Spread Thin but Planted Deep:
The time to produce is a thin line to walk as late nights alternate between early mornings. The production line is becoming more efficient and opportunities to increase creativity are becoming more of a reality as something that is attainable. I found that I could balance the making of a video between Web 2.0 and device applications so that, if we are in class, I can use eInstruction tools to record procedural steps with the Mobi that are elements provided by the county for our classroom. Also, I may want to use certain Applications like ShowMe, Educreations, Sonic Pics, Audio Memos, Croak.it, and Notes Plus. The Mac also has a beneficial screen capturing tool through the QuickTime software. Screencastomatic lends itself to capturing items from my screen and then I will proceed to upload to SchoolTube for use so that the students can watch on the school Wi-Fi network through their devices. Edmodo has connected the class as we have embraced the communication and sharing of resources through sub-groups, resource folders, and calendar events to stay organized.
Facilitator vs. Counselor:
The dynamics of middle school have not reached new limits this week but more individuals have realized their true potential as actors in the field of pre-teen bliss. The role of being available is really important and making sure the connection stays connected as it should was realized this week as the process was epitomized through our Biome investigation. The groups were offered details about Biomes at home through the shore video clips and then were to work together to create a lesson about a Biome to share with the other classes. We have three teams in 7th Grade so this unique in that we are able to split 9 Biomes between the three teams. Each team teaches 4 Science classes and each class period will end up presenting to each other each period. Each separate group has the challenge of creating a way to share an audio/visual element, a data set of the material, and also involve the audience in an interactive activity to all take place in a 15 minute time period. We will spend 4 days presenting to each class period so that would equate to 8 students presenting to approximately 60 students for each separate presentation.
That being said, the flipped model allows me to interact through the group postings through Edmodo and facilitate from home and also push out material that the groups or individuals need through short video clips in these different capacities. The foundation has been mixed as a true testament to the flipped classroom model of relying solely on the model as the students are still working through watching at the proper time to be ready for what comes next. Additionally, the groups are working through the dynamics of working together with other students that they may not have worked with before or who they have worked with before and have challenges with. I do feel the model allows me to focus on student connection more than before this was a major initiative on my end.
Going Viral:
Other teachers are catching on. Props to Mr. Matt Jackson for a couple of songs that are being produced which will really inspire many others to push forward with song production. I must say that the process is humbling and inspirational. He has some wonderful renditions in productions to some tunes that Eagles or Led Zeplin would be proud to call their own. I’m leaning more towards the rap / hip-hop style. Here is an example of my (amateur) skills in production with my Biome Rap.