Procrastination Finally Pays Off

I, as usual, waited until Sunday to do my blog. It really worked in my favor this time.
Hope everyone is well!


Josh

Spring Break Blog?

Well, I checked all week, and I guess because it was spring break there is no blog.
Hope everyone had a great week.

Spring Break Week

I quess we didn't have a blog this week. I hope everyone is doing well.

Heres my Blog as we begin Daylight Savings Time

Hello Everyone,

I have also been checking this site all week, wandering if there would be a Blog during Spring Break. After getting into the habit of Blogging every week I missed entering my Blog. So, I will enter this to fill that void as we spring ahead.

I hope everyone had a nice week.

Thanks,
Ron

Spring Break = No Posting?

Hope everyone had a great week!

New Blog Unlisted

I have checked the site all week and have not come across any new information.
I am hoping I did not overlook anything. I really enjoy posting now that I am on
the same page as everyone else. I too will be away from a working computer therefore; I would like to confirm that there was not a new post that required our response. Enjoy your weekend.

Week of 3/2/09-3/6/09

Hello! I have checked each day to see if this week's question was going to be posted,but there has not been a new one added as of today. I did not want to miss a week, but I am going to be out of town this weekend and won't be near a computer where I can check the blog. I figured if I post something, you would know that I am trying to do the weekly blogs and not forgetting about completing my blogging assignments. Hope everyone is having a great week. Have a great weekend-it is supposed to be very pretty weather, so enjoy!!

Becoming a Master Teacher

Being an automotive instructor, and trying to get my basic certification, I never thought really about perusing a Master certification in teaching. I know that as you progress through the process of degrees it seems to help the paycheck. But that is not the reason to obtain such a certification. I have thought about trying to do something to improve my teaching status, but have not made any decisions. Right now it is hard enough to get through NTI much less try and devote that kind of time into a Masters or Doctorate. Also I like others have to consider how I'm going to pay for four more years of collage or how ever long it takes, but nevertheless financially I could not even venture the guess. I would love to have that certification hanging on the wall and be able to improve my education for myself as well as my students who I'm sure would benefit from it. I was just thinking of the notion on my long ride to work and would love to be called Dr. Dallas, man how cool would that be. Just the name makes you feel and people relize that you are an educated person not just pion working for a school. Teacher make you sound smart but a Masters or Doctorate make you sound eduacted. Yes I think when I can get it worked out I will persue my Masters.
Also sorry for the late entry, did not have internet connection due to the storm and our school computers are being updated.

Becoming a Master Teacher

I want to first apologize for the late post but I completed this on Saturday from work but noticed today that it was on the blog. So I am reattempting this again........

Being in third year of education I can say I have seen some improvements in myself but must admit I have so more growing to do. With NTI I have become more organized and acquired so many techniques and teach ing strategies. I enjoy teaching so much more since I feel a since of direction. This school year alone I have learned to multi task from being in school, teaching and under going industry certification. With all that I have made the students more accountable for various things around the class. I have a teachers assistant ( chef coordinator), this has proven to be the best, the young lady that was voted into this position help me stay on track with paperwork and meeting spcific deadlines. I also see the students taking the program more seriously and willing to work harder, by staying after school for additional help. This shows me that the students really enjoy the things that we do in class. I feel that my passion for what I do comes through when I am teaching. My goal to become a master teacher will not happen over night but I do see progression. To move towards a master teacher I know that it will require support from parents, students, faculty, and administrators to continue to grow and advance towards this goal. I know there will be challenges that I will have to continue to face but I must be able to conquer them. I enjoy what I do but I don't take it for granted, I know I must continue to learn new things and work harder, along with continuing to grow in this field by obtaining professional development. With all this I am sure to acquire my goal.......................becoming a master teacher.

Becoming a Master Teacher

I apologize that I missed yesterday's due date for this post. I lost power at my house at about noon yesterday and am just now getting it back. We had some power lines fall down the road from us and catch on fire due to the storm.

One of the biggest improvements that I think I have made when comparing this year to last year (before NTI) is giving students guidelines for assignments that are much more clear. I am using various forms of rubrics to explain to students my expectations on various assignments and they have really responded to it so much better. Last year, I would give a rubric for a project, but I do not think I truly understood the concept of creating a good rubric. Even after I gave students the rubric I still got many questions that I would not have gotten had I been more clear of my expectations. I started a project in my classes just last week and upon going over the rubric and guidelines with my classes, I could tell simply by their responses to the assignment that I had given them a clear understanding of what I expected of them. They really seemed to enjoy getting a project in which they understood the direction in which they needed to go.

Another thing that has truly helped me be more successful when assigning projects is giving specific deadlines throughout the project to insure that students are on task to finish it by the scheduled due date. Last year, which was my first year teaching, I would give projects with only one due date and that date was when I expected the completed project to be done. Well, I developed a bad taste for projects because I had students that wasted time and had nothing when the due date arrived. I have learned that just by holding them accountable throughout leads to much better results.

It is truly amazing to see how implenting "little tricks" can improve classroom operation so much!

Progress Towards Becoming a Master Teacher

Wow.  This is a topic that I just discussed with one of my co-workers the other day.  I have had such a horrific time with discipline and classroom management, especially with the second and third level students, that I was really not responding in the most favorable way.  Everyone said to let it roll off of your back like water and not let the students get to you.  That was very hard for me and they really "got my goat" every time they said something smart or unkind.  Just last week, a student made a comment in a no so nice tone, but I responded in a very calm and non-reactive manner.  I made the realized that I must have reached another level in my teaching career because I didn't feel the need to be defensive or over justify the requirements with the student.  I said what I wanted and let the student know that she had a choice to make, based on what my conditions were.  

We had a modified gallery tour and the students were responsible for judging 10 displays  The student told me that she was not going to be able to complete 10 because she only had 5 that day.  I stated that she could finish the next day, but she proceeded to let me know that she was going to be absent the next day.  I stated to her that the assignment was for her to complete 10. She had a couple of choices...she work hard to complete an additional 5  on that particular day or she could finish the additional 5 displays on the day she returned to school.  However, in order for her to receive full credit, she needed to figure out how she was going to complete her 10.   

This told her that the assignment didn't revolve around her and that it didn't change because she demanded an exception.  It really felt good not to stress over the student's dilemma and obvious attempt to make me change the rules for her benefit.  

Bumps along the way...

Hello!

This past week has been quite the adventure.  On my path to becoming "master teacher," I have realized how many frustrating issues develop throughout the year...and how little we as teachers can do about it.

You can't help what kind of home your students come from.  You can't change the way parents are.  You can't have a real teacher work day.  You can't make kids do their homework or come to class.  You can't emphasize enough the importance of school.  Of life.  You can't always anticipate what will happen during your day.

This week we were told all the other things we CAN'T do.

And now...you can't make copies.  You can't print.  You can't use your budget.  You can't be in the classroom with all the lights on.  You can't make any handouts.  You can't laminate.  You can't buy any basic supplies.  You can't print out progress reports.  You can't go on field trips.  You can't get a fork from the lunchroom without paying 20 cents.  Really.

This week I have learned that as much as education is emphasized and seems like a concern in this country, there is certainly no hesitation to take away any funds from education before any other place.  Why do we punish the education system, our students - our future, with the budget cuts or decreases when things start to go sour in the economy?  It doesn't make sense.  We already lost our salary increase for next year and we are already losing teachers at probably every Cobb school at the end of this year.  Now we are taking away the things that make education fun.  That make it work.  That allow teachers to teach.

On my path to mastering teaching, I have found that my class is 100% performance based.  My students thrive on building bigger and better projects.  We have built bridges, clocks, buildings, airplanes, rockets, go-karts, pinewood derby cars, mini golf courses, and whatever else it takes to enhance student learning and keep interest going.  We do stuff.  And....that costs money. 

So, for the rest of the semester I am going to have to pull out all my cards to figure out how to keep my kids motivated and to keep all the supplies I have last until the end the spring.  i guess this is the true test of a teacher on the way to mastery.

Cobb County - I want my poker chips back.  :)

Master Teacher

I feel I have grown over the last few years as a teacher with the concepts and information I have receive from NTI and other seasoned veteran teachers. My third period class over the school year has been my worse period the kids are out of control at times. They have no fear of punishment even from former police officer like myself. Recently we have begun Mock Trials in my classroom which have allowed the students to become very involved in their work in the courtroom alot of Role playing concerning the position of the courtroom. Amazing things are occuring in my third period class it's like the light has come on. The learning process just went to another level. I feel you have some students who are hands on students and when they see their work they feel more attached to the project. The class actual has accomplished more than the other periods in the Mock Trials and Practice Cases.

I hope the good work continues and transfers into the rest of the semester once we finish mock trials this semester. I ask myself friday afternoon how this could possibly be concerning my class it amazes me, but it also shows me that anybody can be reached in their own time once you plant the seed for success. I'm starting to see all the different levels of group learning we discussed last semester in class and how it can applied to set a goal for master teaching and success.

Journey to Master Teacher

When I first took a look at the blog, I decided to research what makes a person a master teacher. According to various sources, a master teacher is one who connets with their students, colleagues, parents and community on a leadership level. Master teachers have effective teaching methods and take advantage of challenging situations. I believe with the information I received through NTI, along with my own successes and failures I can begin to consider achieving master teacher recognition in the near future.



Recently I had the opportunity to see a success manifest by one of my student's achievements. My region recently held our Skills USA region championships this past friday. I had the honor of having one of my students place second in the carpentry competition and will move on to compete in the state competition. I felt so proud of my student and melted when I heard his name called. He was so excited and had the biggest smile on his face when he went to receive his medal. That moment made all of the things that I have dealt with disappear. If the steps to reaching master teacher are going to include moments like that, I'm all in. I look forward to being apart of his state competition and adding that to another one of my teachable moments.

Progressing as a Teacher

This past week I utilized using the scorecard for a project and it went very well. The students were clear about the expectations of the project and enjoyed the opportunity to rate their work. When I use what I have learned in class and it goes well I feel like I am progressing in my development as a teacher however if things don’t go well or as expected it can be discouraging. One of the things I have learned is that you can teach the same lesson to two different classes and the results can be very different.

Master Teacher

This week I will highlight some of my past events and evidence that I am growing as a master teacher. During my first hour class I offered my students a different look on how to integrate other class curriculum into our broadcast classes. After meeting with several teachers during our interdisciplinary meeting; we came up with a challenging lesson plan that would enhance the students’ learning in several areas of Chinese and World History. I think these are signs that I am growing as a teacher but a master teacher, let’s just say I am working towards it.

During the class students were given an opportunity to broadcast a news report in Chinese. This lesson consisted of students translating their news report from English to Chinese. During the history class students were able to research history making events that were broadcast from television or radio.

Master Teacher

I have never thought of myself as being a master teacher before. I just looked at myself as someone who had knowledge of a skill and wanted to share it with someone else. Maybe along the way, they could become a master craftsman. I learned long ago the best way to learn is to just do it yourself.

In the past few weeks, we had our region competition for Skills USA and I had a student enter and win first place in carpentry. When his name was called out as winner, he ran to me and hugged me. That was the moment of it all, not that he had won, but that he learned something along the way. Before the contest, I told him to just put winning aside and follow the directions, everything else would fall into place. He knew how to build, it was following directions he had problems with. Now he is advancing to State Competition. He told me he had learned a lot from me, not just how to be a carpenter, but how to be a man of integrity.

Progression as a Teacher

The weeks fly by so quickly I can hardly remember good or bad, days just are and that is fine with me. I think that is a positive thing because I don't dwell on the stressful aspects and disappointments of teaching like I did last year. I feel more comfortable with processes and procedures, the paperwork administration expects you to keep up with, and the constant change in how the school runs. I also enjoy knowing my students better and having a better understanding of what the nature of a teenager is. These positive are due to the great information I have been receiving in NTI. I am constantly getting better at lesson planning and adding variety to my lesson plans. I am constantly seeking different ways to present lecture material in a way other than lecture. NTI has opening my eyes to the many differnt ways and this has made me grow every day as a teacher. Just being comfortable and confident is as much as I can ask for in my second year of teaching. I hope that I am doing a good and beneficial job for my students. I think I am because occasionally I do get a comment from a student or two who say "you are a good teacher Mrs. Barbour".

Master Teacher...

Well, never really thought of myself being or becoming a master teacher any time soon. I figured that title was only for teachers that had been teaching for over 20 years. Well, considering I got New Teacher of the Year last year, I would say I'm on my way. This school year am noticing more students raving about my class. I am now noticing more and more teachers at the school telling me about my automotive students talking about how much they love my class. My repeating (2nd and 3rd year) students are listening to me more and are actively engaged during class. I am also finding myself lately to be a little less stressed out. Last year I was a stressful mess, so, I suppose I'm learning to not take things personally finally. This is my third year teaching automotive. I taught music for a few years at a private school. Public schools are totally different. I feel that each year I am teaching, I am growing and learning how to read people better. When I was at the private school, I wasn't burdened with paperwork and I actually had time to work with students one-on-one and learned how to speak to students to get the response that I wanted. I guess years of working in an automotive shop with a bunch of guys has changed that perspective in me. I feel like I am getting some of it back though.

Me, Master Teacher?

Master Teacher, what I visualize as a master teacher, I am a million miles away from there. I feel with the leadership and guidance of the NTI team of instructors, I am well on my way in the journey. The last few weeks have been very hectic for me. We had our SkillsUSA region competition this past Friday. This is my first year as an advisor in SkillsUSA. I spent a lot of my time working with my kids trying to make sure they felt like they were prepared and all of the paper work was handled properly . Being able to overcome and adapt to the different situations this profession throws at you is a challenge all its own. I feel earning the respect of the students and having them willing to work to assist you in overcoming obstacles is truly a great stride in achieving the master teacher status. I felt over the last few weeks, my students and I had reached that stage of teamwork. I truly appreciate there effort.

Road to being a Master Teacher

I am not comfortable yet with the title “Master Teacher”, but I’m sure I will get over that issue eventually. Anyway, I’m simply better, because I have a whole host of techniques and tools that I can pull out of my notebook as needed. Yes, I still have that NTI notebook and keep it close. It is hard for me to pinpoint exactly with what lesson or particular day that happened, but overall I can see the difference in the way I teach over the past few weeks. I’m looking for more and more ways to use cooperative learning at least in one of my class (Information Technology). I find it very easy to implement in this particular class. It is still quite a challenge for my Keyboarding and Computer Applications Class. I’m not sure why, but I feel that this class is best suited for “lecture”. That is almost scary word these days, because I would really love to find a way to make this more project-group oriented type class. When I figure out how to do this for the Keyboarding and Computer Applications Class, hopefully by the end of this school year, I may feel more comfortable with the title “master teacher”.

Teaching Reflection

My hope is that I am developing as a master teacher, although not quite there yet, I have made great strides in that direction. The last two weeks have been interesting, and as a matter of fact did include a couple of things that greatly boosted my confidence. The first was an unexpected visit to my classroom from some Dekalb county officials regarding my move to cross keys. After a short discussion related to the move, one of the gentleman commended me on the fact that my students were on task and that it was one of the few classes he had visited that day where he felt learning was taking place as it should. He apparently also made comments to the principal about my classroom which she shared with me the following day. The second was a project set up by the work based learning coordinator to market our programs. Students from the surrounding area were invited to attend our classes and be given presentations by our students. In the midst of preparing for clinical rotations, HOSA competitions and Nursing Assistant certification, I was to prepare my students to teach the students attending our classroom. I discussed this with my students and we agreed collectively that they would continue learning their skills for clinical but would allow the visiting students opportunity to perform skills after they were demonstrated. We were told that we would have approximately 10 students at a time and the students would rotate to other classes every 90 minutes: However, at one point there were 45 students (including my students) in my class at one time and somehow it worked out. My students were on point, one partnership kept a group of 6 students busy at the sink demonstrating techniques for cleaning dentures, while others demonstrated oral care on each other and shaving on mannequins. It was amazing to watch my students do this so efficiently. To be able to adapt to this unexpected situation in this manner was surely a milestone for me.

Survey

Survey was completed. I emailed you several days ago with that question. Thank you. My school email is now working, but I am calling Tech Support and they are working with me on the GSU student email.

Master of All Trades

Several things have gone very wrong toward my being a "Master Teacher". First of all is the technology block. The school and home computer systems have been giving me fits. I have learned a lot about computers this past year, especially using it for NTI. My room is getting a new computer projection system like the one we have at GSU ! I am learning a lot of new tricks, but would really just like my email to work correctly. To reach the level of "Master" will require me to master the latest technology. I don't think that I am too old to really "get with it" because my father is doing well with his computers. I have also learned that the cell phone is almost like having a weapon in your class room. Students will do anything to be able to embarrass a teacher by putting something on U-Tube. I have gotten tighter with my cell phone policy.

I have seen signs of what has gone right. Last year I had a senior that was not doing well in his other classes. He loved being in my auto tech class and excelled in all areas and I selected him to be a class leader and mentor toward the end of the term last year. I selected him to be one of the CTAE Star Students. Other teachers came to me in amazement asking me why I had made this unusual choice. I stuck by him and his selection, his mentoring, his leadership, and his graduation. I saw him him this past week when he came back to Callaway High School in his proud Army uniform. The first place he visited was my room and I was so proud of him. The next room he visited was the ROTC room to speak as a mentor for their program. Now my boss wants me to start a school wide mentoring program. He thinks I sometimes work a few miracles in other areas beside teaching. I think my reward comes back to me when my former students take their time to thank me later, and I see their successes in life and work beyond high school.

Mastering Your Environment

In mid-January, our CTAE department launched a massive recruiting campaign. Second semester always brings uncertainty when the numbers game begins for the following school year. I have always taught on the extended day schedule -- meaning no planning period and six classes each day. With the economy spiraling downward, it was even more important to recruit enough students to justify having and extended day schedule.

The recruiting campaign was a success. I increased my numbers enough to have six full classes and then some. So I'm assuming that I should not lose my extended day and not have to make less dollars next year. What a blessing!

Well.. this week, my AP comes into my room to tell me that regardless of numbers there is no more extended day across the board for any teacher at the school. So all that hard work preparing marketing throughout the school, a thousand flyers to be handed out at parent/student events, and a recruiting video played on the closed circuit TV, did not produce the desired result. Bummer....

So how does all that tell me that I am progressing as a master teacher? Well numbers tell a great deal about how your students feel inside the environment you create each day. If the students are having a good time, they tell their friends, and those friends tell their friends... and the cycle begins. When I arrived, this program was only three classes of maybe 40 students at Etowah High, and then only 3 classes of maybe 40 students at Woodstock High. Having turned this program around a full 180 to a six period day at only one school tells me I am doing something right.

I know without a doubt that I am not a teacher who is lazy. My students are required to to produce much more work than with the previous instructor. However, I feel that I produce a positive, fun, relaxing environment where the students produce this work. This philosophy has changed the game...

Funny story here if you need a laugh.

Development

“Jack of all Trades Master of None” thats how I see my teaching skills at this point. I have progressed and learned the ways of a new school this year. I can only hope that next year will be smoother, wow I said next year. I have been my own worst critic when it comes to this science we call teaching. I don’t know if I will ever place the master teacher label on myself, because we are always learning. Then again maybe thats a trait of a master teaching, to never stop learning. 

Over the past two weeks we have been preparing for the county media festival. I am so exciting because my students have come so far. Some of the entrees are from students who had no idea what steps it took to production projects. Now I sit back and watch them come up with ideas that amaze me, I wish I thought of them. We brainstorm together and decide what approach they will take. Our next project is a nation wide contest through a website, http://www.bridges.com/video/. Bridges is asking ‘R U Rede?”, basically are students ready for the working world, they must demonstrate their skills and knowledge creatively through a 3 minute video. The students are excited about thinking outside of the box, not to mention first prize is $2,500. Its open to all student 13 and up, its a great opportunity for them to showcase their talent.

To sum it up they never cease to amaze me. When you think they have no drive they turn around and project such a calming energy and devotion to school projects. I think when they have a say in their projects basically ownership they take pride in the final delivery of the project.

Teaching Mastery

First off, I LOVE teaching. My subject matter, Cosmetology, is my passion, my hobby and my job. I feel so very fortunate to be teaching something that I feel this strongly about. I strive to get this point accross to my students even through the boring mundane tasks of theory work. I feel that I will be working towards this mastery of teaching until the day I retire. I don't think you can truly master something that is constantly changing. For me, the challenge is one that I welcome and enjoy. One of the big changes I have noticed this year after being in NTI, is that I can knock out a lesson plan like nobodys business! I feel that these lessons are much more interesting and appropriate for the differing needs of my students. In looking back on my first year teaching (last year) I find lessons that I wrote and kind of chuckle to myself. They were definately not up to my standards now. So I have been rewriting and tweeking them. I am sure that I will do this every year but that it will get less and less involved with each passing year.
Another area that I have made great strides in is my classroom management. This one area alone has made a huge difference in how my school day goes. I feel that my students like coming to my class and enjoy most of the lessons, but they seem to respect me also. I didn't feel this level of respect last year. I had ongoing battles with the same students. Oh to have them again, I know just what I would do! To wrap this up, I feel very fortunate to have a job at all, and blessed to have one that I love so much.

Teaching and developing as a master teacher

The last couple of weeks have been stressful yet rewarding. I report to work everyday to do the very best that I can do within the time frame for which I have been allotted and to hopefully make a difference in the lives of the students I have been assigned to teach. A male student was placed in my class about 4 weeks ago. He is in the Program for Exceptional Children and his long term goal is to be a basketball player as identified during a career and lifestyle research project. Although I have been asking, I have yet to see an IEP on this student. He has been a trouble maker, as some would say, and does not show any interest in his class work. I am told he can be disruptive and have sudden out bursts of anger.

I have used some of Rick Lavoie strategies to help this student adjust to being in my classroom and to help him keep all his poker chips on a daily basis. My strategies appear to be effective because I have not witnessed any disruptive behavior or out bursts. In fact, this student has had problems in other classes and referred for discipline issues which resulted in in-school suspensions and sometimes out of school suspensions. Each time he returns to my class and ask for make-up work, which validates that he has bought into the idea that I constantly remind them of, and that is all students can learn and be successful. Four days ago he came in to my classroom during an interview with another student and asked if he could speak with me privately. We walked to a distance area of my large classroom and then he stated I won't be here for the next couple of days and gently unfolded a letter for me to read. It was a discipline letter of suspension. This morning he returned and asked for his make-up work.

Becoming a master teacher is certainly a goal I have set for myself, however I am not there yet.
I will continue to teach and meet each child where they are mentally, physically and socially.
In my classes I will continue to help students make the connection with the real world whether they have an interest in health care or aspirations of being a basketball player.

Teacher Development

My reflection on the past two weeks was prompted by the sudden death of a paraprofessional at our school. He was middle aged and looked healthy. He passed suddenly with a stroke. My memories of him include his joyous service to the special needs students of our school. He always greeted me with a smile in the cafeteria when I was on my way to drink coffee. This event has prompted me to dig deeper into my heart as to the purpose of my teaching intentions. I want to give more to the students of my school than a lesson on how to use a tripod. I want them to know that I care about their interests, their needs, their future and mostly, their being. I have been at the high school for three years and it has flown by quickly. I will complete four years with the upcoming seniors. I have had them for so long, yet for so little. My impact as a teacher, could break or build them as individuals. It may directly effect their lives and encourage or discourage their successes. I want to choose my words carefully and be positive with them in whatever way that I can. Just as NTI and my belated coworker have promoted a positive spirit, I desire to promote this encouragement. As I continue to better myself with teaching methods, tools and ideas, I will strive to improve my attitude towards a generation of students that need encouragement, guidance, love and a positive spirit. The last two weeks have not altered my teaching methods, but rather my teaching outlook overall. My reflections have helped me in my philosophy of teaching. Now that I am reflecting on the core of my teaching philosophy, I can take strides into developing into being a Master teacher.

Developing....

Well I really don't think at any point I will consider myself a master teacher. I have made many strides and jumped many hurdles to keep my students involved, learning and applying their knowledge. I think that through trail and error sometimes that the students don't know about I have improved as a teacher from my first year to now. NTI has helped me in many areas I have adapted somethings to fit the culture of my school and students. Teaching is an art and science in which you must balance in order to get what you need out of your students.

My students are some of the most creative in the world and I believe they can do anything they put their minds to. I feel that my teaching level has increased and it shows to be evident when my students display the things I have taught them not through testing but hands on application. For example we are on a chapter of studio production, but some parts of the chapter were taught at the very start of the school year and to my amazement they remembered the camera movements without me drilling them. The answers flowed out that made me feel great.

That made me feel that what I am doing is working to some affect. 

Mamane on Developing as a Teacher

The last two weeks have been a major roller coaster ride for me. Our county is finally feeling the effects of this dismal economy. We are opening 5 brand new schools in Fall '09, but they didn't hire any new teachers. I applied for the Broadcast job at the new high school, and spoke to the principal briefly at a job fair. He said he had "done his homework" on me, and he wants ME to take the Broadcast program at the new school "out of the box... something this county has never seen before." WOW! I was so syked. But he said nothing was confirmed because he wasn't sure enrollment would be enough to hire a full-time BVP teacher. So no big deal, right? I would have my current job... Or would I? I found out that the BVP program at my school would be cancelled for next year. But I didn't have that confirmation yet. Alas... the sweat starts to bead on my brow. But lo and behold, I finally got it... I'll be starting the BVP program at a brand new school next year. YAY!

So what, you ask yourself, does this have to do with my teaching mastery? I have continued to teach and teach, and increase my awareness of what I'm teaching, and really, what is coming across to my students. Once they found out I wouldn't be returning to Central next year, they asked me "Why bother teaching us, you'll be gone -- the whole program will be gone next year." Because I... DON'T... QUIT. I especially don't give up on students. If anything, I have upped the ante. I am assigning more complex projects, and sticking with it. I am on them everyday about their progress. I want to see them SUCCEED! And I'm doing everything I can to make that happen.

Nothing makes me happier -- or prouder -- than watching my students' final products... unless it totally reeks. But for the most part, I can see in their work the expertise I have taught them. And that, my friend, is my road to mastery.

Oh yeah, and I was asked to co-author the "common curriculum" for Broadcast Video Production for all of Forsyth County. Pretty cool, huh?

Developing as a teacher

The last two weeks have been very rewarding. I have been working in several areas with students in county and state competitions. Our students have won several first places,and in robotics they won the county, state, and region, and two of the robotics groups will be going to the world competition. I am the first teacher arriving at school, so I keep the cafeteria at which time I am able to tutor students every morning. It is very rewarding when the students wrote in the school annual that Mr. Cagle does everything for us. I look on teaching not as a profession, but a calling. I had a long and good career, and being able to teach to me is being able to give something back. It is wonderful every morning to have something to go to that you thourghly enjoy and to have students that mean so much to you. When going on field trips and introducing students to a world that they didn't know existed is so rewarding. We have just finished field trips to Sea Island and to Georgia Tech's nanotechnology lab. The nanotechnology lab at Georgia Tech just blew the students away.

Grasshopper, you are not the master... yet.

My past few weeks teaching have been very overwhelming. I am being continually bombarded by requests for video production by administrators and other teachers. I am really trying to say no, but it's not the easiest thing to do. I have had a problem with this because it is taking away from my planning time. The beginning of this semester was very good for me as I had a planning period and the chance to prepare for my classes. Now, with so many projects in the works, I am unable to devote the amount of time I need to, to planning. I have made the decision, though, to only use students for projects and if that doesn't work for the person requesting the video, then they can figure out how to take care of it themselves.

You may be asking yourself, how this relates to my development as a master teacher. I believe that my resolution to only have students doing projects, shows a maturity on my part. By understanding that my planning time is beneficial to my students and being willing to say "No", despite how other people feel about me, I believe I am moving in the right direction. Who knows? Maybe one day... I'll get to mastery level.

Developing as a Teacher

Last Friday, I gave a written test to my fourth period students. After the test, one of my students came up to my podium and asked to speak with me. Thinking it was something personal, the student and I went into my office for privacy. Since this is not a well behaved student, I was surprised that the student started apologizing for his bad class behavior especially during the first several weeks. He further told me that he has changed his whole outlook and attitude about the class. I questioned the student on why he had a problem with the class from the beginning. The student replied that he had heard the class was very strict and had a lot of rules. Since I do have many rules and restrictions, I asked him what had changed his mind about the class. Surprisingly, the student told me he had developed a desire to learn the course because of my ability in making the class enjoyable and interesting. The student further told me he would be taking the next two levels of the course.

Teaching Mastery

Well the title sounds good but I'm not there yet! However, I've come a long way to be sure. I have had several great moments in the last few weeks but one in particular came when another teacher commented on how well a lab activity went in my class and she wanted to know my secret. This particular lab can be quite confusing and the students must follow instructions very closely or the entire activity will not work. An added element is that students are getting to wear gloves, goggles,and masks for the first time - exciting! I was glad to share with her how I gave very specific instructions to my students and did not continue until they could relay to me what their task was. I was also very deliberate in how I asked students to participate and move to stations during the lab. All went very well, the students had a great time, I closed the lesson with a fun review and the bell rang. The teacher said to me, "when I do this lab it only takes about 20 minutes of class time." Thank you NTI for helping me with lesson planning, time management and classroom rules.

Progressing

Although I am not a classroom teacher at present time, I am teaching in my current job as well as in my church youth ministry. I can't believe how much NTI has helped me in these areas. As we all have heard many of the nursing positions are being deleted in Cobb County. A friend of mine has an interview today for a FT teaching position at Chattahoochee Tech in their nursing program. I was able to help her implement some instructional strategies into her teaching interview. She has not taught previously and so came to me for advice. We started with her objectives, developed a capitvating set induction, and put together a great 10 minute demo. I would hire her. I felt very comfortable giving her tips (so to speak) about how to present herself to her audience as well as what they may be looking for in a teacher.

I will be taking 40+ middle schoolers on a retreat next week. I have 2 90 minute sessions to teach. Knowing what I have learned in NTI has helped me teach my team how to set up their sessions. I am much more confident now and don't worry so much about the time frame. In this I mean if we go over by 10-15 minutes in 1 area I shuffle the rest of the lesson around so it fits. Dr. Burns says I have great "in-flight thinking". Maybe my years as a ER nurse helped me develop this trait.

Teaching Technique

I am seeing a huge difference in my classes. I am using most of the techniques gained through NTI. I feel that the consistancy of format has calmed the classes. The students know what to expect and appreciate that. I have mastered keeping a rythm in my classes. The rythm changes on a daily basis, some days may be at a faster pace than others. However, I believe that is what keeps the students enthusiastic.
I am now handling disruption and chaos with an ease. I realize I can not change the school's schedule of events. For example, a fire drill at the end of a class period. I can only do my best to close up the lab and proceed to designated spot. I have learned to roll with the puches a little more gracefully.
I can only hope with each passing year that I am able to master a little more. I can see a huge difference from the first semester teaching till now.

Progress and Development

There are several areas that allow me to feel that my teaching skills are progressing and developing. I have had several of my students come back after graduation to visit my class and give testimonials to my classes this school year. They have expressed how being in my class last year has had a positive effect and affect on them. On a few occasions it was almost like they are witnessing.

More recently I had one of my students from last year that is a senior and returned for my second year classes stand up in front of a group of business leaders and managers, my advisory board, and express what my class meant to him. The advisory board meeting was held in the Industry Academy classroom with twenty five participants. My advanced class, second year, welcomed the visitors and introduced themselves and spoke briefly about the class. Later in the program we had an open discussion when one of my students approached me to see if he could speak. My answer was “Certainly”, without knowing what he was about to share. He began by telling the attendees how I had brought positive changes about in his life and outlook. He went on to explain the many aspects of our program and what we covered. The discussion that followed was very productive and beneficial going through lunch and into the third block class. It was definitely a high point for me for the rest of my teaching career.

Thanks,
Ron

Progressing in Development as a Master Teacher

As the year progresses my classroom has been flowing better. The students are familiar with my routine, and rules. The lessons delivery is much better, requiring less effort. My classes are ending now without feeling drained. Lesson planning is easier also. I used to work for hours each night rethinking what was already planned. This rubric class will be my most helpful at this point. My rubrics were generic, and lacking. My students know this and sometimes take advantage. I cannot deduct points if not clearly stating my objectives, the fault is mine. However this will be corrected soon. My expectations for my classes are being met, and I have some time left for the family now. I am already looking foward to next year. My lab is all but set-up, and this summer I will be out in force straining my friendships for materials for the lab next year. Planning ahead is the key to a sucessful day in our work. I love leading up to a great lab the students will enjoy, these are very fulfilling.

Progressing in my Developpment as a Teacher

As a teacher I have noticed a difference in how effectively my class flows when my students feel comfortable with their performance. My first and third period classes are composed of upperclassmen that had me as their teacher in the past. Therefore they are familiar with rules, regulations and routines. My second period class is composed of all freshman students who are new to the field. Therefore, it takes careful planning of my lessons and a cautious approach. Unlike many of my freshman classes this particular class is different. Many of my students are in the class because they are looking for an easy A and the others are interested in the field. During a recent lesson we played a word game to prepare for a test. Most of the students were reluctant to participate because of uncertainty however; once the game continued others were more comfortable with participating. Many of my students are respectful and my classroom atmosphere is warm and inviting. In the past I was a little concerned about classroom management of the classes that had all grade levels however, I am experiencing the most joy out of those particular classes because it makes it easy to pair my experienced stylist with my beginner students. This is called buddy work and both students learn strength and weakness from one another. This also allows me as the instructor to become familiar with students strength and weaknesses.

Survey

Finally, I was able to complete the survey.

Proof of improvement or learning teaching skills

I have an overall feeling that I have improved because I feel more comfortable in the classroom in general. I have my routines down. my kids follow my routines for the most part, and I feel more at ease when dealing with a student who is not acting appropriately. I know I have alot to learn, but I feel like it is a continuous process and I learn something new every single day. One example of this learning process is allowing enough time for completion of a project, but not enough time to allow for getting off task. I wrote down notes on each project on how long each project should last realistically based on how long they lasted last semester. I have found this has really helped with my planning for this semester. I have also learned that unless it is an emergency, I don't take work home. This has helped alot with my motivation and energy levels in the classroom. I use my off time as off time and my planning and before school time as work time. I am much more efficient this way.

Survey

On my way there to complete the survey....there's nothing better than having sick kids in your classroom and then getting sick yourself over the weekend. Joy. Today's learning activity will be spraying lysol on the desks and keyboards. Have a great week everyone.

Survey

I completed the survey.

GSU email

I have been on the phone three times with the help folks. I cannot set up the inbox for some reason. I have receive emails on other Live.com emails that I set. I have an appointment with the school tech geeks Tuesday. I am real sick and tired of my work going no where and not receiving my emails in a timely manner. The only things that work is the Blog, Elluminate, and most of uLearn (not all)

Survey completion

I completed the survey some time ago!

Supervisor Evaluation

Survey is complete!

Survey

Survey completed!

Instructor Evaluation

Just finished the evaluation. Thanks. Hope all of you enjoy your springbreak.

Survey

Finally! I finally just sat down, took my time and got my campus email to work. I had 118 emails that I had to sort through! I also FINISHED the survey. Thank you for you help Dr. M.

Done... Have a great Spring Break Dr. Burns.

Survey

That was one of the most painless surveys I have ever completed...thanks Dr. Burns! I hope everyone has a good week!

Survey

Done! :) Thank you.
Thought I wasn't going to be able to! PHEW!!!
Anyone having issues with the windowslive/gsu email- Windows live support never responded, but, GSU has a Help line that links to a 24 Help. They helped me with my email in about 10 minutes! It was great.
Call 404-413-HELP They were very prompt! (The phone message says that you have to leave a message, but I got a human on the phone to help me.)

Survey

I completed this a while back. So it was already DONE!!!! Thanks.

Survey

jdurden2@live.com, I go to the web mail for students and it pops up to this address. But I didn't receive any mail from you about a survey. I don't know why there is a problem. I thought it had been fixed. Thanks, Jayna

Survey

Done! Thanks!

Supervisor Evaluation

Dr. Burns, I have yet to complete the evaluation on my supervisor. I am still having roblems with my email. I wish I had the oppurtunity to voice my opinion on the GSU email swith.

Survey

Done.

Survey

I have completed the survey. Thanks.

Survey

I have completed the evaluation. Thanks for the opportunity.

Required Survey

I would like to complete this required survey. Where do I go to find it?

Supervisor Survey

Hello Everyone. I hope this post finds you well.

I have completed the supervisor survey online and appreciate the opportunity to have my voice heard. Thanks so much!

Supervisor Survey

I completed the survey.

Supervisor Evaluation

I completed the survey for GSU. I appreciate all of the NTI supervisors and all of their input into our teaching careers. The information we have gained is valuable and the supervision has been encouraging and forthcoming. Thanks.

Survey

I finished the survey.

100 People... and the Survey Says...

Hello my esteemed blog-mates.

I wanted to take this opportunity to inform you all that I have completed the survey of my practicum observer for last semester. It was a wonderful opportunity to have my voice heard on the matter and I feel that we should all take a moment to be grateful for the guidance and direction that they offered. Amen... and may the force be with you.

Evaluation form

I completed the form at 12:00 pm today Feb. 19th.

Evaluation

I have completed the evaluation forms

Mamane Supervisor Evaluation Form

Has been completed.

Dallas, J Teacher Survey

Survey has been completed and sent.

Evaluations

I have completed and sent the survey.

Evaluations

I have completed and sent the Evaluations.

Evaluations

I did not attend NTI last semester.

Test

This is a test.

NTI Field Evaluations

Evaluations are complete.

Evaluation

The NTI evaluation has been completed and sent.

Instructor Evaluation Form

The Instructor's Evaluation form from last semester has been completed and sent.

GSU e-mail/Survey

I converted over to the new GSU mail in November and have been using the new e-mail account. Also, I have completed the survey and had to in order to view and print my grades.

Thanks,
Ron

Dallas, E-Portfolio

I am really enjoying doing this portfolio. I think it is an excellent way to gather your personal information for yourself as well as for jobs or credentials. It allows you to almost know who you are. Alot of us have recieved so many things along the way. Certificates, awards, etc. and you almost forget about some of those things. With the portfolio you can display those things and keep a good record of all those things. I am really glad to be doing this project. It surely has reminded me of all the things I've gone throught to get to this point, and you can always continue to add as you go. I do think that next year I will set this up for my students. I think it would be a wonderful project to have them do and would be a better use of our computer lab time. It will also give the students something to take home so to speak and show parents as well as applying for employment. I will continue to use this long after NTI.

Portfolio

I believe that an e-portfolio is a wonderful tool and investment. With this, anyone can access your portfolio at any time on line. This is all very new to me, but I'm trying to put all together. I'm having no trouble finding the artifacts I need, just some of the other parts add some difficulties. when it is finished, or ready for updates, it will be a great way to show my qualifications. This could also be something I could introduce to my students. I don't know how many students this would reach, but I believe it is a great way for them to show their knowledge. This could even assist them entering college. This project is a easy way to parts of you some may never see any other way.

Teaching Portfolio

I have been so excited about my teaching portfolio.  Meeting every element gives evidence of my teaching experience.  It also allows me to add to it, which adds to my professional development.  The great thing about it is that it is electronic and will be easier to manage and add/delete information.  I think the students would love this type of portfolio.  Adding technology would probably be very exciting for them.   I love knowing that I have information for all of the standards.  I find that I want to include more than one artifact.  However, I do understand that it does not take several artifacts to prove the standard has been learned and reflected in our classroom.  In fact, you can prove it with just one artifact, but I find that I want to showcase the artifacts, just because I'm excited that I have them.

The Creation of a Portfolio

Although I am already behind on the creation of my portfolio, I really am excited about doing it. I look forward to the finished product. For me, it has been difficult to keep up with the weekly work being that I have been overwhelmed with coaching basketball. I took it to work with me a while back thinking I could work on it before or after school, especially on home game nights or late practice nights, put of course the website is blocked! However, yesterday was our final basketball game of the season, so I can now breath a sigh of relief and get caught up! I have spent a lot of time thinking about my portfolio, and I am more excited about doing this assignment than any other this semester. I think that is because in the end, it will leave me with a very useful finished product. Creating this portfolio will allow me to very nicely summarize my work as a professional in a way in which I probably would have never taken the time to do otherwise. It is a very "up to date" and impressive way to advertise ones professional experiences and achievements. By compiling an e-portfolio, I am learning how to do something innovative and new that can easily be kept up to date.

Actually completing a portfolio for myself will allow me to easily transfer this assignment in to my classroom. I can more easily teach students how to create a portfolio of their own to utilize in the business world. Also, I can use my portfolio as an example when trying to give students an idea of what the finished product might look like. This assignment will give our students advancements over others in the work force as it is a tool that many are not yet utilizing. It is a tool that can be used for years to come and can easily be updated as their education and work experiences advance. I think students will actually enjoy putting together their own e-portfolio together. It will give them the opportunity to use technology, which they love, and also lets them express their experiences and marketable traits in a fun and creative way. Did I mention what an important tool and useful tool this will be in the business world???? They will be sooooo thankful to have it! This is a teaching tool that I really look forward to taking back into my classroom and sharing with my students.

Portfolio Blog

Developing this portfolio is a great idea. It allows me to exhibit work I’ve done for potential job opportunities. I also have a place where others can see my level of expertise “in action.” Addressing each of the standards, gives us an organized manner to capture and present pertinent information/aspects of teaching. This format allows us to demonstrate not only our knowledge of teaching; we demonstrate knowledge of computer applications along with artistry and creativity. My goal is to place various format exhibits in my portfolio. These will include word documents, scanned items, pictures, and video clips.

The portfolio stimulates ideas to use with my students as we complete various lessons in class. They can develop their own portfolios given certain guidelines that I provide. The skills they learn can be incorporated along with various projects they complete. Since most documents are completed electronically or can be scanned in, this would be a great ongoing project. I will need to work on the guidelines of the portfolio.

Portfolios are like work in continual progress. Whether for my self or my students, it is a task that should be continually evolving. For this class, I will incorporate those items that best represent the work I’ve done so far. But as time goes on and I improve my teaching techniques/lessons, I will also update the exhibits that I select for the portfolio.

Portfoli-oli-oli-o

Working on my portfolio and website is a wonderful way for me to organize my experience into something that future employers could use to evaluate me. By me gathering and working the artifacts into my portfolio, I am constantly evaluating where I have been and where I am going as a teacher. Already, this is starting to impact my professional growth.

As far as using portfolios with my own students, I am trying to incorporate as many elements of my college experience into my teaching as possible. One of the major projects I had was assembling a demo reel. The demo reel is a quick look at what you are capable of and it gives potential employers a good idea of the kind of worker they are considering.

Portfolio Blog

Well, I never new how to do an E-Portfolio before, or even knew anything about using google for blogs or websites. This is pretty easy. I'm sure that there are more functions available for the e-portfolio that I haven't learned yet. I am actually making more of them, and using them for my classes at school. I am making a portfolio for each of my classes. I put documents on it for students to print off at home if they are absent. Weekly lesson plans are staying more organized. It's really a lot of fun, and totally beats paper copies and filing!
I am all about trying to find an easier way to stay organized. The students liked that I could post pictures of them in the shop on it. I think if I had a portfolio for every class, teaching next year will be a lot easier. I would be able to electronically map out my year. I think that the more organized I am, the more receptive students are to doing book work. They are able to see online, that there will be "shop" days and "book" days. For some reason this is more effective if I show it to them on a computer, verses me just writing it on the board.

Portfolio

I am looking forward to putting a lot more detail into my E-Portfolio. I am thinking that it is a super resume and experience record keepsake. I never have used a computer to do anything like this to compile things. I have had to learn how to scan and import items to the file. I got really frustrated last week because the school system computer was going through an overhaul of sorts. Things were lost but I have got most of it again. I think the e-portfolio is an excellent way to keep up with your career and professional development goals. My Professional Development Plan can be a part of this portfolio. I plan on adding all of my work and education history to this file and keep it updated with my transcripts and certificates.
I am going to encourage my junior and senior students to create their own electronic portfolio. It would be excellent for their future job hunting and applications for post-secondary schools. It is so hard when students apply for their first jobs because of the lack of work experience. The portfolio could show what they have learned or been exposed to in an orderly manner.

I do have a major concern with security using this format. If I have scanned original documents to this file are they secure? If you have the answer please comment.

Portfolios

It’s very ironic that I am working on two portfolios at the same time but I am getting a great understanding of putting this information together. This is vital information that students must understand how valuable it is to retain for their careers. I think sharing this information with students will have a tremendous effect that will ultimately shape many of their lives. To accurately see this through I have given my students an opportunity to build their own video resume tape.
I have discovered this is a great way to keep students engaged and on task. This has also been a rewarding experience for me as well. Since this is only my second full year of teaching I am hoping to continue adding to my portfolio alone with assisting the future journalist of tomorrow. This is a great way to showcase the students’ work and to help them gain an advantage in their career choice. This has certainly been an exciting project for me.

Portfolios for teachers/students

I see the development of a portfolio as a double blessing. As a teacher, it is professional to prepare and develop a portfolio for an initial job and as a reference for current employment. Students and prospective teachers can prepare a portfolio to have a leg up on the job market by preparing before they are asked for resume materials. When they apply for a job, they can submit materials on the spot. The NTI has put it in my mind, the importance of preparing a portfolio. It has also been brought to my attention, as recently, former broadcasting students have approached me for copies of their dvds. They would be all set for their job opportunities, had I had them prepare their senior year. Many prospective broadcasting students could have a ready made resume through their video work. They can include printed materials, dvds, pictures and newspaper articles in their portfolios. I am unsure yet as to all the items that they should include in their portfolios. This concept is new to me and it is one that I am personally developing presently. After my semester at NTI, I will be more aware as to how to advise them on the development of their materials. As for the current group of seniors, I will progress with them in this new venture of developing materials for a professional resume via a portfolio.

EPortfolio Usage

This is awesome. I wish I had known about this when I was in Culinary School. So many times going out looking for jobs you take this big bulky portfolio of your work, some employers may even ask you to leave them so they can look through them. When you do this you take the risk of getting them back. This tool would have been so much better to send out to any of the employers to look through, that way you could send to . Better late than never so now I am going to take this tool and run with it. I plan to keep it updated with more and more artifacts. This is one tool that I am planning to use for Industry Certification this year to showcase my students work along with my contributions as a teacher. Also out seniors have t do portfolios so I am sharing this information with other teachers to do this format with our seniors. The students love the computer so I think they would really do well using this format, I am also looking to add this to my curiculum for my culinary students to showcase there work, especially the ones looking to attend culinary school. Its very user friendly and I think the students will realy enjoy using this format.

Eportfolio connects to us to so many to other things in regard to the web. This tool will be very beneficial if you are looking to change jobs/schools to showcase your abilities as an educator. I am very excited about working with this program and looking forward to working with it much more.

ePortfolio

Hey!

The online portfolio will help me in several ways.  

1.  It has showed me two new technologies that I did not know before (LiveText and creating your own website using Google.)  

2.  It is required to obtain my certification!  So, it has a huge impact on my professional career.

The portfolio is an opportunity to apply what you have learned - beyond being in the classroom.  I think it is good to show that you are a knowledgeable and capable teacher - and that you are aware of certain standards and can exceed those.  It also is great to have in the event that you wanted to change jobs.  In times as these, it is important to have an up to date resume and portfolio.  Time is of the essence for many.  Also, to relate to my students, I stress portfolio development and require my seniors to have one upon "graduation" from my class.  Each year I have been at Kell I have had at least 3 students get scholarships for their portfolios.  It is a good way to relate to my students and say "see, I have to do it too!"  This has also become a good way to share ideas or publish them for others to see.  It also allows for us to think about why we do things, how it affects students, etc through the rationale statements.

What a day.

EPortfolio

The Google sites is a great tool to use to keep all your work organized. I have found it to be easy to navigate and create a nice area to display work. Its great to have a record of all the things you have worked on or are going to do. It also seems like it will definitely benefit me in the future by allowing me to have items I have created at my finger tips. If a new opportunity presents itself I can have the potential employer look at my portfolio and resume all at the same time. Having that in itself will show the employer I have computer and technology skills that may benefit their company. It can also be used as a file of all the projects I do in class with my students to show what and how we have progressed as a class. Administrative teams would love to see that, I believe. 

My own students can benefit from portfolios by having a record of their work and how they have progressed as I stated above. In my TV Broadcast Class they leave with a video compilation of their projects. Now they can compile their video into the electronic portfolios and rubrics to show there work. They could also blog about each project. They can use this to show colleges their work. By having this tool they are more well rounded and ready for the challenges that they are about to face in college. 

  

Portfolios

Portfolios

The process seems to be conducive for thinking about my best practices and selecting artifacts that reflect a high standard of excellence. I have also found that in giving the rationale it brings into clearer focus my objectives for a particular lesson. Creating a portfolio is challenging me to look closer at what I am doing in the classroom and why. Currently I have 6 seniors in the internship program and part of the requirements of the course is to create a portfolio. My students from last year were very proud of their work and had plans to use them with potential employers’ right after graduation. These students were able to see what they had learned, their progress throughout the year, and how they could utilize what they had learned in the real world. Looking ahead to next year with a new curriculum pathway in medical services I was thinking that I might use portfolios with students selecting a particular healthcare career and having artifacts related to that career.

EPortfolio Reflection

Although I am far from being technoligically savvy (I own a blackberry but still own and use a "to do" notebook), I am very excited about using the eportfolio in class and in many areas of my professional life. I am truly greatful for all of the technology that I have been introduced to through this program. The introduction of the eportfolio has led to the introduction of an entire line of Google products that I did not know existed. What I enjoy most about this and other technologies that we learn is that I get to share them with my colleagues and students.
In addition to emailing and texting, eportfolio allows for the reduction of human error in handling paper products that could carry valuable information. This will be an added benefit for my students who find it hard to keep up with anything from their large textbooks to a jump drive; which is not necessary in this application. Just like My Space and Facebook, the eportfolio will allow you to introduce yourself to the world or to whomever you choose to invite but in a very clean, direct and professional manner. The students will be ale to adapt the portfolio to whatever discipline they choose to study further. I also believe that the eportfolio will allow those students who wouldn't normally be exposed to this type of technology an opportunity to be just as advanced as their counterparts.

EPortfolio

This assignment is a wonderful learning opportunity for both the students and teachers. The E-Port can enhance my professional career not only by introducing me to a new technological skill, but if I make it applicable to my future, I can use this to assist in transfers to other schools or promotions for other future endeavors. It serves as evidence that I am working and learning to the Georgia PSC Standards of Excellence.

Google Sites is a great learning opportunity for the students as well. Obviously you could teach them the benefits of career advancement with this resource. You can also use it to create a working site to compile certain assignments. For example, if you assign a differentiated project such as a Tic-Tac-Toe Activity where the student can select any three assignments/projects to achieve Tic-Tac-Toe, they could use Google Sites as a place to compile and showcase their finished projects. Assessments for this would be simple for the teacher to peruse each site, a benefit for the student to access it and work on it outside of the classroom, and economical because it is a paperless activity that won’t collect space in the teachers classroom.

This truly is a versatile resource with multiple opportunities for higher level learning.

Portfolio

Some of the topics of the portfolio seem more appropriate and easier for me than others. I am still having a difficult time coming up with something for this week. I have been trying to get my information together for this topic and am still not sure what direction I will go in. The end results of this portfolio will be very beneficial I am sure. It will be great to have all of this information together in case I ever need to show it to someone. It also helps to go back over old lessons and see how they will fit into this portfolio and in doing so, I have found some revisions I would like to make. Our school is having us do benchmark exams every 6 weeks and this is stressing me out to have so much to do for class and school. I am having a hard time feeling like my brain is "fresh". Thus the difficulty in coming up with the direction I need to go in. I don't want to sound so negative because I definately see the merit to the portfolio. A mental break would be wonderful right now! (note that was break, not break down :)).

Portfolio Reflection

I believe that the portfolio assignment, like the blogging assignment will give us a deeper understanding into what we are trying to accomplish. It will also give us a tool to better utilize our thought process and as review into our creative side. We can then look back, and make changes as we see fit. One thing I have come to realize is that assignments don’t always go as planned. Therefore we can make changes as needed.
In the Architecture Drawing & Design curriculum the portfolio is a vital part of our course. We utilize a portfolio assignment for our students in the area of drawings and community service accomplishments. I am looking forward to experimenting with the electronic version as to the paper format we generally use. I think the students will like more as well.

Portfolios

Here is my dilemma; I have hard time thinking in abstract. These requirements are a difficult for me to decipher. Every time I read one of the requirements, I get stuck! It is so bad that getting started seems impossible. Though, when I read everyone’s response on this blog, no one seems to have a problem but me. I’m sure that the portfolio is to help us with our professional growth, but I have to read the standard items 3 to 4 times to make sense of them. I’ve never really been asked to prove what I am doing and I assume in this case the challenge is categorizing what I do. As far as using a portfolios for my students, I have done something in the past and am doing something similar now with the creating a notebook. But Google sites provide an alternative for my students to do this electronically, this may be something I can implement in the next school year.

Portfolio

Creating the portfolio using the Google site is much less complicated than the electronic method we are required to use at my school. The method used in my school is a power point layout with hyperlinks that may or may not open the links every time. Therefore, I can truly say that I am pleased with the Google site and the ability to showcase my professional growth as an Educator and as a health care professional. It is my future plan to seek a position on the post secondary level and I do feel that the e-portfolio can serve as a valuable assessment tool for future employers.

I will also use the Google sites to assist my fourth year students to develop an electronic portfolio. The students are always excited about learning new technology and this is just the right tool to teach the importance of developing employability skills and the value of working diligently to acquire and maintain quality evidence to validate who you are and your chosen profession.

Electronic portfolios are great! I am always in favor of reducing the paper work I have to handle on a day to day basis.

Mamane on E-Portfolio

I'm very excited about the e-portfolio. Every professional should have one readily available. Since I've switched careers, it's important to develop a cache of evidence of my new work. I plan on using my portfolio to show a potential new principal my work (of course, when I tried to view one of my artifacts at school, I discovered that the county has blocked it). But I love the idea of being able to share my work with others as needed. As far as video work, I have discovered that Google sites are limited to uploading files at 10 MB per upload - a challenge in the video production world. To accomplish this, I have to downgrade to video quality so it will "fit" online.

Since I have a fourth year class this semester (which is required to have a portfolio - coinsidence - I think not!), I had each of them set up a Google site like we did in class. Some of them already have a couple of sites established on Google, so they were ahead of the game. I had them created pages for group projects, individual projects and assessments. The rubrics that I use to grade their projects will be included in that last page. Of course, their final project of the year, a 10-minute documentary, will also be included. However, that 10 MB per upload just might get in the way.

E Portfolio

I am using Live Text to create my portfolio this semester and it has been a very rewarding experience. Live Text seems to be extremely easy, probably because Jessie has done all of the work. The standards and templates are accessible and ready for editing. I know that this can only provide a positive addition to my professional growth. I plan to use the portfolio to take a look at myself in addition to the evidence it may hold for others. I also plan to become familiar with and utilize Google so that I will be able to assist my students in the future to utilize an e portfolio. Since Google is free, it will become the chosen one for my students. I stress the importance of the ability to “sell yourself”, to my students all the time. And of course, one of the ways is through a portfolio that provides evidence of their accomplishments.