As a teacher, I am currently involved in action research as part of my connections with UCR's Copernicus Project, and I am combining this with research and lesson development for my Thesis through this program. In this, I am trying to offer leadership, both at my site and throughout the arts community, in developing ways to integrate the content areas with VAPA activities and strategies, and marrying them together with technology.
As a staff developer/technology support provider, I am now working with new teachers through the BTSA program, and using discussion boards as a vehicle to give support and reflection opportunities to the new teachers that I serve. I am also active in writing and developing grants and program funding for the continued use of technology in the Visual and Performing Arts.
As I mull in my mind options for my projects, two come to mind. Of course, I will continue working on my Action Research project, which will fulfill the Research Validated Use of Technology Requirement. My students are receiving instruction in 6th grade science using the 5E lesson design- Then, they are using music creation software, such as GarageBand, to write and record songs that represent their learning in that specific content area. Right now, my students are creating songs about earthquakes and plate tectonics, and they will next create songs about heat and temperature.
My second project is still a little vague, but I want to connect the use of technology and the creation, production and presentation of content-related theater arts or video production. Don't know what it will look like yet, but it is the technology support area of curriculum development that I wish to pursue.
ACTIVITY LOG-
Thursday, January 15- Listened to lecture, took notes, established my blog and blog address.
Saturday, January 17- Reflected upon the lecture, and the possible projects I will pursue. I responded to three other blogs.
Hi, Chris. I am curious if you can provide some feedback on how well your discussion board is received by new teachers. It has been my experience that there are 3 levels of competency, if I may use that word, of technology with instructors/staff.
ReplyDelete1) Afraid - not going to touch technology.
2) Passive - If you make me use it, I will try with appropriate training.
3) Active - Integrate it any where I can and I'll figure it out even if you don't show me.
Ultimately, my goal is to get as many people to the active state. Unfortunately, I have discovered the "active" participant is, maybe, 10% of our instructor/staff population. I have found that there is a totally different approach I must take to get someone to the next level of competency. This makes training challenging. Thanks for your thoughts, Bill
I am also interested in the effective use of discussion boards. In my district Blackboard is offered, I used it for the first semester to post information to students and assignments. Now I want to take it on step further and start using the discussion board. The students love to post, reply, and check for new posts.
ReplyDeleteAs for teachers, I agree with Bill's comments on the three levels of competency.
I am glad I accidentally found your new post Chris. WOW, you have so much background. I think you can expect lots of questions from the rest of us during class. It looks like Bill and I are thinking of doing a similar project. I know students will want to use the message board that is part of each teachers website. At the same time, I know most of the teachers won't want to use it. At my school most don't even use their web page. I am about to begin my search for supporting research. Any suggestions on how to word the request.
ReplyDeleteIncorporating technology with your course material is a good way to go.
ReplyDeleteGrace
This was a great first blog post!
ReplyDelete