Week 4 Blog Comment

Melinda's Original Post:

It was frustrating not to be able to type during Wimba. However, we had a great discussion. Reflecting on Art of Possibility was really interesting. I enjoyed the book. The chapters that we read always gave me food for thought. I am interested in Chapter 3, Giving an A, this idea really opens up the discussion about grading. I have suggested to the administration at my school to have this as a discussion during a staff meeting. Four times a year we have a "World Cafe" staff meeting. A topic is chosen and it is discussed during dinner. It is a very good way to spend time together and share ideas.

I also will use this topic to create a discussion with my middle school students. I have not decided exactly how I will present the lesson, but I am working on it. Back to Wimba it is always great to hear everyone's thoughts and ideas. So thanks Professor for a great month.

http://melindaonmaui.blogspot.com/2012/06/week-4-wimba-art-of-possibility-post.html?showComment=1340556313761#c9132716607745363464

My response:
I was reminded this week of the dedication that you've shown to attending Wimba sessions this entire year. You've had to watch while still teaching; enduring endless Wimba malfunctions. Your dedication hasn't gone unnoticed, Melinda. I applaud you for your tenacity. Thanks for being such a superb team member this past year. It has been my honor to work alongside you as we've walked this journey together!

Week 4 Leadership

This isn't going to be a long-winded blog on the qualities I look for in a leader.  Because the greatest quality of leadership can be summed up in one word:  servant.  A true leader is willing to serve those under his/her leadership.  I've seen leaders who forget this principle and ultimately lose their grip on reality, resulting in a grandiose view of themselves and a loss of respect from their subordinates.  I've also experienced leaders who took this to heart and earned the respect and support of their team.  It's simple, yet powerful.  To lead, you must first be willing to serve.

Week 4 Blog Comments

Wk 4 - Reading Entry

It has been almost exactly a year since I began investigating the EMDT program at Full Sail. I had been thinking about a master’s degree for quite a long time, but I hadn’t found the right program. It had been quite a challenge to think about going to grad school, working, and raising a family at the same time, but when I learned about EMDT something just clicked. The chance to really dive into the technology that I want to incorporate into my classes was intriguing and to get the degree finished in a year made it sound possible.

Go Lovely Ladies!

I knew I had made the right decision during our first month. I found myself in a group of dedicated, creative, supportive, intelligent women doing something I never thought I would do…creating a project completely over the Internet. Plus, we were in Second Life!!! It was a thrilling experience and I am still so proud of our work on that first project together. 

Month 2 brought many more experiences and a new group. From the Princess Bride to the Wizard of Oz, The Matrix, Sound of Music, Star Wars…these gentlemen I have worked with have become more than just partners in projects even though we have only met through a phone line or computer screen. We have spent countless hours in our “Treehouse” or a Google Hangout creating, editing, venting, celebrating, joking, and laughing. We have challenged one another to do our best work.

 About 5 months ago I joked with my team about creating a documentary about our AR journeys with the idea that we all come from different places, but have been brought together and have completed some amazing work because of EMDT. Reading the last chapter of Art of Possibility reminded me of this brainstorm. We live in different parts of the country, work at different types of schools, teach different types of students and yet, we have, for some reason, been brought together.  We have been through so many challenges together academically, professionally, and personally. I am a faith-filled person who believes that God has a plan for each of us. The plan may be obscured, but in time, opportunities and reasons will be revealed. I wouldn’t change the difficulties, frustrations or late nights because it is through the successes and failures that we grow into who we are.  It is how we interact with others during times of challenge and times of success that develop our character. 

So sorry for the mushy blog post. I guess the book just got me thinking about how grateful I am for each member of this cohort who has journeyed with me through EMDT. I appreciate your support, encouragement, and feedback. I thank you for your patience and for clarifying assignments. I have been inspired by each of you as you have shared your passion for learning and teaching over the last 11 months. You have encouraged me to accomplish things I never imagined...writing a literature review, creating music on a computer, making a movie in 48 hours, and designing a project whose impact continues to make ripples in my school community. I truly look forward to meeting you in the real world in a short 7 weeks.

Our journey is almost over and I am sure there are still some challenges ahead, but I know that WE can do this…TOGETHER!

http://engageandmotivate.blogspot.com/2012/06/wk-4-reading-entry.html?showComment=1340483822386#c7105437311486843440

AuntieSiggyJune 23, 2012 1:37 PM

Rebecca - You are such a gifted writer. You have brought a sense of calm and serenity to the chaos of each month. It has been a pleasure to work with you and interact with you each week. I remember the very first video you created (your Bio) and when I watched it I thought, "I am really out of my league!" And as skilled as you are, you are not haughty or pretentious. I really admire that about you. I'm looking forward to meeting you and enjoying an adult beverage (first round on me, second on Pete!) with you. Thanks for your walk down memory lane!

Week 4 - Revamping the Vision by Creating a Frame

 This past year was a train wreck at my place of employment.  Morale was non-existent and many people, myself included, had a difficult time keeping our focus (student academic growth) foremost in our minds.  We existed in a toxic environment.  We were a group of people functioning (well, attempting to function) with no vision.  There is a verse in the Bible, Proverbs 28:19, "Where there is no vision, the people will perish."  While this verse is speaking specifically about the nation of Israel not allowing God to work in their hearts, I believe that the principle stands true for other instances where vision is necessary.  Without a clear direction or purpose, the group will wither and wander.  That was us.  That was me.  Yikes.  The chapter on Frameworks for Possibility was comparable to throwing a lifeline to a drowning victim.  


I appreciated what Zander had to say about distinguishing what is "on track" versus "off track" for the possibility framework.  It is easy to get off track and lose sight, but keeping on track keeps you focused.  The word "vision" is an oft-used term these days, but we don't really understand the meaning of the word.  A vision can move schools (or any organization) from lethargic and aimless to focused on "possibility."  


This chapter has made me realize the importance of pulling myself and my colleagues (and yes, my school) out of our downward spiral.  Perhaps setting a true vision will help us do that.

Week 3 Leadership Blog

The Project:

My Leadership Project is a review of the tremendous success I experienced implementing my Capstone Project.  It provides a background of the problem that I experienced personally and knew many of my peers experienced, as well.  The problem was that we had access to technology for use in our classrooms, but we didn't know how to use it.  And rather than venture into the unknown, we let it sit in the corner, unused.  What ensued, was a group of tech-less teachers that morphed into technology users.  We saw the power of technology in the classroom. 

Why present this at a technology conference for teachers?  The GaETC is specifically for the professional development of educators with a focus on technology innovations and the impact on teaching and learning.  I think that sharing a successful plan for sharing technology with reluctant-to-embark-on-the-journey teachers will inspire "tech-y" people to continue reaching out to ALL teachers. 

The Links:

http://www.karensigmon.blogspot.com/2012/06/week-2-presentation-options.html


http://www.karensigmon.blogspot.com/2012/06/presenting.html

The Presentation:  (This site will be updated by 11:59pm on 6/18/12)

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1LrI5lfG8V854PkIu1l8UQTpVn3l9Jb4257wTmIKsh-k/edit#slide=id.p

Week 3 Blog Comments

Original post by Rebecca:

I feel that it is so important to find wonderful women who are role models for leadership 

and this cohort is filled with such individuals.  

Vee has taken the opportunity to challenge the epidemic of Cyber Bullying and has shown focused dedication in developing a project that will change the lives of the young people in her community. Jessica I. is a shining example of organization, timeliness and attention to detail and these skills have aided in her creation of an innovative reading and writing program for her students. Melinda is always willing to jump right in and incorporate a new tool with the students in her classroom in a creative and unique way allowing her students to find their own voice. Karen was nervous about using technology at first, but is no longer afraid to text what she is feeling and has clearly shared some of her views with us :-) Carrie joined us only a few months ago, but she has quickly become Captain Barbosa who is always ready to keep us updated or reminded of important information. Debbie has taken risks and implemented incredible lessons that engage her challenging and diverse audience. Tracy has developed her AR project so as to empower lifelong learners. Katina created a project that has a direct and immediate impact on her students' as they search for future employment. Cherylee demonstrated her resourcefulness when she didn't allow the lack of a classroom to deter her from designing an after school digital storytelling program that had a waitlist! Jessica B. has shown that collaboration is vital to an engaging learning experience and has encouraged her students to work together. Tamarah has provided clear and reflective feedback to some of my posts. 

I am thankful for the lessons I have learned from each cohort member.  

I have only highlighted a few. 

I am really looking forward to meeting each of you 

and celebrating our many successes as we journeyed through EMDT.

My response:

http://engageandmotivate.blogspot.com/2012/06/wk-4-leadership-post.html?showComment=1339973516351#c776183784846276566

I'm quite certain that this is the most touching blog post anyone has written during our months in EMDT. How thoughtful of you to remember something about everyone in our cohort and include that in your text. You have forgotten one very important person, however. YOU! Let me add a few details. I haven't been in your close-knit working group, but that hasn't stopped you from providing input, sending chapter summaries, sharing encouragement, and always maintaining a happy disposition in the midst of insanity! You shared a most special motherhood video (still my favorite) and opened the door to your very soul. I cannot wait to meet you as well, when we gather together to celebrate a year of growth and learning. Thanks, Rebecca, for being such a mentor and leader in our cohort.

Week 3 Blog Comments

Original posting from Melinda Lyle-Javier

 

“Leading from any chair”

My classroom does not have a teacher’s desk. I move around the room as I give lessons. A Montessori classroom teacher is called a “guide.” Hopefully, we guide the students or direct them. Zander’s book has so many aspects that really resonate with me.

_____________________________________________________________

“Rule number 6”

After reading this chapter I feel my challenge is to lighten up. I do agree that being able to lighten up enables one to be in a positive energy place. Whatever my energy is I can see how much it impacts my students. Every morning as I arrive at school I take a moment to leave behind my personal world and ready my body and spirit for my students.

____________________________________________________________

“The way things are”

The strongest point that resonated with me was being with the way things are by clearing judgments. I can be judgmental, and this is a negative trait that I continually work towards changing.

_____________________________________________________________

“Giving way to passion”

Dare to let go. This is great advice that everyone should follow. If we let go we can experience new ideas. Those ideas can take us many places. So date to let go.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________  My response to Melinda:

http://melindaonmaui.blogspot.com/2012/06/week-3-reading-post-art-of-possibility.html?showComment=1339806547553#c2449119665270978071

 

Melinda -

I found your lack of "teacher desk" to be an interesting concept. In prior years, I didn't spend much time at my desk because I was constantly moving amongst my students and leading group discussions, etc. This year, my desk became my sanctuary. When I became overwhelmed, I hid. I'm not proud of that. Where do you go in your room when you need to escape for a few minutes? :)

I also appreciated what you said about leaving your personal world behind when you walk in the door. I do wonder how much my students picked up while I was going through my health issues and my frustration with teaching to the FCAT (and maybe even FSU stress!). I will make a conscious effort to "ready my mind" for my students. I love that.

We can sure learn a lot from the Montessori method of teaching. I'm so glad we had the opportunity this year to get to know each other and learn from each other. Onward!

Following the Rule

By very nature, I am a rule breaker.  So of course I was both wary and drawn to Rule #6 - Lighten Up! In addition to being a rule breaker, I love to live life not-too-seriously, so this was a rule I could live with, and even embrace.  

There are many teachers who are overly concerned with the calculating-self.  I'm not finger-pointing or blaming, because I was a slave to my calculating-self this year.  I was so focused on surviving this, my first year as an FCAT-administering teacher, that I lost my purpose in being a teacher.  I was so concerned with the outcome of that test that I sold myself out.  It was a slippery slope - the more I obsessed with "getting ready" for the FCAT, the further behind I felt my students and I were.  It was exhausting, and no one, certainly not my students, benefited from this incredible pressure to accomplish the mandates my calculating-self imposed on me.

When my central-self finally assumed control, my countenance, my attitude, and my teaching style were set free.  I can pretty much tell you the day I decided to cede control to my central-self.  Joy became contagious and eventually began spreading.  

I like Rule #6.  I am going to keep it.  Lighten Up. 

Week 2 Leadership Presentation Options

The first conference I am interested in presenting my Leadership Project at is the Ubiquitous Learning Conference at the University of Illinois, October 2012. 

·      Investigates the use of technologies in learning

·      How do laptops, mobile phones, games, digital music players & cameras widen the possibilities of education

·      The conference focuses on the main challenges of access to these new learning opportunities

·      Presentations can be in person or virtual – conference attendance is the same

The second conference I am interested in presenting my Leadership Project to is at the Georgia Educational Technology Conference, held in Atlanta, Georgia, November 2012.

·      Varying presentation styles including:  Concurrent (a formal, one hour presentation given to a seated audience) or Smackdown Session where a presenter has about two minutes to share something ‘techie’ that they find valuable in the world of educational technology

·      The GaETC is specifically for the professional development of educators with a focus on technology innovations and the impact on teaching and learning

My choice for presenting is the Georgia Educational Technology Conference because their focus is on educators.  I felt that the attenders of this conference would benefit from my experiences in teaching technology to teachers who have been reluctant to implement technology in their classrooms.

Week 2 Blog Comments

The original blog (portion) from Melinda:

CHAPTER 3

AN “A”

This was an interesting chapter. I am a teacher working at a Montessori school. We do not give grades. Progress reports indicate “capable” and “proficient.”  Middle school students want to know what grade they are receiving on their work. Rubrics have fulfilled this purpose. Rubrics give information to the student to guide them through an assignment. When the assignment is completed the score of the rubric is equivlant to a grade.

I am amazed with the class at USC giving specific grades to only certain students. Sounds like a psychology study. I am not sure how I would feel if I was one of those students.

My interest is in the class art the New England Conservatory. What a great idea to have students write letters explaining why they deserve an “A.”

My response to Melinda:

http://melindaonmaui.blogspot.com/2012/06/week-2-reading-post-art-of-possibility.html?showComment=1339277679868#c715125999401495114

Melinda -

You are truly one of the most positive people I know. You've taken the obstacles this life has placed in front of you and hurdled them remarkably. You are certainly an inspiration to me. I think you've hit the nail on the head with the use of a rubric to fulfill the need for recognition for our work. If we know the parameters for success and have a tool to measure against, it helps our being able to reckon the outcome. I know that using a rubric will be essential for success for both students AND parents if I were to attempt eliminating a "grade" for every piece of work students complete. Definitely an investment of time to create meaningful, clear rubrics. I'd best get to work!

Week 2 Blog Comments

Original Posting by Jessica Isla:

First off, I want to say that I absolutely loved the TED video of Benjamin Zander.  He is an amazing speaker.  He definitely has a way of connecting to the audience and it shows within his writing, as well.  So far, it's been an easy read...

Chapter 1: It's All Invented 
I really liked how this chapter makes you think outside of the box.  Perception is definitely important when trying figure out the world around you and it's clear that everyone's "mind maps" are different because of their different life experiences.  It was actually inspirational when thinking about setting your mind free when extending mental boundaries by "enlarging the box," or framework, around situations... creating new opportunities.

Chapter 2: Stepping Into the Universe of Possibility
I love the name of this chapter.  There are so many things that hinder us from progress because we are held to certain expectations and limitations on a daily basis, but with this new outlook of "a universe of possibility," there are virtually no boundaries that could confine you.  Instead of setting a goal and doing all that you can to reach that goal, you generally layout a context and see what happens form there.

Chapter 3: Giving an A
I really liked the idea of "giving an A" as it being not an expectation to live up to, but a possibility to live in to.  The saying not only relieves certain pressures, but also inspires greatness.  There are no boundaries or restrictions.  There is no one looking down at you... comparing themselves to you.  There is only respect that allows others to grow and realize what is actually within themselves.


Chapter 4: Being a Contribution
The story of the starfish reminds me of my first few years of teaching.  I felt like there was always so much to do and there was never huge progress and growth made within the district, but as time went by it was more clear for me... I'm not teaching because I want the recognition.  I am teaching to help all that I can feel successful and make any sort of progress they can.  I am teaching to make a difference with that one starfish that might be thrown back because it makes a different to them, even if there are many others out there struggling to survive in education.

I am a contribution.  I make a difference and will continue to make a difference in each day that life brings me.

 

My response to Jessica Isla:

http://jessica-isla.blogspot.com/2012/06/week-2-blog-post-1-readings-on-art-of.html?showComment=1339276400534#c6664322473118831275 

I liked your thoughts on each chapter. It was a good review of what I read and affirming to see that someone else thought along the same lines. I had the most connection with the chapter on being a contribution - but now that I'm reading your blog, I have some additional thoughts on the Giving an A chapter. I am immediately taken back to Beth Strudgeon's course. I was SO new at all of this stuff, and so worried about my "A" that I wasn't enjoying the process, or really even learning much because I was so freaked out by all the things I didn't know. When we started out her course, and were told "You have an A - just do the project and learn something in the process!" I remember the weight that lifted off my shoulders. And - HOW MUCH I LEARNED IN THAT COURSE! I'm trying now to figure out how to incorporate that "fearless learning" into my 3rd grade classroom. I would love to throw "grades" out the window, and I might get away with not having grades for 3rd graders, because they aren't terribly focused on grades just yet, so to make it work, I need to have parent buy-in. Oh yes, and Administration. So many hoops, so little time! :) I think it worthwhile though. Not having the pressure of the grade might make for more fearless learning, and fearless might just lead to meaningful and fulfilling. Both worth striving for!

On Being a Contribution . . .

You know, I was so busy with end-of-year busyness that I haphazardly read the first chapters of this book.  The week went by in a whirlwind.  Each day brought about more stress, frustration and serious questioning as to my future in teaching.  I’m burned out and have spent more time thinking about my options for the coming year than thinking about the end of a two year run with these 18 students whom I taught in both 2^nd and 3^rd grade.  And then I read (again).  But this time I read from a broken state.  And what I read was powerful.  It reminded me why I went into education.  It brought back memories of specific kids:  Tristen, Ethan, Cody, Violet, Robyn and this year, Elijah.  You see these are all students that had been written off by a majority of their educators.  These are the tough ones.  They are kids that don’t have a kiss good-bye in the morning, and are lucky to have food on the table on any given evening.  These are the kids that will look back at their academic career and my name will be one they remember as someone who made a significant contribution in their lives.  Sound arrogant?  It may be.  But I know, deep down that it is truth.  These are the kids that stop by my room in the morning, and who call my home in the evenings when they need help with homework, or a listening ear, or who need a home when the state has come to remove them from theirs.  I have been a gift to many students who no one else believed in, listened to, or cared about.  I have been a contribution. 

The author states that there isn’t a one side or another, like as in success and failure.  But I disagree.  The opposite of contribute is to take away, neglect, shun.  If I am not consciously being a contribution, I am stealing from my student. 

My rewards are indeed deep.  Meaningful.  This text spoke to me today.  Awakened me from my deep sleep and erased my overwhelming sense of worthlessness (brought on by lower than desired test scores and a negative work environment).  I only have to allow myself to recognize that yes, I am being a contribution in the lives of students.  How far reaching that contribution will be has yet to unfold, but I believe it will.   We are ALL being a contribution.  When you wake up in the morning and look at yourself in the mirror, tell yourself that you are making a difference.  And believe it.  Then go, and do it.

Week 1 Blog Comments

Original Blog by Jessica Bistram:

In the documentary I found the music laws very interesting.  I loved what the DJ in Girl Talk said about passing out free paint on the streets and this providing the world with more painters.  It shows how people will grab onto different types of art and run with it.  The trouble with some copyright laws and people's knowledge of the laws is that it can stop them from opening up their creativity.  Some fear what could happen if they use a certain work, while others have no clue what the laws are and may be within their legal rights but don’t do it. 

I also found it interesting to see what other countries think of copyright.  I was surprised to see so many differences and wonder how artists in the US feel about the current laws.  


Certain parts of copyright seem to really hurt others such as how videos are going to disappear since their copyright is expiring.  It seems awful to me that something like this could happen and the only way to protect it is of course with more money.  But for a documentary that is quite a large price to pay. 


I do really like that people are able to easily mark their work using Creative Commons and are able to share their work in different ways.  Many people love to create and like that others are inspired by their work and can use it to expand on their own work.  With Creative Commons anyone is able to show off their creations and let others know exactly how they can use it.  


Now where do we go from here?

My link to Jessica's Blog:

http://jmbistram.blogspot.com/2012/06/week-1-reading.html?showComment=1338738005208#c1987045551549703699

Jessica -

This video really made me think about copyright and how much it covers. My natural tendency is just to think about "music" copyright, when in fact, it goes so much further. Before this course, I had never heard of Creative Commons, and really haven't looked at it much to date. That being said, it is definitely one of those things on my "check-it-out" list for post-EMDT life. What I like is that it takes away the feeling of "greed" that I, like many, have when trying to figure out copyright laws. I don't want to steal, but I don't want to be ripped off, either. It's definitely a thin rope to walk.

I don't know that it will be possible, but I think a global solution to copyright might be the way to go. Maybe we can work on that when we get world peace solved. It seems that unlikely . . .
but it's okay to remain hopeful.

Week 1 Blog Comments

Melinda Lyle-Javier's Original Blog Posting:
 
After watching all the videos I realized just how little I knew and understood about copywriting. This is an issue that I will bring into my classroom next year. I teach middle school students and it is important for them to understand the issues of copywriting.

The areas far and wide that are touched by copyright laws did surprise me. I am thankful that we are learning about these issues. When I give an assignment to create an iMovie I need to be able to explain, (at least try to) the issues regarding copyrights.

Copyright laws directly affect the music industry. I had a father in my classroom that was a successful musician and songwriter. He explained to me the potential loss of income he had because of people not following the copyright laws. Of course, he had the option to sue them. However, he always felt things would work out, and for Willie Nelson I think things have worked out fine.

The URL Link to this post and comment:

http://melindaonmaui.blogspot.com/2012/05/my-month-10-mac-blog-post-copyrights.html?showComment=1338736785358#c9142200483804250054

Response:

Melinda, I hadn't really given much (um, er, ANY) thought to how important it is to teach students about copyright laws as they embark into a world of technology and creativity and the oftentimes "assumed" rules of the copyright world.  I think your idea of having someone who is directly affected by copyright infringement speaking to your class is a fantastic idea.  When students can put a face with a "problem" it might make an impact the next time they download or copy or pirate (or whatever the case may be) the creativity (and income earning) of someone else.    Is Willie still living?  :)

Presenting . . .

Given the choice between presenting or publishing . . . I am leaning toward a presentation.  I guess those years of theater, speech and debate might just come in handy after all!  I feel passionate that my method of small group teaching and mentoring as a means to getting teachers to use technology in the classroom works.  I've experienced it on a personal level and I think that my passion would best be "felt" in a live venue.  That being said, I don't really feel like my experiences are all that revolutionary nor would they fill up an entire block of speaking "time" at a conference.  So I guess I will start giving serious thought to how I will organize my experiences, my testimonials, my successes and failures in teaching reluctant teachers and see where this road takes me.

A Disappearing Act

After viewing the video on the soon-to-be-lost pieces of history because of exorbitant copyright expenses, I am rendered speechless.  I think of how often I've shown Dr. King's Free at Last speech to my 2nd and 3rd grade class and I am incensed at the thought of NOT being able to do that because the powers that be want to collect hundreds upon hundreds of thousands of dollars to copyright it.  It's robbery.  My students, many of whom are black, are going to lose yet ANOTHER part of their history, because another well-intentioned (governmental?) agency has been allowed to operate without boundaries (or even a little common sense) and we the people, are going to suffer the consequences.

I may be in the minority, but it just makes me want to break the law, just out of spite.  Am I the only one who thinks in this deviant manner?  I hate thinking about the fact that one day (in the not-so-distant-future), it may come to choosing lawlessness just to educate my students (and children).  And in some cases, it stems from greed.  The selfishness of people never ceases to amaze me.  Don't get me wrong.  I understand and firmly believe that copyright laws are meant to secure and guarantee that the "form" of someone's idea needs to be protected, but I also believe that we need to exercise some kind of common sense, and that is where we have fallen off the wagon and let wisdom fall by the wayside.  There needs to be a balance. 

Unfortunately, unless something is done to stop the madness, it will only continue to spiral out of control and before long, we won't be listening or watching (or dancing - who knew?) to anything that isn't our OWN idea because the copyright laws will be so ridiculous that no one will be able to afford to produce any type of work due to the burden of copyright.

This certainly has me thinking.  I'm sensing some action needs to be taken here and I'm going to think about what my role will be in taking it.