dmontani

__Reflection #1:__ The education teachers at MES experience different levels of frustration due to the demands of teaching grade level curriculums and meeting the standards set by the county and state. In addition, they don’t have the flexibility to alter or change the curriculum because of pacing guides and time constraints. In a classroom with diverse learners and special needs populations, teachers cannot use a one-size-fits all curriculum. Fortunately, I have the opportunity and flexibility to design and plan lessons of my own choice as long as my lessons align to the K-5 visual art pacing guides. I can use multiple resources and ways to meet these goals. The visual arts program at AACPS provides a curriculum to challenge students to think about and respond to themselves and their world of experiences in creative and innovative ways. All aspects of the visual arts program framework are directed toward the achievement of the MD/DOE essential learner outcomes. I challenge students daily to use the creative and critical processes in art and to become independent thinkers. Do I face daily challenges in my art room? Yes. With the increased amount of special needs students mainstreamed into the cultural arts classes, the increased amount of students with IEP’s, the interruptions and noise, I find it hard to meet the needs of all students in art class. It is a daunting task to think that I can meet the needs of 400 students coming in and out of the art room once a week. Nevertheless, all students have the opportunity to have a “hands-on” experience in my artroom; lessons are designed to educate, excite and inform students about the wonderful world of art and how art can have an impact on their lives.

__Reflection #4:__ __What barriers are inherent in traditional assessments? What are the challenges in offering varied options for assessment?__ Assessment in the visual arts can be a challenge. How do we as art teachers weigh the value of "talent" vs "effort"? How do we weigh the value of "process" vs "product"? How do behavior and attitude come into play? These are questions that I grapple with as I strive to provide fair and effective feedback to students and parents as to the educational happenings in my class. My job as an art teacher is to take each student where they are and help them move forward. That forward growth is the progress I am to reflect in my assessments. As as elementary art educator, I do not have the problems or barriers associated with traditional assessments. I am not "teaching to a test". But I understand that there are barriers in traditional assessments. Every student at a particular grade level is required to take the same test. In addition, standardized tests are not aligned with state & district content standards; there is a disconnect between what is being taught and what is being tested. Fortunately, I can design assessments to guage student understanding of material in art. For example, asking open-ended questions; observation, completion of project objectives, and self and peer evaluations and critiques are examples of authentic assessment strategies used in my classroom. The challenges I face are scheduling (art 1x a week, 60 min sessions); and differentiation when class size is large to include our special needs population.

Reading. //Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants// 1. //__According to Marc Prensky, define the term, “Digital Native.”__// Today’s students think and process information fundamentally differently from their predecessors. They are the first generation to grow up with new technology-computer games, email, the Internet, cell phones and instant messaging. According to Prensky, “our students today are all “native speakers” of the digital language of computers, video games and the Internet.

2. //__What does it mean to have a “digital immigrant accent”?__// As a digital immigrant, it has been harder for me to adapt to the technological environment than others. According to Prensky, as digital immigrants learn…we always retain, to some degree, our foot in the past. This is true. I still write out and print out a document written on the computer in order to edit and change my ideas; I send cards and not emails to friends and family. Although I use the internet for research, I still use the library and amazon.com to order books and resources. //__3. Identify one reason why Digital Natives have no patience for lectures or step-by-step logic.__// One of the reasons why Digital Natives have no patience for lectures or step-by-step logic is because these students have grown up used to the high-speed, high-tech world of hypertext, MTV, video games, and instant messaging.

//__4. What is one suggestion that Prensky advises Immigrant Teachers to try with their Native Students?__// Prensky advises Immigrant teachers to reconsider methodology – learn to communicate in the language and style of their students. This doesn’t mean to alter the meaning of what is important, but it does mean to reduce the amount of “step-by-step” instruction and lecture. Students will respond to content favorably when it incorporates digital and technological programs and on-line instruction.

//__5. See course binder, tab 3, page 4B. “Learning Preferences of the Digital Generation.”__// //__Select one entry from each side of the chart. Provide a comment as to whether you agree with the finding or not.__// I agree that digital learners prefer to receive information quickly from multiple multimedia sources. As mentioned earlier, many of these learners grew up watching videos, playing hand-held games, downloading music, and instant messaging. As educators in the 21st century, we need to think about how instruction should change to effectively reach the digital learners of today. Many educators prefer text before pictures, sounds, color, and video. I disagree with this statement. I prefer to display content exemplars (art reproductions) during or at the beginning of a lesson to encourage critical thinking and response. Students love to respond to what they see in art and to talk about it during class discussion. My art room is full of colorful displays, artifacts and instructional resources. Yes, I use text (art vocabulary) to reinforce concepts, terms and objectives. //__Reading. 60-Second Guide to Digital Classrooms__// //__http://edudemic.com/2012/02/digital-classroom-guide/__// //__Highlight 3 interesting points shared in this article.__//
 * Publishing an iBook costs around 80% less than print production
 * Computers are not a necessity rather than a luxury in today’s digital classroom
 * 1.5 million iPads are currently in use in education

//__Reading. Need a Cheat Sheet for Social Media?__// //__http://www.searchenginejournal.com/need-a-cheat-sheet-for-socal- media/39546/__// //__Explain in 5 – 10 sentences. Did the organization of this graphic help you compare and contrast the information, or did the organization confuse you? Why? Why not?__//
 * The organization of this social media cheat sheet helped me become familiar with this information provided.
 * This graphic clearly explained the different social media websites
 * Provided pros and cons for each of the websites
 * I liked the use of visual graphic and color to divide the columns
 * I felt the instructions were simple enough to guide you through the steps to set up a social network
 * I found the audience comparison size interesting; Facebook is clearly in the lead with 800 million users

//__Reading. Ten ways schools are using social media effectively__// //__http://www.eschoolnews.com/2011/10/21/ten-ways-schools-are-using-social- media-effectively/__// //__1. Explain your answer in 5 – 10 sentences.__// //__One of the ways a school district is utilizing social media in its schools is by using Gaggle.net. Do you think your school system would benefit from having Gaggle? Why? or Why not?__// There are benefits to using Gaggle.net at the secondary level – they are as follows: it teaches students how to use social media in a professional way to help with college and career readiness; teachers can upload assignments that only their students can see, and complete on line. The district could save on the printing and the costs related to printed materials. Teachers can show educational videos with- out being blocked (which is the case in AACPS); promotes collaborative efforts among educators. Although there are educational advantages to using social media in the classroom, our school district doesn’t support this.

//__Reflection #5:__// I feel that it is ok to allow teachers to choose whether or not they incorporate modern technologies into their instruction. After watching the video, the speaker believes that there are better ways to teach and for students to learn content than the traditional, fundamental tenets of education. Today, students process information differently and learn differently. As educators, we need to reinvent new and exciting methods to reach the new generation of learners. News models of teaching are emerging that support the digital age. For example, using interactive computer based programs engage the student and promote learning in a self-paced way are emerging in many schools districts. This tool promotes a one-on-one discussion between the teacher and student. Students aren’t afraid to ask questions when they don’t understand concepts…

__MENU ASSIGNMENT__ ”Growing up Digital”
 * __Appetizer__** __– Collect 5 photos, images, or clippings of where you have witnessed “Universal Design” in action__

Assisted Technology – item or equipment used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Teachers who offer multiple instructional methods not only improve student access to content, but increase engagement in classroom tasks.

A collection of handpicked tools for learning about the alphabet with a focus on UDL – with YOUDLE tools – no child will be left behind. An extension of an architectural movement called universal design. Structures that are conceived designed and constructed to accommodate the widest spectrum of users, including those with disabilities without the need for subsequent adaptation.

A VoiceThread is a collaborative, multimedia show that holds __images__, __documents & videos__ and allows people to navigate slides and leave comments using voice (with a mic or telephone), text, audio file or video (via a Webcam). I viewed the WCHS (West Columbus High School) on line art exhibit created by Harry Hewett, art instructor. Each advanced student artist had the opportunity to describe their art; title, media, and meaning. Not only did I enjoy looking at the 2D & 3D artwork, but more importantly, listening to their “voice” as each student described their artwork. In addition, this interactive approach to learning gives students the opportunity to provide constructive feedback with one another after viewing the artwork. It not only enriches the learning environment but has the extra benefit of educating students to be computer savvy. I would like to try this approach with a small group of intermediate students in grades 3-5.
 * __Entree – Voicethread.com__**

This site was great! Edublogs let you easily create and manage student and teacher blogs, quickly customize designs and include videos, photos and podcasts. Provides information anytime & anywhere; can be completely private or open to public; provides help and support from experienced teachers; share and learn from an international community of educators. Blogs are easily accessible to students; you can replace your newsletter and stay in touch with parents; a way to collaborate with colleagues and to share lesson plans and ideas. A way for art teachers to share lesson plan ideas; to provide positive feedback on the projects, and to communicate with each other.
 * Desert – Visit Matt Bergman’s Blog/site**
 * Under Principle 2: Resources for Multiple Means of Action and Expression: Edublogs.org**