Week 4: Reading / Creating Frameworks for Possibility

In these times of strife in educational settings, creating frameworks for possibility is the right frame of mind that people need to maintain in order to counter the downward spiral of the educational system, and bring back creativity in the classroom and increased possibilities for our students' futures. We need to assess the situation at hand, decide what needs to be done to improve learning environments, and plan out the course of action as to how we as educators will get there. We can dwell on the depressing fact that the educational system as we know it is failing, or we can take this situation and use the tools available today to create solutions to the deficiencies that are facing our educators and students. We need to be open to possibilities and look at our glass as being half-full, rather than half-empty.

Week 4: Reading / Being The Board

I enjoyed reading this chapter and really thinking about the concept of "being the board" in times of confrontation or strife. To accept that even though you may or may not be legally at fault when something bad happens, being the board means acknowledging that you had a part in what happened, and decide how to turn that negative into a positive by approaching the situation in a mindset of making things better and solving the issue at hand. This situation pops up daily, and it is a good reminder to accept one's responsibility when things go wrong and work on how you could be a conduit for alleviating the situation.

Week 4: Comment

Sunday, March 28, 2010
MAC Blog Post #3: Week 4 - Grace Under Pressure
"Grace comes from owning the risks we take in a world by and large immune to our control."
-The Art of Possibility: Rosamund and Benjamin Zander

This is the perfect definition of "grace". Many of my co-workers become angry and indignant when they observe how my students suffering from a range of emotional and behavioral disorders treat me. They do not seem to understand that I do not take it personally. I expect this behavior from the population that I teach. Sometimes the most important thing that I can give my students is grace and understanding in the face of extreme opposition and negativity. Hopefully my modeling graceful behavior and not giving up on them will matter in their lives someday.
Posted by Monique at 4:30 PM
Labels: Huayna Picchu towers above the ruins of Machu Picchu
1 comments:

Deborah Panttaja said...

I admire what you do, and the fact that you can remain graceful under such pressure. At times that is so hard to do, but especially when dealing with students, or angry customers. To be able to deal with stressful situations or negativity in a graceful, understanding and polite manner is how we should model the way in which our students should they carry themselves when dealing with negative situations or people.
March 28, 2010 6:51 PM

Week 4: Media Project Presentation / The Education Network

Created with the use of Ning.com and Udutu.com

copyright 2010 Deborah Panttaja Neal

I had a great time presenting my media project with my groups members and Professor Bustillos on Saturday night. I received valuable feedback that I will take into account when polishing up my media project in Month 12.

Week 3: Final Draft of Thesis submitted!

Week 3: Reading (ch 8)

What a great concept, to go BTFI! (Zander, 2000) This rings true to me when thinking about all of the teachers who have been recently laid-off this year.  I, having had experience from last year being laid-off have come to know and embrace the BTFI concept that Zander speaks about.  Instead of giving up and cursing the world I decided to use my time pursuing a Master's Degree in Education Media Design and Technology.  I went to a meeting for the laid-off teachers last Friday.  There were some who could only think about the obstacles and how terrible the situation is.  Then there were a few that stated that they were going to use that time doing something they enjoyed.  One of the teachers, who is expecting in May declared she would enjoy her time off being a stay-at-home mom with her new born child.  No matter what obstacles, set backs, rejections, or disappointments life decides to throw at us, the important thing to do it to look for the possibilities in life and participate in that life rather than just giving up.

Zander, B., Stone Zander, R. (2000) The art of possibility. Penguin Books. New York.

Week 3: Comment

Week 3 - Post 3 - Personal 20-Percent Time

Posted by Bianca at 7:40 PM

Lifehacker did another posting on Google's 20-percent time. For those of you unfamiliar with the concept, at Google employees are given one day a week to work on whatever projects they feel like. It's basically structured experimentation time and it's worked exceptionally well for Google. Some of Google's best-loved offerings (including Gmail) came initially from the experimentation done in this 20-percent time. In the Lifehacker article today they discussed creating your own personal 20-percent time so as to increase creativity and innovation.

Now that we're coming closer to the end of our program I'm starting to think about what I'm going to use all my spare time for, and some 20-percent time style personal development sounds just about right. The last few years I've been in and out of classes both for my Canadian teaching certification (my original Florida certification didn't transfer over completely) and now for training for my new career in instructional design. I love learning, but I'm getting a bit tired of taking classes mostly for career growth. I'm also a bit sick of grades altogether. I'm thinking of following up Full Sail with some fun non-graded classes just for me. I'm also thinking of working on some fun projects on my own.

Here's a short list of the things I'm planning to work on and learn in the year or so after graduation:

• I promised myself I could take a glassblowing workshop after I finished grad school. I've wanted to do this for years but it's not cheap so I kept putting it off. I deserve a treat after finishing grad school though.
• Nate mentioned a PowerPoint alternative called Prezi that is ridiculously pretty. I'm going to play around with it a lot I think. I also picked up a spiffy program called Timeline 3D in a Mac software bundle I bought up this week. I don't have a need to create timelines for anything right now... but the program is just so spectacular I think I'm just going to have to make things with it anyway just for fun.
• I've been working on a home decorating project as part of my New Year's resolution (shameless plug: here's my blog for it) . I've done a few small projects for it, but once school finishes it's time for the big projects like refinishing a cool (but banged up) vintage vanity, drafting and sewing a slip cover for my currently boring black office chair, and finally matting and framing all the great prints I've bought in the last few years (most of them are from Imaginism Studios, whose work I adore).
• I've gotten a lot more into graphic design since I started at Full Sail. Because of this I just need to bite the bullet and become friends with Adobe Illustrator already.
• Language class time. Which will it be: Spanish (which would make my Abuelita delighted and be useful on Caribbean vacations) or Japanese (which would make readining manga and watching anime easier and would be useful for when I FINALLY go to Japan... and likely blow my life savings in Akihabara)

What I suppose I'm hoping is that these side projects will function to keep me creatively invigorated, which will lead to more innovation both in my personal life as well as my professional work. I'm also hoping some of the side projects I do might have parts that will transfer to other areas of my life as well. It's surprising how this can work sometimes. For example, back in one of our early classes at Full Sail I made a video that was an introduction to Twitter and blogging. Just recently I showed it to my boss as an example of what we could do on our company website, and she pitched the idea to a client of ours who has now contracted us to create a similar video to promote a training program she's leading. Who would have guessed that what I thought was a one-off class assignment would have turned into the opportunity for me to create a promotional video? If I do even more personal creative exploration, who knows what opportunities I'll be able to take advantage of in the future.

1 comments:

Deborah Panttaja said...

Bravo! I am so happy that you were able to take a project you completed here at Full Sail and then by showing it to your boss, you are now creating a promotional video for a client. I know that you will do amazing things in the future. I have always enjoyed watching glass blowers in action. When you do take classes I would love to see the creations you make! With our blogs and Facebook accounts we will all be able to keep in touch and see what amazing things we will contribute to the future.

March 20, 2010 11:08 AM

Week 3: Reading (ch 7)

This chapter was about being present in the moment, despite obstacles or annoyances that exist.  To be present in what is, and instead of complaining about the obstacles in life, recognize that those obstacles are there.  When we recognize obstacles and don't fight them, we then can better understand how to work around or with those obstacles to reach our goal.  If we see an obstacle in the way of our dream and then concentrate on how that obstacle has ruined everything and put a roadblock in the path to our goals, then essentially we give up.  We need to recognize obstacles, and work through them with a positive "can do" attitude in order to reach our goals in life.

Week 3: The Education Network (Media Project)

http://educationnetwork.ning.com/

My media project is still in progress however I am posting this link in case anyone wants to take a peek!

I am creating an educational e-learning network for CA 4th grade students.  Within the network there are groups for Math, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies.  It will take a lot of time to fully create my educational network, but when finished I would like the network to include all grades, K - 12.

To create my media project, I am using Ning.com, Udutu, and most of the media projects I have created throughout the Master's Degree program.

Week 2 Reading: Being a Contribution

It is such a pity that children grow up trying to meet the expectations of others and feel that they need to succeed in order to be good enough.  Not only do parents sometimes put this idea into the minds of children, but the state tests that loom overhead every year put tremendous stress on children as well.  As a teacher I have had students who were quite upset when receiving anything less than an A+, and that is in elementary school.  They were afraid that they would be a disappointment to their parents.  We need to take the stress off of the children and show them how that in being themselves, and contributing to life in a way that makes their life better, they will be a success.

Week 2 Comment

Ch 6: Rule Number 6.

This is the perfect time to read this chapter! On the verge of finishing the degree, cramming in the thesis, creating a media project, and inventing a final presentation that I’m not quite clear on, which is ok, because I have much to do before then. Zander’s advice? Lighten up. What a relieve. What an idea. I teach high school choir, the queen of drama, topped only by 4^th and 5^th grade choir drama, which I also teach. I am playing out scenarios in my head…how would my students react to this philosophy? Could the drama actually stop? Ah, the possibilities…

It’s sad that the calculating self has so much power and influence in the development of a child’s personality. A personality shouldn’t be developed from a survival mechanism, but through a well-nurtured childhood. What an interesting solution though – to ask oneself what you would need to change in order to be completely fulfilled? This is empowering in that it puts the ball in our court, not other people. We have the con

Publish Post

trol, no one else. What can I change to improve MY life?

Reference:

Zander, B., & Zander, R. S. (2002). The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life. Boston: Penguin (Non-Classics). (Original work published 1942)

1 comments:

Deborah Panttaja said...

I found this chapter refreshing as well. We are under such pressure now, especially with the Thesis due next week and the Media Project close behind it. I need to remind myself to relax too!

March 13, 2010 8:35 PM

Week 2 Content Proposal

I wish I would have watched the archive before submitting my Content Proposal.  I ended up indenting the paragraphs in the body of the paper.  At least I didn't indent in the Abstract!

Week 2 Wimba Archive

I enjoyed the Wimba session.  There was a lot of good information as to the Content Proposal and the Media Project, as well as what to expect in the rest of this class. 

Week2: iWeb and Saving Files

Yes, I am one of those who can't find the website I created.  Luckily I have the separate files on my computer still.  Between now and the due date for the media project I hope to review how to create the flash website, and then go back and piece all of my pages back together.  All is not lost, luckily.

Finally, comments posted on graded assignments from last month!

Note to all...... Do Not Use XtraNormal.com because apparently that is a main reason I lost points.  Apparently it made it so I had "no voice." To me, I thought that the reports I made were fun and creative, especially when my target audience is elementary school students.  I was trying to think outside of the box, while using a new tool that I had found to create small movies with characters.  I wrote all of the script for all of the characters.....isn't that using "my voice?"  I agree that the voices on XtraNormal.com are slightly robotic, but those are glitches that can be fixed given more time to create movies, and perhaps upload my own "voices" into the movie in place of the more "robotic" ones.  I was proud of myself for trying the new software and taking a risk.  If you value good grades however, Do Not Use It!!! 

Week 1 Comment on Fellow Student's Blog Entry

Sunday, March 7, 2010

MAC Wk1 Reading- Giving an "A"

As a teacher, this phrase "giving an "A"" makes me shudder at first. Grades should be earned. They measure progress and let us know how we measure up, right? The suggestion that we should abandon the measuring stick and embrace each student as a possibility to be achieved makes many of us shudder. But, as I examine it, this could be a revolutionary idea. Imagine how students would feel knowing that they already have reached the pinnacle of the measuring stick and they have to work to keep it? It sends a powerful message: I see you are worthy, I believe you are special and that your ideas have merit. Giving an "A" could erase a student's negative school experiences and allow them to begin again with a glass half full instead of half empty.

1 comments:

Deborah Panttaja said...

I agree with you that having students start a class with an A will give them the confidence and motivation to work hard to keep it an A.

March 8, 2010 7:19 PM

Week 1 Wimba Session Archive

I attended the archived session of Week 1's Wimba Archive. That made so much sense to use names in the Wimba session that is easily identifiable, especially since it gives us the opportunity to type in whatever name we wish when we sign into Wimba.  The video syllabus was gone over in this session, as well as the idea to look at media as a friend or ally.  Milestones were gone over on due dates for Media Project Content Proposal and the Media Project, as well as the Thesis Final Draft, which is due in week 3 of this class.  The Media Project Share for my group will be on Saturday of week 4.

I found out that I am not alone in the frustration of trying to read the eBook for this class.  I have resorted to purchasing the hardcopy, which should be here any day hopefully.

I liked the idea of having students read their own writing and creating a video to watch together in the classroom.  That would really be a motivator for students to improve their writing and reading so that they could improve their performance for the next time the teacher has them read while being filmed.

Week1 Reading: Give Yourself an A

I believe that giving students A's at the beginning of a course is a way of giving students the confidence that they deserve an A.  To keep the A however, I believe that the student needs to complete the required assignments and participate in the process of learning.  If students creating projects were assured of an A if they followed the rubrics, this would allow them to become more creative, taking risks to make a project that requires "thinking out of the box."  If students who try hard, follow the instructions, but create something that the instructor may not have ever imagined, the instructor shouldn't punish that student for being creative and taking those risks.

I like earning A's, specifically A+s in this Master's Program.  Recently I took on two reports and tried to be creative in how I presented the information.  I haven't received any comments as of yet as to why I received the grades I did -- but for those assignments I now choose to give myself an A+!  I was very proud of them and thought that it was an innovative way to present the topics being addressed.

Week 1 Content Proposal

My content proposal describes what my Media Project is about as well and provide insight as to how it fits in with my Thesis.  I will be creating an Educational Network for California 4th grade students on Ning.  The Education Network will include groups for Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science.  I will be including media assets I have created throughout my Master's Degree journey, as well as adding to the Udutu lesson I have created for Math:  Rounding Whole Numbers.

Feedback, does it matter if it is delivered in a timely manner?

When one receives 75% of their grade in a class completed for over a week, does the feedback help?  If that feedback is not even made available in a "comment" section on the assignment, is there even a chance for improvement or success if one made mistakes on those assignments in the first place?

Hello again

I have returned after a 6 month break from placing entries on my blog.  Stay tuned for blogs I will be posting on a weekly basis. This time around I will have increased interest in the topics I am blogging about,  as well as being more well versed in the subject matter having spent those months making my way through 6 more courses in the EMDT (Education Media Design & Technology) program at Full Sail University.