.............We end where we start........a little overwhelmed at the possibilities..........In the words of Andrew Lloyd Webber, "Where do we go from here?....."
Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do.
––Leonardo da Vinci
This is the final blog. As the video visually illustrates, there is so much to take in and try to make sense in how, where and when I can utilize all the new information.
“By developing an adaptive mindset, the connected learner can innovate. Because technologies connect us and the potential now is to create a generation of participatory curriculum designers (you and your students), innovation is multiplies rather than added. The shift is exponential rather than incremental. Schools will change or become irrelevant. Teacher will redefine themselves and their classrooms, or students will turn elsewhere in order to learn.” (p. 218, The Connected Learner)
Course Learning Objectives:
- Provide instruction and modeling regarding digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology and information.
I have been using digital technologies in my classroom for a number of years. There is a culture of appropriate and safe use within our space. The expectations of how software and hardware are used to the design of the room in that all screens are visible. We, the others music and visual arts educators, have zero tolerance classrooms and teach appropriate and safe interactions in all online and critique processes. I expect that as I move my curricula into a more collaborative model that appropriate use will continue as a core expectation.
- Promote and demonstrate effective use of digital tools and resources. Familiarize students with Web2.0 tools that may be used professionally or within the classroom environment to establish deeper learning experiences through proper curricular standard driven development.
I have begun using and seeing the possibilities in connected learning and supports. I am at a professional transition where hopefully, I become more involved in supporting and learning about effective use and integration of new technologies and how they relate to educational design and student learning.
- Become familiar with current technology issues, trends and technology use within the K- 12 environment. Discuss how technology use impacts student learning outcomes.
Schank says, learning is about making schematic connections, attaching new knowledge to existing understandings. Piaget refers to learning as moving from a state of disequilibrium to one of assimilation of new ideas. (Piaget, 1962; & Inhelder, 1969). Learning is a jumping-off place where we not only attach new ideas to the old and assimilate them but make peace with the fact that we have to unlearn much of the knowledge we started with. (p. 218, The Connected Educator)
This Schank quote really sums up what we can do to extend and enhance student learning. I need to be mindful and I must stay connected to a diverse group of learners and communities so that I can stay on “trend.” Trends or technologies can only “impact” student learning if we truly understand how our students best learn.
- Design and implement digitally-based learning experiences with multiple and varied formative and summative assessments
I have begun adjusting, augmenting and implementing digital-based learning in my Art History course. I am seeing that some similar aspects, with some adjustment will work for my Digital Photography course. I am hoping to also expand more online and perhaps “Flipped Classroom” model in my music classes for theory and composition.
- Establish a core personal learning network of technology leaders to follow. Utilize this new network of educators as personal professional development.
We can no longer expect to learn all that there is to know. Our jobs now, as educators, is to nurture a collective intelligence and, is in learning how to become part of connected learning communities. Within that collective we then begin to understand how to leverage those communities. The goal is extending and continuing our learning. Not passively, but interactively learning with those around us but also the continued learning about ourselves. We continue questioning our own ideas by finding those who will push us through questioning our mental models.
- Use knowledge of digital tools and technology applications to facilitate experiences that advance learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments.
The web has become not only a great curriculum resource but also a great learning resource. And, if we so choose, each of us can add to the world’s understanding and can advocate for positive change. (p. 217, The Connected Educator)
Any education initiative whether “fact-to-face” or “virtual” is only as successful as the educator who can see the core value of the initiative and then leverage that within their curricula design and implementation.
- Evaluate, adapt, and reflect on emerging tools and trends by participating in local and global learning communities and by reviewing current research and professional literature.
Ongoing reflection and adjustment of our ideas and “mental models” is the only way to stay current to our students needs. I have found that after twenty plus years in education, the greatest educational tool is reflection. Taking a reflective stance while being open to the known possibilities but to all possibilities in the future.
The best advice I could give to a new educator or leader is that we need to be discoverers of possibilities not the followers of trends.
As next week is Thanksgiving here is a family favorite. Peace, happy seasons and success in making great discoveries.
Stuffins
Recipe By: Timm Judas
Serving Size: 24
Ingredients:
1 package turkey gibblets, clean
3 cups white wine
2 cups beef broth
1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
1/4 tablespoon pepper
12 slices sourdough bread, dried
3 cups corn bread or corn muffin
3 cups celery, chopped
2 cups onion, chopped
2 cups carrot, chopped
1 tablespoon salt
5 eggs, slightly beaten
4 cups chicken broth
Directions:
Sourdough and Cornbread Preparation
1. Make or buy one loaf of sourdough bread.
2. Slice, place on pan and put in 250˚ oven until dried, about one-hour.
3. Make cornbread or purchase three corn muffins.
Giblet Preparation
1. Rinse and clean giblets and neck.
2. Place wine, broth, neck and giblets in heavy two-quart and season with salt and pepper.
3. Boil until meat is cooked and reduced to under half, about 45-minutes
4. Set meat aside to cool. Keep broth wine mixture.
Vegetable Preparation
1. Chop onion, carrots, and celery.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Saute in large skillet until soft.
4. Set aside until cool.
Putting It All Together
1. Preheat oven to 350˚ fahrenheit.
2. Slice giblets and pull neck meat off of bone and set aside.
3. Crumble sourdough bread and corn bread in large bowl.
4. Add prepared vegetables.
5. Add giblets, eggs, giblet broth and chicken broth.
6. Mix until well combined
7. Spoon into prepared muffin tins.
8. Bake until edges are brown and firm, about 25-minutes.
9. Cool for 10-minutes then serve.
Notes:
Can be prepared, covered with foil and refrigerated the night before.
