In conclusion...

Since last time I have done a lot more with technology, I have created a movie, a webquest, and a portfolio. I am enjoying learning about all these new technologies that can be implemented in the classroom. My movie I created was a short biography of the artist Chuck Close, last week I used it as an introduction to an art lesson for self portraits. The kids enjoyed the movie, but they were unable to read the text because my timing was too fast. I had to go back and adjust it, its all about learning. I am looking forward to creating more movies and eventually teaching my students how to create their own movies for classroom projects to address the art technology standard.

Next, I created a webquest for a classroom research project. The students were asked to research a contemporary artist. The webquest is an online tool (website) that provided the students the information (sites) they need to complete their task. The final product was for the student to complete the task and put their research into a PowerPoint presentation as well as create a piece of artwork reflecting the artist theme. I liked this project because I had an assignment like this already, but it was a worksheet. Creating a website is more beneficial because I am able to put visuals of the student’s artwork as well as websites that are appropriate that they do not need to waste time sifting through credible and non credible websites.

In conclusion, I really enjoyed the class because I was able to learn about and create new resources that can help me enhance my classroom and enrich myself as a teacher. A lot of things I have created for class I have already used in my lessons. This class has allowed implementing and learning about the new technologies which have made me feel more technologically savvy. To see all the interesting things I have learned this quarter just check out my end portfolio at https://sites.google.com/site/kristenpyshorasportfolio/

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog!

Emergent Technologies

What to say about emergent technologies? I have one word, WOW! I did not know all the possibilites out there. I was challenged but impressed with the wiki because of all of the new resources I have discovered. In my wiki I discussed SMART Boards and Timetoast. I looked into SMART Boards because we have them in my school, but I really do not know how to use them. The training we recieved was in a large room and unable to see or interact with the board as well as hear the instructor. As I was researching You Tube videos I discovered how to use the magic pen. The magic pen is quite awesome you are able to zoom in, point out, or spotlight certain areas of a photo you are using for a lesson. Although I tried to use it with my students but the Smart Board failed me as always I feel like the technology at my school never works like I want it to.  SMART Boards are a great tool to implement into the classroom and involve the students to get them motivated to learn. I love technology when it works and find that it can make learning come alive.

For my Hypermedia project I created a timeline. I found the Imagination program a good tool to create amazing graphic organizers, but I was disappointed that it wasn't free to use after the trial offer expires. Then I found Timetoast which I am excited to use and create art history timelines for my classroom (which is free and online). As well as allow my students to use it also, since we just got a computer lab at school! I liked reading my other classmates wiki's on the other emrgent technolgies I did not reserch like Wordle. I have been having an issue with my students remembering art vocabulary and unfortunately I do not have a classroom to create a word wall. I really think this could be a compact and artistic way to keep vocabulary active in my mobile classroom.

I really looking forward to implement Wordle into my classroom as well as other emergent technologies. Until next time!

Kristen



Using Technology in New Ways...

Today our world revolves around technology. Growing up we didn't always have technology and grew up learning how to adapt to this ever evolving tool. Now with today's youth they have never lived a life without it (an odd concept to wrap my head around). What we need as teachers is to integrate technology into our lessons whenever possible. I find this important to keep our students interested in the concepts that we are teaching, but not to over stimulate them. As educators, we need to be fluent in technology because of two reasons, one America depends on it and two soon our students will out smart us in technology therefore we could lose some credibility.  I personally thought I was proficient with PowerPoint and Word, but I was mistaken. Technology is constantly changing and with it I need to be up to date with it. I would like to learn how to design using Adobe for myself professionally and personally as well as find interactive programs that I could use on a smart board with my students. I love to create new things and technology just becomes another medium.

So far I have completed a pagecast http://www.pageflakes.com/kpyshora/. I used it once in one of  my grad classes, but I never thought I would be creating one. Now I am eager to utilize pageflakes for research projects for my middle school classes. This way it becomes a safe way for students to research, especially when it comes to art and non-credible resources. This way students can see a rubric for their projects as well as find their resource and I know that they won't "accidentally" get on Facebook.

I really enjoyed creating my newsletter/syllabus. Before, I had a syllabus that I passed out to my students that was sufficent, but this assignment required me to take the time to design one that was creative and easy to read. As a teacher I find that I am not always able to sit down and give time to be EXTRA creative with my handouts. I was always using publisher because it was easy to use but sometimes temperamental but now I like the different abilities that I have discovered in word.

I am really looking forward to learning more about the different ways to integrate technology in to the classroom. Thank you for the taking the time to read my blog. Until next time...