I love the middle school that I work in because we have both elective classes AND a decent advisory program.  Both give kids the opportunity to connect with adult mentors, which builds trust.  My elective kids this quarter knew nothing about podcasting.  The technology is not what scared them in the beginning… surprising me!  They were intimidated by getting behind the microphone and most of all by getting in front of a camera.  By the end of the quarter they overcame their fears and readily jumped in when I asked them what they wanted to do for the last class.

The interviews and creation of this was done in one hour – no fear.  Just an idea and confidence to follow through… now that’s why I love being a teacher!

The product…

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Our school does not own any iPods.  How can this be?  I just don’t get it!  It is so easy to pick up an iPod, plug in your iSpeak and then take voice memos of authentic learning experiences.  When I was walking out the door for an art field trip to the Shanghai Art Museum, I snuck my hubby’s iPod out of his school bag.  It was a present that the girls and I gave to him so I should be able to “borrow” it when I see fit, right?

The Biennale Exhibit at the Shanghai Art Museum was a perfect opportunity to record some of the teachers and kids talk about their impressions of the art at hand.  I was amazed about how seriously some of the kids took their role when I was interviewing them.  Some of the kids were very art centered while some of them struggled with the exhibits meanings, but one thing is for sure.  Once the iPod came out, everybody pushed their conversations up a notch.  The kids sought out information about each exhibit and started conversations about what various exhibits were trying to portray.  

Listen in on some of the conversations! Thank you to our fabulous art department teachers of Sepi Johnson, Jason Maddock and Kristi Thornbury. It was a great day and the teachers and students are eager to share some of their experiences with you!

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