Sharing

Another thing I've learned this year is to never underestimate the power of collaboration. As tired and worn out as I was this last week of school, I really am glad that we had the opportunity to get together and share our lessons and units. As I listened to others talk about their projects, I made mental notes of several ideas/tools/lessons that I want to check out in depth over the summer. For example, I am definitely going to incorporate student blogging next year. A few other reading/language arts teachers in the cohort used individual student blogs. Seeing examples of these blogs convinced me of their usefulness and multiple applications for my content area. Also, I was inspired to use my wiki even more as our class "hub." This year I mainly used the Eboard as I was used to it and found it easy to navigate. However, I believe the wiki has more functionality for the long run. So, to sign off I would like to thank CDE for this opportunity to learn and grow as a 21st Century educator. Happy Summer!

Obstacles

After reflecting on my participation in the E2T2 grant this year I've found that there were a few obstacles to creating/implementing exemplary 21st Century projects. The top two obstacles I encountered and still struggle with are lack of time and lack of resources.

I'm looking forward to summer to be able to do more personal research into project-based learning ideas. During the school year it is so hard to keep up on all of the "have-to" stuff much less investigating the myriad of online resources available for teachers. I have an extensive list of web sites to peruse this summer while planning my units for next year. I have fully bought in to the idea of project-based learning and hope to incorporate it better each year. I especially want to figure out a way to connect my students with students from other places and cultures. I did not manage to do that this first year.

The other obstacle was the lack of technology resources for the classroom. We have 3 computer labs at our school but they fill up quickly and are hard to get in as much as I would like to. Fortunately, I did have access to a set of ipod touches third trimester and used them quite a bit. However, I didn't have enough time to figure out how to sync them with my laptop or research additional apps to use in lessons. At least we got started with this tool and can use them more appropriately next year. This summer I plan to find apps and methods for integrating them into next years' units. Our school also has no video or digital cameras for student use. I found this to be a stumbling block, especially for my theme speech video project.

Obviously, there is much room for improvement in my school and in my classroom to incorporate 21st Century learning. But I do feel that through participation in this grant I have received awareness of the many resources to research and ideas for incorporation into my future lessons.

Approaching the Finish Line...

We're almost there. Another year come and gone. How do I feel as my second year as a middle school teacher closes? Well, once again I have learned SO MUCH! Some of the areas in which I feel I have improved the most are integrating technology (of course), embracing noise and action in my teaching style, and developing positive relationships with my students.

I have already blogged quite a bit about my journey of incorporating technology to inspire and engage my students. However, I would like to add that in the process I have learned and accessed new ways of doing things just for myself. For instance, I now use an online lesson planner instead of a bulky paper planner. It's awesome! Also, I have created some neat imovie presentations on personal subjects to share with friends and family. They are very impressed with my new capabilities!

As for embracing noise and action in my classroom, I have become much more comfortable letting go of the need to control every interaction and situation (not that I was ever able to but I sure thought I was supposed to try!). Now, I allow students to argue with each other in class, even when it is not scripted. For example, we are reading "The 6 Most Important Decisions You'll Ever Make," and most of the topics lend themselves to colorful discussion. Especially since we are concurrently working on debate techniques in their other class, I've encouraged then to voice their opinions and respectfully challenge each others' thoughts. It's amazing what they will come up with!

Finally, I have found that most of my students feel very comfortable with me and will often seek me out for help or advice. Many of my students are viewed as difficult, due to their background, ELA or SPED status, or prior reputation. Although they definitely test me, they know I truly care and notably curb their rebellion in my presence. I anticipate that they will return to visit me next year and remember me fondly. These relationships are the most fulfilling part of my job. They are what keep me striving to do better as I genuinely want my students to succeed in their education and in life.

Giving it a go...

I proposed the idea to one of my classes of creating an electronic newsletter to cover their 7th grade year and they were very enthused. Typically, the middle school yearbook tends to have a stronger focus on 8th grade and it costs 30 bucks. So, my students are going to create a four page newsletter using one of the Word templates. We brainstormed to make a list of all of the field trips and special events from the year. From this list, they've chosen these sections for the newsletter: Sports, Teachers, Events, Drama, and Fun Stuff.

For the sports section they want to incorporate interviews with players and coaches, season overviews, and final stats. For the Teachers section they brainstormed ideas like birthdays, baby pictures, a goodbye interview with Mr. Cuevas, an introductory interview with Mrs. Vanwel, an update from a former beloved teacher and an article on the BCMS Teacher of the Year.

We're starting to research and write this week. Then we'll spend the last few days in the computer lab putting the newsletter together. I'll put a copy on my portfolio wiki page for you all to peruse at your leisure:)

Computer Lab Issues

I have to share how frustrating it is to not be able to use the computer lab during testing weeks. We have 3 labs but they are all currently in use for NWEA testing. For two weeks! It makes me realize how much I and the students rely on and enjoy using technology throughout the week. Fortunately, we have the ipod touches so I've been able to adapt some of the lessons to incorporate them.

In my opinion, one of the best ways to help our students stay organized would be for them to have their own laptops or ipads. That way EVERYTHING would be in one place. It would eliminate the excuses like, "I left it at home," "I forgot," "I couldn't do it because I don't have a computer at home." Students could set reminders for assignments and projects due. They could keep track of refer back to individual goals and test scores. Teachers could communicate all reminders and critical information via e-mail. Students who miss school would be able to see exactly what assignments they missed. All notes a student takes would be there and organized by class. Sounds pretty nice, doesn't it?

Obviously, there are possible issues to consider such as students not staying on task and using their computer for something other than what they should. Also, big considerations like cost, IT needs, insurance, and off-campus internet access would have to be addressed. I'm convinced this is the way of the future. Wouldn't it be great if our students could be on the front end of this new wave?

ipod touch

The kids love this tool! It provides instant motivation and engagement. So far we have used the touches to participate in a couple of debates. To do this I bring up todaysmeet.com with the projector, students sign in with their name followed by pro or con and then start making arguments. I tally up the points afterward and declare the winning side. This week we will be preparing for a debate on the resolution: rodeo and ranching practices are humane treatment of animals. Last week the students got an eyewitness account of a team roping event at our "Cowboy Day." The students will also read an affirmative and a negative article and then compose their arguments. We'll conduct the debate as previously mentioned. Next week, they will choose a resolution on which to write a persuasive essay in the negative or affirmative. The ipod touches really helped to set up the excitement of a debate and gave students a chance to participate in one and practice persuasive/argumentative skills before beginning their essay.

Cowboy Day is here!

This Wednesday is the big day: our field trip to the Eagle River Center to ride horses, swing ropes, pet a bunch of critters, and watch exciting equestrian feats. The 7th graders will be gaining eye witness access to a topic they are studying for their debate and persuasive writing unit: treatment of rodeo/ranching livestock. The 6th graders will use the experience to help them in their endeavors to compare and contrast North American rodeos with Mexican charreadas. And of course, we're all going to have a lot of fun! Someone from the Vail Daily is even going to show up to capture the excitement. I have Scott Jones of Colorado River Ranch donating time, horses, and cattle. He and his crew will conduct a mock branding to help students visualize how it is done. Alecz of One Spirit is bringing a couple of her horses for kids to ride while she gives pointers. Also, I have several parents who have volunteered either to chaperone a group of students or lead one of the horses. I have asked all of the volunteers to bring any extra equipment or cowboy gear they have so that students can check it out up close and take pictures of themselves dressed up as cowboys/girls. For my ESL students this experience will be very effective at drumming up their background knowledge and serving as a motivator to continue studying this subset of American culture.