Thursday, June 25, 2009
Philosophy of Education
So, after many computer problems, and lots of procrastination, I finished my philosophy of education video. I had a difficult time deciding what I needed to say and how to articulate my beliefs, but it finally came together. I had to learn how to use a movie program, which was quite a challenge in itself. I believe I came up with an acceptable statement and made myself clear in my beliefs. It was quite the experience, but I feel I came out of it with a more clear vision of my philosophy.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
My personal IEP
IEP Reflection
For my Individualized Education Plan requirement in Education 632 at the University of Alaska, Southeast, I chose to learn the Windows Movie Maker program. Having never used the program before this class, I was quite unsure as to how to proceed, but dove right in and attempted to find my way around. It was sometimes frustrating, but when I was able to figure out the complexities of it, the feeling of accomplishment was exhilarating.
I began using the program for my philosophy video, but had difficulty with the computer so I gave it up for awhile. Needing to complete the second semester of the class by creating a digital story, I attempted to use movie maker again. The help topics aided my attempts to build my knowledge of the program, yet were somewhat difficult to navigate and I was unable to find the answers to all of my questions. The inability to find the answers I searched for caused me to revisit the program and attempt to figure out the program by trial and error. The most difficult aspect of the program, for me, was attempting to have an audio track and narration simultaneously. Again, through trial and error, I was able to discern the correct way to achieve my goal. A revised version of my digital story is available here.
As for using this program in the classroom, I believe it could be a very effective tool for learning by having students create projects and present them to their classmates. In this manner students will deepen their understanding of a topic, and aid their fellow students learn about what they have discovered. Many students will also learn how to use technology in their learning, not only by creating something, but also in doing research through knowing what a viable website to gather information is. I can see myself using this program in future classrooms as a way to motivate students to learn.
Lesson Plans
For my Individualized Education Plan requirement in Education 632 at the University of Alaska, Southeast, I chose to learn the Windows Movie Maker program. Having never used the program before this class, I was quite unsure as to how to proceed, but dove right in and attempted to find my way around. It was sometimes frustrating, but when I was able to figure out the complexities of it, the feeling of accomplishment was exhilarating.
I began using the program for my philosophy video, but had difficulty with the computer so I gave it up for awhile. Needing to complete the second semester of the class by creating a digital story, I attempted to use movie maker again. The help topics aided my attempts to build my knowledge of the program, yet were somewhat difficult to navigate and I was unable to find the answers to all of my questions. The inability to find the answers I searched for caused me to revisit the program and attempt to figure out the program by trial and error. The most difficult aspect of the program, for me, was attempting to have an audio track and narration simultaneously. Again, through trial and error, I was able to discern the correct way to achieve my goal. A revised version of my digital story is available here.
As for using this program in the classroom, I believe it could be a very effective tool for learning by having students create projects and present them to their classmates. In this manner students will deepen their understanding of a topic, and aid their fellow students learn about what they have discovered. Many students will also learn how to use technology in their learning, not only by creating something, but also in doing research through knowing what a viable website to gather information is. I can see myself using this program in future classrooms as a way to motivate students to learn.
Lesson Plans
Monday, June 22, 2009
Digital Story--Refuge Rock
I chose an historical event that occurred on Kodiak Island as the basis for my digital story. This event is fairly well known among Alaskan historians, but for others it is obscure. This short video provides a synopsis on the events. I found this an effective way to increase my knowledge of both the event and using technology. This digital story could be used in the classroom as a way to inform students of the events in Kodiak Island history, as well as the nature of the Russian "invasion" of Alaska regarding their treatment of native peoples.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Sven Haakanson, a local Alutiiq and renowned archeologist, regarding the incident at Refuge Rock and the archeological excavations taking place on the rock. The actual location of the rock was unknown until approximately 2002. The rock is located on the southwestern side of Kodiak Island, near the present day village of Old Harbor. I believe this is an important piece of history that can provide a different perspective of the arrival of the Russians to Alaska. I hope this story provokes thought among those who choose to view it.
Refuge Rock digital story
Story map
I had the pleasure of speaking with Sven Haakanson, a local Alutiiq and renowned archeologist, regarding the incident at Refuge Rock and the archeological excavations taking place on the rock. The actual location of the rock was unknown until approximately 2002. The rock is located on the southwestern side of Kodiak Island, near the present day village of Old Harbor. I believe this is an important piece of history that can provide a different perspective of the arrival of the Russians to Alaska. I hope this story provokes thought among those who choose to view it.
Refuge Rock digital story
Story map
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Professional Online Community
I chose to join edweek.org as a way to grow professionally and learn about issues related to education, nationally and statewide. This site offers many opportunities to learn about what is happening in the world of education through its forums, online chats, an e-newsletter and other various mediums. It is hard to pinpoint a specific portion of this site that has been most helpful since it has such a variety of ways to disseminate information to professional educators. The forums and chats are a great way to ask questions and get answers from those who have experience in the field. The e-newsletter and magazine are wonderful for their scope of information they provive regarding current trends in education and controversies relating to changes in policies and practices. I have found this site to be extremely helpful and would recommend it to others in the education world.
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