Future Learning Goals: VI

I am guilty of not spending enough time on social, ethical, legal and human issues before students use technology. Perhaps because it seems so boring and I am so eager to begin the creativity portion of technology, that I fail to emphasize the importance of such issues. In the future, I plan on introducing the PowerPoint to students based on legal and ethical issues on the Web before any technology projects themselves are introduced. However, I feel I nail diversity and acceptance within both my classroom and my curriculum as well.

REFLECTION on VI: social, ethical, legal & human issues

In order for technology to be beneficial rather than harmful, it is vital for teachers to understand the ethical side of websites, blogs, Web Quests and the like. As an educator, it is important to educate students on the laws- from copyright to social- of which effect them and of which they could inflict on others. I use various websites to teach ethical laws as well as PowerPoints on SlideShare.com which introduce such regulations and issues. Concerning diverse backgrounds, students are encouraged to study artists from different cultures around the world from Diego Rivera to Georgia O'keefe to Jacob Lawrence. All students participate in all art lessons both hands-on and utilizing technology...Lessons are either simplified or expanded upon according to individual needs.

Future Learning Goals: Productivity & Professional Practice

I use my art website www.mrsmooresartroom.blogspot.com to communicate with parents, students and the larger community. I have found that people I do not even know, but whom recognize myself, come up and complement me on my website and on my student's artwork simply via my school website. It seems everyone is online, bored and roaming and what better way to advertise your program? I think it may even have actually saved my program a year ago...The superintendent once even came directly to my room to tell me how much he admired my website. But more importantly (really, truly) is that students gain self-confidence when their work is displayed. On the other hand, I use art websites to find lesson plans and innovative art projects online as well as utilizing art education blogs.

V. Productivity & Professional Practice REFLECTION

Without question, art sites on the web have improved my productivity and professional practice within the art education arena. My favorite site, http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/lessons/middle/middlelessons.html is full of reviewed, effective and successful art projects and art history lesson ideas...I use it at least once a month and have never been disappointed. Unlike the past, I am also a part of various art forums via Facebook, whereas I communicate with art teachers through blogs and shared art websites. And, as a matter of fact, can I not include this online technology course as a valid, effective resource for professional practice utilizing technology? :)

Future Learning Goals: Standard IV

Eventually, students will bore of the use of rubrics and will be refreshed with a new evaluation tool. I would like to investigate alternatives to rubrics in the future, such as using online quiz assessment and the like.

Technology Standard IV: REFLECTION

By using RubiStar.com, I am able to apply technology to assist in comprehensive assessment and improve the effectiveness of student evaluation. RubiStar allows teachers to easily create rubrics and allow them to become publicly available online to students, parents and the like. Technology resources are used to collect data through various online resources, such as artencyclopedia.com, which are then used for student-created PowerPoints. Students will use a rubric found on RubiStar.com to create such PowerPoints. Furthermore, assessments are given based on online creations through peer evaluation and shared with at least one guardian. In this way, technology is used not only as an effective evaluation tool, but as a parent involvement opportunity as well.

Future Learning Goals: Strand III

Although I feel I have a solid base of activities to support the teaching, learning & curriculum strands, I know I could improve on increasing students' higher order thinking skills. In the future, I'd like students to analyze, compare and respond to more questions regarding the 21st Century PowerPoint. For example, having students compare 21st century art to art of the Italian High Renaissance period would maximize student learning at a higher level of the Bloom's taxonomy.