Final Blog - EDU 305

Before I ever took this class, the one thing I always seemed to hear was that it was incredibly hard. The truth of the matter is that it really was hard. But, it was worth it. I feel that I have learned so much more than I thought I would. Honestly I had taken a similar web class at UNC-Asheville before I transfered to Meredith, and I wondered how redundant this class would seem since I had to take it over at Meredith. But, the thing is they only taught me the simple basics of web design at UNCA (I can't tell you that I even remember half of the things we went over). Plus, the web design program I used then doesn't even exist anymore. Before EDU 305 I didn't know what a Prezi or Animoto was, and I thought it was practically impossible for me to be able to make a nice looking website or any kind of website for that matter. I thought I was destined to my computer illiterate life. And, I feel so much more confident now about my future as a teacher in this technology dependent world. I actually find myself wanting to use Webquests and Animotos in my lesson plans in my Art Methods class and I feel that it is something that students can get excited about. So, I definitely feel that this was a great experience.Thanks Dr. Parker.

Blog Assignment #3

A) In Pat Hensley’s blog (http://successfulteaching.blogspot.com/) she often posts a “useful information in and out of the classroom” entry from time to time. I think this would be useful for both students and parents because it provides resources for each to do activities and learn new skills together.  She provides links to good resources and then gives a one sentence descriptor of what each is all about, so it’s easy to follow. Also, if the site is provided to both students and parents, each can check up on the website to see assignment updates, news, classroom progress, etc. each week if the blog is kept up to date. So, it is a good communication device for both parties.

B) When it comes to students with special needs communication is really key. So, having a blog and being able to post information about assignments, what’s coming up, and what’s going on in the classroom could be useful. But, this could also provide opportunities to post links and interactive assignments students can do as homework or just outside of class which can help them in class. Having opportunities for group discussion with projects outside of class could be a way they can express themselves and feel confident doing so as well. Perhaps each student could have their own blog and post about their progress, understandings, and confusions about class work and projects each week. By doing this, I can know what I need to work on to get my students to succeed without pointing out any particular student and having him/her feel insecure.  

C) I can’t say I’ve learned a whole lot through the blog since last week, I did know how to incorporate blogs in the classroom (it’s almost like blackboard). But Pat Hensley did write a new entry about Autism that had a lot of good tips about reducing anxiety and improving social skills. You can implement a peer buddy system to help with social interaction in the classroom (this could also be useful for other students who may feel more comfortable working in a team or having a partner to work together on an assignment or help each other on their own if needed) and also making organization important – like having a daily, weekly, and monthly schedule, staying consistent, and having an organized, clean environment. This is also useful for other students too (so they know what’s going on and what they are expected to do).

Blog Assignment #2

A) Blogger, Pat Hensley, posted a new entry called “The Need to Move.” It talks about the kinesthetic learner having to incorporate movement into the learning process to make things more meaningful and to really get it. She continues further by describing ways she has implemented this style of learning into her classroom over the years, and I found the examples to be very useful. I feel that on the first day or two of a class it could be helpful to share this blog with my students and ask if anyone might consider themselves in this category. This introduction can branch over to the other styles of learning, and we can have a discussion about how to incorporate the different learning styles in the art classroom. We can write our ideas on the board – like what kinds of movements are appropriate in the art classroom while I teach? This could be something like an example Pat Hensley used – to draw pictures that summarized what she was talking about or guided notes and worksheets. Another example might just be interactive lessons which allow the students to come up and participate (i.e. using a smart board).

B) When it comes to ESL students I think that using blogs would help them to become more familiar with everyday, common English speech in written form. Perhaps allowing them to find blogs in their first language that has to do with art and then share what they found with the class or write about it would also help them interact with the class while still learning about the subject. This could also be a good opportunity for all students to create their own blogs to talk about what they learn each week (this could include research and response assignments for out of class work).

C) I did know about learning styles already, but never thought about taking a class survey or really explaining it the students and getting their opinions. I’ve always been taught that the learning styles were incorporated behind the scenes in the lesson where it isn’t really noticeable to the students. I really enjoyed that Pat Hensley noted the fact that the teachers who taught her about learning styles never incorporated them into their own lessons or teaching styles. They never followed what they taught, and that is a shame. So, I feel that bringing that into the classroom, upfront and to the center, allows the students to have more say in how they are taught, which allows them to have a better chance of learning what they are supposed to learn.

Blog Assignment #1

A) Blogger Credentials: Pat Hensley. Lives in SC taught Special Education in public schools for 30 years. Now teaches graduate courses as an adjunct teacher at Furman University. She was chosen as 2006 Teacher of the Year for her school and she is nationally board certified as an Exceptional Needs Specialist.

B) Learned: Giving responsibilities to students in the classroom can show that they are trusted. Having responsibilities can improve self esteem. Students seemed to enjoy having these small, but important responsibilities in the classroom. (http://successfulteaching.blogspot.com/ January 19, 2011)

C) I have always thought responsibilities that were given to students like this was a good idea, but I hadn’t really thought too much about why. It was just something that usually happened in at the least the art rooms in the schools where I was taught. Reading this makes me think that perhaps it gives a sense of respect and expectations that leads to trust and this can help create a good community within the classroom. So, by implementing certain tasks and responsibilities for each student can help make a more successful classroom. Pat Hensley also provided links for ideas about different tasks that can be given to your students.