Week 4, Show Me What You Learned

Scratch, Alice Project, Flash

I really love the idea of these programs (although flash and I had it out, and flash won - NOT the program for me!). I looked at the websites for Scratch and the Alice Project. I did not download the software needed for the, however, because I am running out of space on this hard drive and need to conserve space for my final media project. I think once I'm done with this masters, Scratch will be one of my first 'play for fun' programs to see what it's really capable of. I saw several samples on their site and they had a lot of variances in quality. I'm curious to see what it can do.....

Video Streaming Tools

So I checked out the other sites, besides youTube. I have seen teacherTube before, and really it's just not as good. The quality is lacking and it's simply not as complete. So I checked out vidler and blip, as I've never seen them before. I had no expectations, and I guess for good reason. Again, these sites just aren't very complete. Maybe we are just totally spoiled by having youTube for so long, and it's so comprehensive (large variety, professional and not, etc...) that anything less isn't good enough. I don't know, but for now, I'm sticking with what I know.

Thesis Freak Out - Part 2!!!!!!!!

The bulk of this week was dedicated to thesis writing. I started this week organized, but with only about 5 pages written. Thankfully, my organization helped because by today, I had 19 pages written and my draft is officially submitted. Freaking out a little bit, but I have to let it go and remember "it's just the draft, it's just the draft, it's just the draft." Now I have some time to work on the rest of week 4 assignments (except for the fact that it's almost 1am). Oh well - who needs sleep? :)

Reading Week 3 - Rule #6

Don't take yourself so d#$@ seriously!

That's all. 'Nuff said.

Reading Week 3 - Leading From Any Chair

The best way I can relate this to another situation (one that would work for students) is think of a football team. You cannot win the game with one person. The quarterback may be one of the most visible players, but he can't throw, catch and run the ball, all on his own. Also, where would those players be if there were no water boy? That person, who gets the water tables set up, is just as important to the game, keeping the players hydrated, and the players who are actually playing. No one is more important than another. And EVERYONE can contribute as much as they'd like if they just realized this.

Week 4, Stickam Session

First, let me begin by saying - JARRBS lives on!!!! We really are a great group. We work well together. And we really are far more interesting than what we expressed in this session. That being said...... I completely appreciate the idea behind Stickam for a few reasons. 1. It could be great for group meetings, such as the one we had 2. As a live blog/podcast, if used for educational/informational purposes (I don't really care what John Doe had for dinner last night, I would rather see it used for informative things) My concerns with this program though, unfortunately overshadow the positives. 1. The lag is just really distracting. You can't tell who is in the conversation and who is not. And for me personally, I would speak, and a good 10 seconds later would hear a response. I would end up forgetting what I even said! 2. Although I didn't have any problems with this, there was apparently a connection problem with several of the group mates. This would certainly create problems in a meeting. Great concept - could use some tweaking. I think I'll stick with Skype. I have a feeling they will be adding video soon, and it is just so much clearer.

Reading Week 3 - Contributions

This is such an amazing state of mind. To create a game out of everything - will you play, or will you sit out? And if you play, what will you do to contribute to the rest of the team? SUCH A HARD LIFE TO LIVE!!!!!!!!! But man-o-man is it rewarding when you do. Life is so much more interesting when you are on the court rather than on the sidelines. :)

Reading Week 3 - Giving An A

I think the idea of 'giving an A' to people, random people, is tough for some to take. The idea of giving a waitress an 'A' because she did a good job - she will probably look at you like you're nuts, want to know where it came from, why you said it, etc... but in the long run, would go home that night and think "wow, someone thought I was really good today". Maybe it would be boost their confidence enough to keep working that hard and maybe to pass it along to others.

I really like the idea of using this with my students - particularly my 5th graders who think they are done with elementary school after spring break. To have them write me a letter about why they got their 'A' is perfect. It's something to bring back and remind them of every few weeks (maybe per marking period). And hopefully, throughout, they would have better attitudes towards their work, class, and each other. It's certainly worth a try!!!

Reading Week 3 - Universe of Possibility

I love this idea - "Live in the world of possiblity". This comes directly from The Landmark Forum, which Zander is a graduate of (as am I - for more info check out www.landmarkeducation.com). The basis of this 3 day seminar is 'living in the world of possiblity'. You create it, you live it. When I first graduated from the seminar, I was awesome at living in this world. Unfortunately, it is like a muscle and must be flexed and worked, every day, consistently. And sadly, I have gotten weaker. But I will say, when I do live in a world of possibility, I am an amazingly happy person. As Zander says, you give up a lot of control (which is VERY hard for me), but you end up with so much more in return.

Specifically with teaching, I create the possibility that my first class will be fantastic. Whether it is or isn't, I create another possiblity that my next class will be fantastic. Whether it is or isn't.....you get the idea. Sounds so simple - and when executed it is. The key is not to let cynicism and negativity control you.

Reading Week 3 - It's All Invented

Summary: The practice

What assumptions am I making, that I'm not aware I'm making, that gives me what I see?
I live with this every day. The most important example of me actually practicing this is in asking for things I want. I cannot live in a world where I always assume people will say no. Instead, I ask for it. Hopefully they'll say yes, but if they say no it's ok. At least I asked and did not just let it go. Letting my assumptions go is what got my principal to pay for $600 training, with lodging. All because I asked.

Week 3, iTunes/Pandora Tutorials

I just watched the videos about iTunes and Pandora (last.fm really just does not interest me with the use of the other 2). I consider myself pretty well versed in iTunes. I've used it for quite some time, although more frequently in the last 6 months than ever before. I use playlists, search for music/podcasts/shows/etc... and just basically know how to use it.

I also already have the Pandora app for my iPhone. Honestly, I don't use it near as much as I should, being that I have it, but I get caught up in my iTunes collection. I've got over 7,000 songs - that's enough to last me forever. It is a really great app though. It does all the work for you!!!!

Week 3, WIMBA Session 2 (for real)

:)

Seriously, the whole copyrighting thing....I get it. I understand why things are copyrighted. I just think it gets taken to an extreme and so many people suffer from it. I'm sorry, but this recording:

(insert, mp3 of me playing Beethoven's 5th Symphony with one hand on the piano but I couldn't get to work properly)

just doesn't cut it when I'm teaching my kids about Beethoven. I know I am guilty of a lot of music copyrighting issues. I have gotten a lot better about it since I began teaching (that also comes with the experience and learning more and more about copyrighting). Music teachers have it tough - we aren't allowed to photocopy music. No matter than it costs an average of $2-$5 per student copy (multiply by 25 students and you're talking $50-$100 for ONE song). It's simply unrealistic to think that any school can afford 10-15 songs PER CONCERT. I end up using a lot of the textbook series songs, which in it's own right is probably not allowed either because it's being performed live (but not broadcast). And of course, when you're teaching the classics and the composers that wrote them, and they are not all in the series, you bring in your own music. How can a music teacher teach music without playing music?!??!?

Week 3, WIMBA Session 2

Copyright....

I'm scared to write, say, or show anything. I think I'm done now.

Week 3, iPhoto Tutorials

I watched some of the iPhoto tutorials (some of them were not working correctly - only showing 14 seconds, or 22 seconds - weird). However, I typically bring photos into Photoshop if I'm going to edit as I am more comfortable - and knowledgeable - with it. I guess, more accurately, I give that sort of stuff to my husband to do as he is a graphic designer and can fix most of those problems in the time it takes me to get a glass of water. :)

Week 3, Ron Smith Interview, Interactive Q&A

I watched this interview once, then went back to create my questions. I would most likely have my students do the same thing - watch one time, then go back and watch again to answer the questions. Here are the ones I came up with (please note, several have more than one part, which is why it does not look like there are 10 questions):

1. Who is Ron Smith's and where does he teach?
Lead Teacher, New Media Academy at Hollywood HS, Hollywood, CA

2. What is the main focus of his job?
Career Focus, getting students into the entertainment business

3. What programs do students love most?
Animation and flash

4. What are some 'older' media forms Ron Smith has used to help students?
Podcasts, texting, making videos

5. What are Ron Smith's students NOT allowed to use to make a presentation? What should they use instead?
a. PowerPoint
b. Flash animations

6. How long did Ron Smith spend getting his new semester curriculum ready? Why does he spend that time?
a. 1 month (December)
b. because media has to be prepared ahead of time, can't do it on the fly.

7. What are 3, newer technologies being used in and out of school? How much do they cost? Where can you find them?
a. Sketchup, Scratch, Blender
b. all are free
c. all are found on the web

8. What is the one trend Ron Smith sees as the next 'big thing'?
Online curriculum and learning options

Late start...

So I am off to a late start this week. Life has been so crazy/hectic/busy that I can't think straight anymore. My husband is in process of launching a new career, I'm writing a thesis, my daughter turns 2 next week, I'm writing a thesis, trying to catch up on reading, trying to finish watching the tutorial videos, I'm writing a thesis and I have to go to court tomorrow for a theft case from over a year ago! Did I mention I'm writing a thesis? Of course, that's all on top of lesson plans, teaching, etc.... (and a thesis :) ) It's just been one of those weeks, where when you start off tired on Monday, you know it's only going downhill. And boy oh boy has it.

However, on a positive note, I am going to use my downtime at the courthouse wisely and finish up my reading. And I am SO looking forward to "The Art of Possibility". I know the author is a Landmark Forum graduate, which I also graduated 1 1/2 years ago. I have fallen out of practice and think it will do me a TON of good to read this book. I know I'll easily understand the language and hopefully it will get me back into that mindset a bit.

Back to that thesis.....

CD's - ownership and meaning

As I talked about in the discussion board, I really like physically owning a CD. There really isn't anything like having it to hold, look at, read, etc... I think of it the same way as people who love their records. There's nothing quite like it. Maybe it's because of the extensive classical music collection I have. I like to have the information on the pieces performed, artists playing, orchestras playing. And although I have several versions of certain pieces, I will not purchase something twice. It just seems redundant and silly.

Another part of that DB was the first piece of music that 'touched' us. The piece I discussed, EPCOT's Illuminations fireworks suite. I'm not sure it was actually the first, but it is definitely one of the most profound that gets me EVERY time I listen. It brings me close to tears no matter what kind of mood I'm in. There are plenty of others, mostly classical, that get me real deep. The Holst Suites for wind ensemble are 2 others. They are the ones that touched me deep the first time I played them, and every time I listen after, they remind me of that time.

Podcasts

I have a tendency to do all of my assignments with a focus on music, as I am a music teacher. I was told back in month 1 that all of my assignments should have to do something with my thesis, which made total sense. And ever since, everything has been music based. As I was searching for podcasts to include in my 'deeper discussion board', I realized it's hard to find kid friendly, music related podcasts. Now, I will admit, I've never listened to or subscribed to a podcast, so I am pretty unfamiliar with this world. But on the bright side, I found 2 that I am now a subscriber of and cannot wait to share some of them with my students. The following site:
http://feeds2.feedburner.com/theymightbegiants/ is absolutely amazing for elementary aged children. Now, I don't know if I was just deliriously tired or what, but I found myself watching almost every single episode that was available. I even decided I was going to dedicate 5 minutes of each class (kinder and 1st grade specifically, possible 2nd grade) to listening/watching these particular songs. They are awesome!!!! If for nothing else, I am so glad to have done this assignment because I found this resource, which I would not have found otherwise. Thanks Joe!

Thesis Freak Out!!!!!!

So total thesis freak out yesterday. We had our final WIMBA session with Laura. I'm all set to complete my draft on time - no worries there. I've started writing, I'm in the middle of research. What I didn't know, until last night, was that the FINAL paper was due earlier than I expected. I am now having to modify some things, particularly the length of my research, to complete it on time. Leave of absence??? NO WAY!!!!! There is NO WAY I am not graduating with the rest of my fellow bubblers! But boy oh boy do I have some re-evaluating to do.

Week 2, WIMBA Session 1

I like the idea of Creative Commons. I've been benefiting from it since month 2 of this program. My husband has a Flickr account and he had to do a bunch of research on CC. By association, I learned the basics (which is essentially what we talked about this week). When it comes to imagery, I love Flickr. They post right on their page what the copyright info is. What I love even more, is that these are mostly regular people. If you give yourself enough time on a project/paper/presentation/etc... just email someone asking for their permission to use their photo (if it's not a CC image). I have done this several times and all except for 1 game me permission.

The music side of copyrighting however, is a different story. I could go on for days about my frustration with this - and on many levels. I will however, spare you the gory details, as it will probably just come of as me ranting! My main question about music use is with classic folk songs/melodies and classical music. Folk songs, such as Twinkle, Twinkle and Old MacDonald aren't copyrighted. Does that mean that we are free to use them whereever we want? And classical music...the NY Phil did not compose Beethoven's 5th. But since they played it, do I have to refrain from using it, even though the composer is dead? Interesting thoughts for the music teacher to ponder as the thesis draws closer and closer.....

Reading Week 1 - Part 3 - Origami Unicorn

The Matrix. After reading Jenkins' chapter about the origami unicorn (which was primarily about The Matrix movies), I have come to the realization that the movies are complete brilliance in media convergence. They leave the viewer always wanting more and they have created such a following that you have to see whatever comes next. They are also complete brilliance in collective intelligence. Not only do you want to keep watching, but the viewer is compelled to talk about it, break it down, dissect it until there's nothing left to figure out. They will work through the most complex of story lines with one another just to prove their own points. Like I said - it's brilliance!

Personally, I have seen the trilogy 4-5 times. Each time, I see something new or 'figure something else out'. This always spawns new conversations with my husband (who thinks he knows the meaning of the entire movie). Maybe this is what makes the trilogy a cult movie? These few aspects? I don't know, but I am compelled to go back and watch it every so often!

I also think that the Matrix, in particular, is brilliance in marketing and money making by having so many different media types involved. Sure, you'll have just your movie watchers, who are content to dismiss the continuity problems with certain characters/scenes. But there are far more out there who crave the knowledge of all of it, therefore buying the Anime and cartoon shorts, the games, and all the extras from the movies.

Finally, I really like the idea of creating worlds. It keeps a viewer interested for longer periods of time. The example Jenkins' used was X-Men. I think this is perfect because you are invested in the characters, you know the history behind everything, and there are so many possibilities for story lines the viewer will always want to come back to see more. I know I could watch 10 more if they'd keep making them (keeping the same cast of course).

Reading Week 1 - Part 2 - Zapper, Casual or Loyal?

I enjoy reality TV. I do. I get a kick out of watching other people do things, and knowing that it is somewhat real. That’s part of the draw – that it ‘could’ happen. And just as Jenkins talks about it, I get emotionally invested in the different characters/contestants on the shows. I get upset when certain people are voted out or kicked out, and it does become fodder for conversation with other people (gossip, as Jenkins refers to it). I even have friends that come over for certain shows just so that we can talk about what’s going on.

As far as ad placement goes – it drives me absolutely BONKERS. It is such a blatant show of corporate companies wanting to display their products. I don’t fault them. Who wouldn’t want their product plastered all over the #1 show in America? But I can tell you, I am not running to the store to buy Coke just because it’s on American Idol. If Pepsi is on sale that week, you better believe that’s what I’m buying! I agree that it does become a bit of a game, trying to find all the hidden products. But I get annoyed when it’s constant.

This brings us to zappers, casuals, and loyals. Let me start by saying – I love TV. I usually have it on as background noise when I’m doing housework. It’s usually on at night when I’m doing homework. And that’s not including the times that I sit down to actually watch a show. Therefore, I seem to fit into all three of these categories! There are plenty of times where I will just find something to watch (zapper). I don’t care what it is, and I will usually change the channel when the commercials come on (too many annoying ones out there to watch them). I am also a casual in that I have several shows that I enjoy. And given the opportunity to watch them, I will. And finally, I am a loyal. I’d say I have 4-5 shows that get recorded every week (not all reality). I watch them, fast forward through the commercials, and cannot wait until next weeks’ episode to see what happens next.

Until the next chapter...

Reading Week 1 - Part 1 - The Spoiler

So, I know I'm late on my reactions to the readings. And unfortunately, this is only going to be on chapter 1. But I will say this - I am REALLY enjoying this book! It is a pretty easy read, but fairly informative at the same time. I completely identified with all of the talk about Survivor - even though I never actually watched the program. The idea that the term "spoilers" was essentially created with the internet - I think that's awesome. I try so hard NOT to read the spoilers on shows I do watch and can't stand it when I find out early. Perfect case was just a few weeks ago. Top Chef, it's getting close to the end of the season, I'm making my predictions about who 'should' go home next. But my husband and I can't watch until the next night so we record it. Someone updated their Facebook status with who got knocked out! HOW COULD THEY???? :) Oh well. Such is the age of "the spoiler".

Honestly, I don't understand the people who spend so much time 'figuring it all out'. I enjoy talking about it after the fact - talking about how I think judges were wrong, how could they do that, that person had no right to go home, etc... I guess it's just the thrill of the chase. I also never really thought about the fact that west cost people would watch a show 3 hours after I would. Wow has the internet REALLY spoiled that one!

More to come as I continue catching up. Sorry for the delays.....

Discovery #2!!!

I have discovered (again) how to add video. This is the same video that is at the think in my prior post, but I wanted to show that I could do this too! Now let's just hope it worked (because it is taking a REALLY long time to upload).

Show Me What You Know, Week 1

Below is a link to my video. It will be a whole lot easier for you to view it there than trying to get it to work in this blog.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYx1-BXwq2E

Until next time...

Environment/Presentation Survey - Part 2

I know I said I don't use a lot of tech, but I also realized after finishing this assignment that I do use a lot of other things to enhance my teaching. My school is pretty ancient when it comes to technology and what they are willing to purchase, so I rely heavily on hand made posters and visuals. Thankfully, since I am a music teacher, I do so much hands on and interactive work with my students that I do not 'miss' having technology there. I put the analogy like this: "Before I had high speed internet, I was very happy with dial-up, because I didn't know any better. Once I got it, I could never go back." The same is true for my MAC from a PC, and my iPhone from a Razor. I imagine the same is true for what I'm NOT using in my classroom. I don't know any better, so I'm ok. Maybe after my thesis is done (and my research goes according to plan) I can write a grant to get 7 Wii consoles for my room and use gaming as part of technology incorporation. We shall see.

Environment/Presentation Survey - Part 1

I am quickly coming to grips with the fact that I don't use a lot of technology in my classroom. As much as I love it, and say I will use it, I don't. I know a lot of that us due to equipment that is available (or not, as the case may be), but I need to figure out how to make it work. More to come as I finish this assignment....

Discovery!

OK - So I've just figured out how to add pictures to this, so this is my test. Hopefully it works! The picture doesn't have a whole lot to do with the course, except that it's my beautiful daughter who is responsible for half of my drive in this class.

Week 1, WIMBA Session 1

Tonight was our first WIMBA session for MAC. First, let me commend Joe Bustillos on completing this session in 1 hour, on the dot! That is a pretty rare occurance, especially with as many people as we have.

I absolutely LOVED the powerpoint video that we had to watch before the session. I know I used to do many of the things discussed, and am proud to say that I have changed my ways tremendously. Basically, I don't use powerpoint for presentations anymore. I use it for continuing, more interactive activities such as reading patterns/pictures to music. Way more effective than the same old data charts.

There was a lot of much needed clarification in tonights session. I feel a lot more confident about the assignments that are due and when to turn them in. I do have to say I am getting more and more nervous about the thesis and final project. It was great to have Dr. Bedard there to answer some pressing questions, but I can't say it put me at ease! I am really worried about managing these last 4 months. I have a topic picked and solidified, I am currently working on my research (with my students), but I haven't been able to just sit down and write, and that worries me. Hopefully, I can manage my time this month to get the bulk of it done - that way my draft will be more of a paper than a 'draft'.

Back to deciphering some more assignments. I'll be back tomorrow with more, so stay tune!

Week 1, Day 1

No rest for the weary! Here we are again, day 1 of a new class. As it always is, I spend my first day in shock over how many assignments there are and then trying to decipher it all. I am at a point where the shock has warn off and I am just trying to organize myself to get things done. So far, I have finished all of the 'housekeeping' stuff that needs to be done, but no reading is done yet.

I am really looking forward to what this class has to offer. I love the different programs we are able to use and really want to learn more about them. I am still not sure what I will be using in my final thesis project, so I am hoping this class will help me answer that question.