Reflection on My Micro Talk on the National Endowment For The Humanities

National Endowment For The Humanities

Last week I researched the National Endowment For The Humanities and made a brief presentation on the organization.  (Click on the link above to view the presentation) This blog is a reflection on that process.

I began by taking a good amount of time exploring the website.  I had heard of NEH but really did not know much about it.  After a few days of exploring I realized that there is so much that they do I needed to focus on just a few of the programs that I wanted to highlight.  The next decision I made was in reference to how I wanted to present my findings.  Since I have not used the Google presenter I decided to use that to outline my findings.  Next I practiced using the Screencast -O-Matic program to narrate the slide show.  After several "takes" the micro talk was ready for publishing.

It was exciting to get feedback form my colleagues.  Several people went to the site to look into the lesson plans on EDSITEment.  Several  people also commented on how they had plans to share the information with other teachers.  Our professor Laura was able to give some first hand feedback since she had participated in four of the teacher programs.

The experience was positive.  I learned so much form other Micro Talks done by my colleagues.

Showing What You Know, Assessments for Deeper Learning

This week we explored some "nontraditional" forms of assessing knowledge, specifically deeper knowledge. The two areas I explored were earning digital badges and high school senior year portfolio defense.  Both these topics are reviewed in my Storify entitled Showing What You Know .  

The concept of digital badges has many practical implication for education.  Badges can be earned by teachers as a professional development measure.  Teachers can develop badges which can be earned by other teachers and pre-service teachers.  Students can earn badges as part or all of their class work.  I envision myself learning more about badges in the future in my own lifelong learning process.

Mindsets and Learning Dispositions

If you have not thought much about the power of your attitude and mindset in terms of learning than take a look at some of the ideas presented in my storify entitled Mindsets and Dispositions for Learning .

Edu 722 Online Collaborative Module Design Project Update Joan Robinson and Beth Hick

Beth Hick and I have been working on developing an online unit which supports coaches and teachers as they create and share CCSS aligned mathematical performance tasks.  Please visit the beginning of the site at NHPS Math Media Hub.  We have been working on a unit design template which can be found HERE.  Our to "do list" with tasks and completion guidelines can be found HERE.

We look forward to learning as we go along!!!

How Do I Teach Thee...Let Me Count The Ways

 This week we are looking at the many ways to meet the needs of our students.  

Meeting the needs of diverse learners involves many considerations is my Storify on some tips for differentiation utilizing technology.

Enticing Engaged Learners

This week we discussed much about student engagement please view my Storify by clicking here.

Learning By Doing

This week we studied the many connections between school, the "real world" and the internet.  I learned a great deal from my colleagues in the Storify stories about the pros and cons of cloud based learning.  I have a heightened awareness of security measures and considerations that occur around international sharing of cyber information.  The RAS Animate Re-Imagining Work video  inspired me to think about the changing face of the workplace "environment".  

I have decided to do my Storify on the topic of school internships.  I thought about the ideas of John Dewey and experiential education on several occasions this week.  In my personal experience I was able to complete a 1 month internship as a sophomore at Skidmore College.  The experience was invaluable.  I thought I wanted to go public relations and after a month working at GMAC in New York I realized that the field was not for me. 

Please read my Storify - Learning By Doing