I’ve created this website as a way to document my experiences this summer, share what I’ve learned, what I've made, gather new ideas, make connections to Common Core Learning Standards and Connected Learning principles, plan lessons and share them with colleagues and/or anyone who might find it useful or interesting in some way.
You can also read more about our work this summer by visiting Hive NYC's Blog
More pictures of our work can be viewed on Hive's Maker Party Flickr site
Through the generous support from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the National Summer Learning Association, this summer I was offered an incredible opportunity to work as an NSLA 2013 Summer Pathways for Innovation Teaching Fellow working directly with the Mozilla Hive NYC Learning Network. During my fellowship I participated as part of Hive NYC's Maker-Fellow Street Team. I worked alongside a very talented and knowledgeable team of three MakerCorps members (recent college/masters graduates with backgrounds in computer science, architecture, design and engineering) and two other NSLA Teaching Fellows (NYC DOE Middle School Teachers). Together we planned and curated reverse field trips (Mini Maker Parties) for Summer Quest sites in the Bronx.
Through my participation I learned about the Mozilla Maker Party global campaign and participated in a wider variety of public events around the city. This unique opportunity allowed me to truly explore the teaching of hands-on learning activities focused on learning through making and doing, while also helping to build children's digital and web literacy. I also came to better understand the Connected Learning educational approach and see its true benefits in action. I was able to gather great ideas for hands-on learning and felt I had the support to envision and develop my own curriculum in order to incorporate digital media resources and STEAM activities aligned with Connected Learning strategies and NY State Common Core Learning Standards.
Coming into the this fellowship I was not sure what to expect and I was unsure of how or what I could contribute to the team. I had other work commitments and was unable to attend all meetings and events which often left me a bit out of the loop. Still, after participating in just one event I was so impressed by how the hands-on making activities really engaged all of the kids that I was sure this would be a wonderful learning opportunity for me. The activities not only allowed students to explore and make, but also gave them the chance to explore rigorous topics such as electrical circuits and then reflect on their making process through the use of free web tools. Now, how cool is that? I’m definitely planning to bring this back to my classroom.
As the summer progressed, I often found myself taking on the role of observer, rather than of planner or maker. Surprisingly, this worked out very well for me. I really enjoyed being on the other end, this time as more of a student rather than a teacher. I learned so much from my talented team! All of their innovative ideas and creations have really inspired me to learn to use new tools and to continue seeking innovative ways to incorporate them into my elementary classroom.
This summer I created some really cool websites and videos using the Webmaker tools Thimble and Popcorn. I also learned how to construct electrical circuits (something I knew nothing about). I even learned how to build truss bridges out of popsicle sticks! These experiences have inspired to work with my students to make our own map of the Bronx complete with buildings and bridges of the Bronx that light up! The map with buildings and bridges was something I had previously envisioned but never would I have thought of adding electrical circuits to light it up. Even if I had thought of it, I would have never known where to even begin to make that happen. Now I can't wait to see the expressions on my students faces when I teach them how to light up their own creations using LEDs and electrical circuits. I also can't wait for them to create videos and websites to share their work and reflect on their experiences. Most importantly, I'm really looking forward to the possibilities for learning and growing that connected learning will bring to my students. I am really excited about all that I've learned this summer and I can't wait for the school year to begin!
I really hope to apply this educational approach into my own teaching during the coming school year.
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