Reflection of Power point project ( :/ )

For my SEDU 183 class we had to create a non direct instruction powerpoint, so something more interactive. I think I was a tad bit too adventurous going into this project. In the beginning I wanted to teach a pre school setting in Italy, similar to a Reggio Emelia classroom. I looked for standards Italy had and I couldn't find any, I asked a professor who had toured the school but she said she didn't know of any, and said the education system there is very different. I then chose to do Kindergarten in Pennsylvania, and use the PA early learning standards found on this pdf ... Pa early learning standards - Kindergarten from the PA keys website. Realizing most kindergartners can't read, I tried using voice add ins to my power point but failed at every attempt. I asked three friends who also own macs who are experienced with garage band and still didn't know how to add voice clips to Key Point presentations unfortunately. Other than the fact that I failed at adding voice clips, I am very pleased with the lesson. It seems like it would be interesting and fun if I was in kindergarten, and somewhat enriching. All in all, I thought it was enjoyable, and interesting. I was discouraged however after seeing the other people's projects. I guess not knowing ANYTHING about key note really hindered my abilities. It just didn't seem as fancy or intriguing as everyone elses..but I'm still proud of my work. Here is a website about the book included in my lesson. Action Jackson Book also, here is the website I included in my powerpoint that lets you create a picture like the works of Jackson Pollock with your mouse, Jackson Pollock Painting  <-- This one is REALLY cool I recommend trying it out. :)

Two more for the roll

Crafty Crow!  and The art corner

I chose to follow two art blogs, although I am an Early/Special Education major, I have two minors in art, (One in general art, and one in print making) Art is a passion for me and I am always looking for new crafting ideas to do with young children and my nieces at home. I like both of these blogs for different reasons, the crafty crow has really interesting, and unique ideas that I have never seen and probably never would have heard of. The art corner has tabs with various categories making navigation of the blog website easy and user friendly. I like them both because they have really cute fun ideas that I think won't be too challenging for young kids, and will engage different areas of development.

My Beliefs about Technology and Learning

I have a love-hate relationship with technology in the education system, there are definitely places where it helps, and there are for sure some places that it hurts. Having limitless information at your fingertips can be nice, but some people may think it is making younger generations lazy. Technology has been expanding in classrooms more in the past decade than it ever has. It is revolutionizing the learning environment in some places. My niece Makayla is autistic and she uses an ipad to do a lot of communicating, something that was never possible for many people before. Technology is helping students with disabilities especially in all types of ways. Especially those with communicative disabilities. This is a serious change, and movement in our classroom's across the nation. The question is, whether this movement is productive for the classroom or not? I grew up being exposed to a lot of technology, computers, video games, etc. I feel that because I'm so used to the idea of it already, that I am okay with it being in my education environment. I like that we're using smart boards in this SEDU class, and are encouraged to bring our computers to class. I think there are more benefits than cons when it comes to this issue. I think the bigger problem is getting the older generation to jump on board. I'm sure there are older people who ARE on board with this technological jump in society but I know many elderly that think that computers are actually evil. I come from a small town where a lot of people STILL don't have computers and don't understand them at all. I honestly don't think my dad would even be able to get on the internet if he wanted to. Some people in some areas (farm towns/small towns) are really unexposed and uneducated on the subject.

Important to me

The budget cuts schools are getting are creating problems all over the curriculum, an issue that hits home for me is the cut to different types of arts programs, and how they are becoming smaller, and vanishing right before our eyes. Even though I am an Early Childhood/Special Education major, I am an artist as well. As a child art was a creative outlet for me, it let me use my imagination to the fullest potential and really think outside of the box. I know children today who are so used to sitting in front of a tv all day that they don't really know what to do when they have a paintbrush in their hands. I'm a big fan of the Reggio Emilia system in Italy, letting kids explore and wonder, and putting their creations on display for them to be proud of. I think it is an important part of growing up, getting that release. There aren't many videos on the internet of Reggio Emilia style classroom's because of how exclusive it is, but I'm putting a video in here with a Kansas City School adaption. The classroom is inspiring, and also relaxing at the same time. I found it cute, and interesting.