Linking Standards with Visual Learning...

"Content Standard 9: Students will use spatial perspective to identify and analyze the significance of physical and cultural characteristics of places and world regions."

Understanding spatial perspective can be challenging for student to understand with out visual examples. For example if students are learning about the economic and cultural influences regarding the ancient Silk Road, it might be helpful to see the map of the silk road. Perhaps students can create a concept map of the trade stops along the silk road to understand how Europeans started learning and using various types of textiles and spices. This example will cover part C of this standard "explain that regions are interconnected and may also overlap". 

Another lesson of spatial perspective and understand manufacturing and trade in a global perspective. I once did a lesson where students would have to list where the items on them were made (made in china, made in USA), then they can map items on the world map to see where diffrent types of produces are made (cell phones-japan, textile-india, etc.). 

 

Likewise,

I found the history of Universal Design in Architecture very interesting I liked the point that school are making actual buildings accessible for student but the curriculum might not be accessible for all learning styles.

UDL itself is a helpful concept to follow when trying to create units that support every student learning style. I found Chapter 3 to be very helpful in understanding the foundations of learning with images, sounds, text and so on. It is important to know how students receive various types of material, when deciding what material to use.

The most helpful section in chapter 4 for me is Rethinking our practice with UDL. The steps are clear and easy to follow. It will be a important rule of thumb to follow when I am thinking of using a form of digital media. I never want to arbitrarily use technology, I want the technology to always enhance my lesson!

What are the implications of copyright issues for educators?

At an educator to be, it important understand copyright laws regarding digital media. Regardless of the ridiculousness of some copyright laws, ad educators we are responsible for leading by example.  I found the four factors to be a excellent rule of thumb in choosing various forms of media with in my lessons. While I see how it is very easy to use a source that infringes copyright law, its important to me mindful and cautious while I research for material.

I like this example to help understand what is fair use: 
"For example, if a student wanted to include a cartoon character obtained from the Web in a multimedia presentation, each factor would be considered to determine whether fair use was applicable. In this instance, the purpose (scholarly) and effect on the market (none) would be weighed against the nature of the work (creative) and amount of use (using an image is generally considered
using the whole work)." Elizabeth Langran and Glen Bull

CT Grade 9-12 Social Studies Standard #9

Places and Regions
Content Standard 9: Students will use spatial perspective to identify and analyze the significance of physical and cultural characteristics of places and world regions.
	a.     explain and describe the natural and cultural characteristics of one place to distinguish it from another
	b.     apply the concept of region to organize the study of a complex problem
	c.     explain that regions are interconnected and may also overlap
	d.     explain why places and regions are important to human and cultural identity and stand as symbols for unifying society
	e.     analyze ways different groups in society view places and regions differently
http://www.ctcurriculum.org/list_standards.asp?taskid=&dis=SS&grade=12&disname=Social+Studies&gradename=Grades+9-12

eTips Concept Map

I enjoyed creating a concept map. In general I am a visual learner and often take note in the same style of a concept map. Its is basic concept of concept mapping is like when we created a brainstorm web. Its helpful to use "mapping" when working to develops thoughts or even to understand a challenging theory in math or science. Teachers for example can form a concept map for understanding the scientific method or the Pythagorean Theory.

Manipulated Digital Image

NYC Chinatown

Lord of the Flies

Personal Reflection on Technology (1)

In the past I have used technology with in my personal, professional and educational life. As an undergraduate, I studied how technology effects the world; comparing how different media outlets such as blogs, pod casts, and you tube clips can create another avenue for people to express their idea about any subject. As the years have gone on I created a blog discussing how fashion is related to personal identify and community. Although I lost interest writing about the subject I engaged a small group of followers. Since then I have not written my thoughts but I have followed one or two blogs casually. 

Educationally, technology has helped me complete research papers and presentations on  current subjects, where published information is rarely in print because the report is too new. While I have used various kinds of  technology I look forward to becoming more comfortable and versed in technological uses. I would like to end the class learning beyond the basic skills that I have acquired through my past professional and personal experiences.