Well, another Father's Day has come. This is the 2nd one for me with Alexander. He is truly a gem in my life. It has taken me a long time to accept his presence in my life...for a variety of reasons which I will not go into in this forum. But, my feelings have crossed over, and I truly love him.
The hardest part about Father's Day for me is that my father is no longer with us. It has been 14 years since he passed, but that does not make it any easier considering our estranged relationship when he died. As time moves on, it makes you appreciate what you had a little more. You wish for time back so you can do things differently. My wish is that my wife and son could have known my father. I think he would have been a positive influence on them. Unfortunately, that is not (and will never be) the case.
I guess the only thing to do is to be the best father and husband that I can be...learn from my past behaviors, and hope that I don't repeat the negative things that have happened.
Happy Father's Day everyone.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Walden EDUC 6715 Final Reflection
As this long and eventful time in my life comes to a close, I have to wonder where I will go from here. The state of education is such that nobody's job is safe. Will this degree help me stay employed in the coming years? Based on what I have learned and seen for the future of technology and its need in education, I would have to say yes.
The application for weeks six and seven were truly eye-opening...in fact, the whole process from September, 2008 until now has opened my eyes to the potential of technology in education. The application helped guide my teaching in a new direction, away from the traditional paper and pencil classroom setting. It also showed me the possibilities of grants being used for any content area. Find the grant that meets your needs and is most beneficial to your students. I have already begun the implementation of web-based learning for my music students. There has been a positive response already with the first day of usage. The next few weeks will give me a better idea of how the students like this new way to learn music. If my music computer lab ever gets powered up, I will be able to spend as much time as I need in the computer lab with my students.
The one adjustment to my attitude and thoughts about teaching is that the job does not end during summer. That is clear to me now. I had lost that concept several years ago. I will be spending a lot of time this summer exploring and applying for technology grants that will not only benefit music, but benefits other needs at school. All subjects are important for learning. With technology integrated into the curriculum, the students will want to learn because they will be engaged. The teachers will be able to connect with the students in ways that they enjoy.
Ray Rust
The application for weeks six and seven were truly eye-opening...in fact, the whole process from September, 2008 until now has opened my eyes to the potential of technology in education. The application helped guide my teaching in a new direction, away from the traditional paper and pencil classroom setting. It also showed me the possibilities of grants being used for any content area. Find the grant that meets your needs and is most beneficial to your students. I have already begun the implementation of web-based learning for my music students. There has been a positive response already with the first day of usage. The next few weeks will give me a better idea of how the students like this new way to learn music. If my music computer lab ever gets powered up, I will be able to spend as much time as I need in the computer lab with my students.
The one adjustment to my attitude and thoughts about teaching is that the job does not end during summer. That is clear to me now. I had lost that concept several years ago. I will be spending a lot of time this summer exploring and applying for technology grants that will not only benefit music, but benefits other needs at school. All subjects are important for learning. With technology integrated into the curriculum, the students will want to learn because they will be engaged. The teachers will be able to connect with the students in ways that they enjoy.
Ray Rust
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
EDUC 6714 Final Thoughts
I have truly enjoyed the last eight weeks. As I have been progressing through my Master's degree, I have been catching myself at times wondering "why do we have to do this class?" I know that there is a method to the madness, but now I understand why we have been taking these particular classes. We first have to learn the processes, then learn about the tools that can be utilized, then put everything into practice. This creates better teachers which in turn develops more well-rounded and prepared students.
When social networking first started I did not really believe in using it, or even subscribing to it for that matter. I thought it was a big waste of time. But over time, I have slowly gotten more involved in social networking, almost to the point of ignoring other things or even loved ones. I have learned that using a social network needs to be used in moderation and some sort of focal point in order to be the most effective. The collaboration network created on Ning for this class was a great way to gather information for sharing with the colleagues in our class. The only problem that I saw with the "differentiation station" is that people using it were all from different subject areas. I know that there is no guarantee that I can be in a class of all music people, just like there is no chance of having a class consisting of all math, science, social studies, or English teachers. This degree is about integrating technology. Speaking about my own preferences of course, I would much rather have a class with all of my cohort from the same subject area. I think that the usefulness of the shared information would be greater. All feelings aside however, I learned a lot from my fellow Ning network partners. Some of the websites found by other people can be used by me in my music classes, especially with the push in my district to address all subjects in all classes. After exploring the different websites and resources that my classmates provided, I have discovered many different ways to do the things that I have already been doing in class. With this new information, I am able to "update" the way I present my curriculum.
I have already started using some of what I have learned to add technology into my lectures/discussions and class assignments. My music classes have been going to the computer lab and performing research on composers, and my history classes have been utilizing the curriculum presentations and the interactive whiteboard to learn their material. I will also be taking them to the lab soon to complete their own research assignments. My history classes are finishing up their current chapters, and I will be taking them to the lab to also complete on online test to show understanding. Most of my students have reacted well to using the labs.
It seems that my students are enjoying learning more, and I am definitely enjoying going to work more. Before this class started, I was pretty burned out and counting the days until the school year ended. Utilizing the information that I have learned here and putting it into practice has given me a new lease on this school year.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Final Blog Post
The development of a GAME plan, addressing the NETS-T standards chosen, and integrating technology into my classroom has been a real challenge. However, I have learned a lot from this experience and plan on incorporating what I have learned into my classroom from now on. First and foremost, I have learned that I do not necessarily NEED to use every single piece of technology I have access to, ALL the time. A little bit here, a little bit there. That is all that needs to happen most of the time in order to have a successful classroom environment. Second, my students need to start doing more on their own...becoming self-directed learners. I spend too much time talking at them. I am going to schedule time for the computer lab for the second semester. I would like to incorporate many of the ideas that I have learned about this term, including digital storytelling.
The one thing that I will do in order to be more effective in my classroom is planning. Next week will be spent figuring out what material needs to be taught before the state testing period. Along with that, I will be determining what media and other technology elements will be needed in my classroom for each lesson. I will also spend time deciding what upcoming unit will be focused on to have my students complete a long term project in the computer lab. Because my history students will be taking a state test covering three years of material, I may have the students research and present lessons reviewing each topic and standard that is being addressed on the test.
Overall, I am excited about what I have learned this term. My hope is that I will not fall back into the same teaching style that I currently use just because I am comfortable with it. I need to move forward, and my students need me to move forward in order to be better students and learners.
The one thing that I will do in order to be more effective in my classroom is planning. Next week will be spent figuring out what material needs to be taught before the state testing period. Along with that, I will be determining what media and other technology elements will be needed in my classroom for each lesson. I will also spend time deciding what upcoming unit will be focused on to have my students complete a long term project in the computer lab. Because my history students will be taking a state test covering three years of material, I may have the students research and present lessons reviewing each topic and standard that is being addressed on the test.
Overall, I am excited about what I have learned this term. My hope is that I will not fall back into the same teaching style that I currently use just because I am comfortable with it. I need to move forward, and my students need me to move forward in order to be better students and learners.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Using the GAME Plan Process with Students
Working through the GAME plan during this term has been a real challenge. In a nutshell, it has made me realize that in order for our students to the best that they can be, the teachers who are teaching them have to be the best that they can be. Throughout my Master's program, I have slowly warmed to the notion that planning is not all bad...in fact, it is a pretty good idea. In the past, I had spent very little time planning for my lessons. Any person older than five years old could tell that this was the case. My instruction was not very fluid at all. It is evident now that planning what I need and want to teach helps to keep not just the students focused, but me focused as well. Looking ahead to the next section, and even to the next chapter, has really helped to keep my classes on task.
Utilizing the GAME Plan process with my students is a great way to hone my planning skills even further. It will also allow my students a greater opportunity to access and use technology. Each point of the GAME plan is important. However, the first point (GOAL) is the key to having a successful GAME plan. In order to take advantage of one of the computer labs on campus, teachers must schedule time slots with the lab technician...sometimes weeks in advance. A teacher must not only be aware of how long the current chapter or unit will take, but must also be cognizant of what the next chapter or unit is about. The teacher must also keep in mind what kind of project they will be asking their students to complete, in order to schedule enough computer lab time to allow the entire project to be finished.
The best way for students to become proficient in the ISTE NETS-S is to be able to use the technology that is at their disposal, and to use it often. In order for this to happen, the teacher my plan their own GAME plan. This way, both parties win. Teachers are more prepared, and students learn the material in better ways.
Resources
International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). The iste national educational technology standards (nets-s) and performance indicators for students. Retrieved December 16, 2009,from www.iste.org
Utilizing the GAME Plan process with my students is a great way to hone my planning skills even further. It will also allow my students a greater opportunity to access and use technology. Each point of the GAME plan is important. However, the first point (GOAL) is the key to having a successful GAME plan. In order to take advantage of one of the computer labs on campus, teachers must schedule time slots with the lab technician...sometimes weeks in advance. A teacher must not only be aware of how long the current chapter or unit will take, but must also be cognizant of what the next chapter or unit is about. The teacher must also keep in mind what kind of project they will be asking their students to complete, in order to schedule enough computer lab time to allow the entire project to be finished.
The best way for students to become proficient in the ISTE NETS-S is to be able to use the technology that is at their disposal, and to use it often. In order for this to happen, the teacher my plan their own GAME plan. This way, both parties win. Teachers are more prepared, and students learn the material in better ways.
Resources
International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). The iste national educational technology standards (nets-s) and performance indicators for students. Retrieved December 16, 2009,from www.iste.org
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Revising Your GAME Plan
When this school year started, I had great hopes and dreams for a wonderful year that involved utilizing and using technology. I was hoping that I would be able to grow as an educator and my students would grow musically. However, many of those hopes and dreams have been pushed aside in favor of survival mode. The classroom I started the year in has been abandoned. My new classroom has an interactive whiteboard, but I have only received basic training on how to operate it. I teach six classes, but am only able to offer two classes any real education. My frustration level is very high. The sympathy I feel for those students who are not receiving a quality music education is equally high. However, there is nothing I can do.
The blog sequence for this class started with my focusing on two NETS-T standards. The standards I chose to address were Standards 4b "Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility" and 5c "Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership." At this point, I feel that I have not really begun to address these standards. Unfortunately, I chalk this up to the fact that I am not operating in a fully functioning classroom. I do what I can to address Standard 4b during instruction. But, Standard 5b is not being addressed very much for the reasons stated above. I am learning how to use my interactive whiteboard, but like any new tool, will take some time to become familiar and comfortable with.
Considering the situation I am currently dealing with, I feel that it is inappropriate at this time to set new goals for learning or address new NETS-T standards. I hope to continue working toward learning how to use my interactive whiteboard more effectively. With any luck, the equipment in my current room will be completely functional by the time we get back from our winter holiday on January 4, 2010.
The blog sequence for this class started with my focusing on two NETS-T standards. The standards I chose to address were Standards 4b "Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility" and 5c "Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership." At this point, I feel that I have not really begun to address these standards. Unfortunately, I chalk this up to the fact that I am not operating in a fully functioning classroom. I do what I can to address Standard 4b during instruction. But, Standard 5b is not being addressed very much for the reasons stated above. I am learning how to use my interactive whiteboard, but like any new tool, will take some time to become familiar and comfortable with.
Considering the situation I am currently dealing with, I feel that it is inappropriate at this time to set new goals for learning or address new NETS-T standards. I hope to continue working toward learning how to use my interactive whiteboard more effectively. With any luck, the equipment in my current room will be completely functional by the time we get back from our winter holiday on January 4, 2010.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Evaluating Your GAME Plan Progess
Some of the frustration that I experienced last week has been alleviated. As you may recall from last week’s post, I was unable to fulfill one of my goals – reading up on how to get my interactive whiteboard operational. There were two reasons for this. First, I was unable to find the manuals provided for the system – I thought they were lost. Second, I could not recall what the brand name was for my interactive white board – therefore, I could not search for any information on the internet. Fortunately, the manuals were not lost. I located them in one of my desk drawers. In my haste to leave for Thanksgiving break, I simply overlooked them.
On Monday when we returned to school, I decided that I did not want to wait until this coming Friday for the training. I wanted to get my interactive whiteboard functional. After several attempts at trying to get things working, I was finally able to use it. I am hoping to start using some of the functions available with the software over the next couple of days before the training. If I have any operational questions, I want to be able to ask the trainer.
From what I have been able to determine, the system is relatively easy to use. I have already been able to show several other staff members in my building how to turn on the system. We spent a portion of our lunch period trying to use some of the board’s different features. I will also spend some time over the next several days exploring the company’s websites to become more familiar with what curriculum-related materials are available. Over the next several weeks, in preparation for the upcoming history unit, I will also be spending some time on the internet looking for virtual websites that my students can use during class.
On Monday when we returned to school, I decided that I did not want to wait until this coming Friday for the training. I wanted to get my interactive whiteboard functional. After several attempts at trying to get things working, I was finally able to use it. I am hoping to start using some of the functions available with the software over the next couple of days before the training. If I have any operational questions, I want to be able to ask the trainer.
From what I have been able to determine, the system is relatively easy to use. I have already been able to show several other staff members in my building how to turn on the system. We spent a portion of our lunch period trying to use some of the board’s different features. I will also spend some time over the next several days exploring the company’s websites to become more familiar with what curriculum-related materials are available. Over the next several weeks, in preparation for the upcoming history unit, I will also be spending some time on the internet looking for virtual websites that my students can use during class.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Monitoring Your GAME Plan Progress
This has been a difficult week for meeting my GAME Plan goals.
There has been no school all week for my district. Therefore, I figured that I would spend some time this week reading the manuals for my SmartBoard system and become acquainted with it. However, a little snafu with that plan…I cannot find the manuals. I looked all around my room at school and at the house. I have had no luck in finding them…strike one.
The next part of my plan involved accessing the company’s website to explore any tutorials that might be available. However, since I do not have the manuals and cannot remember what the name of the company is...strike two.
The only thing that can be done now is to get prepped for the rest of the semester by looking ahead and locating all supplementary materials that I will need for classes. This will be accomplished by looking through my textbook and figuring out what topics will be covered. Then, I will explore the internet and United Streaming to locate videos and other curriculum related items that will engage my students. I have used EdHelper in the past and will use it again. I will also be looking on the textbook publisher’s website to determine what online material I can use. There are quizzes and exercises for the students to access.
There has been no school all week for my district. Therefore, I figured that I would spend some time this week reading the manuals for my SmartBoard system and become acquainted with it. However, a little snafu with that plan…I cannot find the manuals. I looked all around my room at school and at the house. I have had no luck in finding them…strike one.
The next part of my plan involved accessing the company’s website to explore any tutorials that might be available. However, since I do not have the manuals and cannot remember what the name of the company is...strike two.
The only thing that can be done now is to get prepped for the rest of the semester by looking ahead and locating all supplementary materials that I will need for classes. This will be accomplished by looking through my textbook and figuring out what topics will be covered. Then, I will explore the internet and United Streaming to locate videos and other curriculum related items that will engage my students. I have used EdHelper in the past and will use it again. I will also be looking on the textbook publisher’s website to determine what online material I can use. There are quizzes and exercises for the students to access.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Carrying Out Your GAME Plan
In last week's blog, I outlined two standards from ISTE NETS-T that I wanted to focus on. The first was Standard 4b: Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility. The second was Standard 5c: Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership. The essence of my GAME plan is to become more familiar with and start utilizing the SmartBoard technology that has been installed in my classroom. Also, I want to start accessing the computer labs on campus. Using the SmartBoard will not only allow my students to become more engaged, but will keep me more focused on educating the students effectively.
There have been some developments at school since my last posting. My principal was able to finally schedule the training on how to use the SmartBoards. The training will be taking place on December 4th. Before that takes place, I plan on reading through the manuals that have been provided to become familiar with all of the controls and terminology. I am also going to attempt to access the company's website to explore any tutorials that may be available. With regards to computer lab access, I have discussed options with the computer lab staff. The schedule is rather full right now, but will clear up a little after the winter break. That will be good time for my history students to begin a long term research project.
There have been some developments at school since my last posting. My principal was able to finally schedule the training on how to use the SmartBoards. The training will be taking place on December 4th. Before that takes place, I plan on reading through the manuals that have been provided to become familiar with all of the controls and terminology. I am also going to attempt to access the company's website to explore any tutorials that may be available. With regards to computer lab access, I have discussed options with the computer lab staff. The schedule is rather full right now, but will clear up a little after the winter break. That will be good time for my history students to begin a long term research project.
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