Category: EDCI 336 (Page 2 of 2)

This is a category for the EdTech course. Please add this category in addition to the relevant edtech assignment category(ies).

Weekly Reflections #4

October 14, 2024 / misscarolyn14

In-Situ this week, was a great experience. Being in a K-3 school, was very exciting. Going into the Grade 3 classroom, engaging with the students to make a stop motion short film was a fun, creative process.

A stop motion film, also known as a stop frame animation. Is a technique used in film making, where items are moved in very small increments. Each movement is taken by a photograph, and then streamed together at the end, as a film. It is very time consuming, but can be very enjoyable and creative. We used the app Zingo Studio.

Using the Gibb’s Reflective Learning Cycle

Description

We brainstormed ideas, using a sheet to plan out the story, and then began filming. Then after filming, we edited and added sounds and music, which was a collaboration with the students. After it was completed, the teacher uploaded and we each got to experience each other’s storytelling through our films.

Feelings

My feelings were excitement and joy.

Evaluation

The students had some great ideas and it was fun to incorporate them into the film. Seeing them excited and wanting to engage, was joy for me. Having each student involved was important. After evaluating the class, I really enjoyed how the students worked together. Most already knew some parts of how to create a stop motion short film. I wish there had of been more time to plan before jumping into creating.

Analyzing

I realized hands-on worked well with the grade 3 students.

Conclusion

I would have a longer time, or different class, to start the planning process, and work on the handout sheet beforehand, but I felt it was a very successful class and many laughs were shared! Using the Gibbs’ Reflective Learning Cycle helped break down my thoughts on the class.

Students had fun creative ways to involve each other and their pets. Our Stop Motion Film was something I might not always remember, but I will remember working with the students, and seeing their excitement when they watched the final product.

Weekly reflection #3

October 5, 2024 / misscarolyn14

My group made a stop motion animation film today about a family of penguins. We worked together on the story and added music to make it come alive. It was a creative project that was enjoyable and made us laugh. We worked together from picking out the characters, to creating a story, to editing the final cut. It may have been short, but it brought the audience into the film for those 8 seconds. There was emotion that could be felt by the main little penguin character, and the music that shared his feelings, at the end of the film.

Stop Motion animation was something I was unfamiliar using. Watching a video on how they used Stop Motion animation for The Nightmare before Christmas and Gumby was intriguing. Stop motion can be used in many different subjects in a classroom. English, Science, Indigenous, and many others. Students can create a scene from a novel in Language Arts, or a life cycle. Working together with other classmates, builds connection and communication skills. Using an app like Zing Studio to make short films, is a fun, interactive way to learn and understand material on a deeper level.

Using technology is a challenge for me. I learned how to download our Stop Motion film from Snapchat, to my computer, then upload it to my YouTube page, that I created. It was a process, but I am proud that I figured it out. I am constantly learning new strategies and tools to use and grow.

Weekly Reflection #2

September 30, 2024 / misscarolyn14

A digital footprint on social media is the trail of data and information left behind when we interact online. Every post, comment, photo, and like contributes to our online presence, shaping how others perceive us. On the positive side, a well-managed digital footprint can enhance personal branding and professional opportunities like I had with my violin and piano studio. It showed my skills, achievements, and brought in students. A digital presence can connect people and promote community engagement through social media and online platforms. My followers might have been small, but it connected me with new families yearly. A digital footprint can also have a negative outcome that can lead to reputational damage. When posting online, one needs to be careful.

When I googled my name, I came across my Facebook, LinkedIn account, which I have not used in years, and my past Music Studio that I had over 12 years ago. I found a few different ones, but all my information for my studio was on the oldest one. There was a link to a Facebook, that was most recent, but that is closed. Carolyn’s Violin Studio. There were maps and yellow pages as well, linked to my name. I found other people with my name, and it was interesting to look at who they were. I looked at their images. So many different Carolyn McLeans.

A digital footprint can have lasting implications, influencing everything from job opportunities to personal relationships. Everything stays on the internet, it’s just a matter of where to find it. Humas are curious people and when meeting new people, usually do a search online with their name.

It’s important to be mindful of what we share, as not all content may reflect our true selves or intentions. When posting online, we need to watch what it says about who we are. Managing our privacy settings regularly, reviewing our posts, and thinking about our online interactions, can give us a positive digital identity that aligns with our real-life values and goals.

The Benefits of Listening to Music in the Classroom

September 30, 2024 / misscarolyn14

Free inquiry Post #3

In the classroom, teachers are looking for effective ways to enhance learning and engagement. A powerful and inspiring tool that often gets overlooked is music. Listening to music in the classroom can transform the learning experience, offering a range of benefits that support cognitive, emotional, and social development. It helps with all areas of a child’s development, including fine and gross motor skills, language and literacy, and
social-emotional (Childcare Education Institute, 2021).

Music playing in the background in a classroom creates a calming environment that can help students concentrate. Soft instrumental music has been shown to improve focus and reduce distractions, allowing students to immerse themselves in their work. Music also has a unique ability to elevate mood. It can engage students with learning and increase motivation. “Listening to music releases endorphins, which are the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals. This has many benefits, including calming anxiety”. (Childcare Education
Institute, 2021).

Music is a reflection of diverse cultures and histories. Introducing students to music from various genres and backgrounds can enhance cultural awareness and appreciation, fostering empathy and understanding in an increasingly globalized world. Music can serve as a useful tool for transitions between activities. A specific song can signal the end of one task and the beginning of another, helping students adjust smoothly and reducing disruptions. This can help with a routine if you have the same song each time. By incorporating music into lessons, teachers can inspire creative thinking and problem-solving,
allowing students to approach tasks from different angles. There are many apps such as GoNoodle and YouTube. Music stimulates the brain’s creative centers, encouraging students to think outside the box.

Listening to music with lyrics can help students learn languages and improve vocabulary. The benefits of listening to music in the classroom are vast and varied. It boosts concentration, fosters creativity, and emotional well-being. Music can enrich the learning environment. By incorporating music into their teaching practices, teachers can help students thrive academically
and personally.

Music takes me out of myself for a few hours and can be very healing. It has helped me to concentrate on a task longer and with more confidence. When I work on my blog posts, I have music in the background. I have tried a variety of different types, instrumental, classical, 80’s (which usually I start singing to), so I stick to different types of instrumental, depending on my mood. I have played movie soundtracks, Disney, and calming music with ocean waves. I noticed typing with music in the background, gave me more of an uplifting feeling when I came off the computer, than when I was in silence.

Embrace the power of music and watch your classroom transform!

References
Childcare Education Institute. The benefits of music in the classroom. (Dec 14, 2021). Web. The Benefits of Music in the Classroom | CCEI A StraighterLine Company (cceionline.com)

Pro Solutions Training. The benefits of music in the classroom. Web. The benefits of music
in the classroom (prosolutionstraining.com)

Weekly Reflection

September 9, 2020 / edtech

Post #1

September 17, 2024

This week, we watched the video “Most Likely to Succeed”. We had a discussion as a class bit.ly/edci336mostlikelytosucceed and reflected on our views after watching the film. High Tech High is in San Diego, California. It approaches learning from a creative collaboration with students and fostering ways to real life problem solving. While staying away from the ‘typical’ standardized testing for subjects, High Tech High let students work on project-based learning through their exhibition night where they get to show off their projects. This is a more hands on approach and team building activities, than the traditional lectures of the teacher being at the front of the room and students sitting there quietly learning.

Students on High Tech High are being taught in an environment where they can thrive. They can have their voices heard, such as Samantha directing the play for exhibition night. Students are in an inclusive class that has no set schedule or time. It is for the love of learning and the passion of the students and teachers. Students use technology and create as a learning tool.

At High Tech High, students engage in self-assessment, not only their schoolwork, but also their own personal views. This encourages growth mindset. They have a say in their own learning journey and can see where they need to improve on. Teachers allow students to think about their outcomes and experiences.

High Tech High is a different approach to education that breaks away from the traditional standardized methods. It focuses on preparing students for the modern world. It also allows teachers to teach their passions. Having engaged teachers that are excited about their subjects, also excited students.

EdTech Inquiry

September 1, 2020 / edtech

This is where Assignment 2: Educational Technology Resource Development will be presented when complete.

Mental Health and Technology

We focused on different technology opportunities to support student and teacher in the classroom. Mental Health directly affects student’s well-being, academic performance, and overall development.

Stress, anxiety, depression, and physical problems like headaches, and sleep disturbances can impair student’s ability to concentrate, retain information, and perform well in exams and assignments.

In our presentations, we spoke on:

Youth Mental Health Statistics in Canada

Why Mental Matters in the Classroom

Supporting Mental Health in the Classroom

Calm App

Finch App

Headspace

GoNoodle

Social Robots – Moxie

https://mentalhealthtechgroup.wordpress.com/

Slides

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGW2Np7I-Q/pbtqPHTcb15CNuu78aHRoA/edit?utm_content=DAGW2Np7I-Q&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

Virtual Reality for music

September 23, 2019 / edtech

Post #2

Virtual Reality and Music

Virtual reality is an upcoming tool that is used in a variety of ways including in the classroom, occupational therapy, and in seniors’ homes. It is not only limited to those places, but has also become part of learning musical concepts, such as harmony, rhythm, and learning an instrument. Virtual Reality (VR) offers an immersive experience.

Meta VR has games that work on coordination, rhythm, and team building. Beat Saber and Synth Riders are prime example of this. In Beat Saber, players use both hands to hit incoming blocks in time to music. Synth rider follows the wave of music. These games help with hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Beat Saber requires players to stay on beat as they hit the incoming blocks which helps students practice time and tempo. There is a multiplayer mode that allows students to work together or compete in challenges. This strengthens teamwork and social skills. Beat Saber provides a fun way to learn music skills that go beyond just a game. Synth Rider lets players move their bodies while dodging obstacles in a dance like experience.

Unplugged provides a unique experience for players to use hand tracking instead of controllers. This allows players to play virtual guitar working on finger positioning and rhythm to common songs. Soundstage is a VR music maker where students can interact with virtual instruments that can encourage sound design and music theory. This game can allow students to create and produce music without expensive physical equipment. This can make it more accessible for students and teachers.

I started playing Beat Saber (this is my favourite song on Beat Saber, and is me!!), every night on VR. It was a way for me to escape. The music rang through my ears, and I tuned everything else out around me. I felt focused and determined I was going to get all those blocks hit. I may have missed a few, but once I finished the song, I felt accomplished! I also noticed my anxiety was lowered, Even when I played high speed songs that were more active, I felt better coming off of VR. It was a great stress reliever that I will continue using, when I feel I need it.