MAC blog wk. Reading: The art of possibility

Once again, the Zanders excell with their "practices" in the chapters that were in the reading for this week.  Using the "one buttock" technique was funny, but it had a message:  play, work or do life with full attention to the important "stuff."  The cello player that didn't get one job because he played the first way, but got a better job when he played the second way (one buttock) for more pay drove the point home.
Also, doing things that are important, in person, does make a difference.  I weigh whether to make a phone call or see a person face to face.  Sometimes, it does make a difference.
The adage, "bloom where you are planted" came to mind when Ben talked about his experiences as a young conductor.  He has made all the difference where he is placed.  On a white piece of paper, he has fit the chord of life in proper sequence.  This class has been blessed with musicians this month.  A great group of people to work with!  I have enjoyed the class.

MAC blog wk. 4 Comment to Bruce

Thomas Moore says:

May 27, 2011 at 12:46 pm

@ Bruce,

I agree that the thing that stands between me and accomplishing the ideal job, etc. is…ME! There is no “I” in TEAM, but there is ME! Selfish, jealous, and stubborn could describe me, in the past! However, working with other class members, in groups, has helped me see that no one stands alone. We need each other.
I enjoy my present job, helping other students succeed with their difficulties. We are blessed to live where we do — in America. Perfect, by no means, but free.

MAC blog wk. 4 Comment to Josh

Thomas Moore says:

May 27, 2011 at 12:37 pm

@ Josh Tolar,

With your talent, make the guitar training online, people will purchase or subscribe to it, make money, pay the house off. Then, pursue the your dreams. Do it while you are young to enjoy it! The economy sucks right now. But, things will improve. Hang in there!

MAC blog wk. 4 Comment to Debra

Thomas Moore says:

May 27, 2011 at 12:29 pm

@ Debra

As a teacher and former administrator (retired), I hear what you are saying. Research has shown that student learning is tied to teacher/student ratio. Less students, more individual time the teacher can spend with each student. This, in turn, raises the proficiency levels on Standardized tests.
Money and politics, however, enter in and not much can be done presently. Ideally, you have a great thought!

MAC blog wk. 4 #1 Ideal classroom

Thomas Moore says:

May 27, 2011 at 12:25 pm

My ideal classroom would be equipped with new MacBook Pro laptops, iPads and software loaded on them. A Smart/Whiteboard with projector would also be included in my ideal classroom.
The class room would have TI Internet connections to handle the computers (w/o crashing). Also, Teacher Tube would be accessible, along with other video sites.

Action Research Leadership/Publishing Where I would like to present my AR

Introduction
Digital storytelling is a form used with technology (software, digital images) that has engaged students in the classroom. Digital storytelling (DS) being used with middle school students may improve their attendance or stay consistent.  Attendance is a student issue that has affected many capable students.  Gilniek and Greaves  (2010) stated that technology provided for students to work and learn at their own pace helped student to accomplish more than teachers thought possible.  This type of engagement with technology will have students’ use higher thinking, problem solving and efficient writing skills.  Students who work together on long-term projects, such as digital storytelling, are less likely to be absent (Potter, 2010).  Also, the benefit of using the technology affects the students that are involved in the projects, much like researchers, developing the stories.  According to Potter, the students develop cooperation and communication skills, along with the fore mentioned critical-thinking skills and problem-solving skills.  In addition to these skills, the students are encouraged to write and to work at becoming better writers (Potter, 2010).

I desire to do a presentation to a Local Board of Administration, to show what can be done with technology.  Also:
  Local District staff training in August
Ohio Technology Conference

MAC Leadership/Publishing

Abstract
Technology, such as digital storytelling, is used with middle age students, the technology might be used to affect their attendance.  The action research was conducted with twenty-four (24) sixth grade computer lab students. Cycle I was held over two and a half weeks.  Cycle 2 ran two weeks, no schedule interruptions like Cycle I had with the weather.
The first cycle had sporadic attendance with school delays and cancellations.
The students used MS Storytelling 2 software to use 3 illustrations or pictures to help tell their story.  Students saved their DS to their virtual hard drives, allowing the tech supervisor to copy the stories to a DVD-R for the students to take home.
The learning about digital storytelling and creating stories did help maintain attendance.