the cupcake catalyst
TRANSCRIPT
The Cupcake Catalyst
Professional Development Website CreationVia Project Based Learningat The University of Texas Arlington
On the menu
• Examine a methodology for pushing students' learning outside the classroom • Identify 21st century skills used within the project • Generate scenarios for interdisciplinary
collaboration • Investigate trends in online Educational Profession
Development • Establish the importance of creating Professional
Learning Networks
Solve a problem
• Outdated text book• Course offered every third semester constituted time
intensive reboot• Course needed a 21st Century update
COMS 4321 Readers TheatreReaders interpret various kinds of literature for an audience using group dynamics. Analysis and criticism of literature are stressed
Resources available
• Enrolled students had prior knowledge of content• Enrolled students are digital natives• Support from Department Chair
What to do….
What is this exactly?Who is using this method?Where is it being used?Why is being used?How is it being used?
And most importantly –
How can my students bring their expertise to these questions?
Inspiration
“
”
Let’s stop wasting teachers’ time and money. Let’s start empowering them to find the knowledge they need and create effective learning communities with other educators that does not require large budgets or days spent out of the classroom."
Dr. April SandersSpring Hill College, Mobile, AL
So, what are you in the mood for…?
How to please the "Foodies"
How Teachers are learning
Nutritional Value
Student Objectives• Build an online open
source PDW• Make connections with
peers & experts• Discover value through
use of these tools• Transfer this learning
to professional practice
User Benefits• Unlimited access to
information• Integration of video into
the learning process• TEACHER CHOICE• Informal learning• Connecting teachers
strategically, with a plan
Savor the flavor
Don't try to reinvent the wheelWeebly Follow a good exampleConnect 2 LearnEncourage student creativityThe RT Room
Ingredients
Digital Tools
Students were encouraged to use digital tools that they were familiar with and to incorporate in new and creative ways.
Tellagami (Kinder/1st)
Slideshow (2nd/3rd)
Podcasting (4th – 6th)
ESLCross CircularlyUniversity levelRegional and Professional Theatres
RT was being used in all sorts of places…
Spice it up with optional “add ins”
Communication StudiesSenior LevelReader’s Theatre
Theatre StudiesSenior LevelActing Styles
Pre-Service TeachersJunior LevelFoundations of Reading Instruction
Theatre Studies (most notable Bio Ethics and Outreach)
Instructional Technology
Go Bird, Go!AN INVENTIVE APPROACH, utilizing information seeking
strategies, FOR BUILDING A BUZZ AROUND CLASSROOM or individual PROJECTS, portfolios and/or designs USING
TWITTER.
Top with a few sprinkles…
Launch Event in the CUBE
And serve!
Professional Learning Community Mini Conference CONNECTIONS. It’s your opportunity to connect with innovative ideas and colleagues across campus in an informal but informative atmosphere. PLC members will be discussing their projects and experiences in lightning rounds with small groups of participants with the opportunity for Q&A.
Resources
• Weebly• Tellagami • Youtube• Smore• Twitter• Pintrest• Docstoc• Scribd• Audacity• Google Docs
Bios
Dennis Maher, [email protected] Mason, BFA, [email protected]@MelMasonUTAwww.melaniemason.net