IEP Project

To advance myself technologically I learned how to use Stiggins. Stiggins is a computer program for weight training that allows phys ed. teachers to develop individualized weight lifting programs for every student in their class with just a few clicks. Generally this would be a very lengthy process; however, with this program I can have custom workouts for each individual student in a very short period of time.

In order to start this unit I had to first teach a lesson introducing the program to my students and explaining the maxing forms. Each student had to fill out a max out sheet before they could plug their data into the computer. The max sheet has student choose 15-17 different exercise that each target a different muscle group, allowing for a full body workout!

After my students finished maxing out we tried the program out. My students responded very well. For secondary students it was perfect. It allowed choice and freedom, both of which I find very important. Allowing students to have choice and freedom helps them develop lifelong fitness skills. At the end of the unit I asked my student what they thought about the Stiggins program. Everyone in the class enjoyed it so much, that we continued on.

This was a very valuable learning experience. I feel fortunate that Sitka High School invested in this program. Physical Training classes for years to come will benefit from this software. It is a wonderful tool that allows teachers to meet the needs of each individual student. I was really happy the program progressively got harder, many of my students noted benefits and looked forward to their next workout.

For an example I filled out a Stiggins max out sheet and put the numbers into the computer. I had to input my data to create a workout. This allowed me to learn how to use the program before doing it in class and gave me an example for my students. Check out my first 6 lesson plans!

Social Web Project

For my online community project I joined The Teachers Corner. I should have done more research before joining this community. Over all I was disappointed. This network was used mostly to ask questions and not as a place to share meaningful ideas. When I joined it looked like a valuable resource because it was described as a place to share classroom ideas and lesson plans. However, after reading the threads it seems more like a question board. I contributed on some of the threads and posted my own.

My post was an Alaskan Native Games Unit that I had taught in my Team and Individual Activities classes. I wanted to share this unit, because my students had a very positive response to it. My thread had 555 views and 0 feedback. I didn't really feel like I was part of a community. I think I would have benefited more from a community that specifically focussed on health and Physical Education.

There are some online Physical Education communities, but unfortunately many of them cost money. I have also been looking into Health communities, there seems to be a lot of options out there. It would be useful to connect with other wellness people around the world and share ideas. The online community I chose was not the right one for me, however, I do see the value in connecting with other professionals and sharing teaching ideas and strategies.

Article Assessment

1. Your Info

Your Name: Ashley Norman Email: ashleynorman3@gmail.com Date: 1/25/09

Book Title : Digital Storytelling in the Classroom Author: Jason Ohler

1. Overveiw

Both story tellers and listeners have responsibilities. An effective story teller is direct and to the point, they keep their listeners interested and engaged. Listeners are responsible for giving their attention to the speaker. A well rounded story has character development, a central challenge, and a resolution.

Using story maps in class can help students articulate the essential elements of a story. Story mapping gives students the opportunity to outline their thought to form a successful and interesting story. Stories are forgettable without a conflict or some kind of tension. People do not generally remember ordinary things. An effective story must raise a question or a problem. It must also be relatable and something the audience will understand. There are many ways to tell a story, teaching general guidelines in the classroom can help students develop effective story telling skills.

1. Bulleted Reverence Points:

-”Tellers trust that they will receive the attention of the listeners and not be distracted during their delivery. In return, listeners trust that the speaker will honor their time and attention by telling a story that is interesting and engaging and that creates and resolves a state of expectation.”

-”The central challenge that creates the story’s tension and forward momentum.”

-”The Character transformation that facilitates the response to the challenge.”

-”The response to and resolution of the challenge that resolves the tension and leads

to story closure.”

-”Having students recognize how the story core is used in various forms of media can be an effective beginning point for the study of media.”

-”By the time the story map is complete, the basic emotional flow, as well as the overarching action of the story, is complete.”

-“It’s important to note that William’s experience resonates with us because we can imagine similar situations in our own lives.”

-“don’t be afraid of students who know more than you do. In fact, deputize them and integrate their skills into your classroom.”

-“We forget lectures, but we remember stories”

1. Reflection:

I think using story mapping in the classroom could be very valuable. It is good to draw out a general outline of a story before attempting to put it in words. Within PE I do not have my students develop stories, but I do have them develop games. I think I could modify the story map to help students plan out their games more effectively. I also like the idea of having them develop digital stories. They could put together a short clip that explains the rules and purpose of their game. This project would take a lot of equipment and preparation, but I think it would be really beneficial to the students.

I agree that people remember stories better than lectures. If you can put information into a story format people are more likely to relate to it and remember it later. I have noticed that my students really pay attention to videos and pictures. I think using digital stories in the classroom is a wonderful idea.

My Digital Story: The Seven Steps to Survival

This story introduces the Seven Steps to Survival. Kimmy becomes stranded on an island in Southeast Alaska and must use the steps to stay alive. This project is designed to give students general guidelines for survival. There would need to be follow up discussions and lessons explaining the concepts described in the story for students to fully benefit. I really enjoyed making this story and I think it will keep my students engaged. There is so much more to teach on this subject, however I feel I got a lot of information covered in 4 minute and this story serves as a good introduction.

Using digital stories is a good way to save time in the classroom and incorporate different learning styles into a lesson. Part of living in Alaska is enjoying the outdoors, it is important for young people to learn skills to protect and prepare them for survival situations. It is important to give students opportunities to learn and practice skills before they are faced with a life threatening problem. I have not had my students create digital stories, but I think it would be a valuable experience. I learned a lot and had fun doing this project!

My Grading Rubric, my Digital Story Map and lastly my Digital Story: The Seven Steps to Survival.

Internet Resources

Here are three internet resource I have found useful in my field!

American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance

http://www.aahperd.org/

This internet site has information on all the current professional guidelines and standards within my field. It discusses current methods in teaching health, physical education, recreation and dance. I have used this web page for career planning and have read a lot of their publications. This is a credible resource with a lot of great information.

Google Images

http://images.google.com/imghp?hl=en&tab=wi

My students respond well to images. I have used this site a lot this year. Photography is a powerful tool, I am sure I will continue using this resource throughout my carrier.

My Pyramid

http://www.mypyramid.gov/

I have used this site to help students develop individualized nutrition pyramids. This web page is a great resource for menu planning and dietary guideline information. I found this to be a very helpful resource for teaching nutrition.

My Teaching Philosophy Movie

This was a great project!!

I learned so much from this assignment and have a wonderful keepsake from my MAT experience. I feel this movie does a great job of expressing my teaching philosophy. My students are the true stars of the show. I have been lucky to have wonderful classes full of enthusiasm and care. This project will not only help me remember my experience as a student teacher, but it will also remind me of why I became a teacher in the first place! Check out My Teaching Philosophy movie!!

Article Assessment #3

I. Your Info:

Your Name: Ashley Norman Email: ashleynorman3@gmail.com Date: 11/24/09

Article Title: Orchestrating the Media Collage Author: Jason Ohler

II. Overview of article:

Literacy is a complex term that is constantly evolving. The use of technology demands new forms of literacy.

Todays students are faced with massive amounts of media. Advents such as the Internet have not only allowed students to consume all kinds of new media, but create it as well. Educators must be aware of technology and help to give students the tools they need to be literate in the digital world.

Writing media can help students reflect on the media they have been exposed to. This article discusses eight guidelines to help teachers promote skills associated with digital literacy. Teachers should use a wide range of new media to enhance digital literacy. Students should be writhing, making art, working independently and collaborating to become digitally fluent.

III. Bulleted Reference Points:

• The digital society values individuals that actively create rather then passively consume new media.
• Media literacy is the ability to recognize, evaluate and apply the use of media persuasion.
• The eight Guidelines for Teachers include: shifting from text centrism to media collage; valuing writing and reading now more than ever; Adopting art as the next R; blending traditional and emerging literacy; harnessing report and story; practicing private and participatory social literacy; developing literacy with digital tools and about digital tools and pursuing fluency.
• In this era we need to look beyond general literacy to fluency
• “Fluency is the ability to practice literacy at the advanced levels required for sophisticated communication within social and workplace environments.”
• Some teachers are so overwhelmed by digital tools that they have been prompted to leave the profession.
• Teachers need to teach their students how to be digitally literate in order for students to succeed in todays society.
• “focus on expression fist and technology second- and everting will fall into place."

IV. Reflection and significance to you:

I liked how this article broke down the idea of literacy and gave practical suggestions for teaching literacy in todays classrooms.

Technology has changed the way people learn and how they take in information. As educators we must be aware of this and teach our students how to become literate in the digital world. If we do not give students technology skills they may not succeed in the future.

In a place like Alaska technology is often undervalued. However, many jobs even in a rugged place like Alaska require the use of technology. Take fishing for example, technology has drastically changed the way we fish. There are depth sounders, sonars, GPSs, radar, computers, radios and all kinds of gadgets that help us catch fish.

I would like to try blogging with my students or making a class web page. The internet is such a powerful tool and can help me communicate with students. The internet is also a great resource. There is so much information online that I plan on sharing with my students. I strongly agree that in todays society students must become digitally literate to fully succeed.