Reflections

For your final 11 Tools post, answer these questions:

1. My favorite tool is PhotoStory. I would like to know how to lower the volume of the accompanying music (slider was on lowest setting, but volume never changed). I would also like to know how to add text to any slide. However, it was easy to use, and I imagine that my students will answer these dilemmas for me. I plan to use it during our Art History section of Art I to replace PowerPoint. I hope to have more computers this year which will enable students to work in the classroom rather than the library. It's possible that I may have students also save photographs of their artwork on the server and then compile their portfolio using PhotoStory.

I also enjoyed making a blog. I thoroughly enjoy journaling. I may use a blog to record the journey of producing a certain work of art (which is similar to the sketchbooks in IB Art where research joins with creative expression).

I am not an expert in any of the tools - however, this online course was actually a very good introduction and provided opportunity for exposure and experimentation. I feel that I may 'jump in' more in some digital area than I would have before.

Digital citizenship was a bizarre concept - just like medical ethics, I hadn't thought of any concerns other than safety. My teaching colleague continually advises me to steer clear of students' use of copyright images - this may fall in the etiquette area of concern in digital citizenship.

2. Changes in the classroom? Just having additional computers next year will transform the way Art I is experienced. I would like to find a way to have the netbooks accessible and yet protected from theft. In the past, I use cables that attach to the computers to keep them safe - I hate the idea of continually monitoring their use - I know that I'll slip and forget to check them at least once. I think incorporating PhotoStory will be one change. Also - I believe I'm going to buy in to the true concept that students should avoid using copyright images. After all, there's more creativity used when ideas are your own - even if you have to look up research or motivations from the internet images. Perhaps, I may have self-paced lessons on certain websites where students record their notes or thoughts in a sketchbook/notebook. Students can so easily zone out when I lecture.

3. Unexpected outcomes? Yes - I did not expect to learn whole new technologies enough to incorporate them into the classroom; I thought I would have slight introductions only. I think having us make our own products really forced the skills to at least minimal proficiency. I didn't think I'd like this course - and I actually did.