GOOD GRIEF! After reading the eloquent writing by some of my peers I decided that "a picture IS worth a thousand words". I could certainly paint an "eloquent" picture or, as in the words of Georgia O'Keefe, " I found that I could say things with color and shapes that I had no words for." Sigh!

I realized after our PLC meeting today just how much impact C21 has had on our process in the Art Department. Joe and I commented today on the technology changes over the past year that have occurred in our area due to C21. We ARE making progress! Thanks to the help that Jill has offered we plan to move forward with technology in the Art Department. We're getting there - hurrah!

C21 Session 9-25-07 Reflection

I have given a lot of thought to C21, the process, the sharing and just what I have gained in the past year. Today's session was a perfect example of the importance of this process. I love the sharing (both in best practices and philosophy). It is always a pleasure to observe my peers in action. Teaching is truly an ongoing process and I continue to learn every day. I have realized at this point that now I can look at where I am today with my teaching, process what we have learned in C21 and glean what is appropriate for my students. Technology is certainly the piece that is so valuable. I know that I have a ways to go yet but......baby steps are okay as long as I'm moving forward. I can only put into practice so much with everything else we juggle during the day. I know that I was stressing out because I could not grasp and put into practice and/or take advantage of the new technology that I was learning. Overload was setting in. Okay - not to worry. Don't panic - just do a little at a time and try to keep moving forward. I want to be the best that I can be for my students. Fortunately, the "constructivist" part is no problem. That is how we teach art. Weaving in these other components is the next step that I am working on. I do appreciate all that everyone contributes towards C21. I know that I am a better teacher because of all of you. Thank you all! On to the next baby step.............

21C & PLC'S

Where are we going????? I worry about the future with all the work that has been done by 21c in all of the cohorts. I have seen so many changes and progress in the changes that we all are making in our teaching. I would hate to see this all lost. What is happening in 21C ties in with what we are doing with our PLC's and should make a difference. We CAN make a difference and we CAN impact teaching and the educational system, but it will take ALL of us making that committment. I hear (from a few) that this is just another "ITIP"! I don't believe that. The PLC approach makes sense and can make a difference in the future of education. I think what we are doing in 21C can work hand in hand with what we are developing in our PLC's. I do hope that we CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Andrew Zolli's Presentation

I enjoyed the presentation by Andrew Zolli. He certainly left me with much "food for thought".
I do worry about everything being done by computers in the future. We must not lose the creative side of our society.......actually creating with materials and "stuff". The visual arts have a major role ahead of them if we in the future must all find our "creative center". The visual arts can certainly assist in the development our creative critical thinking skills. This is what we do. However, can we do it better? Can we help others in others disciplines with our constructivist approach to teaching? I believe we in the visual arts need to look at what we do now and how we can do what we do better. Also, how can we impact the constructive approach to teaching by assisting other areas of study? This could be HUGE for our students and how we can affect teaching in the future........the on-going continuous process of learning.