Movie

Here is a link to the movie that I had to put together for class. It deals with transferring an image from a printed document to a canvas, piece of drawing paper, etcetera.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zuGSkXQqbQ

Web2ThatWorks

I lied. I am throwing in one more blog for Instructional Technology.

This last assignment is about the Web2ThatWorks Wiki--http://www.web2thatworks.com/index.php?title=Main_Page. This particular wiki is "an information resource as well as an interactive space where readers can add their own insights and strategies." Many times, technology seems to be yet another obligation to fulfill when teaching. Web2ThatWorks does not want technology to be another obligation that gets in the way of the curriculum and learning process. This wiki is "a work in progress" where anyone can register and add their own input, advice, and resources/services about specific Web 2.0 tools. The wiki is a central hub for teachers. Web2ThatWorks offers advice on 'Classroom Instruction that Works' and a 'Master List of Tools.' Under the 'Classroom Instruction that Works' subcategory teachers may find tips on summarizing, note-taking, homework, practice, questions, cues, advanced organziers, and much more. Furthermore, the 'Master List of Tools' subcategory offers services/links on online graphic organizers, open source wiki software, video communications, 3D drawing software, online graphic editors, and so much more.

Rather than jumping all around the Web, spending too much time doing so, and hoping to find some way to incorporate technology into your lesson, Web2ThatWorks offers itself as a simple and direct means of finding what you want--bringing technology into the classroom without it becoming an obligation. It's easy, free, and open to anyone to use and enjoy.

Using Technology in the Classroom v.2

College: Malone University
Course:EDUC362 - Instructional Technology
Semester: Spring 2010

With only 3 more assignments left (my movie of video clips, professionalism, and Web2ThatWorks Activity) I think it is appropriate that I evaluate my use of technology in the classroom at this point. I started off this course with my first blog entry being about "Using Technology in the Classroom." Now, I am going to conclude the course with an updates version (v.2) of my first blog entry.

Though I am still not one to spend countless hours in front of the computer preparing lessons and surfing the Web, I am more aware of how many different tools and applications technology has for me to use in the classroom if necessary or called upon. More and more school districts are requiring the incorporation of technology into their classroom in this technology/media-frenzied world. I am glad to say that I am not intimidated by the thought of incorporated technology into my future classroom. I know how to use wikis, blogs, WebQuests, electronic portfolios, teacher web pages, search engines, MovieMaker, PowerPoint, Google, a variety of educational software, and other such applications--all resources for teaching and learning. Feel free to take a glance at my sample electronic portfolio to see a more complete list: http://sites.google.com/site/billylattaundergradportfolio/home.

This resources equip me in becoming a Highly Qualified Teacher. The art classroom is often mistaken for a tech-free space; however, I know how to incorporate all the above into many different lessons. MovieMaker would be a great companion with the online lesson/journey, WebQuest, I have compiled. Students could put together multiple video clips to present their research they come up with in their quest. Google Docs is a great place to post information and encourage collaboration between students. Blogs are a simple and free way of networking and sharing ideas (example: my own experiences with art at museums, conventions, and etcetera) in a eye-pleasing and friendly environment. The options are infinite. You just need to think outside the box and be creative.

Ethics

Ethics are moral principles that apply to all aspects of life. Integrating Technology and Media into the Classroom, defines ethics as "standards that determine whether an action is good or bad." Many people may associate ethics with the fields of medicine or business; however, ethics apply far beyond such work places. Teachers are highly responsible for holding a code of moral principles too. Ethics help maintain order, attitude, and progress in the classroom. Teachers have a responsibility to their students, co-workers, community, and themselves.

Firm, positive, optimistic, and fair ethics will set the tone of how my classroom functions. I have a responsibiliy as an educator to have a foundation of ethics that I bring to the school and classroom each and everyday. I need to be disciplined in my observations of how students function and how I function. Sensible and fair decisions should be equally distributed about the classroom. No student is greater than the other. Each student is on an equal playing field. Likewise, though I am the teacher, I have much to still learn in the classroom. I may have more education than my students; however, that does not make me better than them. As an educator, I am in a position to serve the needs of my students and to cooperatively act alongside my colleagues and community. Under my own personal code of ethics, I am responsible for upholding a safe and caring learning environment. In the art room I have even further duties to have ethics regarding supplies, safety, time, and creativity. Hopefully, the ethics I possess and exhibit serve as an example and transpose to those surrounding and interacting with me, particularly my students.

Pros/cons: Concern with ethics can do one of two things--build you up or bring you down. Establish your own set of moral principles, remind yourself of them, and exhibit them in the classroom. In this respect, ethics can serve as an extremely beneficial contribution to the classroom. Nevermore, if one dwells and continually alters his/her code of ethics, a classroom may be in distress and chaos with undefined standards and expections constantly being thrown around the room.

Thoughts on Podcasting

Rising in popularity, podcasting is one of the newer technologies being explored and used by people around the world. Our Instructional Technology textbook, Integrating Technology and Digital Media in the Classroom, defines a podcast as "recorded audio, usually an MP3 file, stored in a file on a Web site that can be downloaded to a computer or a portable media player such as an iPod"--http://oc.course.com/sc/tdc5/index.cfm?action=terms&isbn=978-1-4239-1180-7&chapter=2. I know that my iPod consists of a couple podcasts that I really enjoy listening to, such as PotterCast: #1 Harry Potter Podcast. Podcasts are categorized into a wide-variety of genres. iTunes is filled with thousands of free podcasts that you can easily access and download for your enjoyment.

Amongst the mass of different podcast genre's, iTunes U has conveniently compiled all the different educational podcasts into one, organized location. There are podcasts for grades K-12, college students, beyond the campus, and so much more. You can find podcasts on food, music, art, history, science, business, and so many other related topics. In my classroom, I would take full advantage of the podcasts about art, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art's podcast or The Museum of Moden Art's podcast. Likewise, branching right to the side of podcasts are vodcasts which include video. I'd love to download some of these pertaining to whatever I may be teaching to share them with my class.

Podcasts would also be great for me to setup to share with my class. If I happen to attend a conference or gallery, I want to be able to document and share what I have learned and experienced with my students. I am more of a speaker and less of a writer, so podcasting would be a great way to document and share with my students about my trip.

Pros of podcasting: podcasting serves as an alternate form of introducing new material which students may enjoy as opposed to typically reading. Likewise, one does not have to necessarily be sitting at a table/desk to listen to someone lecture. Podcasting allows people to listen to lectures and discussions on-the-go (in the car, walking to class, or while doing another activity that must be done). Podcasting is generally simple to setup and easy to download.

Cons of podcasting: some people may not like to listen to a voice coming out of their MP3 player, computer, and etcetera when not in the classroom. Some people need a visual aid to fully comprehend what is being said. Though podcasting may seem simple for some people, it may be a bother for others. There are certain steps that one must go through to convert their podcast into a presentable audio file. Also, some people may not have a microphone to record their podcast.

Virtual Tours

A virtual tour, according to Wikipedia, is "a simulation of an existing location, usually composed of a sequence of video images"--http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_tour. Virtual tours are computer-generated and great for educational and informational purposes because they allow the viewer to feel as if they are actually walking through the space being displayed. For so many people who do not have the immediate ability/opportunity to go and study a particular place that, virtual tours prove to be more than satisfactory. Additionally, these tours allow people today to visually experience historic sites and landmarks that may no longer be standing as they once did (such as the Parthenon) or even exist (such as an ancient Roman city).

Virtual tours would be a phenomenal addition to an art classroom, especially when exploring art history. I know there are virtual tours of the Vatican and Stonehenge which would be great for my students to explore in a three-dimensional outlook. The Vatican is home to hundreds of works from the Renaissance and Stonehenge is fundamental in studying the arts, being one of the earliest architectural constructs in history.

A list of pros:
- Provide access to view and learn about particular places that are not immediately/conveniently nearby.
- People can peruse locations at a pace that pleases them.
- Destroyed, extinct, or restricted locations can be recreated to experience once again.
- Simple and easy to access.
- A captivating change from just viewing pictures in a book, printed document, or on the Web.

A list of cons:
- Not everyone may have computer accessibility to particpate.
- Some angels of the space being viewed may not be recorded in the virtual tour; limiting field of vision.
- A virtual tour is not the actual place--thus, the 'nit-bit' details and actual environment will not be fully experienced.

Curriculum Page

Group Members: Billy Latta and Jared Szari
Grade Level: High School / 9-12

Topic and Task: Peeking at Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite 5





Photoshop CS4 has done us well over the past few years; however, bigger and better installments are coming our way. Discussion about the CS5 software has come to light. Take some time to read the following document and watch the provided YouTube videos about what has been released about CS5: http://designshack.co.uk/articles/software/photoshop-cs5-a-sneak-peek. Then, follow up by answering a few questions that correspond with the artcle and videos.

1. What is the name of CS5's upgrade on CS4's content-aware scaling? Watch the Sneak Peek of this new level and provide one example/scenario of how it is applied.
2. Name one example of how the use of brushes in CS5 will be enhanced.
3. What is the most noticeable feature with CS5 regarding Refine Edge?
4. What new features compares your previous swatch to the new color you're sampling via click and drag?
5. Name one minor upgrade regarding straightening, saving, or layer opacity.
6. What is the best place to find CS5 information?

Credits:

All photos taken and provided by Jared Szari

Integration Corner

The Integration Corner of the Cengage Technology/Learning website (http://oc.course.com/sc/tdc5/index.cfm?action=home) for our Teachers Discovering Technology (Fifth Edition) textbook is a nifty resource that appears to go unnoticed by many students. By selecting on a chapter, a student can easily access the integration corner by clicking on the link located on the left side of the page. According to Cengage’s website, the Integration Corner is “designed for teachers and other educators who are looking for innovative ways to integrate technology into their content-specific curriculum.” Each chapter offers a bunch of different activities and opportunities to broaden the teacher’s current knowledge and teaching techniques. Likewise, many of the resources provided on the Integration Corner will capture students’ interest to further their learning in and outside the classroom.

Looking under the Integration Corner of the Chapter 5 tab, I found a really creative and useful tool for today’s Art Teacher. Under the “Elementary Corner” is a link to Crayola Creativity Central (http://www.crayola.com/lesson-plans/search.cfm?dropdown1=4&dropdown2=5&dropdown3=105&dropdown4=0). Though this is labeled for elementary students, I feel I can get a lot of great exercises from this page for middle and high school students. The Crayola website is for all ages. It has coloring pages, craft ideas, games, and two handy pages for parents and educators. The educator’s page is where I am finding all the fun. This page has lesson plan information, galleries, and other opportunities. The lesson plans are practical. You can choose a grade level, subject, theme, and materials desired to then have a list of options simply laid out before you. These lesson are both innovative and fun for the teachers to read about and the students to engage with when the teacher brings it to the classroom. I’m a fan of the Crayola Creativity Corner. The website has a lot to offer and catches the eye with its exuberant use of text and graphics.

Teacher Web Page - Quality

These four teacher web pages are quality (particularly the first two)...

http://www.teacherweb.com/NJ/MetuchenHighSchool/Szkodny
http://www.teacherweb.com/NJ/MetuchenHighSchool/MartyHolleran
http://www.svlocal.org/staff/cgi-bin/homepage.pl?id=sxf2sv
http://www.louisvilleband.sparcc.org/

Teacher Web Page

A teacher web page is a self-maintained hypertext document on the World Wide Web that is set up by a teacher or educational organization to further assist in teaching and student’s learning through a variety of helpful, online resources; including, but not limited to, text, graphics, video, sound, links, and so forth. Teacher web pages vary greatly in style and purpose depending on the school district, facilities, teacher, and students. Students, parents, other faculty, and the community should have access to view a teacher’s web page. Many schools today are now adopting and requiring teachers to provide a teacher web page to be included on their school’s main website.

Most likely, wherever I teach and by the time I graduate from college in this technology-frenzy generation, I will be required to set up a teacher web page. I know that my school district back at home requires the high school teachers to do just this (http://metuchenschools.org/mhs/Academics/TeacherWeb.com%20Sites/) I most likely would not complicate my teacher web page, nor would I spend too much time preparing it; however, some of the components I may include on my teacher web page would be the following: Classroom Rules, About the Teacher, Goals of the Course, Class Roster’s, Teacher’s Daily Schedule/Times of Classes, Additional Links that may include handouts and interesting information that may be useful for students to have access to, Due Dates, Monthly Assignments (sketches, paintings, and other such related information), and Track Results. I think I would set up the page in the summer and make the necessary adjustments throughout the year (once a month, unless in track season when results need to be posted). Who knows, I may even put music on my web page to shake things up a bit like my high school biology teacher/track coach—Marty Holleran.

Like so many other things in life, there are both pros and cons to teacher web pages. Pros include: access for students, family, faculty, and community to be connected with the classroom even outside the school walls, parents being able to keep up with what their children are learning, students being able to possibly collect missed assignments or material if they happen to miss class, rules and other resources being available for students when the teacher is not present for assistance, and stronger relational growth between students and teachers as they continue to interact through the safe use of technology. Nevertheless, cons include: some students maybe not having access to a computer outside of school, students and/or parents feeling overwhelmed with yet another responsibility to keep up with a teacher’s web page, teacher error (lack of clarity) on their web page which may cause confusion for viewers, and many students may never check the web page. There are many websites that further elaborate on these pros and cons; likewise, there are many websites that further help teachers set up their own web pages and give them advice on what they should and should not do on their web pages. I have provided some of these sites below.

http://www.teacherwebsite.com/
http://my-ecoach.com/online/webresourcelist.php?rlid=5742
http://www.schoolandteacher.com/

WebQuests

The question is what is a WebQuest? In all honesty, I have never even heard of such a thing until I was introduced to it the other night during class. Bernie Dodge, founder and developer of WebQuest.org (http://webquest.org/) defines a WebQuest as follows: “WebQuest is an inquiry-oriented lesson format in which most or all the information that learners work with comes from the web.” Basically, it is web-based lesson/activity for students to engage with in order to learn. There are both short and long WebQuets; however, either one always contains the following components: an introduction, task, process, evaluation, conclusion, and credits if anything additional was used.

Though I prefer staying off the computers and delving into art content with physical examples for my students, I could see myself setting up a WebQuest as a progressive homework assignment for my students. They could go home, access the WebQuest, gather the information asked of them, and then bring it back into school to receive the appropriate homework credit. The thought of doing this is actually growing on me the more I think/type about it.

My WebQuest could focus around a particular genre or period of Art history that most students are not excited about. I could set the scene where my students are Art historians and they are on a mission to discover the secrets of the infamous and ancient Stonehenge. I could ask them to “excavate the site and mingle with the locals” (use the online resources I provide) to extract particular information about Stonehenge. And so on and so forth the quest would go.

Pros and cons to using WebQuests. Two pros are that WebQuests are paperless and are accessible straight from the web; however, that also poses a con--what if the student(s) or teacher cannot access the web? This could be a problem. A pro would be the option of making a WebQuest short of long. That’s always a plus; to have your options open. Lastly, WebQuests could be really fun and adventures for students (pro); however, they may be miserable for other students (con). I suppose it’s all about knowing what type of class/students you, as the teacher, are working with and being able to make the best judgment if a WebQuest is the right way to go in teaching/learning.

iLife

This week’s assignment is to familiarize ourselves with iLife (http://www.apple.com/ilife/). In order to get the basic information on what iLife is I resorted both to Apple’s webpage and Wikipedia. According to Wikipedia, this is iLife (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ILife):

iLife is a suite of software applications developed by Apple for organizing, editing, and publishing photos, movies, and music. The suite comprises five applications: iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, GarageBand, and iWeb, all of which run on the MAC OS X operating system. The latest release, iLife '09, was announced on January 6, 2009, and is included with new Mac computers. The suite is also sold standalone (computer software that can work offline).

One reading the above, I switched my window back to Apple’s website, glanced more over their display of the iLife applications, and realized that I have interacted with at least three out of the five applications included in the suite--iPhoto, iMovie, and GarageBand. Being a student, I know from first-hand experience how useful iLife can be when it comes to teaching/learning. So here are two questions that have been asked of the class to answer:

What story could your students tell using iLife? And what content would they learn?

To better oneself with the suite, I would have my students utilize both iPhoto and GarageBand (this does not limit them to branching out and using the other three applications if they please). The assignment would focus around modern artists and their works. The goal would be for the students to learn more about the life of these artists through presenting a brief timeline/story. In splitting the class up into pairs of twos, I would want them to collect an assortment of photos about their artist to then put together and present on an iPhoto slideshow of the artist’s life. To further expand upon the learning process I would want the pairs to prepare an assortment/mix of music from the artist’s time period on GarageBand to go along with the slideshow. The music will help students to better connect and recall the artist, his/her works, and the time period. When the slideshows and music are completely prepared, I would want the pairs to present a brief oral presentation that corresponds with their use of the iPhoto and GarageBand applications. Hopefully, then, everyone in the classroom can learn about a variety of artists and their works from different times throughout the past century.

*Even better would be if students used iMovie and recorded themselves as the artist at different times in his/her life and incorporated such content in their presentation.

Commenting

Newest assignment is to comment on 3 blogs. I am choosing to comment on the blogs of one of my classmates, one of my friends from outside of class, and an educational blog I follow.

Classmate - Andilynne H.
http://andilynnesblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/taking-time-to-value-learning.html#comments

Additional Friend - Rob C.
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=1537941066228269943&postID=689904734701951773

Educational Blog - LeaderTalk
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/LeaderTalk/2010/02/have_you_heard_of_the_google.html#comments

LeaderTalk did not allow me to post a comment without being a member of the blog organization so I am going to post my comment for that particular blog below...

"I don't think most people really understand Google--being one of those people not too long ago. Most people know that Google is arguably the most popular search engine on the Internet; however, I think many still fail to realize the wide expanse that is Google. I am currently taking an education course at Malone University titled Instructional Technology and I have been introduced to the many resources that Google possesses such as: iGoogle, Reader, Documents, Blogs, Images, Maps, and Videos. The list goes on. Many people just don't take the time to explore these fields of Google or they are never formally introduced to them. These resources make the difference in the Internet world for the better of each user. They are especially handy for teachers--everything conveniently located in one central hub. Both teachers and students can now organize their schedules, webpages, bookmarks, information, and e-mail all with one corporation--Google. The idea is brilliant and yes, 'the possibilities are endless.' It is just a matter of informing others that it exists and is right there in front of them for instant access."

Podcast.01

We learned how to make a podcast and I chose to talk about Disney and their college program. Hopefully, I'll be attending in the 2010 Fall Semester. Here we go...

http://www.box.net/shared/pbev7hbupz

Last Year's Online Session

The most recent assignment in Instructional Tech was to read/view one of the sessions from last years K12 Online Conference. I was browsing down the list of sessions and I came across a session that discussed the iTouch. The iTouch is one of the most recent and innovative gadgets of the 21st century; however, I have yet to get involved with it so I thought it beneficial to view the video the Online Conference provided.

The video serves as an introduction to the iTouch or a brief 101 class on how to use the mobile device. Providing step-by-step step instructions and visual representation, Kern Kelley informs viewers how to effectively use the iTouch in the world of education. The applications (apps) are some of the most useful tools on the iTouch. There are apps that range from simple, fun games to more in-depth resources. Some applications are free, while others must be purchased. Stanza lets you read books, newspapers, blogs, and other such matter. Amazon has an app where you can buy books right on your iTouch. Skype has an application so you can enjoy the luxury of talking and seeing your friends no matter where you. There are numerous dictionary apps; however, Kern recommends the "Dictionary!" app. Some apps are very similar such as the variety of dictionary apps or the Google and Memo app--it is all a matter of personal preference. Still, with 100,000+ apps, you may discover that some apps really are better than others. You can find this out by doing your research before downloading certain applications. Websites such as the App Store, Uquery, and iEAR all offer advice on the positives and negatives of applications.

Educational apps are very useful and captivating, especially for the upcoming generation that loves to interact with technology. Learning is literally at our fingertips now with the iTouch. The only downfall with the iTouch is that you need to be in a hotspot with WiFi to access the internet to work some applications; however, more and more schools are adding WiFi to their schools which is great. I think it'd be awesome for each of my students to have an iTouch. While this may be a difficult thing to do (due to financial burdens and responsibility), teachers can begin playing and learning new "tricks" with the iTouch that they can then bring to the classroom. Likewise, such play and interest may encourage students to invest in their own iTouch.

Lastly, the iTouch also comes in handy for teachers when organizing. Rather than carrying multiple gradebooks, notepads, and attendance sheets into the classroom, a teacher can use the iTouch to record everything that the former supplies would have done. And the beauty is that it simply fits in the comfort of your pocket. I might think about getting one for myself in the near future (when I actually have money). In the meantime, I'll stick with my laptop.

http://k12onlineconference.org/?p=464

Networking Video

One of the most recent lessons in Instructional Tech was on networking, Windows MovieMaker, and YouTube (simply setting up an account). We had to gather some pictures that we associated with networking (flickr), find an audio clip from the Internet (jamendo), and then assemble the two components into a small video/slide show that we could upload on YouTube to share. Nothing special, but the whole process was informative and here is my final product. Good stuff.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ3uDgJhzfs

Offering Envelope

Sunday service at church.

Refresher on Instructional Tech

It's week 4 of school and I've learned a fair amount more about what advantages the Internet offers. Rather than writing down everything I've learned on a sheet of paper that I most likely will trash, I figured it best to to go paperless and use the blog to throw up what I've encountered. Here we go:

1) Wikis - Multi-person access Website
2) Blogs - Online Journaling
3) Delicious - Bookmarking
4) Picnik - Photo Editing
5) iTunes U - Free Podcasts
6) iGoogle - Online Desktop
7) Google Reader - Blog Subscriptions
8) Windows Movie Maker - Video creating/editing Software

Those are the 8 major things we have covered so far. We've also been introduced to things like the FlatClassroom Project and Web 2.0 but, personally, I am less concerned with those two. That sums it up for now and I'll drop another blog with more Internet/comp stuff later on.

Blogs Blogs Blogs

They're sweet! They let you share what you have with those around--those who are willing to read and interested in knowing more. And blogging is a resource of expression at your fingertips. Dedicate the page to what you enjoy and then embrace it so other's have the privelege of also enjoying it.

Using Technology in the Classroom

Technology in the classroom is an ongoing and controversial issue, especially today in the 21st century. Should we use this? Definitely! Should we use that? No way! Opinions flare across the globe on where and how technology should and should not be used in classroom settings.

I'm not one-sided. I think technology can be beneficial in particular classrooms; however, such use needs to be harnessed. A computer should not replace the personal role of a teacher. If a student is engaging more with a computer screen than with an actual teacher, there is something wrong. I don't believe a student should soley rely on or develop a stronger relationship with a piece of technology than his/her teacher. Computers are useful and I understand that many students today will be working with such instruments when they enter the workforce later in life. Still, more importantly, it is crucial that a student learns how to interact with other human beings and that is where the teacher needs to know when to draw the line when utilizing forms of technology.

PowerPoints, YoutTube clips, and other common uses of technology I think are great in small doses. Students like seeing their teachers working and integrating what they, the students, use a lot on their own. Video clips are great visual aids and PowerPoints help organize class lessons. I think these are excellent resources for history, science, and even math teachers. Physical education, art, and music teachers also can use these resources; however, I don't think technology is really a vital necessity in these types of environments. Pencils, paints, musical instruments, baseball bats, and soccer balls are the primary sources of learning in these types of classrooms/fields. Students need to actually practice, play, and experiment to learn how to enhance these skills. You can tell a student all about how to paint a particular portrait through a lecture or PowerPoint presentation but he/she will never really develop such a skill until he/she dives into it on their own.

Technology is definitely useful but use it wisely and in applicable areas.