Turning Wheels in Week 2

The information presented in week 2 really stirred an excitement of notes and notions to use technology in my classroom. The ability to collaborate through Google Docs hadn't really sunk in until the discussion that took place last Monday night. I do very little writing in my studio art classes, however I always require students to reflect on a finished work of art. This is where they look to see how they have improved, what difficulties they ran into and why, what they would do differently if they had to start over, etc. The doors of communication swing wide open through this. I learn so much from my students about their feelings on the artwork and in return, I provide valuable feedback to flourish creativity and skills. Since students are writing the reflection anyhow, why not do it on Google Docs where we can work together on the reflection process? (Not to mention the fact that I would no longer hear the excuse 'My printer ran out of ink last night so I can't hand my paper in' anymore!) But even better is the fact that students could collaborate on classmates' work also. At the higher level of art studios, I begin to teach students the correct way to critique the artwork of their own and others. I hold the ablity to communicate with peers very highly. Today I believe too often students lack the skills to physically communicate face to face with not only superiors, but peers in general effectively. We have enabled students to hide behind the walls of technology to communicate and lost the benefit of face to face interaction. Words can become more harsh and thoughts more bold when you do not have to face the victim you are attacking. Wow, I do not hate technology, although it may seem like it at this point. There are so many benefits that I am truly excited to experiment with. What I am trying to say is that I find even in my own past, I have been more bold in my word choice when I know the reader cannot see me or ever know me. Which is not an entirely negative thing. My plan for use of Google Docs is as a way of allowing students to begin the peer critiquing process because it promotes the collaboration I want plus encourages honesty. I think if they can write suggestions and constructive criticism anonymously, the critique is more beneficial. I often remind all my students that constructive criticism may be hard to accept at times, but it can make you stronger. And I do love technology! As the wheels keeps on turning, I will look at ways to incorporate web cams into the mix. I love the ability to interact with others hundreds to thousands of miles away, in learners of all cultures.

A beginning to a Masters

Honestly, I am not only amazed at the mere fact that I have started a Master's Program, but that it is in the field of technology. Don't get me wrong, I am so excited to be part of this class however I never thought this day would come. I have been somewhat "computer illiterate" up to this point. I have made it a personal and professional goal of mine to learn the ins and outs of technology and the programs I can bring to my classroom. I am so excited to incorporate these newly learned skills into my classroom. I understand the technological society we live in and teach or students today. This is why I want to be the teacher who can bring new ideas to keep my classroom fresh and exciting. I am hoping this class will strengthen my abilities to incorporate programs like Ning, Blogging, Chat rooms, and perhaps Pod casting to my students. My current field of study is quickly moving to the computer graphics side, which I must embrace. However there is so much to learn from the hands-on art forms of basic pencil and paper drawing. I wish to incorporate technology into classes, to embellish on thoughts, techniques, and ideas learned through studio time.
Currently I teach the beginning art fundamental courses for a high school in southeastern Wisconsin. This is my fourth year teaching with my first two years being at the elementary levels. The district goal of my school fits along with my professional goal of teaching students through a higher level of technology. After completion of this program I plan to share my knowledge with fellow staff. My thought is that if I can learn, anyone can learn! I have not had very much experience teaching with technology. My first impression of this class stirred much excitement. I was shocked at the amount of free tools offered in effective communication strategies. Recently my school has set a district wide goal of improving literacy scores in our students. I have struggled with how I will do this in the art field, without taking away from valuable studio time. I hope to use the tools present in class to communicate with students on a higher level of thinking including important vocabulary and terminology not only in art but in standards set by my district. I'm very excited for this class, and can't wait to learn!