Georgia Art Education Association Conference at St. Simons Island April 2009 View from Coastal Kitchen Restaurant.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Reflection
REFLECTION FOR COURSE EDUC-67101-2
Reflection for Course EDUC-67101-2
Victoria Menna-Perez
Walden University
A New Mind Set
EDUC-67101-2
Kevin Jarrett
April 23, 2009
Reflection for Course EDUC-67101-2
This course, “Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society” has fulfilled the S1.1 Specialization outcome by offering resources that have deepened my understanding of what education in the 21st century should become. I have gained increased understanding of this by listening to the expert presenters such as Dr. David Thornberg and Dr. Chris Dede discuss how education should include more producing and discovery. Reading articles such as Marc Prensky’s “Turning On the Lights” has lead me to “acknowledge that today’s kids grow up differently and that students are enlightened by all their various connections to the world” (Prensky, 2008). Watching YouTube videos was enlightening because it highlighted all the hours each day that students multitask using digital methods. The discussions I participated in allowed me to see what other professional educators are teaching in their classrooms. I learned that they are using technology based projects to explain knowledge. I recognize that they must adapt and overcome institutional barriers.
This evolving role is progressing smoothly with the help of this course. I am changing to satisfy the demands of the digital natives. This course has raised my awareness of learning perspectives. The applications of this course have strengthened my confidence for using the Web 2.0 methods for researching and (learning) activities for the students. It has taught me to create blogs, wikis, and pod casts. I am infusing new pedagogical skills into my learning environment. Presently students in the Perez art room are filming their constructive commercials. Because this course has shown me that students can reach a zone of proximal level as explained by Dr. David Thornburg, a theory from Vygostsky, I am depending on the students for guidance with the video camera. They have reached that zone with this project because I am no longer a teacher-centered classroom environment. This environment will allow the students to grow and improve on their methods with the Web 2.0 practice at home as well as in school. Students can bring new ideas from the home back to the classroom.
By creating small communities where new roles are acted upon, my students will learn to be successful in their future. The future brings communications from across the globe in our now flattened world. My future as an art teacher will improve because the experiences from EDUC-67101-2, “Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society” has given me adaptability, knowledge, and practices to become a 21st century teacher.
Reflection for Course EDUC-67101-2
Victoria Menna-Perez
Walden University
A New Mind Set
EDUC-67101-2
Kevin Jarrett
April 23, 2009
Reflection for Course EDUC-67101-2
This course, “Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society” has fulfilled the S1.1 Specialization outcome by offering resources that have deepened my understanding of what education in the 21st century should become. I have gained increased understanding of this by listening to the expert presenters such as Dr. David Thornberg and Dr. Chris Dede discuss how education should include more producing and discovery. Reading articles such as Marc Prensky’s “Turning On the Lights” has lead me to “acknowledge that today’s kids grow up differently and that students are enlightened by all their various connections to the world” (Prensky, 2008). Watching YouTube videos was enlightening because it highlighted all the hours each day that students multitask using digital methods. The discussions I participated in allowed me to see what other professional educators are teaching in their classrooms. I learned that they are using technology based projects to explain knowledge. I recognize that they must adapt and overcome institutional barriers.
This evolving role is progressing smoothly with the help of this course. I am changing to satisfy the demands of the digital natives. This course has raised my awareness of learning perspectives. The applications of this course have strengthened my confidence for using the Web 2.0 methods for researching and (learning) activities for the students. It has taught me to create blogs, wikis, and pod casts. I am infusing new pedagogical skills into my learning environment. Presently students in the Perez art room are filming their constructive commercials. Because this course has shown me that students can reach a zone of proximal level as explained by Dr. David Thornburg, a theory from Vygostsky, I am depending on the students for guidance with the video camera. They have reached that zone with this project because I am no longer a teacher-centered classroom environment. This environment will allow the students to grow and improve on their methods with the Web 2.0 practice at home as well as in school. Students can bring new ideas from the home back to the classroom.
By creating small communities where new roles are acted upon, my students will learn to be successful in their future. The future brings communications from across the globe in our now flattened world. My future as an art teacher will improve because the experiences from EDUC-67101-2, “Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society” has given me adaptability, knowledge, and practices to become a 21st century teacher.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Final Conclusion
In what ways can I continue to expand my knowledge of learning, teaching, and leading with technology with the aim of increasing student achievement?
I pledge to attend any technologically education related opportunities that the county has to offer. I also would like to learn photo shop and other creative programs to increase creative ideas using digitize ways. Although my students will not have these programs available, I know that the high school offers more, and the more I can tell them and share with them, they will have a heads up view on the opportunities. Expanding my knowledge right now will involve continual communication with other art teachers who use technology in the classroom. I enjoy blogging with teachers on the Art Education 2.0 blog and can learn from them ideas for lessons. Ways to use digital art are contagious. I brought a video camera in my room and the students are all enjoying practicing and filming with it. Several students brought in their own cameras without being asked! Student achievment also takes place at home. If I can generate ideas, excitment and practice, the students will take that home with them as well as return with practices they can share from home in the class.
Conclusion: A New Mind-set-Reflection Part 2
In What ways Have I Changed My Perspective from Being Teacher-Centered to Learner Centered?
Several ways contribute to my teaching becoming learner centered and not teacher centered. The first way is how I now set up a learning place that offers opportunities for individuals and small cooperative groups. Both groups have potential to reach their zones of proximal levels and only need me to facilitate and encourage. Also, I model when I do not know something. I tell my students, " lets find out". My perspective is about breaking down the walls of the teacher being the end all expert and students just the receiver of information. Rather, they can learn more, their personal interests can be integrated into their studies, and they can see that knowledge needs to move beyond the teacher. As one Utube video showed, www whenever, whatever, whenever. I plan on implementing my students to become contributors and links to the world.
"This video by Nokia was played at the Geelong eLearning conference and gives an interesting insight into how technology has impacted on our society over time. It talks about the “fourth screen” which means devices such as mobiles and pocket PCs now allow us to communicate and access information “anywhere and anytime”.
"Web 2.0 is being embraced in education as it can make learning more collaborative, personalised and innovative. While teachers and students must make themselves aware of security issues with using Web 2.0 technologies, there are so many fantastic opportunities for enriching teaching and learning which must not be missed!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V-2qQS3NY0&feature=player_embedded
My Two Long-term Goals Within Two Years for Transforming My Classroom Environment by Which I May have to Overcome Institutional or Systemic Obstacles.
Physically the art room needs a new LCD projector installed in the ceiling. The rolling cart takes up unnecessary space which interferes with table arrangements. Part of my goals are to complete several more grants and hope I am awarded the gift money to implement needed change. I would like several more computers in my art room. Five computers times two students would allow more students to get right on the Web 2.0 and research or journal in a class blog. I would like students to create several pod casts and have them published. The obstacles are preventing me from showing my students poignant Utube art related videos would have to be overcome with me purchasing my own laptop with Internet service to use in the classroom. I plan on fusing as much Web 2.0 research and constructive projects in next year with a few hands on art projects. Ironically, because of budget cuts and poor money handling on the part of the Superintendent and his cronies, I will be a poor art teacher. But, the Web 2.0 will bring enrichment to my students and connections to the world wide web.
"Web 2.0 is being embraced in education as it can make learning more collaborative, personalised and innovative. While teachers and students must make themselves aware of security issues with using Web 2.0 technologies, there are so many fantastic opportunities for enriching teaching and learning which must not be missed!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V-2qQS3NY0&feature=player_embedded
My Two Long-term Goals Within Two Years for Transforming My Classroom Environment by Which I May have to Overcome Institutional or Systemic Obstacles.
Physically the art room needs a new LCD projector installed in the ceiling. The rolling cart takes up unnecessary space which interferes with table arrangements. Part of my goals are to complete several more grants and hope I am awarded the gift money to implement needed change. I would like several more computers in my art room. Five computers times two students would allow more students to get right on the Web 2.0 and research or journal in a class blog. I would like students to create several pod casts and have them published. The obstacles are preventing me from showing my students poignant Utube art related videos would have to be overcome with me purchasing my own laptop with Internet service to use in the classroom. I plan on fusing as much Web 2.0 research and constructive projects in next year with a few hands on art projects. Ironically, because of budget cuts and poor money handling on the part of the Superintendent and his cronies, I will be a poor art teacher. But, the Web 2.0 will bring enrichment to my students and connections to the world wide web.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Conclusion: A New Mind-set- Reflection part 1
Ways This Course Has Helped Develop Me as a Professional Teacher
My new found technological knowledge and practices have created a good Web 2.0 operator who no longer is fearful of clicking and maneuvering. With that said, this professional teacher is integrating (could not wait) digital opportunities for her middle school students. This course has given me cause to like my job more. I volunteered this week to attend an all day workshop in May (no teacher credits) to learn a new Homework Hot line service. Unknown to me, the previous service has been cancelled and a new one is taking over. Since I had no training on the 'old' HW Hot line, I want to be there from the get go for the new system. I will train others. What is nice, is that I will know what to look for in this new program. I hope there is a blog opportunity comparable to one like this. Professionally I am developing more connections for teaching opportunities that are still creative, but will integrate cameras, camcorders, and perhaps cell phones in the near future. Right now, my seventh grade classes are almost ready to film their gum commercials! This is a new adventure and it is great to see them all discuss who is going to be the camera operator! Several students are actually doing work at home to prepare!
In What Ways Have You Deepened Your Knowledge of the Teaching and Learning Process?
Understanding what ownership means for my students as an author, editor, creator of
blogs, wikkis, or future videos is what I have learned what will become the most important element for the the 21st century learning process. Giving students the tools to find their own information and create with it is exciting. As an art teacher, I give students the tools to build tangible, creative art. But, these are Digital Natives. They must be allowed to 'show off' their work as editors, collaborators, and publishers. They can build with their gathered knowledge and take ownership. Instead of handing in hard copies to their teachers and knowing the grade ends there, the opposite takes place with technology. They believe because they are publishing their work for the world to see, it is so much more important. Therefore, my students will work harder and put more of themselves into it. I also understand that linking projects with others, be it in the classroom, where skill sharing can take place, or with another school, will allow my students to gain much needed corporate communication skills as well as feeling connected to the world.
My new found technological knowledge and practices have created a good Web 2.0 operator who no longer is fearful of clicking and maneuvering. With that said, this professional teacher is integrating (could not wait) digital opportunities for her middle school students. This course has given me cause to like my job more. I volunteered this week to attend an all day workshop in May (no teacher credits) to learn a new Homework Hot line service. Unknown to me, the previous service has been cancelled and a new one is taking over. Since I had no training on the 'old' HW Hot line, I want to be there from the get go for the new system. I will train others. What is nice, is that I will know what to look for in this new program. I hope there is a blog opportunity comparable to one like this. Professionally I am developing more connections for teaching opportunities that are still creative, but will integrate cameras, camcorders, and perhaps cell phones in the near future. Right now, my seventh grade classes are almost ready to film their gum commercials! This is a new adventure and it is great to see them all discuss who is going to be the camera operator! Several students are actually doing work at home to prepare!
In What Ways Have You Deepened Your Knowledge of the Teaching and Learning Process?
Understanding what ownership means for my students as an author, editor, creator of
blogs, wikkis, or future videos is what I have learned what will become the most important element for the the 21st century learning process. Giving students the tools to find their own information and create with it is exciting. As an art teacher, I give students the tools to build tangible, creative art. But, these are Digital Natives. They must be allowed to 'show off' their work as editors, collaborators, and publishers. They can build with their gathered knowledge and take ownership. Instead of handing in hard copies to their teachers and knowing the grade ends there, the opposite takes place with technology. They believe because they are publishing their work for the world to see, it is so much more important. Therefore, my students will work harder and put more of themselves into it. I also understand that linking projects with others, be it in the classroom, where skill sharing can take place, or with another school, will allow my students to gain much needed corporate communication skills as well as feeling connected to the world.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Tech and Learning Thoughts
This weeks coming assignment is to plan a technological activity that includes learning outcomes, skills, and content area objectives or standards. Standards should include the state's technological and content areas. I have a few ideas but would like to plan one activity that I could really follow through on by the next school year. I am told that there is one teacher at my school that has a blog. I am wondering if I can get permission to do the same. I'm still trying to figure out and use the homework hot line at my school.
The pod casts all sound great from my Walden classmates. I notice some could edit, others like me recorded it all at the same time. I am writing a grant to give the school where I teach headsets with speakers and perhaps a year or two of podcast registration for a company such at Gcast. I will have to contact technology in the county and see what their thoughts are. There may be a podcast site they recommend.
As I take baby steps in learning more about classroom technology, many of my peers will be staying behind. Perhaps a slight nudge to the right people can help. vmp
The pod casts all sound great from my Walden classmates. I notice some could edit, others like me recorded it all at the same time. I am writing a grant to give the school where I teach headsets with speakers and perhaps a year or two of podcast registration for a company such at Gcast. I will have to contact technology in the county and see what their thoughts are. There may be a podcast site they recommend.
As I take baby steps in learning more about classroom technology, many of my peers will be staying behind. Perhaps a slight nudge to the right people can help. vmp
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