I began to prepare for my final project for OLTD 505 and at the same time I was offered an interview for my dream job: K-2 curriculum integration teacher for NIDES' fine arts eCademy. The skills I have developed through the first part of the OLTD program made me an excellent candidate for the position. I decided to combine my interview preparation and final project with a summary of my skills, attitudes and experiences of blended, open and personalized learning. My first idea was to create a remix of resources, quotes and ideas that resonate with me as a teacher and learner. My idea became too big too fast and because I only had one weekend to accomplish the task decided to save my foray into the world of remixing for the summer. I don't know how to remix music and it is my goal to learn to do so.
One key piece of OLTD 505 is to contribute to the learning of others. As I reflect on my contributions to the learning of others, I would liked to have done more. While I shared many resources and suggested an "open creative challenge" I did not engage openly in meaningful conversations about my learning or the learning of others in my cohort. Frankly, the last 6 weeks have been intense: massive amounts of interesting and engaging reading about openness in education, job applications and an interview (update: I got the job!), year end report cards, putting my house on the market, wrapping up my year teaching kindergarten and single parenting an lovely and oh-so-lovable 8 year old. What I let slip was deep engagement with my OLTD colleagues.
I decided that for my final project I would create a resource I could share with the interview panel for my dream job as well as a resource that would contribute to the learning of my colleagues. Along my OLTD 505 learning journey I discovered learni.st, a tool similar to pinterest but dedicated to teaching and learning. I love learni.st's layout, the way ideas and resources are presented and the ability to develop lessons or learning to share with others. One of the things I have lacked in my learning is a consistent place to house resources and ideas. With learni.st I have found my solution. I intend to continue to add to these boards and create new ones as I learn more.
I created ten boards that summarize my dedication to and understanding of openness in education and reflect my 21st century approach to teaching and learning:
One key piece of OLTD 505 is to contribute to the learning of others. As I reflect on my contributions to the learning of others, I would liked to have done more. While I shared many resources and suggested an "open creative challenge" I did not engage openly in meaningful conversations about my learning or the learning of others in my cohort. Frankly, the last 6 weeks have been intense: massive amounts of interesting and engaging reading about openness in education, job applications and an interview (update: I got the job!), year end report cards, putting my house on the market, wrapping up my year teaching kindergarten and single parenting an lovely and oh-so-lovable 8 year old. What I let slip was deep engagement with my OLTD colleagues.
I decided that for my final project I would create a resource I could share with the interview panel for my dream job as well as a resource that would contribute to the learning of my colleagues. Along my OLTD 505 learning journey I discovered learni.st, a tool similar to pinterest but dedicated to teaching and learning. I love learni.st's layout, the way ideas and resources are presented and the ability to develop lessons or learning to share with others. One of the things I have lacked in my learning is a consistent place to house resources and ideas. With learni.st I have found my solution. I intend to continue to add to these boards and create new ones as I learn more.
I created ten boards that summarize my dedication to and understanding of openness in education and reflect my 21st century approach to teaching and learning:
- Ed Tech Blogs Worth Following: This is where I link to my favourite blogs dedicated to educational technology and open learning.
- K-12 Open Educational Resources: This board is a place to share links to my favourite and most useful K-12 OERs.
- Inquiry- and Project-Based Learning Resources: Here I share links to inquiry- and project-based learning resources. These can be online and print-based.
- Online Assessment for Learning Tools: A collection of online assessment for learning tools.
- Digital Storytelling Tools: Thomas King says: "The truth about stories is that that's all we are." Let them tell their stories! This board is a growing collection of online storytelling tools for K-12 students
- My Favourite Stories: This is a space to share my favourite stories for children (and adults!) of any age
- Teaching and Learning Through Fine Arts: A collection of online and print-based resources to support teaching and learning through fine arts
- Tools to Make Learning Visible and Connected: One of the most striking things I've learned through OLTD is the importance of taking learning out of the closet and opening it to the world. Here is a connection of resources to help teachers and learners do so.
- My Favourite Quotes on Education: I love quotes and how their ability to epitomize an idea. This is a collection of some of my favourites. All photos on this board were taken by me.
- On Remixing: Remixing, the theory behind remixing and what it means culturally, artistically and politically has ignited the most curiosity for me over the course of OLTD505. I'm inspired and intrigued by the idea that everything comes from something and will continue to explore this idea as I learn more about remixing and experiment with the tools with which to do so.
In some ways I surprised myself by choosing such a practical way to summarize my learning from OLTD 505. This collection of tools is useful to me and I hope it is useful to others. Developing this evolving collection makes me feel part of a connection of educators interested in openness in education and 21st century teaching and learning practices. My artistic, creative side, however is hungry and as I wrap this learni.st project up I'm starting a collage that represents my experience with and understanding of openness in education.
***Stay tuned...something more reflective of me will be in this space shortly.