Day 3

Today was a day filled with lots of possibilities for the Summer Institute.  Stephanie did an awesome demonstration this morning about how to use Storify and the ways she uses it within her class.  As she presented, I imagined this as a great way for students to write their final reflections for ENGL 1101.  They could include twitter/blog posts, videos that we watched in class, portions of papers, etc.  It was fascinating to see all the different forms of media that can be used in Storify and the stories that can be told.  After Stephanie's demo, we talked about the ways to craft a story and to look at purpose within the context of Storify.  It was really exciting to think about the multiple ways Storify could be used.    


Later on, Melissa did her demo about writing into social action.  She started with a video of some of her kids talking about social action.  It was really inspiring to hear these kids and their beliefs that they are able to make a difference in the world.  As one of the 6th graders said, ""It takes one person to change something little and more than one person to change something big." These students awareness of the collaborative nature of meaning making was overwhelming.  They understood the power of a single voice, but also the strength that was added when those voices joined together.  I loved it.  LOVED it.  


When we started out writing our own social actions pieces, I kind of struggled.  There are a lot of things that I am passionate about in terms of social issues, but it was hard for me to narrow in, pick one and really think it through.  I'm sure that would have been remedied by having some more time, and Melissa did a great job in the short time that she had.  But it did give me a peek into the different ways that students might struggle to make meaning of or delve into a specific project.  


As I think about technology, I realize even more my lack of knowledge.  Not necessarily my lack of knowledge in how to use the technology but my inability to find the technology until it is already "old".  It's something I definitely want to incorporate in my classroom frequently.  I just have to come to grips with the fact that I'm a learner too, face my anxieties, and do it.  


I'm thinking.  And thinking. And rethinking. And revising. And Re-visioning.