Week Five

Well this is it. I have to say, I've learned a lot in this class. I've also realized that there is a lot to know in the field of technology and it's constantly changing. I want to be involved in it though because if used creatively and correctly, technology is very beneficial in the education world. Computers can provide motivation and fun for students as well as strengthening learning opportunities. They offer a variety of tools that can successfully assist and guide kids as they learn and experience a wealth of information. Teachers also benefit from computers. During this class, I've learned how to use the internet more effectively by way of RSS Feeds, open sources, podcasts and the invisible web. I'm looking forward to creating and using scavenger hunts and webquests in my curriculum. I've also become more knowledgeable about ways of communication through blogs and wikis. There are many new possibilities that await the next school year and those to follow.

Week 4

Wow...! I have learned a lot about technology and how I can incorporate it into my classroom during the last few weeks. I have always had a love-hate relationship with computers. In the past, technology has tested my patience and frustrated me on countless occassions. Lately, however, I'm feeling more confident and even excited about using what I've learned this summer in the upcoming school year. Working in groups for an online class, I discovered, was a challenge but seemed to get easier. Despite that, I loved exploring scavenger hunts and web quests and creating one also. I will definately use that knowledge to create more in the future. It's a fun and structured way for students to explore websites and gather specific information. I'm already thinking of ways to weave it into my curriculum. I'm starting to look forward to the end of August. I'm planning on making new strides as a teacher and enjoying a terrific year.

Week 3

Blogging is a great way to connect teachers and faculty. Since I teach seventh grade art, I see each and every seventh grader throughout the year. Seventh graders are given the opportunity to experience Art, Communications and Wood shop. There are three teams within this grade level that are composed of about 250 students and 6-8 teachers. My year is divided into three twelve week sessions. During each session, I see a group of students from each team. At the end of the day, teachers spend about thirty minutes as a team, planning, scheduling and reflecting. Since my day consists of seeing students from each of all three teams, I divide my time between three team teacher meetings. It can get confusing! Blogging would provide a useful tool in posting daily occurrences, activities, schedule changes, and other information. It would provide an easy, convenient link that could be shared by not only team members but other teams, teachers from other grade levels as well as the librarian, gym teachers, and yearbook staff...just to name a few. Blogging also has more "personality" than e-mail and I believe contributions such as discussion, helpful input, visuals, etc seem encouraged.

As an Art teacher, I'd like to use blogging for posting student work, various displays and happenings within the art department. It's a great way to show other students, teachers, administration and parents what seventh grade artists are creating. These are a few of the paper mache masks from the 2006-07 school year. Each student started with half of a milk jug as a foundation. With a specific idea in mind, students used materials like cardboard, newspaper and masking tape to add dimension. Next, thin strips of newspaper were dipped into a paper mache mixture and smoothed over the mask. Several layers are needed to be added. Once the mask is dry, the milk jug is peeled out and a hardened shape remains. Students must sketch out the details of their masks before paint is applied. The process requires craftsmanship, patience and a tolerance for messy hands. The results are worth it!