Week 4 - Show Me What You Learned Project

When I first began this course and saw that "I" had to create a blog...ugh, I panicked. I did not know what I know now. Not only is blogging fast and easy, it's fun! Yes, I said it... I had fun doing my homework, weird, I know. 

I always knew blogging was something that was constantly being talked about on TV and I have one friend that created her own blog because she was bored. But, I thought it was my friend just being her computer savvy self, I really did not realize that I too could be a "Blogger". Yes, me!, Melissa A. Clarke, a blogger! I would have to say that between learning to create my very own Podcast, Blogging is the next best thing. Or, maybe their equal... Nonetheless, I would have to say what I learned and will utilize the most is blogging and podcasting. I would have never thought in a million years, I would have the patience or "know-how" to actually learn to do these things. But now, I can't stop blogging or podcasting. Cool! :-D

My blog link is: http://constantclarke.blogspot.com

I have also added below one my podcasts that enjoyed creating the most :-)

Week 1 - Wimba "Are You Present?"- Session 1

I really loved the video syllabus! I found this to be helpful for both visual and auditory learners. Personally my preference was printing the calendar style deadlines and following along that way. It would have benefitted my to be present in this session due to the fact that I did not realize that the way to get credit was not to just be present for the Wimba Sessions but, to also participate in the written chat. Good thing that is the way I feel most comfortable participating in the Wimba Sessions versus the talking in front of everyone. Yes, I am a little shy... :-) 

Week 4 - Comment to http://jlhawkinson.wordpress.com/2009

My response to Jeanette's Blog titled "13 Things to do on Twitter besides tweet"

Comments»

1. Melissa Clarke - October 25, 2009

Wow I did not realize how much Twitter had evolved! The first time I heard of Twitter was during this program and now people have been in a ‘tweet’ frenzy. But, now we can actually share pictures and other things. I really believe Twitter is going to turn into the new facebook.

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Week 4 - Small Group Stickam Session cont...

Next month's class...

From what I understand next month is said to be a bit intense and not necessarily the procrastinator's best friend. I am a bit anxious about this upcoming course. I see the finish line in near sight but, nervousness is clouding my vision. I want to do my best but, sometimes life, schedules, and my child does not allow for me to log-on the times that I set aside to do so. Anyone with some time management suggestions, when every minute of my day is accounted for? eeeeekkk I'm a bit nervous...  :-)

Week 4 - Small Group Stickam Session

Video 1: Shared Culture

The shared culture video provided information about a new found cite entitled "Creative Commons." It is my understanding that Creative Commons is a creation that allows the new technology culture to create and license your own work, while also using/finding already licensed work. It is said that this creation allows "creative impulses" to be shared in one area. I heard in this video that people can use Flickr photos to create their own masterpieces. But, this poses the question of privacy. Does this program allow for sharing without permission? Or do they actually contact every creator before their creation is used for another "creation." 

Video 2: Mayer and Bettle Explain Creative Commons

Let me start by saying I absolutely loved the animated video provided, this really broke down the use and reason for creation of Creative Commons. What I understood from this video is that you can only use the content that was originally licensed by Creative Commons so there is no real privacy issue because the creator uses this program knowingly granting permission for the content to be downloaded and possibly changed. Although this program seems to be a great fix to a piracy culture, does this include musical downloads that have already hit mainstream airwaves? hmmm... If not, does this really fix the problem? What about an artist being discovered through Creative Commons is the choice to share your creation reversible? Are you allowed to make money off your own creation? Maybe I should read the fine print :-)

Week 4-Art of Possibility

It is funny how Dr. Bustillos mentioned in this section the "eager " teachers and "rocking the boat" (especially with the veteran teachers). Reading these chapters reminded me of a day we have at my school during post-planning where teachers are to get together and share a visual presentation of the work we did towards our IPDP (our professional growth plan). The options for our presentations were a tri-fold or a powerpoint presentation. But, because I had just learned how to do a podcast (during the course of my EMDTMS program), I was eager to share my new found skills. So, I put together a podcast and had it looping at my presentation table. It was me being that "eager" teacher, and because I dared to be different I received a request of my presentation from my principal and complementing remarks from my colleagues. However, not everyone was complimentary, some were sarcastic and some felt as though as I was "showing them up". Here I am not thinking that I am doing anything over and beyond, and not intending to brown-nose, I was just excited to apply this new found technology to my profession and I received some unwelcoming looks and comments from veteran teachers.  Personally, I  feel that I could have done a way better job on my podcast if I dedicated more time to it. It amazes me how many educators are so resistant to change, even when they don't have to do anything to change it. 

Unfortunately, I have attempted to upload my podcast for you to view but, this cite was dealing with technical difficulties. I also attempted to include a picture of my data used in the podcast however, that too would not upload :( ...

Week 3 - "Rule Number 6"

I absolutely loved this chapter! This "Rule Number 6" is so applicable to every profession. How many times have we seen teachers with seniority in our lovely administrative meetings that are questioning, complaining, and even fighting change. Most of the complaints are "there is not enough time to learn", "why do we have to implement this?", or "They (the implementors) have nothing better to do, but give us more work".  This also ties into what Ron Smith was saying in his interview with Holly Ludgate, how it is hard to convince teachers that the preparation invested in their lesson planning makes it easier for them in the long run.

There are so many teachers at the school that I teach that resist change and take themselves so seriously, that they forgot the real purpose of our jobs and that is to teach. And, just like the students change over time, so do their learning styles, therefore so should our teaching styles (or approaches). I would really consider sharing this chapter with my CRT (Curriculum Resource Teacher) and possibly implement "Rule Number 6" at my school. :-) 

Source of Photo: http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.reply-mc.com/wp-content/Number_Six.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.reply-mc.com/2007/12/06/always-remember-rule-number-6/&usg=__Q8l9N3LPldIP1f3cCA729u-dEeI=&h=723&w=511&sz=19&hl=en&start=2&tbnid=Qfnh3kRNkNl1sM:&tbnh=140&tbnw=99&prev=/images%3Fq%3DRule%2BNumber%2B6%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den