Wiki Fun~

Have a look at the early stages of my Physical Education Wiki~

http://roxannezoom.wikispaces.com/

Wiki and Physical Education

Here Wiki Wiki Wiki~

As I am creating my new wiki, I am assured by Todd that this is the first. It’s a practice and definitely not my end all of wikis. Thank goodness. It is like learning a new language. I find myself hunting and pecking, losing my info, un-saving what I was working on, typical challenges of the tech world, eh. However, I did create a wiki, in minutes. And it really was user friendly.

My intentions are to use this as a showcase for exercise videos. As a place to share new steps, and choreographies, and see how other classes are interpreting the same music we are using.

Yet, I feel I must broaden my expectations a bit, and expand my ideas regarding this general use of my multi-paged wiki. So if I were to think outside of my own box for a moment, I might say that we can create other pages based on the benefits of physical exercise. To include pages reflecting different types of exercise that give examples of a full range of fitness options. Also to list benefits, and perhaps contraindications of exercise, healthy recipe ideas, numerous charts stating the proper heart rate range, healthy weight levels, effects of exercise for different age groups.

Now that I am really brainstorming with myself, I see lots of potential for the use of not only an exercise specific wiki, but a full physical education wiki. We see this information in magazines all the time, but to bring the students into a co-creative role in this could be that extra momentum they need to increase the levels of fitness into their individual lifestyles.

I could create a student page as an exercise journal, where they list fitness goals, and what they are doing each week to take them closer these goals. Also, welcome their input on extracurricular fitness ideas and have them share what they are doing in our community incorporating a healthy lifestyle.

I see how the wiki would evolve and grow outside of the classroom experience and create an engaging aspect that continues long after the class is over.

Instructional Design

Looking at the Behavioral and Constructivist Approach towards Instructional Design

The Behavioral approach involves conditioning and stimulating a natural reflex as in the classic observation of Pavlov’s dogs that salivated when they would smell, and even see food.  People are biologically inclined to respond to repeated positive and negative reinforcement techniques.   This could be very beneficial when attempting to mold children into a specific way of thinking and acting in the class.

The instructor gives very black and white information usually in front of the room, and expects the student to listen, remember, and reiterate this said information, which can be observed and assessed individually through tests.

The Constructivist approach encourages the students to take an active role in their education.  Literally constructing & collaborating to create a unique learning environment that involves assimilation of the material at a deeper, more memorable level.

The Constructivist approach is similar to the Behavioral approach, quite broadly, by way of a classroom; that they are both usually taking place in a classroom setting.

These models differ from one another due to the Constructivist focus being more on process and interaction, and less on what is specifically to be accomplished as a result of the lesson as in Behavioral.

As I am in the design phase of a new class format, I will be implementing more of the Constructivist approach.  My intention is to start a new children’s movement class.  This will be for elementary aged children, in a community setting.  I plan on bringing in more of their pop culture music, and welcoming their teaching me and their peer’s new steps, and encouraging them to bring music and costumes from home.  Ultimately we will share excitement and encouragement on a blog so we can engage the rest of the family and friends outside of the classroom.

It is my hope that by allowing them to explore the learning environment in concert with others and construct meaning from their learning experiences, we can collaborate and create a win-win environment that will carry over as an increased level of fitness in every aspect of their lives.

Getting It~

Getting It~

Will Richardson “Get’s it.” He is passionate about it. He shares it. He believes it. He lives it. He is indeed re-thinking our education process and making this knowledge available to educators around the planet. I believe that he intends, and is an advocate for, the creation of a new pedagogy. I am thankful that he is such a forerunner and spokesperson for this.

His participation in Educon 2.2 this past January, in Philadelphia, was expected. Yet his follow through is spectacular! He is creating this collaborative project, by addressing many of the top concerns, ideas, and responses generated at this conference. He is welcoming a full participatory exchange. What a grass roots effort to initiate change!

His process began with a vote. Where are the main questions & concerns? Next, he’s proposing a full spectrum croudsourcing experience. A collaboratively written exchange in blog posts which can eventually lead to a published book on LuLu. This can, in turn, be a resource plan of action for schools as they tackle some of these “big” questions in their planning for adapting to the technology process.

This does mean that we are in the midst of new pedagogy. There may be some resistance to this, as it requires changing what’s always been done, and changing what’s already considered new. Yet we are living in exponential times. We have to change, and we can start small.

When browsing the compiled list of education blogs at Will Richardson’s www.weblogg-ed.com I am surprised at how much of this technology is already being used. What a resource. These examples show me the ease of which we can begin this process. They show me that something as simple as starting a blog, can be a doable first step in starting small.. I appreciate this because with the amount of choices and options available, all of this technology can feel a little daunting, as the classroom in this picture makes me feel.

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Here’s what Will says about this photo: I wonder how many educators look at that picture and think “OMG, puhleeeese let me teach in that classroom!” (I suspect not many.) I wonder how many of them already do teach in classrooms that look like that if we consider the technology in kids pockets (or lockers) as the access point. (I suspect, more than you think.) The problem is, and I can guarantee you this, 95% of the curriculum currently being delivered in those classrooms would waste 95% of the potential in the room that we could glean from that access.

There is tremendous potential all around us and we, as the generic educator, are still trying to wrap our brain around the concept. So that leads me to wonder about the reality of a new pedagogy. As teachers we might either say, “No way, it’s too much, I’m not using it.” Or, “hey, if I start small, collaborate with my peers; maybe I can bring this into the classroom a little easier”. And pardon me, Will, but I do prefer it to be easy(ier). In his post about the Smart Board and his response to their marketing piece and the suggestion that it’s all about being “easy”, there is something magnetic to that easy sounding tool. Life is full and busy, and teachers are people too, that smart board looked cool and easy. I don’t agree with his argument against the Smart Board. Not saying I like this board, just not agreeing with why he doesn’t like it. Because I do want my technology to be easy, at least to get me started and into the momentum of technology expansion!

And technology expansion it is. My insistence upon it being easy, has me at a Level 1 in “getting it”, as pertaining to his Nov. post, http://weblogg-ed.com/2009/what-does-getting-it-mean-anyway/ . Will is definitely at a Level 3, of “getting it”, as is George Lucas. So while I’m hanging out down here at Level 1 waiting for it to be easy and over thinking myself into stalling, they are getting things done, and are forerunners for a new pedagogy. Technology Pedagogy.

A Brief History of Pretty Much Everything.

Google Buzz hit the scene this week.
This a new technology that has taken off, and will continue to grow and evolve.

Jane Hart, an education blogger, and social learning consultant, found this youtube "flip book".

I think it shows an interesting synopsis of how quickly technology can advance and evolve.

Enjoy.

Michelle Obama says 'Let's Move' on obesity in American kids

Michelle Obama says 'Let's Move' on obesity in American kids / The Christian Science Monitor - CSMonitor.com

Great Exercise for the Arms~ click here.

Trying out my new Blog This application from google chrome~

Very cool~

My Personal Teaching Philosophy

How lucky I am to cultivate the art of teaching something that I love!

“Listen to your body.” “Work within your personal fitness levels.” “How does your body feel today?” “Keep it easy for you.” “YES! That’s great!” These are some of the cheers that my students hear repeatedly from me, along with great music & encouragement, as a call to action.
I so appreciate the variety of body types and age groups of people in my fitness classroom. The decision to take a class requires commitment and drive. The fact that they show up is the first step of the experience. The next few steps are where the fun comes in, to create an ever-changing, challenging, duplicatable, fun, & safe fitness environment that keeps them coming back.
Yoga, Zumba, and Toning classes offer individual ways to increase levels of fitness. Even though these classes are uniquely different, I format them similarly.
We begin each class with a warm-up. Sometimes I surprise them with a circle, a new song, or even lying down. As we progress into the class, I am attentive to the strengths and assists necessary for the whole. Without singling anyone out, I encourage and model correct posture and footing so that we can progress as a group. There is usually an opportunity to allow for free movement to really let the body do its own thing, and get the mind out of the way.
Music is another big part of my classroom experience. When we are engulfed in good music, a party atmosphere is created and we forget the time and any drudgery associated with exercise. This is an important aspect of keeping them engaged and excited about the next session.
All in all, I am happy to proclaim that my personal teaching philosophy involves freedom, fun, challenge, variety, friendships, laughter, fitness, and an all ‘round effective, good time, which leads us to cheer, “I feel Great!” at the close of each class.

How lucky I am!

My first blog post~

Hello~
Welcome to the world of blog~
Isn't this fun?
Let's see what comes up, and all of the amazing things that can be created!
Cheers,
Roxanne~