Week 4

I know I'm a day late! (sorry!!)

I really enjoyed creating the prezi. I have used these before but I haven't really changed too many of my older presentations into prezis. After creating this one I have decided it is time to revamp (zen) some of my older presentations using prezi. Its sooooo simple and fun to present with!

As for the pecha kucha...

Well that's another story. :)

I have my idea and am gathering the images but still feel weird scripting out what to say. I am trying to make it as natural as possible sounding and not write too much. This has been a big challenge for me that I will be ecstatic when it is complete. I decided to make it a bit more informative than fun/ social. I hope to use this in my classroom next year as an example of pecha kucha and give my students more insight on photography styles. Trying to kill two birds with one stone!

Week three

Umm...I feel like I'm talking an art class again! woohoo!!! :)

This class is really fun for me and I love all the art integration. It's awesome to see how the arts are finally being used to promote more whole brain learning in the real world.

Now that that's out of my system...

I am struggling a bit with the homework and forums about changing your presentation style to meet more of the zen principles. What if you feel like you already do this in your presentations? Please don't take this the wring way as I am in no way saying that I an a "zen master", but I do use my art background to enhance my presentations. Now what do I do? Perhaps, I should be thinking about I how I can make the presentations better by expanding on what I already have or simplifying what I already have. Since I don't do slide presentations often I hope to change the few I have to make them even more dynamic. I am also thinking about how I use images in my classroom for discussion or examples--what about doing a pecha kucha? voice thread? the possibilities are endless. Presentations do not have to be powerpoints or smartboards!!

As excited as I am about revamping my current presentations and styles of presenting, I am also a bit concerned. The task seems somewhat daunting. Although change is good and necessary, it can still be uncomfortable and an uphill battle. Don't get me wrong I can't wait to try this ideas out--I just need to focus on taking the time to do it and do it right!

Art and Digital storytelling

I have really thought about this since my last post and have decided to create a few digital stories and/or pecha kuchas for showing demonstrations to my art classes. It might be a great way to increase student working time as well as helpful in classroom management. If I have more freedom to "float" around the room as they are watching the video or presentation I won't have to stop the entire demonstration to address inappropriate behavior. I will also have a copy of "how-to" for any absent students or confused students.

I started my digital storytelling journey on Thursday by video tapping a pottery wheel demonstration. With my schools technology integrator I plan on splicing it or taking still frames and using voice thread or audicity to narrate the steps. Using the digital storytelling format it will shorten the length of the demonstration so it can be viewed during class or after school. I can also post it to our website and have students that were absent view it on their own time.

I when I have it finished I will share it and see what you guys think! :)