I recently joined "Classroom 2.0" which seems like a good place to connect with other teachers who are also using many Web 2.0 tools. Classroom 2.0 is an educational social network that is part of the Ning networks. I'm sure I will have some updates soon regarding what I discover there...
A large portion of the work I currently do with my Studio Production students is also on an educational social network through Ning, so this seems like a good resource for me to explore. Uses of the Social Network (for my students) include: a place to post all homework and assignments, a site where students can submit all their work including video, music and photo projects, students can ask questions and add comments, they can take part in interactive discussions of relevant topics, they can access related video clips and links, important articles, blog posts and more. Most of my students seem to really appreciate this new way of enhancing classes. I will add more about postitive uses of educational social networks in the future.
Showing posts with label ning networks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ning networks. Show all posts
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Black History Month
The following post is an excerpt from my Ning educational network:
Black History Month is recognized and celebrated every year during the month of February. Why does it have to be during the shortest month of the year? (as many African American comedians and writers have pointed out). I think Black History should be part of history/cultural studies all the time, not just during February, but on the other hand it's important to recognize this time. After we get back from Feb. Break, I want to pay respect to Black History Month by watching, analyzing and discussing some important and influential films. There are many films that are often recommended for Black History Month including films such as: "The Color Purple", "Glory", "Rosewood", "To kill a mockingbird", "A soldier's story", "Ray" and "Ali"- to name just a few.
The first film I would like to show in recognition of Black History Month is "Malcom X" (1992) by Spike Lee. The criteria I used in selecting this film is based on several factors. First of all, Malcolm x was a very important and influential leader in American History and during the struggle for Civil Rights. Also, Malcolm X is a person who is often misunderstood and misrepresented in our country. Another reason I want to show this film is that is directed by Spike Lee, who is an African American filmmaker considered by many to be one of the great American Directors of our time. Spike Lee's filmography includes great films such as: "Inside Man" (2006), "Bamboozled" (2000), "Crooklyn" (1994) and "Do the right thing" (1989)- and many others. The film also features the excellent actor Denzel Washington in the title role. I plan on comparing and contrasting Spike Lee's movie with documentary news clips of the real Malcolm x and having some follow-up study questions/class discussions. I think all the video students will find the film (and related activities) interesting and thought-provoking.
Here is the trailer for the "Malcolm X" movie:
Clips from actual Malcolm X news footage:
("I am not a racist"- Malcolm X)
Black History Month is recognized and celebrated every year during the month of February. Why does it have to be during the shortest month of the year? (as many African American comedians and writers have pointed out). I think Black History should be part of history/cultural studies all the time, not just during February, but on the other hand it's important to recognize this time. After we get back from Feb. Break, I want to pay respect to Black History Month by watching, analyzing and discussing some important and influential films. There are many films that are often recommended for Black History Month including films such as: "The Color Purple", "Glory", "Rosewood", "To kill a mockingbird", "A soldier's story", "Ray" and "Ali"- to name just a few.
The first film I would like to show in recognition of Black History Month is "Malcom X" (1992) by Spike Lee. The criteria I used in selecting this film is based on several factors. First of all, Malcolm x was a very important and influential leader in American History and during the struggle for Civil Rights. Also, Malcolm X is a person who is often misunderstood and misrepresented in our country. Another reason I want to show this film is that is directed by Spike Lee, who is an African American filmmaker considered by many to be one of the great American Directors of our time. Spike Lee's filmography includes great films such as: "Inside Man" (2006), "Bamboozled" (2000), "Crooklyn" (1994) and "Do the right thing" (1989)- and many others. The film also features the excellent actor Denzel Washington in the title role. I plan on comparing and contrasting Spike Lee's movie with documentary news clips of the real Malcolm x and having some follow-up study questions/class discussions. I think all the video students will find the film (and related activities) interesting and thought-provoking.
Here is the trailer for the "Malcolm X" movie:
Clips from actual Malcolm X news footage:
("I am not a racist"- Malcolm X)
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Instructional Technology- Educational Social Networks
A lot of the Instructional Technology curriculum work that I am designing and implementing with students and teachers involves the use of educational social networks such as Ning networks. The address of the ning educational network for my video/studio production classes is: studioproduction.ning.com. This educational network is a good example of effective, creative and safe use of instructional technology. Educational networks can be a helpful way to work with students because they are an innovative way for teachers to post assignments online and for students to submit their work online. There are many other helpful aspects that can be utilized such as: the use of hyperlinks, interactive discussions and blogs and you can post videos, photos and audio clips. Educational social networks also let teachers moderate the content of the sites.
Another effective educational network at my school is: frontierregional.ning.com. This network was set up by Kevin Murphy, another teacher in our Frontier Regional Technology Dept. Kevin and I will be doing some colloborative work with instructional technology that will include the use of these networks, in addition to other resources. Right now these networks are by invitation only, to keep them safe and secure for students. Please send me an e-mail at MerrickJ@frsd.deerfield.ma.us if you are a faculty, staff or parent who wants an invitation to join these networks and see what we're working on, in terms of technology projects.
Another effective educational network at my school is: frontierregional.ning.com. This network was set up by Kevin Murphy, another teacher in our Frontier Regional Technology Dept. Kevin and I will be doing some colloborative work with instructional technology that will include the use of these networks, in addition to other resources. Right now these networks are by invitation only, to keep them safe and secure for students. Please send me an e-mail at MerrickJ@frsd.deerfield.ma.us if you are a faculty, staff or parent who wants an invitation to join these networks and see what we're working on, in terms of technology projects.
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