PPDP

 = = = GOAL 1: = Develop a standards-aligned unit of study with rich, compelling content for future implementation in my classroom.

= GOAL 2: = Describe the overall project:
 * My professional/personal development goal encompasses applying the technology/resources presented in the Arts Educator course on a regular basis throughout more than just this unit of study. I want to incorporate videos, pod-casts, 2.0 web tools, virtual tours via the computer, & placing digital pictures of student work on the Prexie Proud Artists wiki space. These are all new technologies that I am learning to enjoy & would like the students to have the opportunity as well as myself to connect technology/ real world experiences/ and arts education; to realize the importance of valuable resources that will lend itself to life long learning.

= Evidence: = The following links are evidence of implementing the technology listed in goal 2. http://prexieproudartists.wikispaces.com/Art+Games http://prexieproudartists.wikispaces.com/Art+Media+Tutorials http://prexieproudartists.wikispaces.com/Art+Sites http://prexieproudartists.wikispaces.com/Artwork+of+Mrs.+Gilpin http://prexieproudartists.wikispaces.com/Earth+Day+Projects http://prexieproudartists.wikispaces.com/Famous+Artists http://prexieproudartists.wikispaces.com/Lesson+Plans+for+Art+Teachers http://prexieproudartists.wikispaces.com/Logo+Winners http://prexieproudartists.wikispaces.com/Student+Work http://prexieproudartists.wikispaces.com/Washington+D.C.+Trip+2008

= Effectiveness: = I have observed that the arts develop higher order (critical/creative) thinking skills, including: the ability to deal with complexity & ambiguity, the capacity for sound judgment, attention to purpose (exploring alternative goals) as much as results, and the ability to consider differing viewpoints and defer judgment. The most valuable/beneficial aspect of the arts is the education of imagination. Imagination is a powerful tool. If we imagine something, we can make it happen. Imagination is an invaluable resource for seeking – and – finding solutions to problems, as well as defining & acting on opportunities. Students, parents, board members, administrators, & myself will find this endeavor to be valuable/significant.

=Impact:= The impact of the PPDP as realized by the stakeholders found this endeavor to be of use/significant due application of technology, problem solving skills, & encouraging children to expand their inquiring skills by thinking outside the box. I want the arts to be seen as a valuable part of education & not a time to give classroom teachers a break. Reference the above links found in the evidence portion of my PPDP.

I used the following technology throughout the year: This enabled me the opportunity to link technology/art education & to see the value of resources that are an integral part of the way our society thinks & functions. I also implemented 2.0 web tools as a part of an interactive digital learning environment. In conclusion, I was able to create & implement an art wiki space for children to be a part of & interact with. Reference the above links found in the evidence portion of my PPDP.

= Plans for Continuation: = I will continue the goals of this project by further developing valuable technology skills already acquired. As a stepping-stone, this will lead to other emerging technology that will apply to other subjects & a way of seeing my surroundings in new ways. It will help me provide a way for children to apply new ideas & technology to his/her project(s). These include: videos, pod casts, 2.0 web tools, virtual tours via the computer, & placing digital pictures of student work on the Prexie Proud Artists wiki space.

= PPDP Conclusion: = My PPDP accomplishments / evidence of final project for Arts Educator 2.0 / independent study:

As a selected participant for Arts Educator 2.0, I am able to incorporate the following technologies in my lessons that will enable students to become more in depth with their project. This opportunity has allowed me to do the following:
 * Learn & create a school wiki site
 * Create individualized pages found on the Prexie Proud Artists wiki
 * Implement a widget on to my home page (connection with school locality)
 * Implement bubble share files to promote student / teacher art work to enhance art advocacy for our school district
 * Implement concepts / technology learned and researched when creating / brainstorming ideas for new lessons at all grade levels
 * Practice using the vado & introduce the vado to the 5th grade classes while explaining how valuable the vado is as a resource
 * View and edit work through use of technology and application in current / future lessons to be taught
 * Apply resources obtained through the program for all projects and grade levels

=Mentor's Role:= I worked with David Berlin & consulted with Leslie Gates as well as Jamie Kasper throughout the development of my unit and PPDP. While working with & e-mailing David, I took notes and made corrections as suggested. As I got closer to the May 7th meeting, I asked both Leslie & Jamie for feedback because I wanted to make all necessary corrections that may have been overlooked. I also sought and conferenced with my mentor at my school district. I printed out work by other educators that passed & compared them to mine to make further corrections. Although my mentor is kind, I think that the feedback from both mentors was somewhat confusing. I tried to meet the expectations for both.