Let's Reflect: Did the Fat Lady Dance Yet?...

Photo by me

I can't sleep again!

Why?

Because there's work yet to be done! ...And sleep is for those whose work is done - that's when there is rest. A point at which one exhales with relief.

I preempted the conclusion of class with a celebratory meal of shrimp from Troha's. (You've just got to go there http://www.trohas.com/) I can't believe I ate the whole order. Hence, the true reason my sleep was interrupted, add to this, a tad bit of stress, since I have one more thing to do....

This is supposed to be my last post for my class, (I think some of my colleagues at my school are breathing a sigh of relief, because they've been reading these little notes, out of courtesy - "...She's old,.. humor her")...

At the onset of class, I remember asking, was it necessary to maintain the blog once the class was complete; but I now feel like... 'How can I take it down, how can I stop?'

My Free Art Friday Sample

It's alive! It's ALIVE!







I really like this means of communicating. Believe it or not, I am a bit of an introvert, ("Yeah right!" I am folks... really, I am!), but give me this "Mr. Mic" of the 21st century and all inhibition fall to the ground.

Tech in Ed, (sounds like a toy); is a bridge to possibilities, endless possibilities, (much like art).

Once upon a time, before I took this class, I thought technology was more of an add on, to ones instruction and yet with just five weeks of classes I see so many more benefits and understand that the dance between the two - the integration of tech and education should be more fluid, not just an accessory. There are so many FREE programs available that can enhance a students learning.

No, no, no, no!

I'm not saying that we should throw out the baby with the bath water or that we should be entertaining the dears with bells and whistles, but it's like offering options, because like it or not folks - look around you... Our students are different learners from even five years ago.

The brain of the child today is indeed wired differently. Just look at any child at the store in a shopping cart or sitting in a restaurant; they are pushing at buttons and/or looking at a screen. Some of you may not like it. You don't have to, no one is asking your permission - it simply is.

And all this from an art teacher!

I'm not saying we cast aside classical teaching style with the record player, (you can't beat the sound of vinyl), just adapt and you may be surprised that you can reach a few more dears than before.

...Well, I remember a time when listening to the radio, (it was a huge wooden box with fabric on it), during the last fifteen minutes of class, was integrating technology - this was back in the early 60's. It didn't replace Mrs. Parrish reading to us, (although, she didn't do sound effects like the radio), we loved both. Both made me a lover of books. The two offerings complemented each other - it was the dance and dancers need partners. A dance can be beautiful done by one - it's different, but done with another, enhances the enjoyment. Thus, technology with traditional education techniques cements the learning experience. It's the: teach a child to read a story aloud, write a summary, then draw a comic page about the favorite part. The learning is cemented in the brain.  

I am a classical sort of teacher and learner for that matter. I like instructing/demonstrating - hands on. I like to see children create with their hands, however, offering technology as an option is like offering colored pencils instead of just crayons; or clay instead of just building blocks. It's an option.

Of course, the problem comes in when there isn't enough tech tools for everyone. I have a potter's wheel - only one student can use it at a time. I wish I had at least ten or twelve more - that way I could have hand builders and pot throwers. Now, I have a one-to-one tool while 24 others stand and watch. Still, if you want to have technology in your classroom there's folks who are willing to get it into your hands. I have resources on my webpage that seem to make wishes come true at just a click.  http://mrsninabensonprofessionalpresenc.weebly.com/index.html

Indeed, this has been a wild ride for me. I took this class, EDU560 and EDU655, Language and Culture, for track movement requirements, (after the fact, I was told I could have taken graduate level art classes, since I am an art teacher). Still, I was where I was supposed to be. The experience has been life changing - all education should be - actually just waking up in the morning should be life changing. With each new day comes new opportunities to try again; to make a difference in at least one person's life. Of course, the change could be on the flip side - you can choose to be open to a new thought/perspective, at least one; it's how we keep moving forward.

Tomorrow is just the beginning...

Photo taken be me, sky arrangement by God