Chapter+3+and+Chapter+4

Chapter 3 - "Implementing a Networked Classroom"
Chapter 3 pp. 59-82 On p. 71 the authors have listed five methods for using network learning spaces online in classrooms. Discuss how you can put each of these to work in your classroom by giving examples.

When connecting students and teachers inside the classroom, I believe this is an element that happens inside the classroom but is best if it continues at home. To connect my students to the classroom better, I have a class wiki. On this wiki there is information about projects, links to other resources, and a calendar of events. The wiki link is posted onto our school website and parents are notified of the wiki at the beginning of the year as a resource for the art room.

As an art teacher, I believe that publically displaying my students’ artwork is the best way to be an art advocate in my community. In the past year, I have been using Artsonia to publically publish my students work locally and globally. It is a great resource for not only parents to view their student’s artwork but people from around the world. For the future, I would like to begin sharing more lessons online. There are several websites out there were lesson plans can be shared and used. As a professional, I believe it is important to strive to improve the educational system and online collaboration is the 21st century means of achieving that.

As I have been learning in the last year through this master’s program, I would not be the same teachers if I did not have adequate connects outside of the classroom. Recently, I have been using Pinterest to connect with art teachers around to world. Pinterest, similar as Twitter, can be used to follow other people’s posts. In this way, I have begun to follow art teachers’ posts. Pinterest has given me an endless connection of resources. As for my students being able to connect to the outside world through the internet, we have used Google Art Project that allows my student to virtually tour art museums that they most likely will never get to experience in real life.

Having technology part of the current classroom, allows teachers and students to connect with experts around the world. Teachers are knowledgeable but, as a teacher, I do not claim to be all knowing. With Skype as a tool, teachers are able to connect with experts all over the world to have a live conversation. I plan on connecting Skype with the Visual Art Center in Sioux Falls to allow my student to view and discuss some of Ansel Adams artwork that is current on display there.

When collaborating with others to create and share knowledge, the internet allows people to connect with more efficiency. Whenever I am starting a new lesson or seeking out knowledge on a new medium to use in my art classroom, I always begin with searching on the internet. By collaborating ideas online, I can problem solve issues in the classroom before I have to put them to use in real classroom situations.

Chapter 4 - "Becoming a Networked School"
Chapter 4 pp. 83-114

1) The reason that learning is changing is . . . . Answer the question "What is the reason that learning is changing? In my opinion, learning is changing because of the rapid change in technology and communication. Technology is shaping how we learn. Questions that would have taken us hours at the library to research now can be found in a quick Google search. No longer now do you have to find someone in your community to teach you a new skill now you can search on YouTube for a video to give you a step by step tutorial. In connection with the technological advancements, we have changed how we communicate with others. People are able to connect and learn from individuals whom they have never met and probably will never meet face to face. Technology and communication are rapidly changing and the learning that happens in our schools should be quickly changing as well.

2) We really need to use learning networks because . . . Answer the question "Why do we really need to use learning networks? In my opinion, we really need to use learning networks because that is the way to most efficiently learn today. Without learning networks online, we will find ourselves only achieving small accomplishments, while we could be achieving much greater things by building on the knowledge of others.

Chapter 4 gives details on how to set up a Networked School. We know that project is not possible for all of you, but you can setup a Personal Learning Network with teachers in your building, in your school district, in the state, and in the nation and around the world. Describe the Personal Learning Network that you have created for yourself. For my own personal learning network, I have used Pinterest to establish this. By following art teachers around the world, I am able to find new blogs to follow, new lesson plans, and new curriculum resources to enrich my own classroom.