Journal # 10

Journal #10
Fitting the Pieces Together
Patricia A. Yost
L & L with Technology-Nov.

Two and a half years ago, Pennsylvania embarked on a pilot program to develop a model for successful integration of technology into the classroom. Their main objective was to help teachers and students to incorporate technology into their studies so that it would inspire higher–order thinking and learning. The teachers were provided with the appropriate support and time to learn and implement this new tool.
Each teacher was supplied with a laptop computer, and shared a video projector with another. They were taught how to create a three-minute video segment and slideshow. They were shown websites, rubric makers and online quiz generators.
What started out as an unknown pilot adventure, has turned out very successful. It has succeeded in building confidence in teacher’s use of technology, and helped teachers to try new things and incorporate them into their teaching.

1. Would I be interested in a shared database on my districts File Maker server where teachers share lessons, tips, strategies and documents?
Absolutely! I love to collaborate with my peers on new ideas or lessons that worked well for them. We can all learn from each other, and by having a database would only make it more efficient and more accessible to everyone.

2. Would be interested in being in this 3 year program for teachers?
Yes, I would love to be exposed to professional strategies for using a laptop and video projector in my class. By being shown examples of 3 minute video segments and slideshows, I would be able to replicate these “hooks” for getting my students excited about the lesson. I would also learn about interactive websites, rubric makers and online quizzes that would greatly support my classroom teaching.

Edu422 Journal #9

Art

This site discusses the new advances in computer art, and how you can apply it to your classroom.

In a discussion thread, Kevin H. challenges you to design a superhero to combat spam. He has you go to HeroMachine website so that you can design your own superhero. I went to http://www.marvelvc.com.br/Hero/ and designed my own female superhero. It was so much fun. I chose the characters gender, what she would wear, what weapons to carry, hair, helmet, shoes, symbols, ect. At the end you could print it out, or save it. Kids would absolutely love this. They are constantly drawing comic-type superheroes to use as their binder cover. This is a fun interactive design website for anyone to try. It’s really simple, and any age would be able to do it.

Benjamin Worrell asks if you feel technology belongs in the art class, and how? Many people responded with their opinions and offered valuable websites for teachers to turn to for ideas and information. Many attached copies of their work for you to view. One suggestion was to use it to virtually tour famous art museums. Other people suggested websites such as www.artsnacks.org., and ArtRage. I signed up to join these websites. ArtRage has a free starter edition package; and you can then later sign up for the full package at a cost of $25.00. At ArtRage, you actually create artwork using simulated mediums to paint using oils, sketch using pencils, and trace images of photos to recreate a painting. You are able to use oil paints, pencils, glitter, gold leaf, chalk, crayon and more.

http://TeachingBooks.net is a website that includes video interviews with artists that illustrate books. This would be great to incorporate into a writing/publishing assignment with the students. There is also a portrait painter who shows examples of her work using digital painting tools. AT http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LN5JRl8_sU you can also watch a video of electronic finger painting. It seems like there are a lot of people willing to share their knowledge and passion for art technology and its place in the classroom. At Classroom 2.0, you can get your questions answered, and get the advice of your peers on the best ways to implement art into your class.

Edu 422 Journal entry #7

Edu422 Journal #7
The Edible Schoolyard: Seed-to-Table Learning
Roberta Furger
Edutopia

This is an article and movie about a school in Berkeley California. It was started in 1994 by Alice Waters, who wanted to improve the school lunch program. By teaching the students how to plant a garden, grow a crop, harvest it, and then turn it into organic table food, students learn the basics of ecology, how to cooperate, build a community, set a table and learn to cook. They also learn the importance of eating well, and how to prepare healthy foods.
The students also learn how to create a compost pile. They learn about the FBI (fungus, bacteria, insects) cycle.
Teachers are trained to use the garden as the center of learning. They learn how to incorporate Social Studies, Math, and Science into the curriculum.
Community volunteers also play a critical role in the project. They work in small groups of students and provide caring, guidance and adult interaction.
This method of teaching is being touted as an alternative to the typical classroom setting for those students that learn better in a hands- on environment.

1.Would you like to use this method of teaching in your own classroom?
I love this idea. Planting a seed, and watching it grow is an amazing thing for anyone to watch. By incorporating lessons into a class garden is not only fun, but they can learn to cook what they harvest. It’s a great learning experience. Most kids probably think vegetables come from the supermarket. What a great way for them to learn.

2.How would growing a garden tie into classroom learning?
By using measurements for cooking, students incorporate math. By observing the condensation on plants, they observe the “water cycle”, and by using manure to fertilize the plants, they are learning about the “life cycle.” There are many more ways to incorporate their learning experience. This is also something they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.