a creative mind.For example, many of my male students love sports.I can use video clippings of the sport and I would focus on their training.This would permit me to make the connection with practice and their school work. In order to great in life one must practice and always maintain their gift.
Technology has captured the hearts and minds of many adults, teachers and students.We have gone beyond just allowing our students to surf the internet, do basic research and hand in a paper. Digital media has put a new face on how students receive, relate, interpret, construct, analyze, solve and support their learning.Having a media-infused presentation gives students the chance to extend their knowledge and add improvement to what they already know about the topic.
Just recently, I created a media-infused presentation that gave students a review on what they knew about bees such as, their anatomy and how bees make honey. However, the presentation extends much further; students developed their understanding that there are three types of bees in a hive and each bee has a job.Just like families have different jobs in the home so does insects.For example, in the hive the male drones will only mate with the queen.The female workers are to care for the lava, maintain the hive and provide honey.The queen’s job is to lay eggs.Digital media allowed the students to visually see up close the bee and they saw video clippings that validated what they understood.This segment of the presentation met the need of a discipline mind.
In addition to laying the foundation of understanding bees; the presentation also covered why bees are needed in society.Bees are pollinating insects. They travel from flower to flower and crops to crops carrying pollen.The students will discover that bees are not just honey makers but 1/3 of the food world depends on bees.They supply us with many of our food sources such as, some fruits, squash, cucumber, tomato, eggplant, nuts seeds, cotton and hay for livestock.Having this information can allow students to do additional research on how they can improve an area where bees can pollinate.Students can illustrate cleaning a neighborhood lot and make the lot a garden with an array of flowers.This activity would address the synthesizing mind.
As an Inclusion teacher, I get a chance to be a part of many activities and projects.A couple of months ago our 5th grade class had to create a geometry city using different shapes such as polygons, and quadrilaterals for buildings and they had to use several parallel lines, perpendicular lines, intersecting lines for the city’s streets.The buildings must take on a mathematical name.For example, if one of their buildings were a supermarket they could name it Median Market.To assure high results for the project the regular education teacher and I decided to have this project build in the classroom and allow the students to work in groups.At the present time of the project I was not aware of Discovery Education using “digital media as a resource for synthesizing information.”If I had the opportunity to present this assignment again, I would introduce them to video clippings such as, lines and angles that would incorporate polygons and quadrilateral for buildings, parallel lines, perpendicular lines, and intersecting lines.I know that many students do not observe their surroundings with a critical eye when they walk home or even play outside.So, allowing students to view these videos gives them a connection and to take a closer look at their surroundings.This would permit them to bring in the outside to their project.
Once the students’ viewed the videos they will begin to plan their project.Students will compile, discuss, estimate, and improve their city.As facilitators the math teacher and I will pose several questions and these questions will allow them to synthesize their mind.For example, we will ask what could be combined to improve your city, If you came across a problem with your road what changes would you make to solve this and what way would you design your buildings?These questions promote students to think outside the box and use their critical thinking skills.
Citations
Barton, L. G. (1997). Quick Flip Questions for Critical Thinking. Dana Point: Edupress, Inc.
Studios, D. (Director). (2005). Lines and Angles [Motion Picture].
Exploring Discovery Education gave me fond memories of my past.I saw video clippings that I have not seen since the late 80’s and the 90’s such as, The Magic School House Bus.I loved that program because it taught children and adults science on many different levels.Children had the opportunity to visualize it, and the program showed them step by step how things operate.Knowing this about Discovery Education allows me to welcome Digital Media into my classroom.
Many times teachers are constantly looking for resources that will put the seasonings/condiments in the lesson.The topic I will teach is Literacy – what are verbs and my objective will be bringing action into your writing by writing verbs.Discovery Education meets the need of the students and teachers. Students will view the video clipping what are action verbs, American West and lastly use a game on verbs.Digital Media permits’ students to put a face on the words they read in their text books.My lesson on action verbs will explains what they are, and give students an understanding on how to use verbs correctly in a sentence. Furthermore, the video teaches’ students to observe the clipping on animals in Africa and write sentences explaining the action.Then, the students will model the same writing activity after they saw American West.From that lesson some students will use their acting skills by creating a skit or present their work through oral presentation.Lastly, students will create a narrative essay where verbs are presented.I believe, Discovery Education is a scaffold and the program permits me to address the learning styles of students such as, the tactile learner, the visual learning, the kinesthetic learner and the audio learner.
Citation
Verbs: Where the Action Is [Video Segment]. Available from http://www.discoveryeducation.com/
Hello my name is Yvonne Harper. I am a wife, a mother of 2 children, a planner, a chef/short order cook, an accountant, travel agent and psychologist.I am a special education teacher; working in an inclusion setting for K – 5th grade.
My primary goal is to learn how digital media can best benefit me as a teacher and how I can execute my knowledge to my students so they can be productive learners in digital media.
My philosophy of education is recognizing that all students can learn and they learn differently. Education is a powerful tool if used correctly. Some of our greatest minds of today were taught by teachers who addressed needs, enhanced intellect, developed character and uplift the spirit.
The greatest benefit I see in using technology is allowing students to put a face on the information they read from the text book.Technology gives visual and audio and it allows the students to explore without leaving the room or spend money.
The biggest problem is when technology does not work.I have planned wonderful lessons and the server was down or busy.
At my school we use the SmartBoard.Just recently, I took my 5th grade class to the computer lab and showed them a text feature lesson on the SmartBoard.It was colorful and interactive.
My classroom today has 2 to 3 computers, SmartBoard and television with a DVD player. Whereas, when I went to school all of my information came from the teacher, text books and library.
