MACUL! MACUL! MACUL! Sounds like a bird call or something…

Thoughts on the MACUL Conference

Before I begin my reflection on the MACUL Conference, I can’t help but express how it was a much needed change of pace for me – a bit of fresh air to be quite honest. The last few weeks have been difficult for me. I’ve suffered from an extreme lack of motivation. It’s not that I don’t want this; I just feel so overwhelmed. Sadly, I feel as though I do the bare minimum at best to get by with almost everything. But, I stretch back with every bit of perseverance left in the tank to put forth my best effort into my lessons. Occasionally, I find success. The trial and error aspect of teaching can be difficult. It’s not easy to learn from discomfort. And because of this, I think many of us are struggling through the program at this point. Maybe, I’m wrong. I’m certain there are a few super humans among us. With that all said, enough with all my feelings and cries for sympathy. It was extremely beneficial to see the fresh ideas presented at the conference. I needed a bit of hope.

I would like to highlight one event in particular from the conference– Ideas for Creative Projects by Justin Cowen. It was an onslaught of amazing ideas, fascinating technology, and worthwhile experiences. A heavy dose of creativity was just what I’ve needed lately. What I loved most about his presentation was the practical use of many of the applications for educational usage. In particular, Canva and Ease.ly were fantastic for creating online posters. I am teaching an elective, Hollywood History. For each movie, I planned for students to create their own version of a poster along with a critical review. I intended for students simply use crayons, markers, or whatever to make these posters. Now, I can mix it up and have students make posters using this program, which then can be easily shared since they connect with Google. I love Google. Google knows all and sees all. Perhaps, one day Google will become Big Brother, but not today. Google is my friend. Getting off track, I’ll leave the links to the applications along with Justin’s Trello, which has everything as well.   

But wait…there’s more. Cube Creator is an online app that allows students to create their own stories. I haven’t had the chance to play around with it myself. But, it looks very promising. Along with this app, Flip Book allows for a similar means of storytelling. These apps are easily transferable to humanities. I’m sure they’d fit with STEM as well. Yet another thing he shared was Thing Link, which allows the user to basically link anything and use awesome graphics to well… link stuff. He used this in conjunction with Sound Cloud, which is very similar to Audacity. It was online though and a bit more simplistic.

Now, the greatest thing ever was Chromville. I literally screamed, “I want that,” during the presentation. So, I basically embarrassed Jimmy and Derek. But, everyone knew it was super cool. So, how does this amazing, fun-filled, magic work? You’re probably thinking…what is it first? This application makes 2D paper come alive by somehow making it 3D and animated. I just couldn’t believe it. It was like seeing a 3D printer for the first time make plastic chains at a PD session at HFA. I felt like a child again. With that childhood wonder, I watched as he took a cartoon figure and used the iPad to make it 3D and move! You just have to print off the paper from their downloadable site, which I have provided below. Then use the Chromville app on the iPad and follow the directions. It’s so simple. My sole complaint is that it is only available for Apple products. I think this is extra fun, but I’m not sure how exactly I’d incorporate it into my classroom. It seems best suited for elementary or middle school. Even so, I think just showing this off at the high school level would be nice break from the mundane.

I really enjoyed the conference and was thankful to be a part of it. On a final note, I’d like to thank Jeff and Rory for such a fantastic course throughout the program. It’s been special to say the least.

Please use the links below for some of the applications:

https://trello.com/b/rlglE0sZ/macul-2015-ideas-for-creative-projects

http://www.easel.ly/create/?id=https://s3.amazonaws.com/easel.ly/all_easels/457803/OceanForestHabitats&key=pri

https://www.canva.com/design/DABL19hfnMU/E4H0RSDplSu0VsmSkajUag/edit?onboarding

https://www.thinglink.com/register

https://soundcloud.com/

http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/flipbook/

http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/cube_creator/

http://www.classtools.net/mapgame/

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/chromville/id748017957?mt=8

http://chromville.com/downloadpages/

Technology Teach-In Ideas!!!!

Technology Teach-In Ideas!

So, I have a few chaotic ideas for infusing my lessons with technology. I hope it’s alright if I brainstorm a little bit for this blog post. Anyways, in the immediate pipeline, I need to start using Poll Everywhere for several reasons:

1.)  It’s a an easy way for me get students to use their cell phones for an educational purpose rather than as a distraction.

2.) It’s easy to obtain statistical information, which I need for Shari’s class

3.) It’s interactive and fun to a certain extent. Maybe the novelty will wear off though.

Everyday, we have a bell-work assignment: Trivia Fun Times Forever!!! Students must write down and complete questions that either reinforce the previous day’s lesson or serve as a means to introduce the new lesson. Poll Everywhere would be great for this activity. It would be far easier for me to check if students are completing the bell-work rather than me walking around a checking their notebooks. There are other cool options for Poll Everywhere that would enhance the bell-work as well. I wouldn’t consider this to be a novelty. It would simply save me time and energy. But, ultimately I think getting students to see their phone as a tool for education rather than a toy is also important.

For a future lesson, I also envision using Video Notes, which is a video note-taking program that works with Google Drive. Currently, I am having difficulty coming up with a way to use it in my context. I need to do more brainstorming on this one.  I need to investigate the Chromebooks that are available. I know some aren’t working properly too.

Even further down the line, I would like to potentially use Voice Thread and Audacity for a major oral history project that I’ve talked about for what seems like forever. The trouble is organizing it all and putting everything together so it makes sense for students. I’m hoping that I can make this happen somehow.

The assignment calls for the following:

1.) Cover Page
2.) Table of Contents
3.) Profile of the individual to be interviewing
4.) Audio recording of the interview (no longer than 30 mins) (This is where Audacity or a cell phone app comes in)
5.) Transcript of the interview (30 mins of interview only)
6.) Analysis of the interview (Students must situate interview into a historical context)
7.) Index (Students must identify key events/important ideas etc. and list alphabetically in an index)

8.) Presentation (Students could use Voice Tread, PowerPoint, or Google Slides)

This assignment needs a significantly more direction to it. While this may be a ton of work for students and possibly too ambitious for high school. I know from personal experience that it is a meaningful, purposeful educational opportunity that students will remember.

Edublogging: History Backwards

When we were tasked with reading and commenting on content from edubloggers, I thought the whole exercise was a bit on the strange side even for me. My first inclination was to find extra cool blogs with substantive content. While finding substantive content is certainly important, I wanted to find a blog that was meaningful and genuine. I think reflection is important even though it’s a tad bit on the obnoxious side in this program. Nevertheless, I think it is necessary to think about what I’m doing and why I’m doing it. So, I wanted to search out a reflective practitioner.

Thanks to Jeff and Rory’s list I found Chris Lehmann’s blog: Practical Theory. The title of the blog itself aligns with my own beliefs about education. Oftentimes, I feel bogged down by theory over maybe I’m simply overwhelmed. Finding a balance between practice and theory is maybe difficult. I typically side toward practice. As John Dewey would say we learn by doing. We learn by doing. But, reading through Mr. Lehmann’s blog, it seems that he has found that balance between theory and practice hence: Practical Theory.

The blog post that intrigued me most was his new idea of teaching American History backwards starting from the present. I just thought it was an interesting approach that I otherwise would not have thought about. In one of my current classes, we discuss problematizing history and teaching history at different scales/perspectives. So, this blog post, in particular, really resonated with me. It made sense. Essentially, Mr. Lehmann is experimenting in a new way that focuses on these two key facets of teaching history: using a new perspective and problematization. The discipline of history should be inquiry based and investigative in nature.

In my response, I thanked him for providing a unique idea. Sometimes, I struggle thinking outside the box. I discussed some of the things I’m currently learning in class. I also suggested Thomas Bender’s Nation Among Nations which places America’s national history in the context of world history. Mr. Lehmann responded by thanking me for my input and explained that his grand experiment of teaching history backwards was going quite well. I hope to continue to learn more about his process.

Here is a link to his blog: http://practicaltheory.org/blog/contact/?contact-form-id=9955&contact-form-sent=11930&_wpnonce=4e7b52f16c#contact-form-9955

Tech in my Placement

The research process of the technology in my placement began early on during the professional development period two weeks prior to students’ arrival. One of the Henry Ford Academy’s chief aims is to foster innovation. Therefore, students and teachers are exposed to a wide-array of technology tools. The use of technology is inevitable, and HFA believes strongly that students must have access such tools in order to gain a full educational experience.

The school has two computer labs: one is PC and the second is Apple. There are three mobile labs that are Google Chromebooks. The administration and teaching staff believe strongly that students should be able to use and have access to all three platforms.  I think this is incredibly important. Technology is not going to simply go away; it must be a part of the educational experience. Future jobs necessitate technology use as well. If a student is unaware of certain programs or applications, inevitably that student will be behind those who do in the job market. Therefore, it is fundamental that students have access to technology. HFA provides that opportunity.

There is a significant amount of software provided as well.  All the major software programming for Apple and Microsoft is available. There is also public access to WiFi. Teachers have access to grading software, online class websites such as Moodle, and email among others. My mentor teacher, for example, uses a wiki space to post all his PowerPoints and homework materials. This is fantastic especially for students who are absent.

HFA just acquired new portable smartboard technology. So, basically any whiteboard can become a smartboard. It’s really cool, but I don’t know how to use it yet. I’m sure it’s easy. I know the teachers are excited to use it. Since this equipment was just acquired, I’m not exactly sure who manufactures it. But, I’m excited to use it as well. Thanks to grants and Title I funding, HFA is able to obtain new equipment.

My only disappointment was not being able to access my blog. Other social media is restricted as well. Hopefully, this will change.

Like I states before, I think technology is incredibly important. I am disappointed to hear that some of my classmates do not have as much access. I know those at TCEC, for example, do not have the same advantages. Technology is not the end all be all of education though. But, it certainly helps out a ton.  

Padlet is Extra Awesome

While I certainly enjoyed all the presentations of my fellow classmates thus far, I think the tech tool that I consider the most useful was Padlet. Audacity was pretty helpful too especially when I had to edit my conversation for ED 511. (I had to edit out the profanity) Maybe, that’s too much information. In any case, I still want to discuss Padlet though.

Now, word on the street says this application is just like Pinterest. But, I’m way too cool for Pinterest so I wouldn’t know.  In any case, I thought the group really showcased how this application could be used in the classroom. It seems to be a great fit for social studies especially. So, being an extra awesome, future history teacher I’m really excited to use it.

The idea that I thought was the most fantastic was creating timelines. I most likely would not have thought of this without the incredible insights of my colleagues. After that tangent, it goes without saying, but I’ll mention it anyways: timelines are especially important for history. Students need a framework to stick events onto according to Shemilt. I just had to throw in the theory there; I couldn’t help myself. I love theory; it’s my favorite. Anyways, using Padlet would allow students to add to the timeline all year. What’s also great is students do not have to create an account for the application. I always think it’s annoying to have to give all your information away to use something.

Padlet is also great because students can share videos, documents, and all kinds of different materials. The possibilities are endless. In this regard, it’s simply great for organizing. It can essentially be used as a teacher website as well, which is helpful to me because I’m not the most tech savvy guy in the world. Ease of use is an important aspect to me. I don’t like to work hard. With technology stuff my philosophy is: if it’s not easy; it’s not right. Padlet is easy.

Thanks to the presentation of my classmates, I’m willing to give this application a try in my future classroom.

David Theune is Truly Inspring

I’d like to consider myself to be a good judge of character. Occasionally, my perception is off, but this is rare.  It’s impossible to fake being genuine; most people see through it very easily. David Theune is simply incredible. He is an authentic, charismatic teacher who cares deeply about his students and about his craft. His passion and emotion was palpable during his presentation. He has cultivated a meaningful, purposeful, and unique educational experience for all his students. But, what I perceive to be David’s greatest attribute is his willingness to change, to experiment, and ultimately create better instructional methods.

During the presentation, David discussed his move away from rubrics. My own gut reaction to rubrics is: ugh this is so robotic and inhuman. I find rubrics for poetry to be especially abhorrent. It makes me think of Dead Poets Society when Mr. Keating instructs his students to rip out the introduction and scale for rating poetry. It’s an abomination on all that is human to grade a poem by means of rubric.

In an effort to evaluate students differently, David began involving parents and the community in the grading process. Students read poetry aloud to a small audience of parents and other students. Poetry was meant to be read aloud. For some crazy reason, we have moved away from doing this. But, David is bringing it back in a powerful way. Students are able to express themselves and it’s really amazing material. It even raised the issue of bullying, and both students and parents can see/hear how others are affected. It seems like such a “duh” moment to involve parents in presentations/grading, but parents aren’t involved at the secondary level like in the primary level. I think it goes without saying, but what David is doing is really special.

In my future practice, I would like to have this same style of grading/presenting for oral history projects. I know I talk about this a lot, but I’m passionate about it. Students could present their oral histories alongside who they interviewed for parents and others students to appreciate. It was be a unique, inspirational experience. I want students to do things that they will remember.   

Connections Across Disciplines! YAY! for Foreign Language Peeps!

Foreign languages have always been my educational kryptonite. For whatever reason, I struggle, and I’m not exactly sure as to why. I don’t know if it’s a matter of a mental block, or if it’s a case of severe laziness. It’s most likely a combination of both.

In any case, learning foreign languages is, nevertheless, an interest of mine. I would like to travel more extensively preferably without any language barriers. This is probably a lofty and most likely unattainable goal sadly. With that said, I’m still very interested in the methods and practices that Lisa, Kelsey, and Branden intend to employ in their future classrooms. 

Many times, it seems that foreign languages are taught simply from the textbook. Often conversation and usage of the actual language, in this case German, is very limited. The interactive approach that this group intends to utilize seems absolutely perfect to me. I love the idea of Skyping and actually talking to fellow students from Germany. Complete immersion is obviously the best option for learning a new language. While this approach is not the ideal, I would most certainly argue that it’s the next best thing.

This approach allows American students to actually have a purpose for the language: communicating with actual people! Students learn best from their peers. This is a perfect opportunity for such a learning occasion. Another critically important aspect of this lesson is the focus on learning from native speakers. This manner of instruction may be intimidating at first, but students need to dive into the language. The incorporation of technology is clearly a huge benefit to the teachers of foreign language in this case.

Branden, Lisa, and Kelsey’s overall lesson plan is great. The purpose of the lesson is multifaceted. Students will learn not only the comprehension of language through the inaction with native speakers but also the culture. Students will also learn other important skills such as using Skype. The lesson plan is articulated well. It is thought out, and no time is wasted for the period. I like how there are parameters for the Skype discussion. Specifically, it’s interesting to learn how other students learn in their education system. I also like how there is an option to use the chat in Skype for horrible speakers like me.

The reflection, discussion, and homework components are also important. They reinforce the in-class activity.  Branden, Lisa, and Kelsey’s approach harkens back to Dewey’s learning by doing, which I believe is the best way to learn. I think they did a great job, and maybe such a task could even help a horrible foreign language student like myself!