1 March - Vidcast Reflection

This is an Introduction to Shakespeare Vidcast.

The curriculum this vidcast addresses is located in the standards of Reading and Writing of the Language Arts Core.  Specifically contributing to the “comprehension of literary text by evaluating setting as it contributes to characterization, plot or theme” and analyzing “assumptions and perceptions by examining connections between texts, between texts and self, and between texts and different world connections.”

The topic for this vidcast was chosen because students are often intimidated by Shakespeare and his works.  Creating a Photo Story to introduce the unit of instruction can help make the content more accessible.  Shakespeare’s works are awe inspiring but they are also applicable to teenage life today.  Examining not only the written word but modern adaptations helps students relate to the text.  Utilizing technology also connects with the students because that is a language they speak.

A potential drawback to using this series in my future classroom is that I could change my mind on the play/s that I want to address or the angle at which I choose to come at them.  This drawback could be surmounted by keeping an editable version of the vidcast and revising it as needed.  I would very much like to utilize an introduction such as this in my classroom.  I don’t know that I would want to introduce every unit with a Photo Story but for sure some of them would be greatly enhanced by utilizing technology.  I am not well acquainted with the technologies we are learning in class. My previous experience was mostly of the word processing variety.  I will need to practice more to feel comfortable with my abilities.  I plan to do this because I feel that I and my future students will benefit greatly by including technology in classroom instruction and in their assignments.

22 February - Vidcast (Preproduction)

What?
Preparing to "shoot" our vidcast utilizing the tools we learned in class.
So What?
After a brainstorming session, Stephanie and I decided that the best way to go would be for us to utilize Photo Story to create an introduction to content about a unit of literature.  We decided on a Shakespeare unit.  We feel that Photo Story is our best option because we can include pictures, music, narration, and videos to create something that will engage our students and spark their interest in the upcoming unit of instruction.   There is a wealth of information on the web about Shakespeare and some great pictures, maps, and videos that we can utilize.
Now What?
I really enjoyed learning about the tools we discussed in class.  I can see many applications for Jing, not so much in my content area English but in other disciplines.  I plan on introducing it to my brother who is usually the one I turn to for technological explanations.  It could make his life a little easier.  I like the idea of Flip but I feel like the same thing can be done with a phone so its somewhat redundant but maybe I just don't grasp the big picture yet.  I think what I will really be able to use in the future will be the Photo Story.  I think it is a way to capture students' interest and relay information without having to stand in front of the class and deliver yet another lecture.

15 February - Podcast

What?
We created an awesome public service announcement, turned that into a podcast and shared it with the world.  It was fun and relatively easy.

So What?
I say relatively because we had trouble with the email coming through.  I realize now that I need to go and buy an I-pod or I-phone or smart phone or some such thing because I am way behind the times.  In regards to the podcasts: I have had teachers create podcasts of classes for people who missed that day or for those who wanted to review.  At the time this was announced I thought what a great idea and that it would be useful to study from.  Truth be told though I never went back and listened to them.  Why would I sit through 2 hours of class again?  Instead I read my notes and the text for the class.  The podcast assignment for this class however was a good use of time.  The podcasts are relevant, short and concise.

Now What?
In the future, I think that I could use podcasts for important events in the classroom that students would actually want to refer back to.  That being said, they will be short events.  I think that once a podcast is over 15 minutes, it either needs to be broken up into segments or edited down.  I also wonder if my students will really access an audio only podcast.

8 February - UEN Reflection

How/Why will I use UEN in my future classroom?

First off, I love the idea of linking UEN resources all over my class website.  I can link students/parents to the core curriculum and have them know exactly what my students will be learning.  This could potentially avoid some of the "why are we doing this?" questions. 

My content area is Language Arts.  The Pioneer Library, specifically the SIRS, will help my students with the research they will need to do for those pesky research papers that yes, I will be assigning.  There are also the masterpiece theater videos in the eMedia that I just might give extra credit for watching and writing reports comparing the video to the book.  I do love my Masterpiece Theater!

I enjoyed the interactives, in fact I spent too much time checking out the games.  I expect that my students could potentially enjoy them at least half as much as I did.  They will be gaining some useful practice and be able to do it on their own time and at their own speed.  Check out the BuzzWord game, it's a blast!

I will be keeping track of lesson plans that I create/use on the UEN website.  It is so organized.  I will be able to create lessons tied directly to the core and track what parts of the core have been covered.  I will also be able to share them with other teachers.  I hope others will be like minded and we can all give our students the best opportunity to succeed.