A Survey: First Memory

First Memory Survey

For Week 9 in Technology for Teachers we learned how to use google documents. It's quite simple: Find the tab that says 'create new' then select 'form' and instantly you can create an online survey. Another fun fact: You can pick your question types: text, paragraph text, multiple choice, and others. I chose to ask questions involving the individual's first memory.

So far, the feedback has been limited. One person who took the survery answered, "their brother being born" as their first happy memory. A first memory and family link we share; my first memory was a happy one of myself and brother, as well.

:D

A Digiworld described by Digiteens

Digiteens: Digital Citizenship by Digital Teenagers



Students research digital topics and write on a wiki, research with friends around world, then create offline action projects in the area of their digital interests. The students are involved in a project based program called Digital Citizenship.

The students of Westwood Schools in Camilla Georgia give us an insight into Digital Citizenship. They covered various topics briefly about digital literacy, online safety, internet access inside schools, posting personal information online, communicating with students from different cultures, and other subjects. The students of Westwood Schools use websites like Skype, Wikispace, and Google Docs. Some of the more specific digital citizenship sites like Digiteen Island, Woogie World, and Digiteens.

I have been using the internet for many years and had to educate myself on things like online safety and posting personal information online. When I first had access to the internet back when AOL had first arrived on the digital scene I found myself giving away private information that put my safety at risk. Educating our youth on online safety is extremely crucial and would have benefited me when I was a child.

I would like to involve my students in Digital Citizenship by having them help to educate other students who are less educated on these carious topics. The most important thing in my mind emphasized during this video was properly educating children on online safety. Children need to understand what information is appropriate to post and what is considered to be unsafe information to share with the digital world. Continuing this project-based learning is a way to spread awareness to students who may be unaware. Emphasizing the dangers of internet is important, but it also important to emphasize how helpful a tool the internet can be. To obtain important information along with a helpful communication tool, among other various digital avenues. My goal will be to get my students involved with projects like Digiteens and letting students know that the internet is useful when used properly and for the right reasons.

VoiceThread - Color Chart

I recently made a VoiceThread called "The Process of Making a Color Chart" I created this chart for my color class at UCO.

PBL vs. standardization

After watching Project Learning: An Overview I learned what different schools are doing to incorporate project based learning into their curriculum. The students seems happier to complete their school work, simply because it was more interesting. They were learning about things that intrigued them and were able to use their hands in the process. Standarized testing... sitting behind a desk and reading a book can only get you so far in life. It is the hands on experience of actually doing something that motivates the individual.

After leaving middle school and highschool I realized that most of that information I had "learned" had ultimately been forgotten. The projects that made us (the students) become more involved seemed to stick with me more. I believe that is why I am so interested in pursuing art in my life now and teaching it in the future. That was the only class I ever really did something in besides read a book, that I actually remembered. Everyone is driven and moved by different events I believe that is the same with students and learning.

As far as incorporating this into my classroom in some way, shape, or form... The whole point of teaching art for me is to incorporate in projects and discussions with my class. I want to have all of my students involved and interacting with one another and the topics we are covering. Instead of just drawing a box, take the box pick it up, spin it around, do what you will with it, but the actions and intentions are the whole point of this difference in teaching. If you sit and stay in one spot you will become stagnant along with your thoughts. Moral of the story... get up, do something you like, learn about it, share it, love it.

Another interesting article from lesson planet.

Story in 5 Photos

The Process of a Color Chart
Photos taken by - Tiffany Edwards

An Inspirational Community Activist: Luis

Edutopia presents a video discussing the life of Luis, an 18 year old student from Oregon. In this video Digital Youth Portrait: Luis he shares his knowledge of technology with his friends, family, and his community. Some of his favorite technological tools are gmail, facebook, laptop, ArcGIS, and lego robotics.

Luis essentially was taking and giving back to his community and family through various technological avenues. He made use of resources that had been made available to him from the community. In turn, he took what he learned and applied that knowledge to further the giving process. Enforcing a cycle of caring and sharing.

A few examples were Luis shared his knowledge by helping his parents (former immigrants from Mexico) pay bills online. Also, he stayed after school to help with the tech wizard's program, which is an after school mentor program. This helps younger students prepare for careers in science, technology, and math. Teaching them how to use familiar technology in ways that will further their education and future.

Last semester I participated in field experience for the UCO teaching department at Cimarron Middle School. I was surrounded by younger student's who were eager to learn about different forms of art. While watching and assisting my mentor teacher share new knowledge with the student's I gained a similar feeling of satisfaction to Luis.

As far as the inspirational youth of America is concerned Luis is a shining example of determination and responsibility. Seeing someone so young do so much for their community reminds me of the importance to start taking action now. Because of him, I am inspired to become more active with art programs in my community. The idea of starting up a local art program is something I have considered since watching this video. In the future, I want to encourage my student's to interact with their classmates and the community, similarly to Luis. Not just taking but giving back by sharing and applying their knowledge on something they are passionate about.

Avatar! Hardi har har!