Sorry Moodle, I have moved on...
I know it seems crazy, since I professed my love for Moodle back on this post, but I have abandoned the platform for Schoology (which may be replaced down the road, as it seems technology does a reboot every three years). I often feel like Dawson or Joey from Dawson's Creek, falling in and out of love with technologies as new things come along or are changed due to directives. Moodle is the latest casualty in this ever changing landscape and I am now onto Schoology, which seems to be everything I have been looking for (at least for now).
I have been using Schoology for the past few months. I am not going to lie and tell you that is has everything I need or that it has been an easy transition. Both are an adjustment; like any new relationship, I am figuring out what works, what doesn't, and how to compromise along the way.
Some things that I have really loved with the change is the ability to give daily updates to students and embed images, links, and reminders within it, the ability to create and store assignments (with standards-based rubrics) and important links, and the ability students have to help each other and foster a positive classroom environment. I have enjoyed using resources like Scholastic Art Magazine and have students research and share their findings on Artists and ideas through the discussion boards. I have also enjoyed how perfectly Artsonia Classroom Mode works within the platform.
I have been using Schoology for the past few months. I am not going to lie and tell you that is has everything I need or that it has been an easy transition. Both are an adjustment; like any new relationship, I am figuring out what works, what doesn't, and how to compromise along the way.
Some things that I have really loved with the change is the ability to give daily updates to students and embed images, links, and reminders within it, the ability to create and store assignments (with standards-based rubrics) and important links, and the ability students have to help each other and foster a positive classroom environment. I have enjoyed using resources like Scholastic Art Magazine and have students research and share their findings on Artists and ideas through the discussion boards. I have also enjoyed how perfectly Artsonia Classroom Mode works within the platform.
As I continue to learn and use the site, I am sure I will discover new things to help me and my students reach our goals in the classroom.
Art Teacher Stuff
This weekend was the Michigan Art Education Association Conference. I presented twice (and got to share my love of Gelli Arts, Artsonia, Schoology, PBS LearningMedia and TechSmith) while there and went to a variety of sessions that made me think deeper about my practice and learn new methods for improving my teaching in the classroom. I finally got to meet Nancy Walkup face to face, which was a definite highlight. I was also very honored that she included me in her presentations by highlighting this blog and my work on my classroom blog, too. It was a great time overall, to learn, share, and even spend time with my sister who teaches Art in Indiana.
I learned some new techniques, like how to make Paper Puppets and that you can use Newspaper as a carbon transfer paper. I was inspired to encourage more creative practices in both my teaching and student engagement. I had an awesome time between sessions meeting new people and talking about what we do for kids. It is just what I needed before we hit the middle of the school year, full throttle.
Photo by Nancy Walkup
I also was honored as Middle Level Educator of the Year. I thought I was fine with it, until I went on stage and started crying like a little baby. I am so embarrassed, but there is nothing I can do about it now (it was when I started talking about my husband and my sister, that really threw me over the edge). If I had it to do over again (in addition to thanking my family, friends, and MAEA), I would also include the following sentiments:
When I first decided to go into education, whenever I would tell anyone that I was planning to be an Art teacher, they would ask, "Aren't you worried you will not be able to find a job?" For some reason, I never was. I have such a deep passion and commitment to the power of quality Arts education, that it has never been in the realm of possibility that I would not be able to teach it or find a job doing so. I found a job a month after graduating and discovered that even when I did find a job, I would hear the same question, only slightly altered, "Aren't you worried you will lose your job?" And for some reason, I am not. I should be, as I have been pink slipped several times. But I have a faith in what I do because I love it and know its' power to transform lives. I am willing to do whatever it takes to foster that power and expose any willing listener to the importance of Arts education. I use the evidence in the work my peers share with me through our global PLN and the team I get to work with in my district. Their support, ideas, and skill to take teaching to another level and embolden my unwavering belief that what I and so many other Art teachers do on a daily basis is essential for living a quality life and having a deeper understanding of the human condition. It is great to be honored like this by my colleagues and I appreciate it so much. However, I would be doing what I am doing whether I was awarded this or not. I do what I do because it is what I am supposed to do and it brings me an immense amount of joy to share in the struggle and success with my students along the way. See you all on the internets...
When I first decided to go into education, whenever I would tell anyone that I was planning to be an Art teacher, they would ask, "Aren't you worried you will not be able to find a job?" For some reason, I never was. I have such a deep passion and commitment to the power of quality Arts education, that it has never been in the realm of possibility that I would not be able to teach it or find a job doing so. I found a job a month after graduating and discovered that even when I did find a job, I would hear the same question, only slightly altered, "Aren't you worried you will lose your job?" And for some reason, I am not. I should be, as I have been pink slipped several times. But I have a faith in what I do because I love it and know its' power to transform lives. I am willing to do whatever it takes to foster that power and expose any willing listener to the importance of Arts education. I use the evidence in the work my peers share with me through our global PLN and the team I get to work with in my district. Their support, ideas, and skill to take teaching to another level and embolden my unwavering belief that what I and so many other Art teachers do on a daily basis is essential for living a quality life and having a deeper understanding of the human condition. It is great to be honored like this by my colleagues and I appreciate it so much. However, I would be doing what I am doing whether I was awarded this or not. I do what I do because it is what I am supposed to do and it brings me an immense amount of joy to share in the struggle and success with my students along the way. See you all on the internets...
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