Sunday, April 25, 2010

About Jing

Jing makes it easy to record, upload and share your video with others "as is" which means no post production editing is involved.

Using Jing allows you to create a short video of how to do something such as simple activity that may be difficult to explain when just reading about how to do it.

Once the video has been uploaded you can just paste the link into an e-mail or course management system. There is a pencil tool available that gives you an opportunity to write on the document. This can also sent through IM while chatting with someone.
This video helps to walk a person through the task you are trying to convey or teach.

"The concept of Jing is the always ready program that instantly captures and shares images and video from your computer to any where" (http://blog.jingproject.com/2007/07/how_do_i_use_this_thing_called.html)

Here are useful Jing tutorials: video #1
Video #2

These videos are where I learned about Jing and how to use it.

On the Jing Project website it offers suggested uses for Jing such as:
-collaborate on a design project
-share a snapshot of a document
-narrate vacation photos
-show students how to do a task
-comment verbally on student work such as a paper or good for peer review

I would use Jing in my art classroom when teaching students about Photoshop, InDesign, or Illustrator. I can easily save a page and demonstrate how to use all the different tools in Photoshop through visual examples while demonstrating the tool at the same time. I may need to make several Jing videos to show the uses of all the tools but the Jing videos can serve as a reference for when students forget how to use a specific tool. I would post the videos on my teacher web page for easy access.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Google Docs

Reflect on what the strengths and weaknesses of using Google Docs are.

The strengths of using Google Docs are that it is convenient and easily accessible to someone who has a computer or laptop with Internet access. In addition, it allows for sharing of documents without having to attach them onto e-mails and get confused which document has the corrections. Furthermore, Google Docs allows people to collaborate and share the documents they make. For example, if a teacher needed to set up a meeting and talk about the agenda, the document can be sent using Google Docs and other teachers can easily make comments back and forth to each other; saving the original document which can also be viewed. Users to not have to worry about if the document is compatible to the person they are sending it to.

The weaknesses of using Google Docs is that users must have a Gmail account to use google docs. "The greatest concern about Google Apps and similar services is the loss of control. Because access rights are shared across the service, users rely--to some extent--on how carefully others protect their login credentials (www.educause.edu/eli)."

Testing Google docs

Hi!
I am just testing google docs. From the video tutorials that I read this tool will be extremely helpful and beneficial to me as a teacher.


Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Integrated Lesson Plan

Grade Level: elementary school
1.Description of the proposed classroom learning activity-
Students will be learning about Marc Chagall: Oil Pastel Drawing – “I and the Village”

source of image
2.Student learning objectives-
•The purpose of this learning activity is to introduce students to Marc Chagall and explore his artworks.
•The dispositions and/or attitudes this learning activity will support student learning by allowing them to make use of a podcast and promote creativity using the basic elements of art and principles of design i.e. color line, shape, form, texture, and space.
•This learning activity impacts interactions with others by allowing the students to communicate thoughts and ideas while working on the assignment. Once the assignment is completed we will have a critique of the entire class.

3.Specific curriculum objectives-
•The specific course objectives:
(Content)-by studying the art and style of Marc Chagall, students will create a surreal piece of art representing themselves and their surroundings and illustrating Marc Chagall’s quote, “Great art picks up where nature ends”.

(Technology)- Students will be listening to a podcast about Marc Chagall; they will also learn how to photograph their finished artwork so that I can upload all the students work into a podcast and put it on the school website

•Curriculum Standards: http://www.state.nj.us/education/cccs/2009/final.htm
Standard: 1.1 The Creative Process: All students will demonstrate an understanding of the elements and principles that govern the creation of works of art in dance, music, theater, and visual art.
Strand- D. Visual Art
By the end of grade 2-5
Content Statement- The basic elements of art and principles of design govern art creation and composition.
CPI# 1.1.2.D.1
Cumulative Progress Indicator (CPI) - Identify the basic elements of art and principles of design in diverse types of artwork.
Content Statement- Recognizing the elements of art and principles of design in artworks of known and emerging artists, as well as peers, is an initial step toward visual literacy.
CPI# 1.1.2.D.2
Cumulative Progress Indicator (CPI) - Identify elements of art and principles of design in specific works of art and explain how they are used.
Content Statement- Understanding the function and purpose of the elements of art and the principles of design assists with forming an appreciation of how art and design enhance functionality and improve quality of living
CPI# 1.1.5.D.1
Cumulative Progress Indicator (CPI) - Identify elements of art and principles of design that are evident in everyday life.
Content Statement- The elements of art and principles of design are universal.
CPI# 1.1.5.D.2
Cumulative Progress Indicator (CPI) - Compare and contrast works of art in various mediums that use the same art elements and principles of design.

Standard: 1.3 Performance: All students will synthesize those skills, media, methods, and technologies appropriate to creating, performing, and/or presenting works of art in dance, music, theatre, and visual art.
Strand D. Visual Art
By the end of grade 2-5
Content Statement- Visual statements in art are derived from the basic elements of art regardless of the format and medium used to create the art. There are also a wide variety of art media, each having its own materials, processes, and technical application methods for exploring solutions to creative problems.
CPI# 1.3.2.D.1
Cumulative Progress Indicator (CPI) - Create two- and three-dimensional works of art using the basic elements of color, line, shape, form, texture, and space, as well as a variety of art mediums and application methods.
Content Statement- Each of the genres of visual art (e.g., realism, surrealism, abstract/nonobjective art, conceptual art, and others) is associated with appropriate vocabulary and a stylistic approach to art-making.
CPI # 1.3.5.D.3
Cumulative Progress Indicator (CPI) - Identify common and distinctive characteristics of genres of visual artworks (e.g., realism, surrealism, abstract/nonobjective art, conceptual art, and others) using age-appropriate terminology, and experiment with various compositional approaches influenced by these genres.

Content Area: Technology
By the end of grade P- 2
Standard: 8.1 Educational Technology: All students will use digital tools to access, manage, evaluate, and synthesize information in order to solve problems individually and collaboratively and to create and communicate knowledge.
Strand: B. Creativity and Innovation
Content Statement- The use of digital tools and media-rich resources enhances creativity and the construction of knowledge.
CPI# 8.1.P.B.1
Cumulative Progress Indicator (CPI) - Use a digital camera to take a picture.
Content Statement- The use of digital tools and media-rich resources enhances creativity and the construction of knowledge.
CPI# 8.1.2.B.1
Cumulative Progress Indicator (CPI) - Illustrate and communicate original ideas and stories using digital tools and media-rich resources.
Strand: C. Communication and Collaboration
Content Statement- Digital tools and environments support the learning process and foster collaboration in solving local or global issues and problems.
CPI# 8.1.P.C.1
Cumulative Progress Indicator (CPI) - Operate frequently used, high-quality, interactive games or activities in either screen or toy-based formats.

Standard: 8.1 Educational Technology: All students will use digital tools to access, manage, evaluate, and synthesize information in order to solve problems individually and collaboratively and to create and communicate knowledge.
Strand: E. Research and Information Literacy
Content Statement- Effective use of digital tools assists in gathering and managing information.
CPI# 8.1.P.E.1
Cumulative Progress Indicator (CPI) - Use the Internet to explore and investigate questions with a teacher’s support.

•Performance Task: (GRASPS)
Goal: To create a 2-D piece of artwork inspired by Marc Chagall’s quote “Great art picks up where nature ends”
Role: Students role is to become artists and explore the use of the oil pastels and use as much vibrant colors in their work
Audience: The target audience will be other students in the class, myself (the teacher), and the community
Situation: Students need to make use of the entire piece of paper; while still maintaining a balanced composition
Performance: They will be given asked to draw a house, then turn their papers, and draw themselves holding something they like, turn the papers again and draw trees and/or flowers; include a sun or moon with a face
Standard: The finished piece should have intense color and create a dreamlike effect

•Materials:
-16” x 20” paper
-Oil pastels
-Computer or laptop with head phones and internet access
-Digital camera

4.Technology to be used in this activity-
•The students will listen to a podcast about Marc Chagall’s life and art works. A podcast will be used because it will give the student’s another perspective about the artist besides knowledge from me or a book. The podcast uses a combination of both visual and verbal information about Chagall.
PODCAST
•The technology skills needed are being able to manipulate and use a computer/laptop; know how to access the internet. The 21st century skill that I will be addressing is “Learning and Innovation skills.” These skills include critical thinking, problem solving, communication and collaboration. Allowing students to reason effectively and make judgments and decisions after listening to the podcast. In addition, once the students have completed the assignment, I will create a podcast with all their work and make it available for viewing on the school website. Students will think critically about what concepts and/or questions they want to address about Marc Chagall and his work. They can be literal, figurative, or philosophical; whichever route they decide to take will help them to think beyond what they already know. They will be communicating with their classmates and collaborating with each other on their thoughts and ideas.

5.Activity timeline/procedures-
•Classes days required, start to finish: (may or may not have art class every day; some may only have art class once a week so this can be a factor as well) depending on how long the class period is; it would take approximately 7 days more or less

•Day 1: Introduction to Marc Chagall’s art and style by showing students the art he created throughout his lifetime. Through the use of a handout about his biography and if there is an available smart board or overhead projection I will show slides of his work. Engaging students in discussion about his work and use of intense color to create a dreamlike effect. http://www.chagallpaintings.org/biography.html

•Day 2: Teach the content vocabulary; by giving out a handout which would include:
Elements of art: color, form, shape, value
Principles of design: balance, contrast
2-dimensional- having only two dimensions; length and width
Culture- a particular form or stage of civilization as that of a certain nation or period
Historical period- characteristic of history or past events
Fantasy- imagination; forming of mental images
Surreal- having a dreamlike quality
Emotion- any of the feelings of joy, sorrow, fear, hate, love, etc
Show seven minutes of the podcast video
Discuss how March Chagall’s work emphasizes the use of color and emotion

Day 3: Introduce and discuss what the art project will be about. Demonstrate how to do the art project. I will use the paper the students will be working on and using black oil pastel, have students draw a house, then turn their papers, and draw themselves holding something they like, turn the papers again and draw trees and flowers and including the sun and moon with a face. Once the paper is filled, they may render their illustrations with oil pastels taking care to use lots of intense color just like Chagall. Around the perimeter I will ask students to write “Great art picks up where nature ends.” For homework, sketch 5-6 ideas for the project and bring a smock to class.

Day 4: Students will take turns listening to the rest of the podcast (7 minutes). While I go over the students sketches with them and help them decide which one they want to use for the project. Students that have met with me and who have finished listening to the podcast can begin their assignment.

Day 5: Continue working on the assignment for the rest of the class. If they need further help or instructions they can come to me for assistance. Students who do not finish in class will have to finish the assignment for homework.

Day 6: We will have a class critique about their finished pieces.

Day 7: Students will take turns photographing their art work in class using a digital camera so that as a class they can create a podcast for the school website and allow other students, teachers, faculty /staff, and the community to view their work as well.

6.Assessment Criteria-
I plan to assess student achievement of learning objectives by using a holistic rubric.
My criteria for success will be that students are able to demonstrate the use of color for emotion and their use of imagination – Surreal art is fantasy (beyond real). In addition, to the effective use of color using the design principles and elements of art.
I will know that this learning experience accomplished the learning goals I set out for my students if my students are able to explain and talk about Marc Chagall and the style he used in his works of art. Furthermore, they are able to identify the basic elements of art and design principles in other works of art as we continue on through the year.

RUBRIC
It is under the Lesson Plan tab.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Sexting report

I've heard of the term sexting before, I think it may have been in a song on the radio. Not really sure, but I never really thought much about it up until reading all these articles and watching the video about Hope Witsell and Jesse Logan.
I think it it really sad to see these young girls commit suicide for a stupid act they committed, but as the article on "Digital Citizenship" talked about there are consequences for the actions we make using technology.
I still wonder though, why this would/could happen to good kids. In the article entitled, "'Sexting' bullying cited in teen girl's suicide" stating that "Good kids are the ones this is happening to;... good kids; they're the ones who are committing suicide when a picture like this gets out." I wonder does it have to do with something psychologically for the girls to think that they needed to send a picture of themselves to a guy in order to prove their love or something. I honestly don't know and can't think of a good enough reason to do such a thing. Another thing that surprised me was that the school did not notify Hope Witsell's parents about the contract the school counselors made her sign when they noticed cuts on Hope's legs. Hopefully these girls stories will teach other girls or even boys a lesson.
As a future teacher, I think schools should start at an early age teaching students the correct and appropriate uses of technology. I finally obtained my sub license and had the opportunity to sub for a kindergarten class in my town and I noticed there were five computers in the classroom. The teacher assistant told me the students used the computer to practice there vocabulary and math by playing a game using a specific software program. I thought to myself, "wow" I remember I did not have computers in my kindergarten classroom. I think the first time I was really introduced to computers in a classroom was in 5th grade.
The responsibility schools have in teaching students how to use technology responsibly is a major one because technology is slowly but surely being integrated in classrooms. The article about whether or not to allow students have cell phones in school was interesting and discussed both valid pros and cons to the topic. I don't really know where I stand in this argument since I do not have a lot of background knowledge regarding this issue but it is definitely a big responsibility on a schools behalf. The article on Digital Citizenship gave examples and scenarios of inappropriate uses of technology and strategies for teaching children how to go about using technology in a proper manner. This would be something valuable to discuss with students especially since they do not really know what they are doing at such a young age; and a prone to experimenting which can sometimes lead to an unhappy ending.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Copyright and Fair Use

What is fair use and how does it apply to education?

Fair use as explained in the video by Eric Faden entitled "Fair(Y) Use Tale: a Short Film" includes:
-limitations
-borrowing a small amount to teach, news reporting, parody, and critical commenting
-there are certain rules that demonstrate fair use which include:
-the nature of the borrowed work
-the amount of the borrowed work
-has to be something that does not change the original works value on the market place

Fair use as applied to education means that teachers or even faculty and staff need to be careful of how and what the give and present students.
"Teachers and students can use copyrighted material legally without the author's permission if it falls under fair use in education"(Langran 25). (From the article Copyright law and technology)
Factors that are included in fair use are included above.
An example that was given by Kate A. Thompson from the article entitled, "Copyright 101" is if a "teacher wishes to make a copy of an article from a magazine to use in next year's lesson planning" (Thompson 12). This is considered fair use because the article is for the teacher's personal use and reference.
Another example given by Kate Thompson in the article is: "A teacher copies one article from a journal for class distribution. Distribution of multiple copies for classroom use is a fair use, and the amount of work that the article represents as part of the whole journal allows for fair use" (Thompson 12).

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Technology Integration Matrix with the LINK!

Collaborative Learning/Adoption Level


From the NETS for Teachers:
2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments
a. design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.

The teacher explains to the students how to create and use e-mail using gaggle.net, which is safe and does not have anything harmful for children. It not only teaches students about e-mail but about letter writing, for example how to address another student or a teacher, which leads to helping them practice their writing skills. In addition, they learn of valuable websites to research authors and to be able to contact an author and ask questions. This opens up an opportunity to be able to communicate with other students around the world similar to having a pen pal.
This learning experience incorporates the use of a lap-top or computer and any other tools or device necessary such as headphones. Students can also use e-mail in other classes such as if they need to get in touch with a classmate. This lesson promotes student learning and creativity because once they learn the basics of e-mail they will have a wider range of things they can do. For example, once they learn about including an attachment to an e-mail they can send pictures or other documents back and forth to people which will prepare them to work in a group using collaborative tools outside of the classroom.

I think my level of technology integration is now in adaptation. You provide the available resources for us to learn how to use the technology, now its just a matter of physically doing it and trying it out for myself. My comfort level based on the skills I have learned thus far is somewhat more confident than what I started with in the beginning of the semester. I never thought I would be able to create a website all myself. I have learned of a better way to bookmark websites that I visit that I find useful through the delicious account we made. I also did not see myself including audio in a slide presentation because I have never done that before. But, now I can say that I have accomplished all these things by reading, research, and with the help of tutorials. I eventually, want to try and create a podcast just to test it out because I may decided to use it for my classroom one day. I still have some fears and anxieties towards technology because I get nervous the computer is going to freeze on me or for some odd reason just not work the way I want it to. But overall, I think this exposure to technology has helped me I would not have known about any of this material on my own.