I have decided to submit my presentation to the NEOITC Conference.
Think Out-Loud Blog #1
Think Out-Loud Blog #2
Shawn Arbogast_PLP Presentation
Sunday, May 29, 2011
MAC Wk_4 Blog: My response to Rowdy
Rowdy's Post:
In Chapters 9-12 of the Art of possibility I found myself reflecting on all the things that I do and don’t do that reflected the authors thoughts presented in this book.
In Ch. 9, right off the bat, he hit a home run in the second paragraph. Being a technical gadget junkie and always needing to have the latest and greatest of any device, I often find that in all reality, in person is the best way of communication. When he told the story of his father and the wonderful quote, “certain things in life are better done in person,” I could see myself nodding in agreement at this. The ability to get someone enrolled in an idea or practice is best started this way, with involvement. Loved reading this. I wholeheartedly agree with what he said about creating that spark. That person to person meeting, to me, is a spark. It shows that other person that you are willing to go above and beyond a simple email or phone call, or quick text. It shows involvement and caring. It opens up possibilities that you otherwise could not have seen through the phone or in an email.
I know I will surely use his example of the kaleidoscope, not only in my class, but in my personal life. If something seems wrong, impossible or unchangeable, I will simple change the perspective. I also believe that this goes into the next idea of becoming the board. By becoming the board, you are doing just that, changing perspectives. You are no longer seeing these things as the player or game piece, but the total space in which all movement takes place. You are the board, change the way the pieces move. Great. So simple, yet, pretty moving words. The very IDEA of possibilities creates more ideas.
I was actually able to practice these theories with one of my students. I saw him in the hallway, visibly upset and pulled him inside the class to ask what was wrong. He then proceeded to tell me that his father, whom he had not seen in the last 12 years is back in his life. I asked him why he was upset about this? Was he abusive? Did he not want his father there? Why was he so upset? He simply told me, no, that he wanted his father there. He was upset because he felt like he only had a few more years with him until he went off to college and how could he make up 12 years of absence in only 5 years. I gave him the example from the kaleidoscope story, I said, “you need to shift your view of how you see this. If you only have 5 years, or 5 minutes, you need to take this opportunity to embrace whatever time you are given.” I also told him that instead of questioning “why” he had been gone for 12 years (not playing the blame game), that he should ask him how he has spent the last 12 years, where has he lived, what places has he visited, where did he work. I wanted him to try and understand that reasoning of creating that “WE” in my student wanting to know and be a part of his father’s life. The talk went on for a little while longer and my student left feeling much better and told me that he felt so much better and it made him understand things a bit clearer to where he didn’t feel hurt or angry, but felt like this was a new door to walk through. A new set of possibilities? Maybe.
My Post:
@Rowdy,
Your comments are so true. One of the biggest challenges of teaching technology is to realize that there are limits and times were the technology is not really as good as the traditional ways.
I really found your story on your student to be very inspiring. It is good to see that you were able to help your student see the positive in his situation.
In Chapters 9-12 of the Art of possibility I found myself reflecting on all the things that I do and don’t do that reflected the authors thoughts presented in this book.
In Ch. 9, right off the bat, he hit a home run in the second paragraph. Being a technical gadget junkie and always needing to have the latest and greatest of any device, I often find that in all reality, in person is the best way of communication. When he told the story of his father and the wonderful quote, “certain things in life are better done in person,” I could see myself nodding in agreement at this. The ability to get someone enrolled in an idea or practice is best started this way, with involvement. Loved reading this. I wholeheartedly agree with what he said about creating that spark. That person to person meeting, to me, is a spark. It shows that other person that you are willing to go above and beyond a simple email or phone call, or quick text. It shows involvement and caring. It opens up possibilities that you otherwise could not have seen through the phone or in an email.
I know I will surely use his example of the kaleidoscope, not only in my class, but in my personal life. If something seems wrong, impossible or unchangeable, I will simple change the perspective. I also believe that this goes into the next idea of becoming the board. By becoming the board, you are doing just that, changing perspectives. You are no longer seeing these things as the player or game piece, but the total space in which all movement takes place. You are the board, change the way the pieces move. Great. So simple, yet, pretty moving words. The very IDEA of possibilities creates more ideas.
I was actually able to practice these theories with one of my students. I saw him in the hallway, visibly upset and pulled him inside the class to ask what was wrong. He then proceeded to tell me that his father, whom he had not seen in the last 12 years is back in his life. I asked him why he was upset about this? Was he abusive? Did he not want his father there? Why was he so upset? He simply told me, no, that he wanted his father there. He was upset because he felt like he only had a few more years with him until he went off to college and how could he make up 12 years of absence in only 5 years. I gave him the example from the kaleidoscope story, I said, “you need to shift your view of how you see this. If you only have 5 years, or 5 minutes, you need to take this opportunity to embrace whatever time you are given.” I also told him that instead of questioning “why” he had been gone for 12 years (not playing the blame game), that he should ask him how he has spent the last 12 years, where has he lived, what places has he visited, where did he work. I wanted him to try and understand that reasoning of creating that “WE” in my student wanting to know and be a part of his father’s life. The talk went on for a little while longer and my student left feeling much better and told me that he felt so much better and it made him understand things a bit clearer to where he didn’t feel hurt or angry, but felt like this was a new door to walk through. A new set of possibilities? Maybe.
My Post:
@Rowdy,
Your comments are so true. One of the biggest challenges of teaching technology is to realize that there are limits and times were the technology is not really as good as the traditional ways.
I really found your story on your student to be very inspiring. It is good to see that you were able to help your student see the positive in his situation.
MAC Wk_4 Blog: My response to Thanh Kirby
Thanh's Post:
I really like the ending of the book, especially how it ties all the practices together in the sense that the theme that runs through these chapters I believe are about establishing and being part of a community. One of the major themes we have learned discussed and practiced in this program is the idea that we are better together than as one. It only makes sense that we read about this type of theme in a book such as this. Chapter 9 is a continuation of the thoughts and lessons of 7 and 8. Chapter 9 however speaks about extending those ideas to the point that everybody has the potential to be creative. To see growth in our own potential we need to think that every interaction with others is an opportunity to help others find their possibilities. I found the story about the at-risk school in London very heartwarming and a perfect example of this concept. Just providing the opportunity to create music for those students opened a new experience and potential musicians. This idea is not new and it brings to mind Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Drive Life. By making connections with each other, helping others to find their own potential, we expand our own potential. Another analogy I see in this idea is the Internet phenomena. We’ve seen rapid growth in many areas of society in recent years because the Internet has allowed individuals to share ideas and concepts easily and more rapidly than ever before. Connections with other individuals have opened up exponentially because of the Internet which can explain the reasons for the rapid growth.
My Post:
You have so hit the nail on the head with this one. Making those connections whether in the work place or at home truly benefits all of us in so many ways. You have obviously taken much from this book and I am sure that you will come to see how it makes great changes in the way you look at things.
I really like the ending of the book, especially how it ties all the practices together in the sense that the theme that runs through these chapters I believe are about establishing and being part of a community. One of the major themes we have learned discussed and practiced in this program is the idea that we are better together than as one. It only makes sense that we read about this type of theme in a book such as this. Chapter 9 is a continuation of the thoughts and lessons of 7 and 8. Chapter 9 however speaks about extending those ideas to the point that everybody has the potential to be creative. To see growth in our own potential we need to think that every interaction with others is an opportunity to help others find their possibilities. I found the story about the at-risk school in London very heartwarming and a perfect example of this concept. Just providing the opportunity to create music for those students opened a new experience and potential musicians. This idea is not new and it brings to mind Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Drive Life. By making connections with each other, helping others to find their own potential, we expand our own potential. Another analogy I see in this idea is the Internet phenomena. We’ve seen rapid growth in many areas of society in recent years because the Internet has allowed individuals to share ideas and concepts easily and more rapidly than ever before. Connections with other individuals have opened up exponentially because of the Internet which can explain the reasons for the rapid growth.
My Post:
You have so hit the nail on the head with this one. Making those connections whether in the work place or at home truly benefits all of us in so many ways. You have obviously taken much from this book and I am sure that you will come to see how it makes great changes in the way you look at things.
MAC Wk_4 Reading: The Art of Possibility Chapters 9-12
The final chapters of the book did a very good job of wrapping up everything. It was good to read and reflect on inspiring and pushing others to reach their potential. It is good to be reminded about the benefits that teachers provide to our students. Sometimes I think we get wrapped up in too many of our own issues and forget about the lives we have touched on a daily basis.
I have really enjoyed reading this book. So much that I have been sharing parts of it with other teachers and recommending it to them.
I have really enjoyed reading this book. So much that I have been sharing parts of it with other teachers and recommending it to them.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
MAC Wk 4 Publishing_Leadership Project
My top two choices for presenting would be at the Ohio eTech Conference or the North East Ohio Instructional Technology Conference (NEOITC).
I have chosen these two as possibilities for a couple of reasons. For one, they are closer to my district so I stand a better chance of being able to go. Another reason is they are both conferences for sharing with teachers great technology resources.
The link to the presentation can be found here.
I have chosen these two as possibilities for a couple of reasons. For one, they are closer to my district so I stand a better chance of being able to go. Another reason is they are both conferences for sharing with teachers great technology resources.
The link to the presentation can be found here.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
MAC Wk_3 Leadership Project
I have decided that I want to do a presentation instead of publishing. Why you might ask? Well, for one, I don't feel like the data that I was able to gather is good enough to be published. With the limited responses that I was able to get, I feel that I can make more of a difference by doing a presentation.
While I am still working out some of the details of my presentation, I think I want to start by mentioning my research and then going into ways that I have found to improve communication that fit into the classroom.
I have a couple of conferences in mind, however, with the declining budget, I know that unless something drastic changes that this is all just something that looks good on the screen.
While I am still working out some of the details of my presentation, I think I want to start by mentioning my research and then going into ways that I have found to improve communication that fit into the classroom.
I have a couple of conferences in mind, however, with the declining budget, I know that unless something drastic changes that this is all just something that looks good on the screen.
MAC Wk_3 Blog: My response to Jessica Goodenow
Jessica's post:
The Art of Possibility has been a wonderful read that has stretched my idea on life and my role in it.
Chapter 6. Rule Number 6: Don’t take yourself so seriously. Life is a journey–enjoy and learn along the way. Live, laugh, and love!!
I have never fallen prey to taking myself to seriously. Time and time again, I find that I am making myself look like a complete fool in front of my students and I love every moment of it. There are many moments in my life that I can point to and say, “What a journey!” Having a baby, while getting my master’s and buying my first house has been the ultimate of crazy experiences I have had so far. When I look back at this last year, I will laugh. I can’t believe that I made it. I am happily not pregnant any more and enjoying my beautiful little girl Lucy. I am in my last weeks of my master’s degree. I have moved into a wonderful home (that needs lots of work) and am almost unpacked! Life is a journey and I love traveling it!
Chapter 8. Giving Way to Passion: Control says that the only way to avoid disappointment and frustration is to not care at all. No hits, no runs, but most importantly, no errors. What are you doing in your daily life that expresses your passion or the things you are passionate about?
Every day I wake up to the sound of a beautiful baby stirring in her crib. These past 6 months of my life, I have been living my passion of being a mom. I never knew that it was a passion of mine until I began carrying her in my belly. Ever since then, I know that my passion to be a mother and nurture my own offspring’s will express a passion that will never end.
What I have chosen as my career is another passion of mine. Since a young age, I have wanted to be in the school setting. Finding out that I wanted to be full-fledge teacher was a journey. After a few bumps in the road, I realized that I was dragging my feet and pitter-pattering around the fact that I wanted to go into education. Every day, I am challenged by students in multiple ways. I teach them while they teach me. It is the best job out there that is extremely under-appreciated....but I love it!
My response:
Jessica,
First of all, congratulations on your little girl. I know what it is like trying to raise 3 kids while getting this masters, yet I can only imagine what it is like to go through having a child in the middle of this.
I am glad that you have found your life long passion in being a mother. I am also glad that teaching is your other passion. I love how you said that you are challenged by your students and they teach you. Those who are in it for the right reasons know this to be the case.
The Art of Possibility has been a wonderful read that has stretched my idea on life and my role in it.
Chapter 6. Rule Number 6: Don’t take yourself so seriously. Life is a journey–enjoy and learn along the way. Live, laugh, and love!!
I have never fallen prey to taking myself to seriously. Time and time again, I find that I am making myself look like a complete fool in front of my students and I love every moment of it. There are many moments in my life that I can point to and say, “What a journey!” Having a baby, while getting my master’s and buying my first house has been the ultimate of crazy experiences I have had so far. When I look back at this last year, I will laugh. I can’t believe that I made it. I am happily not pregnant any more and enjoying my beautiful little girl Lucy. I am in my last weeks of my master’s degree. I have moved into a wonderful home (that needs lots of work) and am almost unpacked! Life is a journey and I love traveling it!
Chapter 8. Giving Way to Passion: Control says that the only way to avoid disappointment and frustration is to not care at all. No hits, no runs, but most importantly, no errors. What are you doing in your daily life that expresses your passion or the things you are passionate about?
Every day I wake up to the sound of a beautiful baby stirring in her crib. These past 6 months of my life, I have been living my passion of being a mom. I never knew that it was a passion of mine until I began carrying her in my belly. Ever since then, I know that my passion to be a mother and nurture my own offspring’s will express a passion that will never end.
What I have chosen as my career is another passion of mine. Since a young age, I have wanted to be in the school setting. Finding out that I wanted to be full-fledge teacher was a journey. After a few bumps in the road, I realized that I was dragging my feet and pitter-pattering around the fact that I wanted to go into education. Every day, I am challenged by students in multiple ways. I teach them while they teach me. It is the best job out there that is extremely under-appreciated....but I love it!
My response:
Jessica,
First of all, congratulations on your little girl. I know what it is like trying to raise 3 kids while getting this masters, yet I can only imagine what it is like to go through having a child in the middle of this.
I am glad that you have found your life long passion in being a mother. I am also glad that teaching is your other passion. I love how you said that you are challenged by your students and they teach you. Those who are in it for the right reasons know this to be the case.
MAC Wk_3 Blog: My response to Meghan Bassett
Meghan's post:
In the first chapter Leading From Any Chair, I couldn’t help think about my mother. She works in a school as the secretary to the principal. The principal received an email last week that a report needed to be ran. He never told my mother or the person that was supposed to run the report, but my mom found out from another school. When she brought it up that he may have missed an email, he said he never received it. A few hours later, after going back to him again, he forwarded the email and said he had just gotten it (which we all know, emails are time stamped). Instead of admitting his own mistake, he, like the conductors, tried to let it slide and hoped no one noticed.
The mere act of kindness and acknowledging that other people help you do a job is severely under-used. If you give ANY kind of praise to people who are helping you, or even say thank you to them, it brings up esteem and also encourages people to continue to work hard for you. I guess we could all work on this in different ways. I personally could work on always encouraging my students in ways that they are doing well. I can be sarcastic, which doesn’t work well with all of my students.
The next Chapter, the Rule number 6, took a more person attack on a way I’ve been feeling for a week now. I was very betrayed by someone I thought I could trust. A friend of mine told another friend of mine something very personal, and very atomic. I knew that the word had spread, and I wasn’t sure of where it had started. I found out and instead of confronting the issue, I recoiled and hid from everyone. Here, I need to follow Rule number 6, and stop taking myself so seriously. People talk, and say things that aren’t theirs to say, and sometimes there are things that get said that we don’t want said. It’s a part of human nature, and if I really didn’t want anyone to know, I wouldn’t have said it in the first place. I’m still hurt, but I’m letting it go in my own time.
The Way Things Are…I’ve always tried to see the cloud with a silver lining, and look on the bright side of things. A much easier said than done thing to accomplish. I’m one of those people, once I start feeling negative, everything that’s negative seems to find me. I’m sure that has everything to do with the way I am looking at things, rather than the world being out to get me. If we can laugh and play with the bad things that happen to us, a much more light hearted attitude would be had by everyone around us!
I would love to give way to passion more. Sometimes we are so stuck in living life day to day we forget to give in to the natural flow of life an energy. I try to recognize the energy around me, but I’ll be honest…the only real times I feel a surge of energy run through me are when I’m by the ocean watching the waves, or listening to music and painting. Then I can truly let passion run through me and I feel at one with everything around me.
My response:
Meghan,
Unfortunately things like what happened to your mom happen way too often by those who only care about looking out for themselves.
I hope that you are able to keep the positive outlook that you have started about the application of rule #6. While you will surely be hurt for some time by your friend betraying you, hopefully things will work themselves out for you and your friend.
I hope that you will find some of the energy you described to start flowing through you as you work with your students.
In the first chapter Leading From Any Chair, I couldn’t help think about my mother. She works in a school as the secretary to the principal. The principal received an email last week that a report needed to be ran. He never told my mother or the person that was supposed to run the report, but my mom found out from another school. When she brought it up that he may have missed an email, he said he never received it. A few hours later, after going back to him again, he forwarded the email and said he had just gotten it (which we all know, emails are time stamped). Instead of admitting his own mistake, he, like the conductors, tried to let it slide and hoped no one noticed.
The mere act of kindness and acknowledging that other people help you do a job is severely under-used. If you give ANY kind of praise to people who are helping you, or even say thank you to them, it brings up esteem and also encourages people to continue to work hard for you. I guess we could all work on this in different ways. I personally could work on always encouraging my students in ways that they are doing well. I can be sarcastic, which doesn’t work well with all of my students.
The next Chapter, the Rule number 6, took a more person attack on a way I’ve been feeling for a week now. I was very betrayed by someone I thought I could trust. A friend of mine told another friend of mine something very personal, and very atomic. I knew that the word had spread, and I wasn’t sure of where it had started. I found out and instead of confronting the issue, I recoiled and hid from everyone. Here, I need to follow Rule number 6, and stop taking myself so seriously. People talk, and say things that aren’t theirs to say, and sometimes there are things that get said that we don’t want said. It’s a part of human nature, and if I really didn’t want anyone to know, I wouldn’t have said it in the first place. I’m still hurt, but I’m letting it go in my own time.
The Way Things Are…I’ve always tried to see the cloud with a silver lining, and look on the bright side of things. A much easier said than done thing to accomplish. I’m one of those people, once I start feeling negative, everything that’s negative seems to find me. I’m sure that has everything to do with the way I am looking at things, rather than the world being out to get me. If we can laugh and play with the bad things that happen to us, a much more light hearted attitude would be had by everyone around us!
I would love to give way to passion more. Sometimes we are so stuck in living life day to day we forget to give in to the natural flow of life an energy. I try to recognize the energy around me, but I’ll be honest…the only real times I feel a surge of energy run through me are when I’m by the ocean watching the waves, or listening to music and painting. Then I can truly let passion run through me and I feel at one with everything around me.
My response:
Meghan,
Unfortunately things like what happened to your mom happen way too often by those who only care about looking out for themselves.
I hope that you are able to keep the positive outlook that you have started about the application of rule #6. While you will surely be hurt for some time by your friend betraying you, hopefully things will work themselves out for you and your friend.
I hope that you will find some of the energy you described to start flowing through you as you work with your students.
MAC Wk_3 Reading: The Art of Possibility Chapters 5-8
This weeks reading represent how I often think and react in my life. My wife and those close to me often say that I live in a world of denial. Yet I keep saying I refuse to believe that things won't turn around and get better.
I really enjoyed reading chapter 7 as it fits in with everything at school right now. The staff have lowered their expectations because of being beat down by the administration time and time again. Too many people have fallen into the rut of just maintain status quo and not try to change things as they are hoping after the current administration retires it will get better. My issue with this type of thinking and acting is that who are we hurting; ourselves - maybe, the students - definitely. This is what everyone needs to remember.
I really enjoyed reading chapter 7 as it fits in with everything at school right now. The staff have lowered their expectations because of being beat down by the administration time and time again. Too many people have fallen into the rut of just maintain status quo and not try to change things as they are hoping after the current administration retires it will get better. My issue with this type of thinking and acting is that who are we hurting; ourselves - maybe, the students - definitely. This is what everyone needs to remember.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
MAC Wk_2 Blog: Free Choice
Based partially on our one discussion, I thought I would share some of the podcasts I posted along with a few others that I listen to.
Podcasts to share:
Ecogeeks: Untamed Science - http://www.untamedscience.com/
A great science video podcast. Their goal is help explain science in a fun and exciting way.
Teaching with Smartboard - http://teachingwithsmartboard.com/
A video podcast that explores using the Smarboard for 6-12 Math teachers.
Sesame Street Podcast - http://www.sesamestreet.org/podcasts/
A video podcast of Sesame Street shorts.
CNN Student News - http://www.cnn.com/studentnews/
10 minutes of the top news stories for middle and high school students.
TEDTalks - http://www.ted.com/talks/browse
Video (or audio) podcast of some of the world's most fascinating people speaking from that year's TED stage.
ScreenCastsOnline - http://www.screencastsonline.com/
Weekly video podcast showing a new tutorial on getting the most from your Mac, iPhone, or iPad.
Podcasts to share:
Ecogeeks: Untamed Science - http://www.untamedscience.com/
A great science video podcast. Their goal is help explain science in a fun and exciting way.
Teaching with Smartboard - http://teachingwithsmartboard.com/
A video podcast that explores using the Smarboard for 6-12 Math teachers.
Sesame Street Podcast - http://www.sesamestreet.org/podcasts/
A video podcast of Sesame Street shorts.
CNN Student News - http://www.cnn.com/studentnews/
10 minutes of the top news stories for middle and high school students.
TEDTalks - http://www.ted.com/talks/browse
Video (or audio) podcast of some of the world's most fascinating people speaking from that year's TED stage.
ScreenCastsOnline - http://www.screencastsonline.com/
Weekly video podcast showing a new tutorial on getting the most from your Mac, iPhone, or iPad.
MAC Wk_2 Blog: My response to Tess Crawford
Tess's post:
I'm not sure what I think about what I've read so far. I mean, the Zanders do make sense to me. I once considered using the catch phrase, "I don't smoke," as a way to help myself quit smoking. I thought that changing the language I use to represent a reality could reprogram my brain to ultimately change my behavior. I think it would work, which is probably why I didn't try it.
Something else that made sense to me was the idea of renaming ourselves and restructuring circumstances in a way that would ultimately lead to better than we ever thought possible. I've thought about leaving the school for which I've taught six years. It was my very first teaching job, and I've come a long, long way in 6 years. But the idea that I could re-invent myself as a teacher somewhere else appeals to me. Maybe I need to do it, in order for me to grow as a teacher.
I watched Zander on TED, and he's good. He likes being in front of a crowd--or so I'm guessing. I don't know him personally. I'll post the link if anyone wants a look. Benjamin Zander on TED
Later . . .
My response:
@Tess,
I like your analogy of don't smoke. This fits in well with the reading. Hopefully you have or can still find a way to quit. Also, I can understand your thinking about moving on in order grow and better yourself. Right now I find myself in a similar situation where I am being placed back in the classroom. I have decided that due to finances at school I cannot fight it, I will go willingly as a return the classroom will hopefully help me gain more insight into helping teachers in the future.
If you do move on, I wish you the best of luck.
I'm not sure what I think about what I've read so far. I mean, the Zanders do make sense to me. I once considered using the catch phrase, "I don't smoke," as a way to help myself quit smoking. I thought that changing the language I use to represent a reality could reprogram my brain to ultimately change my behavior. I think it would work, which is probably why I didn't try it.
Something else that made sense to me was the idea of renaming ourselves and restructuring circumstances in a way that would ultimately lead to better than we ever thought possible. I've thought about leaving the school for which I've taught six years. It was my very first teaching job, and I've come a long, long way in 6 years. But the idea that I could re-invent myself as a teacher somewhere else appeals to me. Maybe I need to do it, in order for me to grow as a teacher.
I watched Zander on TED, and he's good. He likes being in front of a crowd--or so I'm guessing. I don't know him personally. I'll post the link if anyone wants a look. Benjamin Zander on TED
Later . . .
My response:
@Tess,
I like your analogy of don't smoke. This fits in well with the reading. Hopefully you have or can still find a way to quit. Also, I can understand your thinking about moving on in order grow and better yourself. Right now I find myself in a similar situation where I am being placed back in the classroom. I have decided that due to finances at school I cannot fight it, I will go willingly as a return the classroom will hopefully help me gain more insight into helping teachers in the future.
If you do move on, I wish you the best of luck.
MAC Wk_2 Reading: The Art of Possibility Chapters 1 - 4
After reading The Art of Possibility first few chapters I started thinking about some of my own experiences. One of the parts that really rang out to me was with the analogy by Michelangelo. When I was in the classroom, this analogy was one of the beliefs that I always tried to remind myself when working with my students. As a teacher, we often only see 1 side of a student's life. We often have no idea what else they go through on a daily basis. This is why I felt it was up to me to "chip away" at the outside to get to the positive, energetic student inside.
Now that I find myself being placed back in the classroom next year, I want to focus on the idea of "Giving an A." While this is truly a change in thinking over how we are taught/told, I do see what a benefit it can be and hope to find myself successful.
Now that I find myself being placed back in the classroom next year, I want to focus on the idea of "Giving an A." While this is truly a change in thinking over how we are taught/told, I do see what a benefit it can be and hope to find myself successful.
MAC Wk_2 Blog: My response to Peter Binskin
Peter's post:
The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander (2000) is a great book to read! I think that having us watch the TED video of Benjamin Zander first was a great idea because it puts much of the book in perspective and gives the book a voice (I couldn’t get that joyful British voice out of my head as I read it). It really is a book of stories on changing perspectives and finding the joy of living in everything. It also asks us to look at a broader world of opportunities, not for what we can gain personally, but what we can gain by giving ourselves to those in our field of influence.
As a teacher the Michelangelo analogy was very strong for me. Do I see my students as infinite potential or am I just there to deliver the curriculum and compare them to other students? It’s a hard thing to rejoice in an individual’s abilities when the parents too are asking how are they doing compared to the rest of the class or the state. This measurement world is very strong and is continually being used as justification and blame on those who do not measure up and those who are charged with the job of raising people up to those invented standards. I have to admit that I myself have been focusing on measurements throughout this course and get stressed at each activity, wondering if I have done what is required to satisfy the course requirements rather than being a contribution to those around me in my academic community, both inside and outside the course.
One thing I can say is that I am quite energized by this book and I hope I can find a way to let myself give up my measurement driven way of thinking to something more uplifting. I’m enjoying this book so much that I am recommending my wife read it to give her tools to help with managing people at her work.
My Post:
@Peter,
I agree that the TED video was a very good setup to reading the book. Now that you mention hearing his voice, I too hear the same as I go back to reference, thanks :). I really like your comments comparing the measurement of your students. In today's world, it seems like we place too much emphasis on who is doing better. I think this is a great book to help open all of our eyes up to what might be better to do with our students to help them reach their full potential.
The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander (2000) is a great book to read! I think that having us watch the TED video of Benjamin Zander first was a great idea because it puts much of the book in perspective and gives the book a voice (I couldn’t get that joyful British voice out of my head as I read it). It really is a book of stories on changing perspectives and finding the joy of living in everything. It also asks us to look at a broader world of opportunities, not for what we can gain personally, but what we can gain by giving ourselves to those in our field of influence.
As a teacher the Michelangelo analogy was very strong for me. Do I see my students as infinite potential or am I just there to deliver the curriculum and compare them to other students? It’s a hard thing to rejoice in an individual’s abilities when the parents too are asking how are they doing compared to the rest of the class or the state. This measurement world is very strong and is continually being used as justification and blame on those who do not measure up and those who are charged with the job of raising people up to those invented standards. I have to admit that I myself have been focusing on measurements throughout this course and get stressed at each activity, wondering if I have done what is required to satisfy the course requirements rather than being a contribution to those around me in my academic community, both inside and outside the course.
One thing I can say is that I am quite energized by this book and I hope I can find a way to let myself give up my measurement driven way of thinking to something more uplifting. I’m enjoying this book so much that I am recommending my wife read it to give her tools to help with managing people at her work.
My Post:
@Peter,
I agree that the TED video was a very good setup to reading the book. Now that you mention hearing his voice, I too hear the same as I go back to reference, thanks :). I really like your comments comparing the measurement of your students. In today's world, it seems like we place too much emphasis on who is doing better. I think this is a great book to help open all of our eyes up to what might be better to do with our students to help them reach their full potential.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Wk1_Blog: Free Choice
Using and keeping technology working in the classroom is one of those never ending jobs. However, with all the budget cuts coming, it appears it will be less of a job. While I understand that cuts will have to made in most areas, I have an issue with eliminating such an ever needed position in a time of such a technology rich society. With no one help maintain and demonstrate how to use the technology, many teachers will abandon using the technology as it quickly becomes outdated and unreliable. But, the real loss is the injustice the leaders are doing to the students. In a time where the students are craving for the use of technology in the classroom over just listening to their teacher talk, we are going to go back to "the good old days," because that worked for the administration so it must still be good.
The good news is that the creative students and teachers will not let this stifle them and will find new and creative ways to still incorporate technology.
The good news is that the creative students and teachers will not let this stifle them and will find new and creative ways to still incorporate technology.
Wk1_Blog: My response to Kelly Baker
Kelly's Post
I would like to start out by saying I have seen all the Disney movies from the second video in part 2.☺. And from that video, I was impressed in how little of each movie was used to get the point across. I have to say I actually understood copyright better from watching that video and the Eyes on the Fair Use Prize one. I did not realize that the permission expires. I figured once you had permission to use it for a purpose, you did not need it again for that specific purpose. It also did not surprise me that Disney Co. is one of the biggest opponents to fair use.
From all the videos, am I wrong to assume that showing a movie in class is breaking copyright laws?
My post
Kelly,
I used the same video with a group of students and it was very well received by them. The students actually said things made more sense to them after seeing the video. It is surprising to learn a bunch of the little bits of how copyright changes over the years and depending on what you are talking about. One question that one of my students said will be interesting to see what happens, "what happens to Disney when it reaches 100 years?"
Also, technically, showing a movie in class is breaking copyright law unless your school has a license to show movies. I know these can be obtained (for a price) and cover most of the big name movie makers.
I would like to start out by saying I have seen all the Disney movies from the second video in part 2.☺. And from that video, I was impressed in how little of each movie was used to get the point across. I have to say I actually understood copyright better from watching that video and the Eyes on the Fair Use Prize one. I did not realize that the permission expires. I figured once you had permission to use it for a purpose, you did not need it again for that specific purpose. It also did not surprise me that Disney Co. is one of the biggest opponents to fair use.
From all the videos, am I wrong to assume that showing a movie in class is breaking copyright laws?
My post
Kelly,
I used the same video with a group of students and it was very well received by them. The students actually said things made more sense to them after seeing the video. It is surprising to learn a bunch of the little bits of how copyright changes over the years and depending on what you are talking about. One question that one of my students said will be interesting to see what happens, "what happens to Disney when it reaches 100 years?"
Also, technically, showing a movie in class is breaking copyright law unless your school has a license to show movies. I know these can be obtained (for a price) and cover most of the big name movie makers.
Wk1_Blog: My response to Jessica Goodenow
Jessica's Post
I am overwhelmed by the topic of copyright. We are living in a world where creativity is valuable and should be protected. We are also living in a world where people will cheat and steal others creativity and claim it as their own. In a world where plagiarism is as common as a Starbucks drink on college campuses, laws are being put into place to try to protect those individuals that have worked hard to get their ideas declared as their own.
The videos Good Copy/Bady Copy really got me thinking. Sampling is a music style that I enjoy. I even use samplings of music when I make movies for my classroom or for my own personal uses. Does that mean that I need to go through court proceedings to give those artists their due? No! I pay for that song that I sample with my own money. I remember when “The Grey Album” came out and all the controversy that surrounded it. I was surprised to find out that the artist never made any money off of his “art project.” For his creativity, he deserved SOMETHING. I may be naïve, but creativity should be rewarded and protected.
My Post
Jessica,
i agree that all too often it seems like it is too easy for people to use other's work without giving credit. Although, I think it sticks out more when this happens. Your one comment about the author of the Grey album not making money was also interesting. While I can understand why he didn't make money off of it, I would hope that his skills and talents would have gotten noticed by someone to hire and pay him for his abilities.
I am overwhelmed by the topic of copyright. We are living in a world where creativity is valuable and should be protected. We are also living in a world where people will cheat and steal others creativity and claim it as their own. In a world where plagiarism is as common as a Starbucks drink on college campuses, laws are being put into place to try to protect those individuals that have worked hard to get their ideas declared as their own.
The videos Good Copy/Bady Copy really got me thinking. Sampling is a music style that I enjoy. I even use samplings of music when I make movies for my classroom or for my own personal uses. Does that mean that I need to go through court proceedings to give those artists their due? No! I pay for that song that I sample with my own money. I remember when “The Grey Album” came out and all the controversy that surrounded it. I was surprised to find out that the artist never made any money off of his “art project.” For his creativity, he deserved SOMETHING. I may be naïve, but creativity should be rewarded and protected.
My Post
Jessica,
i agree that all too often it seems like it is too easy for people to use other's work without giving credit. Although, I think it sticks out more when this happens. Your one comment about the author of the Grey album not making money was also interesting. While I can understand why he didn't make money off of it, I would hope that his skills and talents would have gotten noticed by someone to hire and pay him for his abilities.
MAC Week 1 Reading Copyright
Copyright is a very tricky topic for anyone, let alone for teachers and students. All to often, teachers either take the approach of what I don't know, can't hurt me or that because I am using it for teaching, it falls under fair use. I think it would be good for teachers to see the 10 myths video and the videos on fair use. It will open up some eyes and make others think.
When it comes to students, I have always found it difficult to get copyright across to them. All to often they see no problem with using a graphic they find in making an ad, or downloading music to listen to or include in a presentation. The only way to get some of them to understand is to "steal" their ideas/work after they've put in all the time. Once they see someone else using their hard work without giving them credit, it often makes them realize.
I did show some students the Fair(y) Use video and this video seemed to make some of the most sense to them about copyright and fair use.
Until we can come up with an effective way to show today's youth how important copyright is, we will continue to have copyright pirating.
When it comes to students, I have always found it difficult to get copyright across to them. All to often they see no problem with using a graphic they find in making an ad, or downloading music to listen to or include in a presentation. The only way to get some of them to understand is to "steal" their ideas/work after they've put in all the time. Once they see someone else using their hard work without giving them credit, it often makes them realize.
I did show some students the Fair(y) Use video and this video seemed to make some of the most sense to them about copyright and fair use.
Until we can come up with an effective way to show today's youth how important copyright is, we will continue to have copyright pirating.
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