Using Fiber Art to create a Makerspace
This year, students expressed interest in learning to crochet, knit, and sew during class. We begin our project in hopes of making great art pieces that support student problem solving and critical thinking. The unit overview can be located here. As the unit progresses we hope to begin reading diagrams and expanding our knowledge of how fiber arts contribute to contempary fiber art by studying works by Faith Ringgold and Carmen Lomas Garza. |
Katy Stone Artwork Proposal Image, courtesy of the artist.
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Building a Global Professional Learning Network:
Getting "Techie" with Twitter!
Having used a Professional Learning Network (PLN) for the last year has transformed my thinking about the use of social media and technology in my classroom. The diversity of thinking about content, presentation, and engagement has challenged my beliefs and paradigms about what it means to education in the future. My PLN is highly focused on content but working with like minded educators from around the world has really opened doors for my students who might otherwise not have the opportunity to meet and work with students from across the country and the world!
The power of this opportunity has also helped me become more engaged with opening my classroom door and creating sort of a grassroots discussion about the power and pitfalls of social media for a diverse group of learners. The PLN has also helped me redefine my social justice goals and engage in my local community by volunteering and supporting causes I strongly believe will impact education for years to come. In the future, I hope to help students become more connected to the issues and ideas they value using technology. My students have really responded to the activities and technology based outcomes that I use in conjunction with more traditional methods. My overall goals in the future are to promote greater use of Art in the English/Language Arts curriculum and to redefine how social media can enhance learning across a variety of subject areas.
The power of this opportunity has also helped me become more engaged with opening my classroom door and creating sort of a grassroots discussion about the power and pitfalls of social media for a diverse group of learners. The PLN has also helped me redefine my social justice goals and engage in my local community by volunteering and supporting causes I strongly believe will impact education for years to come. In the future, I hope to help students become more connected to the issues and ideas they value using technology. My students have really responded to the activities and technology based outcomes that I use in conjunction with more traditional methods. My overall goals in the future are to promote greater use of Art in the English/Language Arts curriculum and to redefine how social media can enhance learning across a variety of subject areas.
Using Twitter to Build a Professional Learning Network
Twitter is an excellent way to build a Professional Learning Network because it allows you to expand your geographic location without ever having to leave your classroom. Twitter also allows for concise consumption of information for those who might like to interact without having to read longer post. It was the concise nature of Twitter that drew me in and has allowed me to begin building a network based on following YA authors, noted researchers, and other teachers who want to share great ideas or lessons they are using in their classrooms. For those looking to get started, my fellow classmates and I have build a training guide to help you get started with Twitter and build your network.
For the interactive document, click on the link below:
bit.ly/2jL47C4