Comments for WNY Education Associates

Comment on 60 Second Recap by Jenny Luca

Jenny Luca — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:51:30 +0000

I really like 60 second recap Angela, and intend to use it this year. I think they can garner the interest of students who are finding a text confusing to start with. We’re studying Romeo and Juliet next term and the students have to create a creative task that can involve media. I think we should be offering them the idea of creating their own 60 second recap and submitting it on the site. They do ask for submissions from students.

Comment on “The Best Way to Facilitate Change….. by Melissa

Melissa — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:29:52 +0000

I think this is the theme of our school year. Thanks for sharing it, and thanks to Carl Rogers for saying it so succinctly!

Comment on Aligning Writing Purposes With Powerful Tools: Digital Storytelling by Angela

Angela — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 01:44:38 +0000

You are fortunate to have such a supportive team and administrators too : )) And your kids are lucky to have you. I always leave feeling a bit more hopeful about the world when I get to see all of you.

Comment on Aligning Writing Purposes With Powerful Tools: Digital Storytelling by Kristin Smith

Kristin Smith — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 20:20:09 +0000

Interestingly, I would agree with you … though technology enhances my creativity as a writer and creator, it is not that way for all (something to remain conscientious of) ….

Story telling, no matter the medium used for delivery, is used to engage my students’ interests in a topic by enhancing the colors, sights and sounds associated with it! This may include bringing fantastic YA and children’s literature into the classroom and/or creating a digital story that speaks for itself through images and music! We (my teaching team and I) have developed performance based assessments asking students to use a tech application to demonstrate their learning – Showbiz, Glogster, Animoto, etc …. our kids have loved doing these projects. In doing so, we have found that the kids have real life experiences using these apps …

Comment on Aligning Writing Purposes With Powerful Tools: Digital Storytelling by Angela

Angela — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 02:36:00 +0000

Actually, I was referring to the kids in Studio–literally. I don’t find that they are much more tech-comfy than we are, really. Sadly, I really think that most of them are less so. I know we’re supposed to assume that all kids are “digital natives” because many people seem to be saying it, but on the ground in my reality, it just doesn’t seem to be the case. I think that given greater opportunity, it could be and for some, it absolutely is. But for the most part, it still seems to be teachers holding all the keys there. Some choose to lock up the equipment with those keys…and others choose to open up the cabinets and take out tools to assign tasks….”let’s ‘do’ digital storytelling” for instance….but the sort of shift you speak to isn’t happening, and when it does, I think the kids that I know will need plenty of time to mess around, figure things out, and make a lot of mistakes. We can learn a lot about what real learning might look like by watching them do that though : ))

Comment on Aligning Writing Purposes With Powerful Tools: Digital Storytelling by Kristin Smith

Kristin Smith — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:23:37 +0000

“I’m also hopeful that the research and discovery phase we’re currently in will empower writers in ways that transcend the application of specific tools or elements of craft”

Angela –

Interesting point about the research and discovery phase that we are in currently …. I assume that “we” includes the adults as we are digital immigrants to a land that our kids have lived in their entire lives …. watching them, I realize they are often much more comfortable with technology than adults are ….

Interesting also to wonder at what point educators as a whole will recognize the needed pedagogical shift and acknowledge that while we (adults) have content to teach, kids have digital skills for us to learn as well!

Ideas to ponder ….

Comment on Out and About by Nina Davis

Nina Davis — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:05:50 +0000

Hi Angela,
Thank you so much for the comments about my blog. I’m back at school and have 21 new Preps (4&5 Year Olds) desperate to learn. My focus for the year is ‘differentiation’. It’s something I need to improve. I can already see an amazing difference in readiness among my students. Language Experience, Play Experience with a the continued development of the Early Year’s strategies. I’m off and running this year!
Cheers Nina

Comment on Hats for Haiti by Angela

Angela — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:12:16 +0000

Now THAT is a very good question! : ))

Comment on Hats for Haiti by Mike Fisher

Mike Fisher — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 01:33:24 +0000

Does it cost more to wear a “Git ‘R’ Done” hat (that’s orange and camoflauge) just because you know your wife hates it? ‘Cause seriously–I would pay that privilege fee.

Comment on Teaching Writing by Angela

Angela — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:18:28 +0000

I agree Gabrielle, often perceptions about what is required to prepare students well for assessments force teachers to shortchange their students (and themselves!) as writers and teachers. Beginning with poetry is an interesting approach…thanks for sharing!

Nina! I have so much to share about the wonderful work you are doing with your little ones. I promise I’ll get there!