Thing 23

I don't really have a specific plan of attack to use these Things in the classroom for this year, except for the Google Docs survey that I want the upper elementary students to take at the end of this year. I know I will be using some of the things next year for sure. My students don't have computer time with me, although I use the computer to enhance my lessons and to show examples from museums or artists. I know I will use the blog for personal reasons (like to show the progress of our house build) but I don't see how I can use the blog for my classes, yet! Delicious was mentioned at a staff meeting not to long ago. I think this Thing will come in handy, when trying to keep files organized going to 3 different schools. The other elementary art teacher and I share ideas whenever we get together, but that is not very frequently, so the wiki and delicious accounts will keep us informed of the projects we are doing with the students.

I still need to learn how to develop my district webpage with uploading pics. All my pics are too large to put on the webpage. All in all this class has built up my confidence (and at times my frustration level) with the internet. I think the best way to learn how to do this would be to ask the tech rep at school, or to just have the patience and time to sit down and explore the website with trial and error.

I have learned alot from this class and I enjoyed getting just a little more computer literate! Thanks Jim!

Google Docs Art Survey

I completed the end of the year Art Survey. I am hoping that my 3rd-5th graders will take it.

Thing 22

I registered for MI Learnport. The liklihood of me taking an online class is high. I have to get SBCEU's and so I will always be looking. It is very difficult to find PD in Art or anything related to Art that I am able to get credit for. I got used to taking online classes after completing my masters online. I really like taking online classes. It's great to complete assignments at home without having to battle the snow/rain traveling to a school and sitting for hours. I have had a great experience with this class. I learned alot. I was able to share some "things" to organize and communicate with others. My favorites are flicker, wikis, delicious, and YouTube!

Thing 21

I posted 3 videos that I will be using in my classroom next week with the 5th graders. I think they will really like them. We are starting to look at Aboriginal Artwork. I share with the students my own didgeridoo and we look at the artwork that ribbons around the instrument. I Can't play the digeridoo - but they will be able to hear it being played through the video. I liked how the camera was turned; not sure why, other than maybe it was so that the instrument could fit in the picture?!?

I like the videos, it adds interest into lessons and they give alot of information in a little amount of time.

As I was viewing the videos, I happened to scroll down to look at the comments that were left, and so many were obscene. Why do people have to swear so much when they leave a comment? At least with embedding it into the blog it gets rid of all the comments and extra links to inappropriate material.

The school that I teach at has many things blocked, but I can access (for now) my blog so I am able to play the videos. I tried vixy and it was taking forever so I stopped it and will go back later. I have become impatient with the Internet and waiting after I had upgraded from dial up to dsl. I was going to print a bumper sticker that said "I did my Master's online with Dial up!" I now know I was crazy (and patient) and I think I deserve a medal for it! HA!

Australian Aboriginal Art w/ Didgeridoo

Animated Aboriginal Paintings

Didgeridoo