Thursday, July 17, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Web 2.0 and Photography Reflection
Pam Coats – Web 2.0 Reflection
Why is Web 2.0 so popular today? It is simple, cheap and easy to use?
My students are more technologically advanced than I am often times, I am ashamed to say. They have grown up with technology. I can remember when PacMan was introduced!
What two Web 2.0 tools have you found of value to you in your classroom?
Video clips, podcasting, scrapblog, cameras in general. I am not sure if all my students have used cameras before.
How would you use the tools identified above?
I would use podcasting for my auditory learners or students who need extra time and help on certain projects. Video clips could be used in the same way, for remediation or instruction. Both could also be used as a creation project for gifted --which is what I am planning to do.
Photography and Diversity Reflection
Pam Coats
Multiculturalism Responses
1. Why is it so important that teachers understand and promote multiculturalism?
Teachers must understand many cultures in order to understand where their student’s attitudes and beliefs originate. For a teacher to truly respect others cultures, she must first understand it.
2. Do you see many teachers promoting multiculturalism in the schools today?
Yes, all the teachers at BMS are great about trying to get to know their students and their parents. We do not have many cultures in our small school. The end of last year a student enrolled from Japan and speaks very little English. We are all working hard to make her transition a positive one.
3. How can you promote multiculturalism?
I can promote multiculturalism by first understanding it myself. I can survey and try to find out how many different cultures I have daily in my classroom. Then, I will be more prepared to serve my students daily needs. For instance, my new student from Japan could be allowed to share some of her traditions and beliefs. I think this would be a great way to get students to open up and understand that different is really okay.
4. How can you use photography to promote a multicultural perspective in the schools today?
In Reading, I can use photography to show the many different cultures from around the world. In a small rural town such as Bremen, many students have never been to other parts of the world. They don’t know that other cultures sometimes will not look you in the eye or that women wear different clothes or head wraps at times. Just because it is different from what they see everyday, doesn’t mean it is wrong. Once they see that children play just as they play and children smile just as they smile, I think they will be better prepared for their challenging world ahead.
Photography Integration Reflection
Pam Coats – Photography Integration Reflection
Integrating photography into the classroom is an ongoing task. As educators, we must be prepared to keep up with technology and be able to better educate the students as to what they will be doing when they enter the work force. Today, you can watch almost anything on Utube. Everyday, students come into my class and ask did I see something on Utube, etc. They even post their videos on there from time to time and are more than will to share.
As a teacher of 7th grade students, I plan to teach my students how to do podcasts and use photography to give better visuals. Until this year, our system has not been able to use this type of technology because we have not had it. Our lab had 20 computers in it, but several would be down at any given time. We had to share this lab with the high school. It became such a chore that no one bothered to schedule it for use. This year, we will have all new Apple computers at our disposal. I will have 3 in my classroom and I am elated! I hope to assign students many lessons and have them create ppts, podcasts, video clips, anything and everything we can get our hands on.
I think this will be a positive experience for our students because it will show them what is out there at their disposal and with a little help, they can create all sorts of new and exciting projects.
Composition Reflection
Pam Coats - Composition Reflection
http://www.scphoto.com/html/composition.html
I posted the URL above because this is a great site for people like me who have not had this type of class or technology to work with before this class. The article talks about the composition of a photo being the starting point from the creative side. The technical side has to do with lighting. It gives a great example of the rule of thirds. This article also discusses lines and how they create mood, tone and feelings. The lines mentioned are diagonal, leading and curved.
If you have time, go to the URL I have provided and take a peak at this one. It made me look at lighting and lines in a whole new way.
Photography Book Reflection
Kinghorn, J (2005). Perfect Digital Photography. New York, NY: McGraw Hill.
This book is written by photography experts. It included photos from National Geographic and has many exciting topics for newcomers. This full-color book is a must-have for amateur photographers like myself serious about improving both the quality of their photographs and perfecting their skills. It also has chapters on the elements of the digital darkroom that I found helpful. The book is the perfect combination of the technical aspect, yet not forgeting the true artistic quality of digital photography. Using voice that even amateurs can understand, the author give scompeling advice on how to perfect and become an accomplished photographer. I highly recommed this book not only for its aesthetic qualities, but also for its beautiful copy.
Bardosh, K (2007). The Complete Idiots Guide to Digital Video. Alpha Books.
When saw this book, I knew it was for me. This book gives step by step information for even the most terrible video tech and photography person out there. From information on creating mini-films on a PDA to making low-budget, full-length digital movies, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Digital Video provide all the information you need to turn your idea into reality without feeling like a complete idiot. I have been terrified with some of the assignments that we must do for this degree, but this book seems to have all the topics that we will need to make and complete awesome projects to even wow our professors.
Impact of Class Reflection
Pam Coats – Impact of Class
I can’t begin to express the impact this class has made on me and my way of thinking about photography. At first, I was spinning in circles trying to figure out what was what. I have not had many of the tools some of the other people have had at their systems to use. I have not added music or animation to power points. I had heard about them, but didn’t have time to go find them and figure them out. My children are more technologically savvy than I am. They often showed me how to upload pictures, etc. onto websites and power points. We do not have DreamWeaver or any of the new software at my school or home, but I will soon!
I say all this to express that I am no longer afraid to try different things with photography. Before, I would take six shots just clicking making sure I got a good one and I would discard the rest. Now I look into the lens and try to see what the viewer of the picture will see. I check for lighting, balance and background. I feel more confident in playing on some of the websites with my photos and options on my camera, no longer fearing that I will lose them in cyberspace somehow.
The discussion board has also been a blessing. I have learned so many new things just reading them. Other systems are like mine and some are not. I have received so many useful topics and websites. I can’t wait to share with my colleagues and students the new information that can help us all.
The experiences and information I have gleaned from taking this class are innumerable and I am a more confident and productive teacher having done so which in turn is wonderful for my students.
2.4 Selected Optional Photography Project
Kinghorn, J (2005). Perfect Digital Photography. New York, NY: McGraw Hill.
This book is written by photography experts. It included photos from National Geographic and has many exciting topics for newcomers. This full-color book is a must-have for amateur photographers like myself serious about improving both the quality of their photographs and perfecting their skills. It also has chapters on the elements of the digital darkroom that I found helpful. The book is the perfect combination of the technical aspect, yet not forgeting the true artistic quality of digital photography. Using voice that even amateurs can understand, the author give scompeling advice on how to perfect and become an accomplished photographer. I highly recommed this book not only for its aesthetic qualities, but also for its beautiful copy.
Bardosh, K (2007). The Complete Idiots Guide to Digital Video. Alpha Books.
When saw this book, I knew it was for me. This book gives step by step information for even the most terrible video tech and photography person out there. From information on creating mini-films on a PDA to making low-budget, full-length digital movies, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Digital Video provide all the information you need to turn your idea into reality without feeling like a complete idiot. I have been terrified with some of the assignments that we must do for this degree, but this book seems to have all the topics that we will need to make and complete awesome projects to even wow our professors.
Pam Coats - Composition Reflection
http://www.scphoto.com/html/composition.html
I posted the URL above because this is a great site for people like me who have not had this type of class or technology to work with before this class. The article talks about the composition of a photo being the starting point from the creative side. The technical side has to do with lighting. It gives a great example of the rule of thirds. This article also discusses lines and how they create mood, tone and feelings. The lines mentioned are diagonal, leading and curved.
If you have time, go to the URL I have provided and take a peak at this one. It made me look at lighting and lines in a whole new way.
Photography Integration Reflection
Pam Coats – Photography Integration Reflection
Integrating photography into the classroom is an ongoing task. As educators, we must be prepared to keep up with technology and be able to better educate the students as to what they will be doing when they enter the work force. Today, you can watch almost anything on Utube. Everyday, students come into my class and ask did I see something on Utube, etc. They even post their videos on there from time to time and are more than will to share.
As a teacher of 7th grade students, I plan to teach my students how to do podcasts and use photography to give better visuals. Until this year, our system has not been able to use this type of technology because we have not had it. Our lab had 20 computers in it, but several would be down at any given time. We had to share this lab with the high school. It became such a chore that no one bothered to schedule it for use. This year, we will have all new Apple computers at our disposal. I will have 3 in my classroom and I am elated! I hope to assign students many lessons and have them create ppts, podcasts, video clips, anything and everything we can get our hands on.
I think this will be a positive experience for our students because it will show them what is out there at their disposal and with a little help, they can create all sorts of new and exciting projects.
Pam Coats
Multiculturalism Responses
1. Why is it so important that teachers understand and promote multiculturalism?
Teachers must understand many cultures in order to understand where their student’s attitudes and beliefs originate. For a teacher to truly respect others cultures, she must first understand it.
2. Do you see many teachers promoting multiculturalism in the schools today?
Yes, all the teachers at BMS are great about trying to get to know their students and their parents. We do not have many cultures in our small school. The end of last year a student enrolled from Japan and speaks very little English. We are all working hard to make her transition a positive one.
3. How can you promote multiculturalism?
I can promote multiculturalism by first understanding it myself. I can survey and try to find out how many different cultures I have daily in my classroom. Then, I will be more prepared to serve my students daily needs. For instance, my new student from Japan could be allowed to share some of her traditions and beliefs. I think this would be a great way to get students to open up and understand that different is really okay.
4. How can you use photography to promote a multicultural perspective in the schools today?
In Reading, I can use photography to show the many different cultures from around the world. In a small rural town such as Bremen, many students have never been to other parts of the world. They don’t know that other cultures sometimes will not look you in the eye or that women wear different clothes or head wraps at times. Just because it is different from what they see everyday, doesn’t mean it is wrong. Once they see that children play just as they play and children smile just as they smile, I think they will be better prepared for their challenging world ahead.
Another way to promote cultures is to survey students and see which cultures they would like to learn about. They could then be allowed to research and report their findings to the class.
Pam Coats – Web 2.0 Reflection
Why is Web 2.0 so popular today? It is simple, cheap and easy to use?
My students are more technologically advanced than I am often times, I am ashamed to say. They have grown up with technology. I can remember when PacMan was introduced!
What two Web 2.0 tools have you found of value to you in your classroom?
Video clips, podcasting, scrapblog, cameras in general. I am not sure if all my students have used cameras before.
How would you use the tools identified above?
I would use podcasting for my auditory learners or students who need extra time and help on certain projects. Video clips could be used in the same way, for remediation or instruction. Both could also be used as a creation project for gifted --which is what I am planning to do.
Pam Coats – Impact of Class
I can’t begin to express the impact this class has made on me and my way of thinking about photography. At first, I was spinning in circles trying to figure out what was what. I have not had many of the tools some of the other people have had at their systems to use. I have not added music or animation to power points. I had heard about them, but didn’t have time to go find them and figure them out. My children are more technologically savvy than I am. They often showed me how to upload pictures, etc. onto websites and power points. We do not have DreamWeaver or any of the new software at my school or home, but I will soon!
I say all this to express that I am no longer afraid to try different things with photography. Before, I would take six shots just clicking making sure I got a good one and I would discard the rest. Now I look into the lens and try to see what the viewer of the picture will see. I check for lighting, balance and background. I feel more confident in playing on some of the websites with my photos and options on my camera, no longer fearing that I will lose them in cyberspace somehow.
The discussion board has also been a blessing. I have learned so many new things just reading them. Other systems are like mine and some are not. I have received so many useful topics and websites. I can’t wait to share with my colleagues and students the new information that can help us all.
The experiences and information I have gleaned from taking this class are innumerable and I am a more confident and productive teacher having done so which in turn is wonderful for my students.
2.3 Photography Lesson Plan
| Instructor(s) Name: Pam Coats | Technology-Infused Lesson Plan |
| Lesson Title: | Just One Look |
| Grade Level/Subject Area: | 4-6 |
| Student Profile: | Number of Students: 6 |
| Number of Students with Special Needs: | 0 |
| Area of Specialties: | Reading |
| Performance Objectives: | Students will have a general understanding of digital cameras and their functions. The student will be able to orally identify and explain to teacher why these are necessary features. |
| Curricular Connections: (QCC/IEP/Local or National Standards) | ELA7LSV2 |
| Assessment: (instruments used and other techniques) | PreTest, PostTest, Kodak Easy Share Cameras |
| Technology Connections: (type of technology used for class) | 4 digital camera |
| Materials: (all instructional materials used for class including rubrics) | Teacher made tests and rubric Pencil Paper Flash cards Cameras |
| Related URLs: (minimum of 3-5 required) | www.kodak.com/ekec www.geocities.com http://pegasus.com |
| Procedures: (use 2 of the 4) | Whole Group: yes- instructing and testing |
| Small Group: recording and sharing | |
| Cooperative Group: yes for sharing | |
| Individual: testing and recording | |
| Classroom Management: | Technology Management: teacher observation |
| Instructional Groups: no |
|
| CATEGORY | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Requirements | All requirements are met and exceeded. | All requirements are met. | One requirement was not completely met. | More than one requirement was not completely met. |
| Originality | Product shows a large amount of original thought. Ideas are creative and inventive. | Product shows some original thought. Work shows new ideas and insights. | Uses other people's ideas (giving them credit), but there is little evidence of original thinking. | Uses other people's ideas, but does not give them credit. |
| Content | Covers topic in-depth with details and examples. Subject knowledge is excellent. | Includes essential knowledge about the topic. Subject knowledge appears to be good. | Includes essential information about the topic but there are 1-2 factual errors. | Content is minimal OR there are several factual errors. |
| Oral Presentation | Interesting, clearly understands content and details. | Relatively interesting mostly understands content. | Delivery not smooth, but able to answer with teacher prompts | Student does not understand concept.. |
Date Created: Jul 07, 2008 12:30 pm (CDT)
Digital Camera Pre-Test
1. Have you ever used a digital camera? Yes ____ No ____
2. Do you or your family own a digital camera? Yes____ No ____
3. Locate the viewfinder on the camera provided by your teacher. What is it used for?____________________________________________________________
4. Where is the ZOOM feature on this camera? ___________________________
5. What is the LCD screen on this camera used for?________________________
6. Does this camera have an auto focus? Yes ____ No ____
Digital Camera Post Test
1. Have you ever used a digital camera? Yes ____ No ____
2. Do you or your family own a digital camera? Yes____ No ____
3. Locate the viewfinder on the camera provided by your teacher. What is it used for?____________________________________________________________
4. Where is the ZOOM feature on this camera? ___________________________
5. What is the LCD screen on this camera used for?________________________
6. Does this camera have an auto focus? Yes ____ No ____
7. Are you able review a picture when using this camera? Yes ____ No ____
8. Did you like this lesson? Yes ____ No ____
9. How can I improve this lesson for other students? ________________________________________________________________
10. Teach your neighbor one thing new you learned about your camera and report this new finding to your teacher. ____________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
| Pre Test Questions | Yes | No |
| 1 | 2 | 4 |
| 2 | 4 | 2 |
| 3 | 1 | 5 |
| 4 | 2 | 4 |
| 5 | 0 | 6 |
| 6 | 3 | 3 |
| | | |
| Post Test Questions | Yes | No |
| 1 | 6 | 0 |
| 2 | 4 | 2 |
| 3 | 6 | 0 |
| 4 | 6 | 0 |
| 5 | 5 | 1 |
| 6 | 6 | 0 |
| 7 | 4 | 2 |
| 8 | 6 | 0 |
| 9 | 6 | 0 |
| 10 | 5 | 1 |
Questions 8 and 9: All 6 students answered that using that this lesson made them understand how to use a digital camera. These were sixth grade students that I was able to teach this lesson to at Bible School this week. Many of them will be my students in a few years and most had never used a digital camera. Many had cameras in their homes, but stated that they were not allowed to use them. They also stated that they had never used one at their schools before.
Analysis:
The majority of the students in this lesson had never used a digital camera before. Most of the students could not find the parts of the camera the first time around, but when prompted they could locate the zoom, LCD and AF through trial and error. Students also through group discussion could figure out what the parts were used for.
The post-test results showed that most of the students that missed the pre-test questions on the certain parts of the camera the first time, could answer the questions during the post-test administration. All of the students thought this lesson was beneficial and asked if we could do another lesson using the camera and take pictures. I told them in 7th grade we would!
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