For this last reflection, consider the whole week and all the simulations, guest speakers, local activities, and small group work.
These questions can guide your reflection:
- What did you learn about curriculum videoconferencing?
- How did you grow or change any of your personal perceptions this week?
- What will you tell others about this training?
- Any other comments you have for each other and your facilitators?
What a great week! I was a little intimidated by the thought of videoconferencing before I participated in this workshop (especially running the technical aspect of it)! Not to mention, I was one of only two in our workshop who had never videoconferenced before! However, I learned so much about videoconferencing and beyond that I am excited to implement this in my Spanish classes this coming year. I hope my enthusiasm for the videoconferences transfers to my students because I really think it would be a great medium for them to test their speaking abilities on students outside of their own classroom. Videoconferencing will also serve as the perfect opportunity to introduce my students to life outside of Buchanan, Michigan; I hope to open their eyes up to other cultures, routines, and ways of life! Maybe I am thinking too grand here, but I am excited to videoconference
By: Becky on Friday, June 19, 2009
at 11:05 am
THANK YOU JANINE! I look forward to working with you in the future!
By: Becky on Friday, June 19, 2009
at 11:06 am
I learned so much this week about videoconferencing! From how to connect to others interested in doing the same videoconferences through TWICE right down to how to stay calm during technological glitches.
My perceptions of technology use in the classroom has really changed. I used to think it was way beyond my means to do something like a videoconference. Now I know I can do this!
I think the facilitators are wonderful! Janine has been an awesome educator!
I will tell others that this training is well worth it. The more teachers using videoconferencing the better – so come learn how to hook up and use it!
By: Shannon on Friday, June 19, 2009
at 11:07 am
Thanks for clearing so many things up. I’m glad to have been able to experience first hand some of the activities that are advertised through video conferencing. I’m still kind of cloudy on twitter & google doc, but trying them out at least will help me get better at them. I would like more information about how to set up a web page and a blog myself, but all things will come in time…
Thanks again!
By: Rachele on Friday, June 19, 2009
at 11:36 am
Melissa I have learned so much about videoconferencing. I don’t even know where to begin. I do know that I am very excited about doing some VC conferences this school year. Like I said I would like to get some of my friend involved this next school year along with me that is one of me of my goals. Thanks for all the information and for a great week.
Melissa
By: Melissa on Friday, June 19, 2009
at 11:45 am
Well, I must say that I was very intimidated by technology in general. At the beginning of this week. I just thought that I would learn about vc and still let the librarian run the vc’s like in the past. Well, I am exicted to say that thanks to Janine, I really will set up the vc. Actually, I have about 8 scheduled along with Alyssa for next year. Thank you so much Janine for taking away my vc anxiety and introducing me to so many other online things. I gave my 14 year old assignment to sign up for g-mail, research a topic, record it in google docs, and share it with me. He said, “Just because you have learned how to do all of this stuff, does not mean you need to make me.” So, he will be learning more from me over the summer. I keep thinking how well you can multi-task by doing this job. You are awesome! Thanks again, and I look forward to working with you during the school year!
By: Laurie on Friday, June 19, 2009
at 11:46 am
I am ready to try some videoconferencing with experts and connecting to classes for exchanges. I see the benefits to our students and also the preparation and patience it takes to complete a successful lesson. I will encourage my colleagues to take advantage of the opportunities offered. All the tools are amazing and like Angie, my goal is to continue this journey towards fluency so that the technology becomes transparent, a tool as it should be, and the content takes the forefront. But in the meantime I won’t give up!
By: Sue Baker on Friday, June 19, 2009
at 11:46 am
I learned that video conferencing is very valuable to the curriculum as well as teaching real life situations. This week was frustrating at first overwhelmed by information, but quite better as the week went on. I have been telling others about my training each day upon returning and thinking each night how Laurie and I could use this information and provide great learning experiences for our children.
I enjoyed meeting and working with others not only in our site but it was unexpected that you would make such a personal connections at different sites. Thanks for a great week and we know you’ll still be there when we get screwed up and need help.
By: Alyssa on Friday, June 19, 2009
at 11:46 am
This week I learned what the videoconferences I have been reading and hearing about actually look like, so that, when a teacher comes to me and says, “Hey, do you know what they do in that geography quest vc?” I can actually explain what happens in that connection. I have always had an overview understanding of vc’s, but now I really have a glimpse into what many of them look like. Very helpful for promotion and curriculum linking, and also for envisioning possibilities.
I would really recommend this training to someone who wants to focus on making the vc a practical, effective teaching method. The workshop really helps you to overcome your fear of the technology, sets you at ease with many elements of tech communication, and opens your mind to applications of that technology.
Janine has been such a great coordinator; her greatest strength is in her desire to completely serve the people she’s teaching. She always wants to meet your needs and make it meaningful for you. Janine, I thank you for that!
By: Angie on Friday, June 19, 2009
at 11:48 am
Well, quite frankly, I grew a lot this week. Professionally, academically, and personally. I am going to be on maternity leave from teaching until January 2010, but I very much want to begin to VC more often when I return. Let’s please be in touch, Janine!
I learned that there are many, many opportunities for my curriculum to be enhanced through VCs. Indeed, these VCs should be valuable and well planned, as well as well integrated into the curriculum. Thus, I plan to spend time this summer and throughout my maternity leave working on VC plans for my future English classes. My short list, so far, includes LitQuest, Read Around the Planet, Harlem Renassiance from Cleveland Museum of Art, ASK (Margaret Willey?), and possibly the booktalk collaborations.
I hope to become a “champion” of VCing in my building, and join my building’s librarian in spreading the good word. I’ve already shared ideas with the art teacher, and saw quite a few VC options for the science teachers and history teachers, too. I hope my colleagues won’t be annoyed with me, because no doubt, I won’t be able to quiet down about the endless positives to VCing.
That said, I think persistence is key in getting others to use VC learning, because prior to my first few VCs, I was uncertain (lacking confidence and knowledge) and prior to this Jazz workshop, I was unaware of the vast potential of VCs. Now I’m a true believer.
Additionally, I would like to share with colleagues and friends the many communication tools I’ve learned at Jazz. The Web 2.0 tools, etc., I take with me are Flickr, Twitter, iGoogle, wordle, Google docs/sites, wordpress, tinychat, and so on. I now want to be in a Twibe. I now have friends on CAPspace!
Ultimately and in sum, I am impressed. Thank you to the facilitators for connecting our sites with ease; thank you to the Jazz classmates for the fun and learning; thank you, Janine, for EVERYthing. I highly recommend this workshop to others. Because of Jazz, I feel more technologically and professionally equipped for curriculum VCing. Thank you.
Signing Off,
Jamie Culver
By: Jamie Culver on Friday, June 19, 2009
at 11:49 am