One of the most striking revelations I had when creating the lesson plan that focused on new literacy skills for this course, is that I already incorporate many of the new literacies in my curriculum. That made me feel less apprehensive about learning about learning the new literacies. Many of my lessons start with class discussions where the students are working with an essential question, they have dialog with peers, seek information through technological resources, and use their artwork as a way to answer their essential questions/ artifact of knowledge. I utilize self and class critiques as in a safe way for my students to reflect on their experience and artistic growth. This course helped me better define and expand my knowledge of 21st century skills and new literacies, so that I can easily incorporate more of them into my classroom.
One of assignments that really stood out to me from this course, and is the one I would like to pursue as a personal professional development goal, was from the week 6 discussion where we had to research collaborative project ideas on the Internet. I found some great resources for collaborative project ideas and I am inspired to have my students participate in a global art project. After doing some research and looking at what I could fit into my curriculum, I have chosen to have my 5th grade students take part in the global project called Mysterious Munch. I will be working with the general classroom teachers to help with the writing portion of the project and the technology teacher to assist with technological aspects. I am excited to have the students share their artwork with the other classes involved with the project and to find out student reaction and feelings about collaborative projects. I am sure they are going to love it!
