I have been looking forward to this reflection for some time now. I have several strong opinions about this course, and feel that the feedback gained from the people who have completed the 11 Tools is extremely important.
First off, I want to say that the 11 Tools for the 21st Century Learner has been one of the best staff development workshops I have ever completed!! I gained a huge amount of valuable knowledge regarding technology, and feel very comfortable as I begin to develop lessons and projects utilizing the 11 Tools.
I feel that this course should be required for all classroom teachers. There is no way to avoid the transition toward a “wired” society, and educators must stay at the forefront in order to meet the constantly changing needs of our students. This course is an excellent way to familiarize and even master many different technology tools that are relevant to the classroom. That being said, I do have some issues with this course that should be addressed.
My biggest concern is the time and credit associated with completing this course. According to the profile, we will receive 9 hours of non-contract credit for finishing the required assignments. I am under the impression that credit hours should reasonably correlate with actual time. If this is true, then 9 hours is a gross underestimate of the time it takes to complete all 11 Tools. I consider myself very computer literate and technologically savvy. While I was not familiar with all of the Tools, I had no trouble following the directions given for completing the assignments, and I did not require any outside assistance. I did at times feel that my existing knowledge base was essential in completing some of the assignments. I often wondered how someone with less computer experience might have reacted to this project. How much did they struggle? How great was their frustration?
A conservative estimate of the actual time I spent on this project would fall in the 30-40 hour range. I recognize that I probably went way beyond what is required for each tool, and could have finished in less time. Though, even with bare minimal effort, there is no way I could have completed this entire project anywhere close to the estimated time frame. However, I think my willingness to spend the extra hours directly relates to the importance of this staff development. I really internalized each tool, and tried to post thoughtful and meaningful information about my experiences, and most of all, my plans for classroom integration. Anything less would still meet the requirements to get credit, but would defeat the purpose of this extremely valuable course.
I also feel that my fairly quiet summer allowed me to truly embrace this staff development, and devote the time needed to create something of quality. I am not sure that my final opinion would be as positive, if the pressures of a family, summer job, or constant traveling were dominating my time. Had this course been required during the school year, I’m afraid I would have felt immediately consumed and overwhelmed.
I hope that my criticism of the 11 Tools staff development is viewed as constructive. Any negative feelings about this course stem from an intense desire to improve it. I feel very strongly about the benefits I acquired from completing it, and hope that with some tweaking, it will become a required district initiative.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
Tool #11
I feel that this post is the most important of the course. Ending with Digital Citizenship has kept it fresh in my mind, and helped me realize that it should be addressed in my classroom before ANY of the preceding tools.
The technology train has started rolling, and our kids are already on board. It is the responsibility of adults, parents and educators to emphasize and teach Digital Citizenship to our students. We don't assume that kids come to elementary school knowing everything about manners, safety, or academics; so why would we assume they already understand Digital Citizenship? We would never leave children unattended on the playground, so why would we think they can handle technology alone? Just like anything else, successful teaching of Digital Citizenship should happen in age appropriate steps, with constant monitoring. If we aren't doing our part to educate kids about the appropriate use of technology, then we alone are responsible when negative, even dangerous events occur.
There is much to teach about Digital Citizenship, but I have narrowed down what I feel to be the most relevant and important topics.
Safety
The teaching of Internet and technology safety is extremely important. It can be easy for student's to assume that they are safe while using technology, because they are comfortable in the environments where technology is accessible, e.g., home and school.
We teach our children to never talk or interact with strangers. But have we also taught them that strangers can be found online? Kids need to understand that posting personal information or pictures can be as dangerous as climbing into a car with someone that they don't know.
In my classroom, I will teach technology safety in numerous ways. I think that an open discussion about the potential dangers is an important method to get the conversation started. It also will allow me to gain feedback and perspective on my student’s existing opinions. Posted guidelines, as well as constant verbal reminders are also important.
Validity
Technology and Internet advances have made the accessibility to information incredibly easy. When used appropriately, the Internet can be a great tool for research. However, it should never be the only source of acquiring information. Our student's need to understand that not everything they read online is valid, and that the Internet should be used in conjunction with other resources like the library.
Students should also know how to appropriately cite sources, including those obtained online. The ease of finding information on the web might make student’s think that it is up for grabs. The ethical and legal implications of plagiarism should be stressed, so that kids do not develop bad research habits that could follow them into adulthood.
Research projects in my classroom will most likely center around a particular artist. I would allow students to use one online or Internet resource, but would require other sources as well. Continuing to familiarize kids with the library, as well as the appropriate means in finding primary sources, is key in balancing the ways our students gain information.
Etiquette
Learning good manners is an important part of socialization. We want our kids to interact appropriately with others. However, please’s, thank you’s and the Golden Rule should extend beyond face to face contact. As more and more human interaction occurs via technology, we must make sure that good etiquette is practiced across all means of communication.
Emily Post may not have had email, text messages, or blogs in mind when writing her book on etiquette, but she certainly understood the importance of developing good communication practices. Just because we may not be looking a person in the eye, does not mean that they deserve any less respect. If anything, we should be more mindful of how we communicate through technology, because we don’t have the benefit of other clues like tone and body language. Therefore, it is easier for words and phrases to be misinterpreted.
The teaching of manners with regard to technology is essential, but it should not stop there. We need to address another more serious issue that has recently been making headlines. The rise in online harassment, or “cyber-bullying”, is a phenomenon that can have devastating and even tragic results. The lack of face to face confrontation can lead to an environment where people feel comfortable behaving in a manner that would never happen under different circumstances. Unfortunately, cases of cyber-bullying have involved children in elementary school.
To me, the old saying about “sticks and stones” does not hold much wisdom. In fact, I feel that words, both positive and negative, can have powerful effects that last much longer than anything physical. Using methods like, open discussions, role playing and active monitoring, students will come to understand and appreciate the strength of words, and the importance of appropriate communication through technology.
“Manners are like primary colors, there are certain rules and once you have these you merely mix, i.e., adapt, them to meet changing situations.” -Emily Post
The technology train has started rolling, and our kids are already on board. It is the responsibility of adults, parents and educators to emphasize and teach Digital Citizenship to our students. We don't assume that kids come to elementary school knowing everything about manners, safety, or academics; so why would we assume they already understand Digital Citizenship? We would never leave children unattended on the playground, so why would we think they can handle technology alone? Just like anything else, successful teaching of Digital Citizenship should happen in age appropriate steps, with constant monitoring. If we aren't doing our part to educate kids about the appropriate use of technology, then we alone are responsible when negative, even dangerous events occur.
There is much to teach about Digital Citizenship, but I have narrowed down what I feel to be the most relevant and important topics.
Safety
The teaching of Internet and technology safety is extremely important. It can be easy for student's to assume that they are safe while using technology, because they are comfortable in the environments where technology is accessible, e.g., home and school.
We teach our children to never talk or interact with strangers. But have we also taught them that strangers can be found online? Kids need to understand that posting personal information or pictures can be as dangerous as climbing into a car with someone that they don't know.
In my classroom, I will teach technology safety in numerous ways. I think that an open discussion about the potential dangers is an important method to get the conversation started. It also will allow me to gain feedback and perspective on my student’s existing opinions. Posted guidelines, as well as constant verbal reminders are also important.
Validity
Technology and Internet advances have made the accessibility to information incredibly easy. When used appropriately, the Internet can be a great tool for research. However, it should never be the only source of acquiring information. Our student's need to understand that not everything they read online is valid, and that the Internet should be used in conjunction with other resources like the library.
Students should also know how to appropriately cite sources, including those obtained online. The ease of finding information on the web might make student’s think that it is up for grabs. The ethical and legal implications of plagiarism should be stressed, so that kids do not develop bad research habits that could follow them into adulthood.
Research projects in my classroom will most likely center around a particular artist. I would allow students to use one online or Internet resource, but would require other sources as well. Continuing to familiarize kids with the library, as well as the appropriate means in finding primary sources, is key in balancing the ways our students gain information.
Etiquette
Learning good manners is an important part of socialization. We want our kids to interact appropriately with others. However, please’s, thank you’s and the Golden Rule should extend beyond face to face contact. As more and more human interaction occurs via technology, we must make sure that good etiquette is practiced across all means of communication.
Emily Post may not have had email, text messages, or blogs in mind when writing her book on etiquette, but she certainly understood the importance of developing good communication practices. Just because we may not be looking a person in the eye, does not mean that they deserve any less respect. If anything, we should be more mindful of how we communicate through technology, because we don’t have the benefit of other clues like tone and body language. Therefore, it is easier for words and phrases to be misinterpreted.
The teaching of manners with regard to technology is essential, but it should not stop there. We need to address another more serious issue that has recently been making headlines. The rise in online harassment, or “cyber-bullying”, is a phenomenon that can have devastating and even tragic results. The lack of face to face confrontation can lead to an environment where people feel comfortable behaving in a manner that would never happen under different circumstances. Unfortunately, cases of cyber-bullying have involved children in elementary school.
To me, the old saying about “sticks and stones” does not hold much wisdom. In fact, I feel that words, both positive and negative, can have powerful effects that last much longer than anything physical. Using methods like, open discussions, role playing and active monitoring, students will come to understand and appreciate the strength of words, and the importance of appropriate communication through technology.
“Manners are like primary colors, there are certain rules and once you have these you merely mix, i.e., adapt, them to meet changing situations.” -Emily Post
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tool #10
I was very excited about this assignment. I have had an iPhone for several years, but have not really explored education related apps. This project gave me a chance to research some art programs that I could implement into my curriculum...or so I thought.
When I began searching for "free" art related apps, I became very confident that this assignment would be a snap to complete. An overwhelming (almost sensory overload) amount of results appeared. It would take forever to research and explore them all, so I began downloading the ones that initially looked promising. I quickly added 6 new apps to my phone, and couldn't wait to dive in.
Unfortunately, my excitement was short lived as I soon realized that this assignment was going to be harder than I thought. Out of the first 6 apps, there was only one that I could really see using in my classroom, and it has some issues. I was disappointed, but still optimistic. I went back to the App Store and uploaded several more programs. As the hours passed by, I became more frustrated, but no closer to completing this task. On the bright side, I was able to pinpoint the problem.
The source of my aggravation came down to clams, doubloons, moolah, and dinero. Whatever you want to call it, MONEY was preventing me from happily moving on with this assignment. Almost all of the apps that I really wanted cost money, and the directions explicitly said to research "free" educational programs. Now, you might be thinking that many applications have "lite" or free versions of the original programs. I can easily sum up these imposter's as a big waste of time. They basically exist to show you what you're not getting, so that you break down and pay for the full version. To add insult to injury, they are riddled with annoying adds and pop-ups. While I was playing with one "kid friendly" app, a pop-up appeared that wanted to test my knowledge of guns! Wouldn't that be exciting for my ELEMENTARY school students to see...
In the end, I did find an amazing, must-have app; but unfortunately it was not free. However, I feel the cost would be insignificant when compared to the potential creativity and product this app could promote. Hopefully, exceptions will be made to include some of these extraordinary programs on the district list, even with the added expense.
Art Lite (Free)
This program is a partial version of the ART app. It features biographies of 11 famous artists, as well as examples of their artwork. It also contains a quiz section, that tests your knowledge of different masterpieces.
Even though this version is limited, (the full version features 204 artists), the included information is thorough. The 11 selected artists are important, and I already teach many lessons that are influenced by them. This would make the implementation of this app into my curriculum very easy.
One drawback to this program is that the images, while beautiful, are not all appropriate for children. Some of the paintings contain nudity that would pose a problem in my classroom. However, there is a parental control setting that would allow me to filter out any inappropriate content. This is a very helpful feature, but enabling this setting would further diminish the already narrow subject matter.
Brushes ($4.99)
This is a drawing/painting application where you can create original artworks with the tip of your finger. It also allows you to enhance existing photographs from your iPhone/iTouch gallery. The features and effects are absolutely stunning. I am still in total disbelief over the quality of artwork that has been created using this program.
The professional quality features would offer endless creative possibilities at any level. It is user-friendly, but does take some time and practice to become comfortable with all of the elements. I feel that any of my elementary student's could use this program, but certainly my older kids could take it to the next level.
In my opinion, the only drawback to this application is the cost. $4.99 is pretty expensive when compared to other iTouch programs. However, after experiencing it for myself, I found it to be worth every penny.
Below is a clip from ABC news that highlights this remarkable application.
When I began searching for "free" art related apps, I became very confident that this assignment would be a snap to complete. An overwhelming (almost sensory overload) amount of results appeared. It would take forever to research and explore them all, so I began downloading the ones that initially looked promising. I quickly added 6 new apps to my phone, and couldn't wait to dive in.
Unfortunately, my excitement was short lived as I soon realized that this assignment was going to be harder than I thought. Out of the first 6 apps, there was only one that I could really see using in my classroom, and it has some issues. I was disappointed, but still optimistic. I went back to the App Store and uploaded several more programs. As the hours passed by, I became more frustrated, but no closer to completing this task. On the bright side, I was able to pinpoint the problem.
The source of my aggravation came down to clams, doubloons, moolah, and dinero. Whatever you want to call it, MONEY was preventing me from happily moving on with this assignment. Almost all of the apps that I really wanted cost money, and the directions explicitly said to research "free" educational programs. Now, you might be thinking that many applications have "lite" or free versions of the original programs. I can easily sum up these imposter's as a big waste of time. They basically exist to show you what you're not getting, so that you break down and pay for the full version. To add insult to injury, they are riddled with annoying adds and pop-ups. While I was playing with one "kid friendly" app, a pop-up appeared that wanted to test my knowledge of guns! Wouldn't that be exciting for my ELEMENTARY school students to see...
In the end, I did find an amazing, must-have app; but unfortunately it was not free. However, I feel the cost would be insignificant when compared to the potential creativity and product this app could promote. Hopefully, exceptions will be made to include some of these extraordinary programs on the district list, even with the added expense.
Art Lite (Free)
This program is a partial version of the ART app. It features biographies of 11 famous artists, as well as examples of their artwork. It also contains a quiz section, that tests your knowledge of different masterpieces.
Even though this version is limited, (the full version features 204 artists), the included information is thorough. The 11 selected artists are important, and I already teach many lessons that are influenced by them. This would make the implementation of this app into my curriculum very easy.
One drawback to this program is that the images, while beautiful, are not all appropriate for children. Some of the paintings contain nudity that would pose a problem in my classroom. However, there is a parental control setting that would allow me to filter out any inappropriate content. This is a very helpful feature, but enabling this setting would further diminish the already narrow subject matter.
Brushes ($4.99)
This is a drawing/painting application where you can create original artworks with the tip of your finger. It also allows you to enhance existing photographs from your iPhone/iTouch gallery. The features and effects are absolutely stunning. I am still in total disbelief over the quality of artwork that has been created using this program.
The professional quality features would offer endless creative possibilities at any level. It is user-friendly, but does take some time and practice to become comfortable with all of the elements. I feel that any of my elementary student's could use this program, but certainly my older kids could take it to the next level.
In my opinion, the only drawback to this application is the cost. $4.99 is pretty expensive when compared to other iTouch programs. However, after experiencing it for myself, I found it to be worth every penny.
Below is a clip from ABC news that highlights this remarkable application.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Tool #9
For this assignment, I explored three different programs that help you to easily share information with people anywhere in the world. Below I have written brief descriptions of each, as well as examples of ways that I can use them in my classroom.
Jing
Jing is a program that lets you save pictures of your computer screen, while using any program or format. It also allows you to animate, record, and narrate a series of actions or screen shots.
Screencast
Screencast is a program that allows you to assign a hotlink to your screen shots or videos. The links can easily be added to emails, posts, blogs, etc.
Skype
Skype is a program that allows people to have live communication using both audio and video features.
Jing
Jing is a program that lets you save pictures of your computer screen, while using any program or format. It also allows you to animate, record, and narrate a series of actions or screen shots.
- I can create tutorials that show my student's how to use different computer art programs like Photoshop and Kid Pix.
- I can create tutorials that show parents how to register on the online art gallery, Artsonia.
- I can use the HTML code feature to embed my tutorials onto my blog. This will save time, as well as paper.
- Students can create screen shots that illustrate a specific computer issue or problem they are having, when away from the classroom. It will be easier for teachers to address and solve problems, when able to physically see what is happening.
Screencast
Screencast is a program that allows you to assign a hotlink to your screen shots or videos. The links can easily be added to emails, posts, blogs, etc.
- Students can assign a link to the screen shots that they have created in Jing. The links can be emailed to the appropriate person for almost immediate feedback or help.
- Teachers can use the hotlink feature to email Desktop Support (GEEK) with a visual image of their specific computer issue. Time and effort could be saved, because problems might be solved without an on-site visit.
Skype
Skype is a program that allows people to have live communication using both audio and video features.
- Visiting artists can share and present to students, without ever leaving their studios. This would help eliminate logistical issues like travel expenses, scheduling conflicts, and the transportation of artwork. It would also dramatically increase the "special guest" pool, because there would be no geographic limitations.
- Students could establish communication with other children, anywhere in the world. They could then use art to collaborate on a truly "global" level. The cultural exposure, and life experiences gained through this kind of project, could be life changing.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Tool #8
For this assignment, I searched Blinkx for relevant art related videos. I liked that it searched many different video sites at once. I also appreciated that it did seem to filter "inappropriate" content, which can be a problem when doing art searches. However, I did not like how Blinkx constantly played previews of random videos during my searches. I found it to be very distracting. I wanted to mute my computer volume, but that became a chore, b/c I needed volume for the videos I wanted to hear. There might be a way to disable the feature, but I couldn't find it.
I see myself using video clips frequently in my classroom. Engaging visuals are always a good way to "hook" student's, and are essential in teaching and discussing art.
The first video I selected features artist Phil Hansen. The clip shows him creating a painting of Bruce Lee, using only karate chop motions, and the sides of his hands.
The second video I selected is about Georgia O'Keefe. It combines biography information with images of her artwork. I would use this video while introducing a new lesson related to the artist.
I also added a YouTube video to my sidebar. It is a fun clip that highlights different qualities that art can teach. I think this would be a great video to show to my older student's during the first week of school. As an introduction activity, student's could discuss the different traits, and share how they think art can teach them.
I see myself using video clips frequently in my classroom. Engaging visuals are always a good way to "hook" student's, and are essential in teaching and discussing art.
The first video I selected features artist Phil Hansen. The clip shows him creating a painting of Bruce Lee, using only karate chop motions, and the sides of his hands.
I also added a YouTube video to my sidebar. It is a fun clip that highlights different qualities that art can teach. I think this would be a great video to show to my older student's during the first week of school. As an introduction activity, student's could discuss the different traits, and share how they think art can teach them.
Tool #7
I had a great time using Windows Photo Story. I was already familiar with Windows Movie Maker, which is a more complex program, but essential for creating more sophisticated digital stories.
I found Photo Story to be somewhat limited in its editing capabilities, but perfect for someone wanting to make a quick, good looking, digital story. However, I still spent almost two days creating my slide show for this assignment, but that's just me!
Photo Story is very user friendly, and would be appropriate for elementary students. The final result is similar to a project created with Animoto, but with Photo Story, you do all of the work yourself, and therefore have more control over the final result.
In my art room, I could use Photo Story to create eye catching introductions to new artists, styles, or lessons. It would also be a great way for student's to make digital portfolios of their artwork. They could conceivably end up with a slide show highlighting every piece of art created in my classroom, over several years.
For this assignment, I created a digital story about some of the projects created in my classroom. It highlights several student examples, from every grade level. I am planning on having it play during Back To School night, Curriculum Night, or Meet the Teacher.
I found Photo Story to be somewhat limited in its editing capabilities, but perfect for someone wanting to make a quick, good looking, digital story. However, I still spent almost two days creating my slide show for this assignment, but that's just me!
Photo Story is very user friendly, and would be appropriate for elementary students. The final result is similar to a project created with Animoto, but with Photo Story, you do all of the work yourself, and therefore have more control over the final result.
In my art room, I could use Photo Story to create eye catching introductions to new artists, styles, or lessons. It would also be a great way for student's to make digital portfolios of their artwork. They could conceivably end up with a slide show highlighting every piece of art created in my classroom, over several years.
For this assignment, I created a digital story about some of the projects created in my classroom. It highlights several student examples, from every grade level. I am planning on having it play during Back To School night, Curriculum Night, or Meet the Teacher.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Tool #6
I was familiar with Wikipedia before this assignment, but did not realize the extent to which wiki's are used. In a bit of irony, I actually searched "wiki" on Wikipedia to get more information on the subject :-)
I see many beneficial uses of wiki's in the classroom. The ability for students to collaborate on projects or subjects from anywhere is really cool. Also, I think the fact that wiki's are published on the web, will be a confidence booster for kids. I also think it could push them farther in their contributions, because everyone can see it.
I am trying to think of ways to use wiki's in the art classroom. One thing that pops in my head would be some kind of collaborative project with another art class, possibly in another country...
I see many beneficial uses of wiki's in the classroom. The ability for students to collaborate on projects or subjects from anywhere is really cool. Also, I think the fact that wiki's are published on the web, will be a confidence booster for kids. I also think it could push them farther in their contributions, because everyone can see it.
I am trying to think of ways to use wiki's in the art classroom. One thing that pops in my head would be some kind of collaborative project with another art class, possibly in another country...
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