Wk 4 Response to Christine

Christine wrote:

Practice 9: Lighting a Spark: 

This chapter lit a spark for me.  If I didn’t

know any better I would have thought it

was written with me in mind. I do not like

the word “no” very much (not that any of us

really do) and work hard not

to hear it often.  I don’t tend to ask others

for much or put myself out there, because

when I do and I am told no, it just reaffirms

why I don’t ask for help in the first place. (Clearly, my negative anticipation puts out the spark and keeps me un-enrolled).  Not the best of attitudes I realize. So when I read these words, they made me laugh. “Were we to take a “no” less personally and ourselves less seriously we might hear something else” (pg 126). I half expected to see my name somewhere in this statement.

Practice 10: Being the Board

I have always believed things happen for a reason; good, bad or indifferent.  I realize I may not always know the reason and some times may never know the reason, but this type of thinking has always served me well.  My pet peeve in life are those people who think the world is out to get them and have a “whoa is me” attitude.  They believe everything bad happens only to them and therefore they have no control over their life.  Being the board is a great way to take control over my life.  Although I never recognized myself as “the board” after reading this practice I can definitely appreciate knowing that I am the board. With or without this label, accepting responsibility for my life and all that happens gives me the power to transform my experiences of any unwanted situation into one with which I care to live.

Project 11:  Creating Frameworks for Possibility

I have always believed that life is full of possibility.  Creating the frameworks for possibility is an area that I am currently working on.  My mind is cluttered with both chaos and possibility, with chaos winning lately.  I am in a transitional place in my life and am finding it difficult to focus.  As I was reading this practice I found myself having to read and re-read it.  Of all of the words and examples in this passage this thought made the most sense to me and perhaps explains my current struggle in creating frameworks for possibility.  “The person who rigorously maintains the clarity to stand confidently in the abundant universe of possibility creates an environment around him generative of certain kinds of conversations” (pg. 174).  Clarity is what I am lacking and therefore limiting my conversations.  This is most definitely a practice that will take some time for me to perfect.

Practice 12:  Telling the WE Story

I personally like this practice.  The connection of WE is a very powerful one.  WE can often do things that I or you alone cannot do.  I think about my daughter.  She is a single mom with a one year old baby boy.  On her own she struggles and is fearful, but together WE (she and I and her brothers) ease her fears and provide to her the support she really needs.  WE also work together to give her son, my grandson, the security in life that he deserves.  I too am a single mom, with 3 kids.  Unlike my daughter I did not have a WE story for support.  I had an I story.  I was and am responsible for my kids.  For my kids, WE is the way they were raised.  WE are a family.  WE are there for each other, and together WE are strong.

 

My response:

Such great insight you have had!  Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is take a look inside ourselves and begin the change from within.  I applaud you for applying the "We" story to your family.  Often times we fall into the patterns of our past and it is much harder to break these patterns and start afresh.  What a wonderful role model you are for your family! 

Wk 4 Response to Alicia

Alicia Wrote:

In reading through the final chapters of The Art of Possibility, it was something written in the final pages that seemed to sum up everything for me. The authors wrote "choose the practices that express yourself." This seems to incorporate each aspect of the book, each chapter, and combine it into one simple answer. An answer that many of us probably already know. That we need to chose what works for us.

That simple statement can be true in many different instances. We have to find the theory, the plan, the style that works for us. We cannot do things simply because someone else has done it that way. We can not be held accountable to something that may work for you, because it just might not be what is best for me. In those simple lines, "choose the practices that express yourself," I have been given the freedom to take and use what I can. The author seems to recognize the individuality in each of us. In removing the stress of having to try everything, I have been given the power to know and understand myself.

My response:

It's all about perspective...

Isn't this a great way to finish our Full Sail journey?  Throughout this year we have been trying to equip ourselves with new tools and see ourselves in a different light.  Now we come to the end and get a book that tells us, it's okay to be different, it's okay to find what works for you...

I think this also is the paradox that is the current trend of education.  The powers to be try to stick all of us in one box, with one program/theory that is supposed to be the solution to all of the problems.  Obviously this is a problem because we are not all alike...we have different strengths/weaknesses.  How do we solve this??  I'm afraid I have no idea... 

Wk 4 Reading: The Sky is not the Limit!

Photo by Heather Hanes

Again I found this week's reading to be so in tune with where I am in my life.  Often times I find myself wondering what else I have to do to get my students attention and help them learn.  Then I read the chapter about lighting the spark.  I realize that I need to get them enrolled in their learning.  I have to light that spark of interest...which in itself is not an easy task.

The idea of "being the board" is one that is wonderful, but one that you have to make a conscious effort to do.  It is so easy to put blame on others or even yourself.  It isn't as easy to take a look at everything and assign no blame.  I can relate this to my current administration.  It seems as though she is always after me about something...I need to stop and look at what is causing this instead of feeling resentful about it.  What has caused her to react to me this way?  How can I get her enrolled into my vision?  Again...easier said than done!

Creating frameworks is something that I would like to focus more time on.  I like the idea of not assigning punishments or consequences for everything.  I like the idea of creating vision led goals and objectives.  I this might be the link I need to help them with the high stakes testing.  If I can create a vision that sparks the interest of the students, it doesn't have to be about "passing the test".


There is a sense of power in telling a "WE" story.  My ex-husband and I told "I/YOU" stories.  We didn't mean to do it...but it had the same end results...a realization that we were no longer happy together, yet couldn't pinpoint the moment that this happened.  Since then, I have made the effort with my current fiance to change the wording.  I use "WE" stories.  It's never "I want this" or "You did that".  It's this is what isn't working and how can WE fix it together.  I also found that there is less likely to be an argument of grand proportion of you say "WE", thus saying I am in this with you.

This book has greatly opened up my eyes to a different way of thinking.  It also came at a great time!  We currently have a family member that has moved to Florida from New York and is living with us.  She has recently become discouraged since she isn't finding a job as quickly as possible...I introduced her to the "Universe of Possibility" and various other teachings in the book.  I have noticed a change in her mood and she now has 2 interviews next week!

Wk 4 Publishing_Presentation Project

Our Chosen Conference

So, Jen and I presented our rough draft presentation Tuesday evening.  It went over well, all things considered.  We have decided to submit our proposal for the eLearning Guild conference in Orlando.  We are under a tight time constraint, as proposals are due October 14th.  I think that we will be able to pull this together with a little bit of work.  The great thing is that we have been working together since month 1 and we both know each other and our work ethic, taste, projects, etc.  A huge bonus is that if we are selected we get one free admission into the conference and then we can split the cost of the other admission fee.  Plus, since both of us are within commuting distance to Orlando, we won't have to worry about booking a hotel room or airfare.

The response to our presentation was mostly positive.  We were advised by several people to change the color scheme, so we are going to work on that next.  We also will be adding and ice breaker activity, a resource page, a contact info page and one other collaborative activity.  I think that if you look at the project you can see that we both contributed to the presentation and that this isn't the case of one person doing more work than another.

Week 2 Think Aloud
Week 3 Think Aloud

Publishing Presentation Draft 1

Wk 3 Response to Daniela

What's your passion?
Microsoft Clip Art Gallery

Daniela wrote:

While reading the Art of Possibility I kept thinking the book was talking directly to me…corny I know! I have been having a difficult time reaching my new class this school year, they are unmotivated to learn and unwilling to take responsibility for their actions. I have attempted just about everything I have up my sleeve. I have had to take a step back and re-analyze my job. As I was reading the statement “how much greatness are we will to grant?” (p. 73). It is my job to inspire and bring out the best qualities these kids have, as the book said I am going to have to speak to their passions. I am going to have make connection with them. These chapters made me feel like I can still go in a make a difference. I have been feeling a little defeated and needed something to give me inspirations. I think this was it. I am looking forward to making a change!


My response:

Daniela,

I have been there with the class that seems so hard to reach.  It is not a great place to be.  I think that you have the right idea in thinking about seeing what they are passionate about.  Sometimes it is hard to find passion in the uninspired, but once you do that you will have them for life.  My advice, sit back...take a deep breath...and listen to them as they talk...their passion will reveal itself to you!

Heather

PS:  I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought this book was written for them.  It is such an awesome feeling to find a book that speaks to you!  I've been reading excerpts to anyone that will listen to me!!

Wk 3 Response to Christine

Like my mic??

Christine wrote:

Practice 5: Leading from any chair

This practice was a great reminder for me.  As parents we often forget to let our kids lead.  As mom, I am the director.  I call the shots, but I also cook dinner, do laundry, pay bills, play counselor, supporter, protector, chauffer, and on and on.  While reading this practice I was reminded that like any good director I should sit back and let me kids lead.  My youngest son Alex who is 12 reminded me the other day that I have told him several times that he could cook dinner, but in his words “it never works out”.  He is right on that.  I would like to say it is because he has other things to do, but often it never works out because of me.  I have either been to distracted or found it easier to do it myself.  In either scenario from the tone of his voice he has been left clearly disappointed.  I am so glad to have read about this practice.  It was the reminder I absolutely needed.  Alex and I are going to plan a night where he can “lead from any chair” and make dinner. 

Practice 6: Rule Number 6:  Don’t take yourself so goddamn seriously! 

This practice made me really laugh!  I think this is great for EVERYONE!

I know I definitelty take myself too seriously!  This will be my new Mantra!

Practice 7:  The Way Things Are:

With every chapter I read I fall more and more in love with this book.  I am a strong believer in things happening for a reason and timing being everything.  In general I would say I am a positive person.  However, in the past several weeks my stress level has increased and I have found myself more and more frustrated with the way things are.  Usually, I can find peace and acceptance with the way things are and am able to continue moving forward.  However, recently I have found myself being more frustrated than usual and less patient.  These feelings leave me feeling overwhelmed and disheartened.  Neither of which I like feeling. While I was reading this chapter, I began to see these changes.  I am so glad that I have read this.  The reality of life is that things are the way they are at times and it is at those times that we have to take a deep breath and remember it’s the way things are today but not necessarily the way they will be tomorrow.  Finding acceptance today gives you the power to accept tomorrow. 

Practice 8: Giving Way to Passion:

As I was reading this chapter, I was aware that this is one area I must work on.  I have no identifiable passion.  Perhaps that is because I have yet to participate.  I can think of things I enjoy and those things I would like to do, but I am the master at ignoring or discouraging myself from participating.  For example, I like to sing.  I don’t have the confidence.  I have been told I have the ability, but when it comes to it I am afraid.  As I was reading this chapter I stopped and asked myself, “What am I afraid of?” The answer was not being good enough or failing.  As I made this realization it occurred to me, that I may or may not be good enough, but unless I participate I will never know.  I liked the concept of BTFI.  Beyond the Fuck It is where I need to go.  I need to hold my head up high, and sing if that is what I want to do.  This is a chapter I will definitely read again!

My response:

Christine,

Getting out there and doing what you love is always a scary thing...it is intimidating to put yourself out there and see what the response is.  My motto:  This is what I love, if you don't...screw you (PG version here).  It has taken me years to get to that point, but once you are there it is so liberating! I love to sing...I am a horrible singer (smoking for a few years killed my voice)...I sing anyway.  I sing loud, I sing proud and I don't care the looks I get (I once had someone a few cars behind me that knew me who called my phone and told me to put my windows up b/c she could hear me from her car...I sang even louder).  The hardest part is HONESTLY not caring what people think, if it makes you happy.  I think that you are at the beginning of this realization and I hope you continue down that road.

All my best,
Heather

Wk 3 Response to Reading: The Art of Possiblity

Remember Rule 6
Image downloaded from
Microsoft ClipArt Gallery

 

 

 

As a teacher we are always “leading from a chair”.  I can’t make my students learn, I can’t make them succeed.  My goal is to guide them, engage them, and help them create that inner desire to succeed on their own.  I understand the idea of asking what is wrong with me if they are not succeeding, but I also think that this can take away some of the personal responsibility of the students.  Students need to also participate for the relationship to work.

I love, love, LOVE Remember Rule #6.  I totally live by this!  I vow to never take myself too seriously and try to lighten up the mood with humor whenever possible.  I have found that this helps to ease tense situations…also defusing a situation with humor often times allows both parties to leave with their dignity (save face).  I am also not opposed to their Have the best ______ ever scenario ::wink, wink::

I also found the inner battle between the calculating self and central self very intriguing.  After reading this, it was easy to ascertain which self tries to be dominant in certain situations.  While I usually stay in the central self, there are time where I find my calculating self trying to rear it’s ugly head.

The way things are is such a difficult concept sometimes.  There are times when you just want to vent, cry, scream and not accept the injustice of certain things.  However, in the end, there usually isn’t much you can do to change the situation, only your reaction to that situation.  I try to highlight this with students when we talk about childhoods and the situations in which we were raised.  I was raised in a difficult situation, where I was always in that survival mode with a drug-addicted parent until I entered the 6^th grade.  I told my students that I could have held onto this difficult background and let it guide my adult life.  Instead I chose to realize that this was the situation and that I could rise above it…I didn’t let my inability to change my past alter my future.

Wk 3 PPP Think Aloud: Presentation it is

Jen and I in Second Life working hard!

So this week it was decided to do a presentation.  Not only that, but Jen Selix and I are going to work together and make a presentation dealing with motivation in different work places.  Jen and I have been partners since month 1 and have worked on numerous projects together as well as bouncing idea off of each other for months when the work was all solo.  I feel confident that we can rock the heck out of this presentation!  Also the fact that we both live in Central Florida helps when deciding which conferences to apply for...we could easily attend the ones here in Florida together!!

Most of our projects have been in Google, so we will do something that can easily be put into a Google Doc.

I am super psyched to get working on this project!

Wk 2 Response to Jen Selix

Photo belongs to kelsey_lovefusionphoto

 

 

 

Jen wrote:

As I began the exciting journey of reading, The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life, by Rosamond Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander, I felt more than a little giddy. I had that wonderful buzz in my brain stomach that often comes with encountering something new and exciting. It reminded me of the moment in childhood, when I discovered the secret code behind Pig Latin.

While I’ve read and studied before on the psychology of the mind, philosophy, and thinking outside of the proverbial box, the humdrum of daily life makes it all too easy to fall back into the rhythm of monotony and limited perception. My brain seems to like life inside the box an awful lot. I assume because it is easy to stay within the lines and avoid the greater challenge of enlightenment.

However, there is nothing more exciting for me, than to be reminded of the infinite possibilities that life has to offer. The concept that, “It’s all invented” and that our perception of reality is what we allow ourselves to see and believe, it priceless. If I could only convince my brain to keep that concept on the forefront, to truly think about life as I live it, I believe that I could achieve astounding things.

More soon,

Jen

My response:

Jen,

Sometimes I question whether it is because of daily life that we go back into the box, or if it's because that is where we are taught to be.  Often times when you go against that proverbial "plane", you are ridiculed or some how persuaded to return to the norm.  It is often under this pressure that we conform.  This EMDT journey has taught me that there are lots of us outside that box and that it's okay to stay there...now we have a network of people for support!!

Looking forward to the wonderful things you will accomplish! 

Wk 2 Response to David Burch

Photo from Creative Commons. 
Creator:  Nicky Rowbottom
nicky@jml.net

Dave wrote:

"Congratulations!  As of today, you are designers!  You are MY people…OK, that sounds a little weird, but it's true!  From this day on, I will look at you differently.  Every time I see you in the hallway, or on the soccer field or at the McDonald's around the corner, I will see you as one of US.  By the end of this class, 45 minutes from now, you will be a different person, with new skills a new attitude and a new future.  When you need me to help you, I will, because you are fellow designer.  When you need to use the awesome equipment that we have in this lab, you can, because you're a designer.  If I have a computer open, the seat is yours, because you're a designer, like me.  We designers help each other.  We're part of a team, a super-selective group, an exclusive, talented, secret-society of creative-minded individuals that cooperate to make the world a better place.  No matter where you go in life or what kind of career or job you have in the future, you will be part of this group, because you are a designer.  You will be better at everything you do, because you are a designer.  You'll be better at your job than the person in the next cubicle.  You will be a more desirable employee than the guy next to you waiting to interview for the same position.  Any door will be open to you because you are a designer and I am honored to work with you.  Alright, now I'd like to get to know you.  When I call your name, tell me what else you're good at…"

That rather long diatribe is my opening salvo.  This is how I greet my Introduction to Graphic Design students for the first time (more or less - I'm not one for reading my comments, so I may get creative and ad lib a bit, but if I were reading it, that is what it would sound like).  I want my students to know right away that they have stepped into a new world and are full-fledged members of that new world.  They instantly have all the privileges and access they need to do their job and that I am there as a guide, a cohort, a colleague.  I tell them 2 other things before allowing them to leave that first class;  "Please don't go back to your other classes and look at your fellow students with an arrogant "I can do something you can't do" attitude.  Know it in your heart, but be generous with your knowledge or at least friendly with your comments.  You will be able to do that illustrative book report better than they will, but the grade will show that, you don't have to."  The other thing I share is equally important to teenagers.  Knowing that they have the skills to be the best is one thing, but how will that help them? The next thing I say is that I am going to teach them how to take their new skills and make money.  Now, compared to the first statements I made, this seems blatantly capitalistic, self-centered and shallow…and I agree.  I think that's all there is to say about that.  If offering the occasional self-serving capitalistic lesson is wrong…how interesting!

I wanted to share this bit of teaching, because I think it demonstrates the corn/husk or marble/statue mentality discussed in our reading.  "I already know you are great (I can taste the buttery goodness now…), I just want to help clear away the chafe so we can see the essence.  I am Giving an A to my students without them having to lift a finger, memorize a vocabulary word or prove anything other than they can show up, plant their butts in one of my chairs and honor me with their presence.  I think that being positive for positive's sake is an awesome self-motivational tool.  I can always choose NOT to be anything; glum, depressed, bored, tired, ill, successful, etc.  No, I'm not eschewing modern medicine, I'm just saying a positive attitude goes a long way, and when used correctly can be almost as powerful as a pill or vitamin.

As long as I can get my students to label themselves "talented" or "skilled" or "part of the team", I have gone a long way toward encouraging their success.  I fight less battles in the classroom and they fight less battles with the subject.  As teachers, you and I must believe in success!  We must assume that our students will shine.  We must assume that they will teach US and make sure that it happens.

We don't need no stinkin' boxes.  I can see the box, but I don't fit in it.  My talents are so great that I can think around the box.  I can use the box, but I won't be limited to the box,  In fact, I wonder what's really in this box?  If I wind it up until it pops, what surprise comes out of the box?  Wouldn't it be great if we could get all of our students to think that way?  Wait until they realize that it is merely themselves exploding out of the box.  They will be emerging from the norm.  They will be inquiring.  They will ASSUME that they can fix the world, and just need to experiment with it until they discover the answers under the husk.

Image Credit: http://www.art-photograph-gallery.com/image-files/pictures-of-corn3.jpg

My response:

David,

I love your opening "speech" to your students.  What is so wonderful about this is that often times you have students who are dying to fit in somewhere...be a part of something.  You are providing that opportunity for them.  I think you absolutely are building them up for huge success.  I also like how you talk to them about being humble and generous.  I think these are traits that are slowly disappearing from today's youth.  When watching "mentors" on t.v. they are bombarded with trash talking, bragging and other negative behaviors.  It is great to have a positive male figure to look up to.

Amazing job!

 

Wk 2 PPP Think Aloud

So this project has me a bit nervous.  I think my biggest challenge is seeing myself as worthy to present or submit a paper to a scholarly journal. 

When thinking of my strengths, I would think that doing a presentation to submit to a conference would be my best bet.  I love to speak in front of others and am very passionate about what I do.  Not that I'm not a strong writer, but I find myself to be more dynamic when speaking.  As far as what conference to submit to...who knows???  My friend and teammate since month 1, Jen Selix, suggested that we maybe do a combined presentation since our topics are so parallel.  This way we could show the impact not only to the education environment, but to the corporate and parent environments as well.  I think this is a wonderful idea and one I would like to further develop.

Wk 2 Reading: "The Art of Possiblity"

In the first chapter I can totally relate to people seeing two sides of situations.  My fiancée is a complete pessimist (he says realist) and I am a hopeless optimist.  He will see the negative in every situation…everyone is out to get everyone else.  I, however, have this complete naïve trust of people and think people are genuinely good people who occasionally have poor judgment.  I think this is one of the reasons we compliment each other so well. 

I was intrigued by the idea that we produce reasons for our actions that are plausible in our own minds.  When working with children (or even adults for that matter), I frequently ask “why did you do that?” and the answers don’t always make sense to me.  I have been told on more than one occasion that I am a person that “has an answer for everything”.  My dad tells me it makes me argumentative, but in my mind, I am just trying to express why it seems like a good idea to me.  Now I can tell him that it is my own interpretation of what is going on around me.

The universe of measurement is not where I dwell.  I have never been competitive, nor do I define success by “getting ahead” or “overcoming the odds”.  I do know several people who live in this universe and what always strikes me is that they are NEVER happy.  No matter how much they achieve or how much they have, they always want more…always have to be better than the guy next door/down the street/etc.

I was so inspired by the story of the teacher who gave everyone an A and then asked them to write about it.  The one thing I hate most about my job is giving grades.  In my mind I would rather meet with the parents and tell then the strengths and areas of improvement with their child.  Unfortunately we are in a place in our society right now where we need to rank students and therefore rank teachers in order to gauge success.  In essence we are saying that performance on an isolated task equates mastery.  Even as it’s written you can sense the idiocracy in it…yet it persists.

This book really has me critically thinking about my life both personally and professionally (as the title suggests).  I really want to be a contribution in my family and with my students and co-workers.  I think that sometimes it is easy to get lost in the negativity and the competitiveness that is out there.  It is only by taking this critical look at myself and my every day practices that I will be able to make that conscious effort to be a contributor, give that A, and see the good in the world.

I am totally recommending this book to everyone!

Wk 1 Response to Les Brown

©2005-2006, David John Goodger

 

Les's Original post

Ok it’s official. I’m scared. I live in Florida and love to fish but the regulations can be quite tricky about which fish you are allowed to harvest from the ocean. If you are in the Gulf there is a specific regulation for a species and a totally different regulation for the same species if are in the Atlantic. The problem is there are areas where if you don’t check your coordinates you wouldn’t know if you are in the Atlantic or the Gulf.
I have learned so much from are “readings” and feel a little more settled. Copyright last forever, a lifetime plus 70 years for individuals and 100 years for a company. This in my estimation does not fit the modern culture of remix.
Fair use only applies for content used to: Teach, News reporting, Parody, and Critical Comments. Fair use is not a right but a defensible position. So help us God. In the consideration of fair use a court will judge on the nature of use, the amount of use, and commercial affect. This explanation helped me understand fair use. If these 3 criteria are the litmus test then I feel much better. I love Creative Commons.
I wish everyone producing anything would consider Creative Commons. Creative Commons allows the producer(s) to determine how the material may be reused. The creator may allow for derivatives, attribution, commercial use or not, and share alke. Since books, plays, film/movie are all covered by copyright it is important for educators to understand and respect the law. Copyright isn’t really scary now that I know the fundamentals. The law is in place to protect the rights of the producers but in today’s culture we need to revisit the spirit of the law. I agree with Larry Lessigs TED Talk that our evolving remix culture is calling for a remix of copyright. Modern and advancing technology demands a revisit and a redefining of the spirit of copyright.

My Comment:

Les,

I'm glad you feel a little more settled, because I surely don't. 

I do agree with you that the laws are in place to protect the producers, however; what about the situation where the artist doesn't mind someone using their work, but the artist doesn't "own" that material any longer.  I had to laugh when watching "Good Copy, Bad Copy" because the woman was asked what George Clinton thought of someone using part of his song, and she said, "I don't know.  You'll have to ask him."  Plus I couldn't figure out what the group "stole" from him?? 

I think the bottom line is that the laws are antiquated right now and need to be changed.  We need to embrace the creativity of new generations and new technology.  I thought the Beatles and Jay-Z mash-up was super hot and think that this is a perfect example of new combined with old.

P.S.
Love the photo...is that taken somewhere here in Florida?? 

Wk1 Response to Jen Selix

Photo taken from Flickr with permission of creator.  Creator of photo is Mike Seyfang (Mike Blogs).

Jen's Original Post:

This week I discovered that there is much more to copyright law than I’ve ever truly known or understood. This is a bit frightening and shocking to me, being as that I have been working as a technical writer and media asset creator in the public sector for over ten years.

The biggest shock was discovering how little protection and legal support we have through Fair Use. I admit that I had a false sense of security in the past, from what I believed to be legally binding Fair Use principles. However, after watching, Eyes on the Fair Use of the prize, I discovered how little power we have. Not only are copyrights and rights of fair use convoluted and challenging to defend, we can lose the right to use media assets altogether if outlandish royalty fees are not met.

As a writer and consumer of media, it saddens me and makes me nervous for our cultural and societal history to know that money and bureaucracy have the power to constrain our right to knowledge.

I welcome your thoughts and comments.

- Jen 

My response:

I couldn't agree with you more.  Just when you think it will become clearer, you read or watch something else that makes it even more confusing.
I have heard so many different things over the years.  In fact, just last year I was trained by the technical "experts" in our school that we could use anything we wanted as long as it was 30 seconds or less.  Well after this week's readings, that is not accurate.
The real problem is that while everyone struggles to figure out what to do about this and how people can still make money, time is running out for some great material. It's a shame that it all comes down to money in the end... 


Jen's Blog
Above is the link to Jen's blog.  I highly encourage you to check it out, as she has some great insights and a super sense of humor!

Wk1 Wimba Thoughts

So watching Wimba was certainly an eye-opener that my time at Full Sail is coming to an end.  I meet this end with both joy and sadness.  I am happy to have received such a quality education, but I don't want to leave.  When watching the Wimba the PPP hit me dead on.  You mean you want me to submit something to a professional organization or be prepared to present at a national conference??  Me??  Really??  I have attend several national conferences and have been awed by it's presenters and I guess I still have difficulty thinking that that could be me. I see myself as that small town school teacher (parallel me to country mouse) and the presenters as much more entitled than I to be presenting (parallel them to city mouse).  I will tackle this project as I have all of my Full Sail projects, with an open mind, nervous heart and lots of determination.

I also have to say that I am not shedding any tears for the end of the Literature Review. Of all the projects we have had to do over the past 10 months, that one has, BY FAR, been the most difficult for me for some unknown reason.  I use to thrive when writing and presenting papers, but somehow, over the past umpteen years, I have lost my touch.  Good-bye, Lit Review, I am not sure you will be missed!

 

Since we are almost done, I wanted to go back to the introductory video from month 1

Wk1 Reading: Copyright Laws

Photo Credit:  Microsoft Clip Art Gallery

So this week we had three parts to read to begin to understand copyright laws.  Let me just say, that it is still as clear as mud.  When Professor Bustillos said that is was "an ocean of grey," that was certainly not an understatement.  It seemed to me that many of the videos seemed to contradict each other a little bit.  Several said that "Fair Use" was a great movement to help protect from censorship, however; there is no clear way to use it.  Yes there are codes of practice, but these codes of practice aren't sanctioned or recognized by law (to my understanding).  To me it seems like a way to say, "If all of us are doing the same thing, there are too many of us to try to sue."  I've seen the same premise used with employees.  "If we all do it, they can't fire us all."  That doesn't mean that it is right...just that it is less likely to be enforced.  Also with Fair Use you have so much that is subjective.  The idea of a proportional amount, the work not infringing on the owner's ability to profit, and the idea of whether it is necessary.  All of these are subjective.  I may have taught a unit on the Civil War without the use of the movie "The Patriot" before the movie was created, but now that the movie is out I cannot imagine trying to teach the idea of families and communities torn apart by the choosing of sides.  Technically, it is not Fair Use, as I have had the unit previously...but if you ask me, I will tell you it is.

I applaud the artists that contribute to Creative Commons.  I think that the industries are looking at downloading and using material in the wrong light.  I had to laugh when the lawyer for the film industries claimed to lose $6 billion a year on pirating.  Look at how much they make already!  Can you imagine how much they would make otherwise??  It is unbelievable to me as someone who makes way less than $40,000/year. 

In the end (in my humble opinion), you have to take a look at what the consequences of the actions are.  Industries are worried more about money than preserving history and that was never more clearly illustrated than in the "Eyes on the Prize" video.  You have irreplaceable pieces of history that are lost forever because of money.  In a few years when are younger generations are unable to appreciate the struggles of their ancestors will that be worth further lining the pockets of the already overly wealthy??

Long Time Since February

So, it has been a long time since I have updated the site...both schools took their toll on my free time!

Since February I have taken many wonderful classes at Full Sail, got engaged, purchased a home, and changed grade levels for the coming up school year.  WHEW!!!

I am entering into month 10 of my Full Sail journey and can't believe that I graduate soon! It seems like I just started and I am almost finished.  Full Sail has provided so many great opportunities to learn new things and meet new people.

This month we worked on gaming in the classroom...I have to tell you, if you are not using games in your classroom...do so now!  This course was such an eye opener.  I advise every teacher to look into Quest Atlantis, Farmville (yes, Farmville), Kingdom's Nobility...and many more.  I will try to post a link to our course's delicious site for more fabulous games!

I will now be teaching 3rd grade...I have never taught 3rd grade, so I am a little bit nervous (ok maybe a lot bit nervous).  The hardest part about 3rd grade is that this is the first year they really take a hardcore standardized test.  I abhor state testing so it is sometime difficult for me to remain positive when telling the students about it.  Also in 3rd grade if you don't pass the test you don't go to 4th grade...that is a lot of pressure for little ones!

PE7_Final Project Reflection and Video

I was very impressed and excited about the reception my Web 2.0 tool, Glogster, received from my students.  They were extremely excited to get on the computer and jump into the creating!  There were a few "bumps" on the road.  Glogster is currently not an approved site on our school server, therefore, every time we went to the website it constantly asked whether or not it was work related.  The computers were also running slowly, so the students had to keep refreshing the page over and over again.  It was very frustrating for both the students and myself.  I would need to adjust the timeframe next time.  I didn't have enough class time to allow the students adequate researching and creating time, so the project will have to be extended to give more time.  Other than that, I thought the project went really well.

The ease at which I was able to incorporate this exciting tool makes me even more excited to start incorporating more/different tools and to share the success with my peers!

 I have included a video that started out as a documentary, but slowly morphed into a persuasive message because I didn't have enough footage to make it a documentary.

Keep learning!

-Heather

Music:  iLife Gallery
Photos:  Microsoft Clipart Gallery and Personal photos obtained with parent permission

PE6_Final Project RILS Plan

Animal Adaptations using Glogster

Heather Pirraglia-Hanes 

Target Audience – My 5th grade students.  I currently teach 3 classes of 5th grade writing and science.  I have 22 students in two classes and 7 in the other.


Materials – PowerPoint, computer, smart board, Animal Adaptation content to teach.


Objectives –
The learners will identify the adaptations of a specific animal using research tools in order to create an interactive poster in Glogster.
The learners will analyze adaptations of a given animal in order to create an interactive poster.
The learners will explain how an animal uses its adaptations to thrive in its environment on the interactive poster created using Glogster.


Procedure – This is a weeklong mini unit.
Day 1 – Slides 2 - 5
• Teacher will display and read the essential question on slide 2 and tell students that they will know the answer to the question by the end of the mini-lesson.
• Teacher will read aloud the Key Vocabulary Terms from slide 2 and then add them to the science word wall.  Words: adaptation, trait, camouflage
• Slide 3: Review the definition of adaptation
• Slide 4: Link to the web site on plant adaptation.  Point out adaptations that plants have made in order to adapt to the resources in a variety of different environments.
• Slide 5: Summary-Round Table: each students give an example of a plant and its adaptations
• Assign students a plant or animal for their Glogster project.

Day 2 – Slides  6-7
• Slide 6: Link to the web site on animal adaptation. Point out adaptations that animals have made in order to adapt to the resources in a variety of different environments.
• Slide 7: Summary: Tag, You’re It!  Toss a stress ball from student to student. The student with the ball gives an example of an animal adaptation and then tosses the ball to another student.  If the receiving student cannot think of an example they toss it and sit down.  Play continues until all students are seated.
• Allow students time during centers to work on their Glogster project.

Day 3    Slides 8-14
• Slide 8: Working with their shoulder partner, have students come to agreement on answer. Have students share and then check their answers on slide 9.
• Slide10: Working with their shoulder partner, have students come to agreement on answer.  Have students share and then check their answer on slide 11.
• Slide12: Working with their shoulder partner, have students come to agreement on answer.  Have students share and then check their answer on slide 13.
• Slide 14: Summarizing…answer the LEQ (What adaptations of organisms allow them to thrive in their environments?)
• Allow students time during centers to work on their Glogster project.

Day 4 – Slides 15-20
• Students read and work independently to answer questions on slide 15-18.  Check the answers on       slide 19.  Teacher should review answers with students.
• Slide 20 Summarizing..First person writing.

Day 5
• Give students mini assessment.
• Glogster presentations.
• Give students a homework assignment to write about how they felt about using Glogster, how their project went, and what changes they would make next in doing this again.

Web 2.0 Tool – Glogster.  Glogster is a website that allows you to create interactive posters that include graphics, images and video.


Social Participation/Social Learning – cooperative learning activities are utilized throughout the lessons.  Students are working in pairs and in small groups during instruction and then they are in small groups for centers.


Making Connections – Each student will be learning all about the adaptations of a specific plant or animal, thus connecting them on a global scale.  By having the students present their projects, students are connecting with each other by providing feedback and they are also connecting with the new plant or animal.  Students are learning there are different places around the world and becoming familiar with the different environments.  By giving some students animals they would find close to home, they also form a deeper connection with their home environment.


Create/Produce – Students will create an interactive poster using Glogster.  Posters will be shared on the last day via the SmartBoard.


Assessment – Students will take a mini assessment quiz at the end of the week to assess their knowledge of the material.  I will design a rubric for the Glogster posters.

Reflection –Students will reflect on how their project went over the weekend, after giving their presentation in their science journals.  Reflections should indicate how they feel the project went, what they liked about Glogster, what the didn’t like about Glogster and what they would change if they had to do the project again.

PE5_Glogster

Today I sat down and created my Glogster poster for Camel Adaptations.  It was so much fun!  I was able to search for pictures on the internet for camels so that I could upload them into Glogster.  I found several pictures from a website called classroomclipart.com.  I was just amazed at the speed with which I was able to create this poster.  It took me more time to find the pictures than it did to create the entire poster.

I was able to browse for backgrounds and there were numerous to choose from...from educational and basic to fun and funky!  Then it was a matter of clicking and typing.  I entered the major facts that I knew about camel adaptations along with the pictures I found.  I, then, decided I wanted a video in my presentation.  When I clicked on video I was given the option to search school tube videos and, low and behold, they had one about a camel!

I cannot wait to show my students the poster I created and to see their final products as well.  This is such a great motivating tool to get the students to produce the work you want, in a format they like!

Check below for a short video I put together showing me creating my "masterpiece"!

-Heather

PE4_Glogster

This week we were given the assignment to add a web 2.0 tool to our learning environment to create a Relevant and Innovative Learning Scenario.  You could add the tool to an existing lesson plan or create a new one.

I have decided to add Glogster to one of my upcoming units.  We are studying plant and animal adaptations and I thought that having them incorporate a Glogster interactive poster would be a great addition to this unit.  Each student will get their own plant or animal to study during the week, create a Glogster product, and then share their product at the end of the mini unit.  I should mention that I teach 5th grade Science.

I showed the students the site yesterday and they LOVED it!  They were so excited to be able to get on the computer and start creating.  I know that I am going to get the quality projects I desire from most of my students now, judging by their motivation.

I can't wait to see the final products!  I haven't seen my students so excited and motivated for a project in quite some time.

Check back later in the week for my "final product" on the camel and for updates about how my students are enjoying their experience.

-Heather

BP_7 OMM on School Rack

Here is my one minute video about School Rack.  Hope you enjoy!!







If for any reason it doesn't show click here to go to my Viddler site and watch it!

BP_6 Chanda's Voki Review

Check out my comment on Chanda's blog about Voki.  This is a fabulous web 2.0 tool that teachers can use to help motivate students and encourage participation from all!  Great tool, Chanda!

-Heather

BP_5 Daniela's Glogster Review

Check out the comment I left on Daniela's blog about Glogster!  This is a wonderful tool that teachers should know about!

-Heather

BP4_Panoramio

This week I chose to investigate a Web 2.0 tool called Panoramio. Panoramio is a website that showcases photos from around the world. Using Panoramio is very simplistic, however, I feel it could be a very powerful too when studying Geography or Social Studies.

You don’t have to be a member to use Panoramio. When you arrive at the webpage you simply enter the name of the area you are studying, click search, and are directed to a page that shows that area on a map and gives you thumbnails of photos available to look at. You click on the photo and it is enlarged. It also has a menu on the left hand side of the page that shows all the photos available for that area and you do not have to find the pictures on the map.

Type in your city or country

See your results!

Menu of all the pictures available

Another neat aspect of the website is that you can view the pictures from either a world map or from a satellite view.  I love letting students see the satellite view so that they get a real feel of what they lay of the land is.

Map View

Satellite View

If you do choose to create an account, the added benefit is that you are able to upload photos of places. Think of the benefits of this! We all have very diverse classrooms, with families from all over. The students LOVE to share where they are from, where they have been, etc. Now the students can gather family pictures of different places, bring them to school and discuss them, and then they can be uploaded to your page. At any point in time, you can log into your account and watch a slideshow of photos you have uploaded.  Creating an account is easy.  They pulled my information from my Google account and all I had to do was create a screen name.

When studying places around the world, we have often times shown pictures from a book or magazine. I know that I used to use Google images all the time, but now Google images has been blocked by my school district due to inappropriate content when searching. Now students can interact with geographical places using a map powered by Google Earth. They can see pictures that you might not usually find when researching certain cities, as these are photos that have been uploaded by individuals that have visited and we all know that different people take pictures of different things! They have the opportunity to add their own photos and make their learning more personalized.

Next time you are studying a certain city or country, I hope you will remember about Panoramio and give it a try!

View of Central America

-Heather

PE3_iMovie

When I last left you in my previous blog, we had added new clips and created a video.  We had edited the video clips, the audio, the titles and the transitions.  We had also added a song.  Now we are ready to share the video!  There are many different options you have for sharing a video created in iMovie.

You can share it via iTunes, iDvd, You Tube, Mobile Me, export to your computer, or export to Final Cut for more advanced editing.

After choosing your method of sharing, you get a screen that let's you customize the size of your movie after exporting.  I have previously chosen either medium or large as none of my videos were intended for and iPod or iPhone.

Now just sit back and wait!  It could take some time depending on the size you chose.

Now these past several blogs are not in any way meant to show you EVERYTHING that iMovie can do.  There are so many more very cool options available to you:  green screen effects, customizable title screens, credit screens, interactive maps you can add, picture-in-picture options, cut away options, and much more.  I just showed you everything that was practical for me to use in the video I made.

You can check my viddler account by clicking the word viddler, and see my finished video below!  Hope you enjoy!

At the end of your Lynda training, you will receive a certificate of completion.  This certificate can be printed out and is great to add to a professional portfolio.

-Heather