11/11/2016 Save the Date!It's sure to be an exceptional Fine Arts experience! Every student will have a framed artwork on display. Mr. DeStefano's Chorus and Orff students will be performing. See you there!
11/6/2016 Personalized LearningLast week, I had the opportunity to attend the Georgia Educational Technology Conference. Wow! So many good ideas for new apps and ways to use them in the Art Room. My usual approach would be to try all kinds of things for the first time right away. While I resist the urge to do this, I am also thinking about all of the non-tech learning that went on at the Conference. If I am to truly embrace personalized learning, I need to let go of the following:
And then-LIGHTBULB! It's really all about not being afraid to fail. That includes my fresh ideas and my students' artistic endeavors. There should be opportunities for students to choose their own means of expression whenever possible. If it doesn't go well the first time, well, that's what erasers are for! True learning should be about figuring things out for oneself. If that involves failure at times, so be it. According to the great Stephanee Stephens from Kennesaw State University, my students and I are on an airplane together. I am still the Captain and my students are "flying First Class with all of its perks". That means "honoring students as individuals", "allowing them to co-plan their learning", and providing "lots of opportunities for practice". I have always believed that teaching is all about building relationships. This just puts all of that it a whole new perspective. I'm on a mission to join the Personalized Learning movement! And speaking of building relationships-how great to spend time with colleagues away from the school environment. I have a new respect for the challenges classroom teachers face and made some wonderful new connections. Headed back to school tomorrow feeling energized! |
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