Thing 23-Reflect

Take a few moments to reflect on your journey. You've covered a lot of material over the past ten weeks. What does it all mean? How has your thinking changed between Thing 1 and Thing 23? Do you see the trends that Hargadon writes about in a different light than when you read about them in Thing 1? Has this program changed how you view the Internet or how you view education in the digital world? What plans have you made for using these tools in and out of the classroom? How will you continue to learn about Web 2.0 tools? What are your big "take aways" from this experience?

I wouldn't say that my thinking has changed from Thing 1 to Thing 23.  However, I have learned a thing or two about incorporating some of the tools I know into my classroom.  In my personal life, like many others, I use new technology on a daily basis.  However, as an artist I prefer the tactile nature of art.  I have never been keen on f computer aided animation processes, graphic arts, or design.  I find it difficult to incorporate technology into my classroom, because quite frankly, that area of art is not my area of expertise. 

I have always understood how the internet and technology are important in the education of this generation.  Hargadon is correct in stating that students won't learn until we bridge the gap between how they live and absorb the information we teach.  Though I know students need technology in the classroom, I also believe that the Fine Arts are of great use to them as well.  Technology can play a role in the Fine Art room in collaboration, presentation, and critique.  

I will always continue to search for new technology.  I enjoy keeping up the the technological world.  My classroom will stay traditional with a few updated technological tweeks.  I plan on using my blog to inform students of interesting information that coincides with our weekly lessons.  Flickr is good for an online portfolio of work.  It would be rewarding to see them take interest in art outside of the classroom.  The internet has endless possibilities for them to explore other artists' works.

Thing 22-Create a Wiki?????!!! Ugh!

In your blog post be sure to include the link to your wiki. Then discuss your feelings about using a wiki. How does a wiki differ from a blog? When is one more appropriate to use than the other?

I'll have to say before I even start that I am in no way shape or form interested in completing this task.  Up until now, I have enjoyed learning many new and useful tools, but this just is not one of them.  I wish right here and now that this was optional.

UPDATE:
https://ravensofthelostarts.wikispaces.com/space/content
I found creating this Wiki to be cumbersome and time consuming.  I did some work and it did not save properly, there was a lag (likely due to server problems), and I honestly felt like I was using a foriegn tool.    I do not see the difference between an blog and Wiki.  Blogger is much easier to use.  I understand that Blogger is meant to be used as a place where your daily thoughts are recorded on a particular subject, but they can be used as a tutorial space and a place of communication, colaboration, and social interaction.  When will I find the time to update a blog and a Wiki?  Blog wins.

Thing 21-Wikis

Describe a wiki you found that inspires you to create one of your own. What hurdles might stand in the way of your using a wiki? What would it take to remove the hurdles? Is it worth the fight?

I personally enjoyed WikiHow.  I spent time looking at an article that people can edit and add upcoming art competitions.  This would be great for students.  I had a student the other day ask me if I knew of any art competitions that he could enter.  I had to tell him to Google it.  So this is a good find. 

As for creating my own, I guess having a place where students could upload their work to share with others would be interesting.  They could take a photo with their phone or camera, upload it, name it and describe the process.  Oh, wait someone has already done that :(  Students can share, sell, and buy student work on sites like Artsonia. It is already secure and protects their identity. As well as, raises money for the organization of their choice.  "Why reinvent the wheel."

The hurdles would be time and interest.  I don't feel compelled to make a Wiki.  I think that they are outdated. 

(Strange...I can't select and change my answer from italic to normal...Bug!)

Doodling Can Improve Concentration and Retention

Thing 20-Subscribe to Podcasts

Include in your post the name of at least one podcast to which you subscribed. Describe your experience using the various search tools. Which do you prefer and why?

Without realizing it, I guess I partially answered Thing 20 in Thing 19.  As far as the other search tools are concerned EPN and Podcast Alley are a far cry from iTunes.  I know iTunes well and have no desire to switch.  I could not get EPN to load and Podcast Alley's user interface was cumbersome to navigate.    

I subscribed to NorthRidge Church's podcast channel.  I had once be subscribed but canceled because of regular attendance to the church.  With a baby on the way I may need to have access to the channel again when I inevitably miss out on a weekend service.

Thing 19-Podcasts

Time and time again I find myself visiting the Incredible Art Department at http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/links/blogs.html

At this link I found a list of art blogs, videos, and podcasts.  I checked out a few but my favorite was the Middle School Art Teacher Podcast which has great lesson tutorials and classroom tales.  

I personally subscribe to a long list of podcasts through iTunes.  Most are not related to education, but my faith.  What I like so much about them, and I believe students would like the same of podcasts too, is that you can listen to them while doing other tasks.  I can work on grades, drive, or clean house while taking in great information.  

Thing 18-SlideShare

What did you like about the presentation you embedded? How might Slideshare be useful in the classroom? out of the classroom? So this is pretty cool. I like being able to search Slideshows about art so easily. Elements and Principles of Art are difficult to teach to students, because of all of the information out there. It helps to not have to reinvent the wheel. I also like that I can send students to the Ravens blog to watch a slide show if they were absent or for review.