629 Week #1 - Reflection

​I have developed to incorporate 1) student constructivist engagement with content first be becoming aware of constructivist theory in general, but also by trusting my instinct to give students as many choices and options in lessons and units as I possibly can.  I remember when I was a student in 7-12 and I always engaged so much more authentically when I was able to make choices and I want my students to engage as much as possible.  That’s also why I’m so liberal on late submissions – my priority is for them to do the work, not to get wrapped in deadlines etc.  Of course, I understand that learning to work with parameters such as deadlines is important, it’s not as important, at this stage of their lives, as grasping and mastering content.  I’ve also developed to incorporate 2) student constructivist engagement with peers through experimentation with peer critiquing and collaboration.  The latter of those is a huge part of who I am anyway because I’m in dramatic arts field and as a director I’ve learned that collaboration is everything!  As for peer critiquing I was a bit nervous at first, but I learned that with a provided framework and modeling, it’s a very powerful and very effective tool!  Developing to improve student engagement (overall) with the electronically mediated environment by slowly embracing and incorporating technology in my practice is perhaps the most notable benefit I’ve gained from this program and from being forced in virtual learning.  I’m still no expert and I’m still learning new things, but with each passing day I’m feeling more and more competent and willing to try new technology with my students.  I’ve already begun to use Canvas to host a threaded conversation with my Drama 2 kiddypoos.  I’m only using it, so far, for that purpose but again, as I continue to use it I’ll continue to grow comfortable with it and will use it more.  I’m excited and grateful that this program is affording me the opportunity to grow in this way and expand the opportunities and learning I can offer my students.  Finally, I see myself in the second of Cuban’s scenarios, the “preservationist” scenario both before this program and now.  I really don’t see that changing because it’s the one that is open to any and all tools available being utilized.  Hillary Clinton said about raising children that “it takes a village”, well for best practice teaching and learning it takes variety of tools and I’ll not ever stray from that.