November Workshop Posting

Shown below are the answers to one question from each category as requested in order to reflect on our learning during our November c4t workshop.

What happened?
Summarize your learning from today's workshop:
During our workshop I was introduced to the accurate definition of a podcast (refining my preconceived notion). As I had no idea as how to create a podcast (or more precisely, one chapter of a podcast), I utilized the resources available in order to put together a 3 minute (actually 3 minutes and 1 second!) example describing a unit that was taught in one of my classes (more specifically - a Biome project which was completed in Adjusted Biology). These resources included what was covered in class before we began (such as a brief introduction to Garageband), online resources, assistance from colleagues and from the coaches. By early afternoon, I had completed the task; and on the way I was able to learn how to use garageband to record my voice as well as include a musical introduction and finale, and interject sound effects. I also learned how to vary the sound intensity of a musical clip (actually 2 ways - depending on the desired effect) and I learned how to include pictures - although I did not choose to do this with my particular recording. Finally, I was able to learn a few other things by listening to some of my colleagues' efforts (such as how to incorporate sounds from the internet - not simply from garage band).

How did you feel today?
At first - a bit confused; then - a bit frustrated; then - both frustrated and almost embarrassed (of course everyone else will do better than me). By early afternoon, I began to feel better and, with help, I started to feel a small sense of accomplishment. I tried to stay positive as this methodology is quite similar to how I teach sometimes. I see similar reactions with my students. I believe what you learn does tend to stick with you a little better this way.

What impact might this have on the teaching and learning in your classroom?
What support do you need in the future?
I combined 2 questions here. I feel this could be a good resource for students - perhaps I could make a periodic podcast for my AP Bio students to emphasize the important ideas in a unit, and/or to allow students to hear about what they missed during an absence (could download to a smartphone perhaps and listen while on the move). I don't see this as a tool for my students to use at this time (my 1st year teaching adjusted - I am concerned with more of the basics at this point; and I need to cover a lot of content and lab work in AP). As far as support goes, I am (as we all are I'm sure) concerned with the amount of time this would take to prepare a worthwhile recording on a regular basis. I am sure it would become easier the more I do this, but with all the other requirements of the job it can become overwhelming. I do not know what the answer would be as my workload is not going to decrease in the future. I guess the best way to handle this is to jump in and give it a try and see how it impacts the remainder of my work /time.

Current Frustrations

I am sitting at Burbank awaiting our first during school year work day. We were required to bring a unit which incorporated technology

Labor Day Post

Our first full week of teaching is over. Things are going fairly well - I am continuing to enjoy getting to know my students better. Probably our biggest hurdle (as teachers) was the fact all of our copiers were down Wed - Fri. We all had to scramble a bit. I was able to use some of the knowledge I have gained recently to administer a quiz in AP Biology. I was able to save an Exam View quiz as a text edit file and email it to myself. I then tweaked it to a word file (which took a little doing due to diagrams, etc.) and, then saved as a PDF file. I repeated this in order to make 2 distinct versions (to give to students seated next to each other). Right before class started, I placed these 2 quiz versions on my wiki and had the students go to the gold lab. So my students took a "paperless" quiz. I removed the files right before the end of the period and put them back on shortly before my afternoon class. The students did not seem to mind (some used scratch paper to feel more comfortable). We'll see if the copiers are back up tomorrow!

August 26th, 2011

We just finished our 1st full week in school (with 3 days of classes). As always, the students are great! I am teaching a brand new prep (Adjusted Bio) and am trying to keep up with the work. Bret C and I are both frustrated with the laptop carts. It really is know one's fault - the tech people do a great job of trying to keep our old laptops (6 years old?) running. We just don't have the funds to replace them at this point. Both my wiki and moodle are up and running; I haven't taken advantage of the interactive functionality as of yet on moodle (posting quizzes, having students turn in their work, etc.). We'll see how that goes.

Boot Camp is over!

We just finished day 2 of boot camp. We continued to learn about google apps and their functionalities. We were also able to work in our PLC (professional learning community) to develop our 1st unit. Our goal are to incorporate 21st century skills as well as utilizing some of the technology resources we have been learning about. Our essential question is "What are we made of?" and we are planning on some sort of digestion work as well as a test for summative assessments. We plan on incorporating a google spreadsheet as part of another activity. This is still a work in progress which we will continue to add to next week.

1st Post!

This is the 1st entry in an ongoing reflection about my successes and failures, apprehensions and anticipations, frustrations and satisfactions related to the upcoming school year. I am beginning my 16th year as a science teacher at Upper Arlington High School in Columbus, Ohio. I am currently taking part in a training program that exposes me to a variety of technology tools related to the computer and the internet. In addition, we are receiving training in some of these tools that will enable us to use the internet more effectively and efficiently (both to obtain cogent information and to utilize social media). We have been introduced to RSS feeds, diigo, backnoise, and blogs. We will continue our work together tomorrow and then begin our school year next Monday. I am both excited to continue to learn about these tools, and am somewhat perplexed as to how to be able to implement them appropriately in the classroom. Stay tuned.......