M4AR

Today’s youth is unlike any other in history. They have technology at their fingertips, literally. More time is spent texting, playing video games, chatting online, and watching television than sitting at the family dinner table or reading a book. In this “instant” society how does an educator capture the attention and interest of students to build literacy skills? The answer: technology and pop culture.

Students have to be retaught basic literary terminology and techniques each year. The time to address this detracts from the investigation and application of information. Through the use of technology and the integration of pop culture, students will retain terminology and move on to applying the information to a variety of materials.

My research reaffirmed this notion. Students feel more connected to their music and common interests than society as a whole. Tapping into this has proven to be successful in Japan, Austrailia, and the United States.

I expect the integration of more technology and the use of pop culture will create a classroom that is energized and full of life. I expect my students will have a greater understanding of literary terminology because I will have related it to something recognizable. I expect that my test scores will increase.

My critical friends are made up of co-teachers, a media specialist, and an IT professional. My coworkers have direct knowledge of the students I teach. We meet twice a week to discuss student progress and the integration of technology as well a cross-curricular activities. They have helped me gage the interests of students as well as share observations about learning styles. The media specialist at my school is helping me with copyright laws and approving some sites at the district level. I will make greater use of the IT professional once I get administrative approval for gaming in the classroom.

My current coursework has opened the world of web 2.0 tools. I am so excited to start using comics, animation, and blogging in my classroom.

M

Week 4: Google Docs 3

Drawings

With docs and presentations under my belt, it came time to explore the drawing feature. You can use Google Docs drawings to make charts, diagrams, designs, and a variety of other images. You can share and collaborate just like you can with documents and presentations. Additionally, you can publish images online or download them in standard formats. I read about the ability to chat with friends while in editor. I haven’t explored that yet.

I use a color-coded writing system created by Maureen Auman called Step Up to Writing. Using the drawing feature, I created a template for an informal outline. I can project this onto my smart board or export and link it into my eChalk page for students to fill in with relevant information.

Week 4: Google Docs 2

The time had come for me to explore the others features in Google docs. It does have a spreadsheet option. I’ve never quite gotten the hang of such programs, so I decided to leave that one alone for a while. Instead I chose to look at the presentation feature. Just like standard docs, you can share and edit presentations with others. You can import and convert existing presentations in .ppt and .pps file types. An added bonus is the ability to publish and embed material in a website. Equally important is its ability to autosave and preserve each edit shortly after it is made.
I imported a .ppt from my classroom laptop so that I could play with adding features using screenflow on my laptop. I don't like the still images. I’m still working on it, but I think this will be a great way for me to integrate the pop culture aspect of my AR project.

Week 4: Google Docs 1

I was impressed with the capabilites of Google Docs when it was introduced in month one of the program. I quickly sent information to my teammates from work (also critical friends in my AR). I knew it would be a great way to collaborate on our information without having to use the district server.
With this tool, you can upload and convert documents or create new ones from scratch. You become the owner of any file you import into or create. As the owner, you can invite collaborators to edit and export files, or viewers to look at and export files without the ability to edit. All changes are made to the same master document. The owner of the document can view the changes and see what each individual has done. You can also email your documents as attachments.
Managing information is user-friendly with a folder system. Simply create folders and subfolders for all your files. You even have the ability to sort the data. Plus, you get a lot of storage space.
I have found the docs to be great for working from school. I work on an assignment during my planning period, load it to google docs, and continue from home. I don’t have to worry about carrying my apple everywhere.
I did find that I preferred to cut and paste or upload rather than create my documents from scratch. I type a little too quickly for Google docs to keep up.
Outside of my graduate work, I used Google docs with a coworker. We’ve been collaborating on a project for an enrichment program at our school. We have different planning periods, so this allows us to collaborate without taking lots of time after school.

Week 3: GarageBand 3

So I've been playing Sting's Roxanne on RockBand for my XBox360 for some time. I figured it was time to try out the real thing. I borrowed a real guitar from the music teacher at school at tried out a lesson with Sting! Man, this is not the same as Rock Band at all!Now, excited drooling aside, how does all of this fit into a language arts classroom? This is where some of my limitations occur. My school district is technology friendly, but we have a very strict contract with HP and, of course, we use a pc platform. This means that I really can’t have students utilize the program unless they are using my computer. This is very workable with podcast and the like. Here’s where I see the integration coming into play. The focus for my AR project is the utilization of pop culture to teach literary terms and techniques. Music is a huge part of my students’ culture. I can use GarageBand to edit music to suit my needs or create background music for student created songs and raps.

Week 3: GarageBand 2

So here are the basics. GarageBand is a streamlined digital audio workstation and music sequencer that can record and play back multiple tracks of audio. It can play over one hundred sampled and synthesized instruments with the option of additional instruments via separate expansion packs. GarageBand can import MIDI files and offers editing and playback. It features a drag and drop interface which allows you to string together sections on separate tracks.

I started playing around with the different instruments available. My son danced around the room and then insisted and banging on the keyboard to the laptop. Note to self: play around with this once he's in bed for the night.

Week 3: GarageBand 1

When my computer package first arrived in the mail I was so excited. The computer nerd in me was chomping at the bit as I unpacked all my goodies. I just couldn’t wait to dig into the software and see all of the neat little tools. Then the reality of being a single mother and the demands of graduate work set in. Now, here I am, four months into the program and I still haven’t “played” with much of the software.

I’ve used GarageBand for podcasts, but I never really had the chance to check out all its cool features until today. Very quickly, the computer geek was pushed aside in favor of the musician within. I was thrilled to discover all Garageband has to offer. It features interactive video lessons to help you learn to play guitar and piano. Even more astounding are the artist lessons which feature video lessons from recording artists Sting, Sarah McLachlan, Ben Folds, and others. Garageband also allows you to turn your computer into over 100 musical instruments with a USB music keyboard, an onscreen keyboard display, or a musical typing function. Furthermore, one can put his or her skills to the test and play or sing along with Magic Garageband Jam. But that’s not all. The program also allows you to record and mix songs.

So what was my first order of business? I played around with the onboard keyboard display. Now I'm just itching to go out and purchase a USB music keyboard. Alas, the money is not there, so I'll just have to be content with playing some more.

BP_11_OMM_Quizlet

BP8_Quizlet

I just couldn’t resist the chance to share the wonderful world of Quizlet.

Quizlet is a web-based system for managing virtual flash cards. With this program, teachers or students can create their own flashcards or users can utilize cards created by others.

Getting started is easy. All you have to do is create an account and start making cards. You can share a link to your flashcards. This will allow students to study without creating accounts. If you would like students to have access to multiple sets, create a group for your class. This will allow students to see all the flashcards in once place and track their own progress. (Students will have to create accounts with working emails for this feature.) Teachers can also host a group where students can create and discuss materials.

While the emphasis for my action research project is utilizing pop culture to teach literary terms and techniques, I don’t think Quizlet strays too far. Students do need practice and repetition to help them remember key terminology. Luckily, this program does allow for images to be incorporated. I can easily use images that relate to those used in class to reinforce concepts.

Best of all. This program is free!

BP10_Comments to Sarah

Sarah Baker-Dykes highlights the Web 2.0 tools Prezi. Follow this link to view my comments.

http://sbakerdykes.blogspot.com

BP9_comments to Mary

Mary-Ann Feree is "changing the face of education" with information about the business related Web 2.0 tool Startups. Click here to view my comments.

http://changingthefaceofeducation.blogspot.com

BP7_OMM_VoiceThread

BP6_Comments to Ken

Ken is exploring the use of gaming. Follow this link to view my comments on his CK Binkley blog. http://ckbinkleybeachteacher.blogspot.com

BP5_comment to Curt

Kurt Isakson has been a model student throughout the program. Follow this link to view my comments on his AR Research Blog. http://curtisaksonsblog.blogspot.com/2010/09/bp4ischoolband.html#comment-form

BP4_ Xtra Normal

I was so excited to explore 100 Essential Web 2.0 Tools for Teachers. I swear, a computer geek like me can spend WAY too many hours sifting through these fabulous tools. While it is easy to get wrapped up in such fun gizmos, I always have the educational applications winding around my brain. As an English teacher, I found a lot of fabulous resources for my curriculum. The tough part was focusing in on something that would work with my Action Research Project. With pop culture in mind, I was so pleased to discover Xtra Normal. One can create animated movies with ease. Simply type in your dialogue and use your mouse to choose simple backdrops and characters.

Where does the pop culture come into play? Historical figures and Sarah Palin are available characters. More simply, I can find the likeness of a popular person/character and name it appropriately. Of course, the dialogue can be suited to meet whatever I may need. The whole idea behind using pop culture to teach literary concepts is to engage students through different means. Xtra Normal has a format that will appeal to student interest. I generate the content, and it is easily modified. Even more exciting, is the prospect of allowing students to turn their work into movies. All the basics are covered: presence, modification, user-generated content, and social participation. I can’t wait to get started!

Reading

BP_Diigo Group

BP1_Google Reader

Google Reader provides a wonderful platform to explore information without spending unnecessary time searching online. I chose to subscribe to feeds that could improve my classroom teaching, provide insight into current educational issues, or aid in the implementation of my Action Research project.

My first feed is Education News: The New York Times

The New York Times is one of the most respected new sources out there. The education section has its finger on the pulse of current issues.

My second fee is

Educational Technology Insight. While FullSail is providing me with wonderful new resources, I know there is so much more to learn and discover. I hope this feed will provide helpful information.

My action research topic deals with the inclusion of pop culture to teach literary concepts. It made sense to choose Edutainment: Is There a Role for Popular Culture in Education? as my third feed.

Not all education is the same. What works in math may not be beneficial in an Enlish classroom. Consequently, I chose English Education as my fourth feed.

Similarly, middle school is a unique beast. Reaching my students today may keep them from dropping out tomorrow, so Middle School Education: The Critical Link In Dropout Prevention is my fifth feed.

Finally, what educational sample would be complete without the head-hancho of education decisions- The U.S. Department of Education!