So Excited

I don't what it was about the article "The Unfolding Drama" but it made me ridiculously excited to use almost all of theirs ideas.  This was thoroughly shocking to me as I was not a fan of drama in high school. I guess I just didn't see the value in it; my teachers never really took the time to use it and if they did it was more of a reward, as opposed to something of substance.  Once the article got into ideas and ways to utilize drama in ways that did not include skits I found everything so amazing.  My absolute favorite has to be about the dreams though! I seriously never would have thought of using that, but it would be so valuable, especially using the text examples they provided.  It would really make students looking into the inner workings of complex characters. I just found everything in this so unbelievably amazing. I could go on, but I won't.  I'll just wait until I get to use it in an actual classroom.

20 Shot Short Story

I'll be the first to admit I wasn't exactly thrilled to be making a film.  I am not good with a camera and putting the movies into order on the computer falls way outside of my comfort zone. Once we got the process rolling though it was really enjoyable.  Beyond being a fun process, making the film forced us to synthesize our thoughts and create a coherent story line.  By analyzing the shots we wanted to use, it caused greater comprehension of the story in general, along with the emerging themes we wanted to portray.  I think this would be a project that I would like to use in my own classroom one day.  Limiting the number of shots would really enhance students summarizing skills; in addition, by working with groups it enhances communication and group dynamic knowledge.

Get Them Interested

This weeks reading in Multimodal Composing in Classrooms really backed up everything that we have been discussing about student involvement and interest.  The example showcased two students who took the initiative to partake in a multimodal project.  The fact that the two students specifically asked to do this type of project exemplifies how important these types projects are to students.  They tend to spark a genuine interest in otherwise bored students.  I know when I was in high school I was typically intimidated by projects that were based in film, but once we got started it was thoroughly enjoyable and forced me to think outside the box.  As a teacher I want my students to enjoy what we are doing while learning new things; multimodal experiences provide a perfect scenario for that to occur.

Observing

During Spring break I had the opportunity to observe a teacher that I had the privilege of having during my own high school career.  In fact she was one of the main reasons that I decided to go into education.  She is just one of those teachers that truly inspires those around her and pushes you to do better than ever thought possible.  My high school recently instated a policy that allows students to have their cell phones out during class in order to look things up that are pertinent to the class.  This was rarely the case.  Some of the students were extremely disrespectful and would blatantly text during class discussion or lecture; this really bothered me.  I asked the teacher that I observed along with another member of the English department what they thought of the new rule and they both disliked it.  They have observed that especially in the lower preforming classes that the students when they don't understand something they resort to playing on their phone instead of actively trying to learn.  In lowest the level of the classes I observed she had made her own rule going against the administrations policy and forcing students to put their phones away.  This is an instance where technology in the classroom is harmful is disruptive.

Just Say No

This weeks readings from Kist sparked some hesitation inside of me.  I have really been warming up to the idea of technology in the classroom lately, but this article had an idea that I 110% do not agree with. The topic was bringing Facebook into the classroom as a means of communication between group members and the class as a whole. I do not think Facebook is appropriate in a high school classroom, ever.  The safety precautions are great and that isn't why I find the idea inappropriate.  I personally feel that Facebook is too social and would leave students distracted in the classroom.  Most high school kids could not handle the responsibility; moreover I think it is strange that it would have the student and their teacher connecting over a social media site.  I do not think it is okay for teachers to view their students' profiles because it creates an awkward situation if the teacher were to view something that made them see the student in a new, unflattering light.  I try to avoid saying I will never do something, but I think it is safe to safe I will never bring Facebook into my classroom.

Something Old, Something New

This weeks readings about video production in the language arts classroom was a bit outdated, but very useful.  I found myself chuckling when the suggested doing a how to video on programming a VCR, but some of the other ideas and suggestions were really worth while.  I found in reading through it that they strongly recommend steps in the planning process; such steps included writing a script, a detailed story board, and a statement of purpose.  These are all aspects that would be found in any typical English class and by adding the step of producing the film we will  be engaging our students on a whole new level.  In addition to showing how it ties to a traditional classroom I found that the article provided various steps that could be used as means for assessment before the final turn in.  These assessments could check student progress and ensure that they are using time effectively.  One of the things that could be used for assessment is the writing of an objective.  It reaffirms their understanding of a text and makes them plan ahead; this prevents students from throwing together a lack luster film the day before it is due!  

Thanks Bud!

Wilber, the author of last week’s readings, provided a list of valuable blogs and wikis to check out.  The one I chose to explore was Bud the Teacher's Wiki.  On Bud's wiki he had a list of links going off in all different directions.  For instance, he has one that has instructions for creating an acceptable blog use policy.  Not only does he list things that he thinks belong on the list, but also summons the help of other teachers.  He solicits answers to his questions and is open to suggestions.  I think as teachers we must work with one another and collaborate to become better at our jobs, not only in the school but on the internet as well.  Also with this collaboration, as a future teacher I find it reassuring that I am able to find samples of policies I might need to make.  In addition to policies I think with the internet being readily available it will be easier to find rubrics for projects or even ideas for incorporating various things into the classroom.  Bud's wiki had many other links as well that I'm sure would lead to many more ideas!