Faculty Art Exhibition

The art exhibit was interesting. However, I was expecting more art and a larger variety. Also, I would have like to known more about the artist and maybe even why the created their art. The art I chose to focus my attention on was The Wishing Tree by Jennifer Groves (2011).This art was a tree that had shed all its leaves. This reminded me of my favorite season, Fall. It was an acrylic painting. The mini field trip was nice. I would like to tour more parts of the university.

Digital Native or Digital Immigrant

Wow, our students today have never lived without the internet! Our educational system must change to teach this new generation of students. Technology has always been a part of their lives. Therefore, students today think and process information differently. I find it quite interesting that as a digital immigrant, my brain may be different from my students' brains as a result of how differently we grew up. Since digital natives were born into a digital world, they speak a digital language. As a digital immigrant, I must learn their language. Digital natives prefer graphics to learn while digital immigrants prefer slow, step by step learning. This is so true! As digital immigrant teachers we have to realize that students today learn differently and as digital immigrant educators we must learn the new and even let our students help us learn.

Semiotic Representations

Literacy has been defined as the ability to read and write but researchers have found that students today need experiences to build or connect meaning across sign systems that are called semiotic representations. As teachers, we must now consider integrating the arts, drama, and even movement into our English Language Arts instruction. However, in order for teachers to teach this way, they must first believe that sign systems are essential in developing good readers and also writers.

Infographics

The information Kathy Schrock presented in her video was new to me. It seem that infographics are becoming popular, especially with the interest today on social media, like Facebook and Twitter. Infographics, which are visual representations of information, appear to make information clearer to students that might otherwise be complicated.They seem to be great for engaging students and also require a whole new way of thinking. Infographics can be used in language arts to tell stories or help make connections. In science or social studies infographics could be used to introduce new concepts or to begin a research project. Infographics might just catch students' attention and spark interest. 

Task 1 Responding to Tragic Events / Hurricanes

There are no "right" or "wrong" ways to talk with children about any natural disasters, however, these are still important conversations to have. I really don't think you should force children to talk about such disasters as Hurricane Irene unless they are ready. All children may not want to talk. They may feel more comfortable drawing pictures. We should give children can't honest answers and information, as well as, use words they can understand. While discussing disasters, let children know they are safe at school but also let them know you can't promise that there wont be another natural disaster. The following sites I found could be the most useful ad appropriate for my grade level and would help to address teaching children about hurricanes.
 

• http://bit.ly/ooStuF
• http://bit.ly/qq9mFA