Twitter Account: @arts_doyle

Thought I would share my Twitter Account (which I am very new at). My granddaughter tells me I should really nix the Twitter and move to Instagram!

Looking Forward to Art Night -- Having Some Fun and Putting Some Light into The Subject

I have truly enjoyed this PIDP 3250 course and to do this I have put aside time spent with my favourite people learning how to express ourselves using acrylic paints.

When we are doing this it is so quiet .... because we get into the "Flow".

Here is an example of what the type of learning we are going to be doing over the summer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ik2gwIAgS1U

A Minor Venture Outside of My Comfort Zone - Any Ditty will Do!

http://my.brainshark.com/Podcast-100012062

Podcast: A Minor Ditty

The Heart of Teaching

https://youtu.be/lm0zS0kxo-I

Classroom Management 102 ~ Follow Policy, Process, and Legislation

For my second post on "Classroom Management" I researched on the Vancouver Community College (VCC) website for policy and process on expectations for instructors and students when it comes to trouble in the classroom and campus. Putting myself into the role of an instructor and asking the question: "If I was an Instructor that worked for VCC what would the right way look like"?

Should the mood of one, or many, of the students shift to the negative within the classroom or campus grounds, the first rule of thumb is to ensure my self-awareness and emotional intelligence are in place before responding. That definitely, does not mean I can ignore the behaviour as that would constitute condoning of such behaviour.

I must remember that while performing my work it is not my prerogative to respond in my own personal way. Instead, respond as an instructor employed by Vancouver Community College (VCC)  I would be expected to behave in a professional manner that reflects the highest standard of conduct in accordance with the VCC Code of Ethics.

I would be expected to demonstrate kindness and consideration in my treatment of students, colleagues, and members of the greater society. Be fair and respectful. Have an open mind and be tolerant to view points of others; not insist that mine are the only ones that are right. Above all build an environment where students feel trust and cooperation.

At the beginning of each course I would communicate the expectations on attendance, provide program content guides, and how grades will be awarded. Students are expected to educate themselves on all pertinent VCC policies, process and expectations.

If a student is behaving in a disrupt-full manner my first action would be to connect with the student to try to understand what the issue is and if appropriate refer them to meet with a VCC Councillor or other resources appropriate/relevant to the situation. Consider that all behaviour is driven by a reason. As an instructor I must address issues as they arise using best practices, internal policies, process and external legislation.

During the course or on campus if a student i.e. mistreats VCC property or equipment, cheats, smokes, drinks alcohol, eats or behaves in a disrespectful or violent way there are specific steps that I would follow. Knowing that I, as a employee, am expected to maintain professionalism and respect for others and follow policy and procedures of VCC, local, provincial, and federal legislation.

Under the laws of British Columbia 00_96052_01#section 37 the President of the VCC institution has the right to suspend and deal with a matter of student discipline. If suspended the President is required to report to the Board immediately. The President also has the right to suspend staff for just cause. All according to VCC policies, process, and other applicable legislation. Both students and employees have a right to an appeal.

Students appealing a suspension by the President must follow process under the Student Appeals to the College Board Policy (A.1.2) and be submitted within ten business days of the date of the President's notification of suspension from the College (related policy D.4.5)

To this I say, "That my dear is the way the Cookie Crumbles"!

References:

http://www.vcc.ca/deptUploads/policies/codeOfEthics.pdf

http://www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bclaws_new/document/ID/freeside/00_96052_01#section37

http://www.vcc.ca/media/vancouver-community-college/content-assets/documents/policies/appropriate-use-educational-informaton-technology-plain-language-policy-b-05-02-plain.pdf

http://www.vcc.ca/media/vancouver-community-college/content-assets/documents/policies/course-program-grading-policy-c-01-01.pdf

http://www.vcc.ca/media/vancouver-community-college/content-assets/documents/programs/provincial-instructor-participant-handbook.pdf

http://www.vcc.ca/media/vancouver-community-college/content-assets/documents/policies/student-code-of-conduct-d-04-03-policy.pd

http://www.vcc.ca/media/vancouver-community-college/content-assets/documents/policies/student-code-of-conduct-d-04-03-appendix-b.pdf

http://www.vcc.ca/media/vancouver-community-college/content-assets/documents/policies/student-required-withdraw-policy-d-04-04.pdf

Title: Student Required to Withdraw Policy Effective Date: September 8, 1998 Policy Category: Education Support Number: D.4.4

http://www.vcc.ca/media/vancouver-community-college/content-assets/documents/governance/board-of-governors/student-educational-conduct-procedures-d-04-05.pdf

Classroom Management 101 ~ Before I Can Manage a Classroom I Must be Able to Manage Myself

Classroom management was a recent topics for the PIDP 3250 Forum Discussions and facilitated by Henry Stavast. This forum got our group researching, sharing, and having provocative conversations.

After, much reflection the golden nugget of truth, for me, is: "Before I can manage a classroom I must be able to manage myself".

Everyone's journey as a person and an instructor is different. Some are fresh and new to the role others matured while dedicating years of their lives to the profession. Regardless, of the time we put in what is clear is that "wherever we go -- we find ourselves there" we are responsible for our own behaviour and how we treat ourselves and others.

Just being told we need to manage ourselves does not mean we have any clue on how to do this. So, I am going to share some resources that can help you do something, I call a "personal excavation". I have found that this helped me build self-awareness, self-esteem and emotional intelligence. Suited me up to enjoy the ride on the heaves and rolls of life -- while maintaining composure, respect for myself and others.

Here are three resources I used, over the years, for my personal excavation:

• Read and completed homework: "The Six Pillars of Self Esteem" written by Nathaniel Branden
• Read and completed homework: "The Artists Way" written by Julia Cameron
• Read weekly: "7 Spiritual Laws of Success" written by Deepak Chopra

References:

How to Build Self Esteem - The Six Pillars of Self Esteem, Nathaniel Branden
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhuabY4DmEo

http://www.artistsway.com/aw.html Julia Cameron

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wksY03rsi_Y
"7 Spiritual Laws of Success - Deepak Chopra

PIDP 3250 Course is a Great Example of Using Instructional Strategies

As I work away at the long list of PIDP 3250 Forum Discussion topics I am to reflect on in my blog. I am amazed to discover how many of the instructional strategies we are learning about are built into the course curriculum. Here are two I want to discuss:

Group Work:

It can be exciting and challenging to work with a group on a project. Excitement comes from the blending of different ideas and styles to create something greater than what could be achieved by one. Challenges come with the presentation of the different personalities and characteristics of each member. How do they handle aspects of control (taking and sharing), what are their work habits, do they get along with others? Who works well under pressure, who prefers to plan ahead to avoid pitfalls, who attempts to take all the credit -- who shares it. What are the differing values of each member -- and how will it all play out?

If the project is not set up to consider and manage these aspects then negative results will occur and fall on the reputation of each member. This can have a lasting impact on the co-workers going forward.

This is good example of how work is often divided among four group members:

1. Completes 90% of the work 
2. Has no idea what is going on the whole time 
3. Says is going to help...and isn't 
4. Disappears at the beginning of the project and doesn't show up until the end

Funny picture demonstrating this example: group-work.jpg

Setting the group up for success, at the on-set, will go along way to a happy ending. Some ideas to get you started are having all the group members review the syllabus, establish group ground rules, and enter into a group learning contract.

Flipped Classroom:

As me and my fellow course mates were busy participating in the Discussion Forum on 'Flipped Classrooms' it took us awhile to realize that we were actively participating in one!

The 'flip' in the 'flip' is using face-to-face time to bring together the learner all of the students went out into the world or our textbooks to find. Digging deep into the details on their our own time. The teacher there when we need support and otherwise letting us the learners find our way to the answer.

I like the comment about flipped classroom on the website www.edutopis.org..."video lectures at home and homework in the class".

Here is a link on the subject: http://www.edutopia.org/search-results?search=flipped%20classrooms

Brilliant execution I must say!

References

Powerless form of communication: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_ffqEA8X5g&feature=youtu.be

http://www.skillsyouneed.com/lead/develop-leadership-style.html

https://dynamicecology.wordpress.com/2015/02/26/the-secret-recipe-for-successful-working-group-meetings/

http://ca.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-047028191X.html Elizabeth F Barkely, Student Engagement Techniques: A Handbook for College Faculty, pp 119 to 126.

Gamification: Guitar Hero Tournament Final

I enjoyed watching the two 'Guitar Hero' experts compete against each other. Now, I am wondering just how many hours of fun they would have spent learning this?

Some Guitar Hero players might be happy to consider it time well spent -- playing a game they like to play. Others, will want to know if this skill can be transferred to playing a real guitar. It is different from regular guitar playing and the similarities are also requires good hand skills, a sense of rhythm, persistence, and a lot of patience.

To find out this answer I sought out the great 'Google' and came across Cristen Conger's article in 'HowStuffWorks'. Cristen who specializes in technology and the science of everyday living says the answer is "sort of". She goes on to say that the skills acquired mastering Guitar Hero will not mean that you can pick up your regular guitar and break loose with your favourite tune.

However, there is some benefits such as: you may pick up songs faster (especially if you are a younger person) and gain a new strong desire to want to learn how to play the real instrument.

This desire not gone unnoticed by music stores, teachers, and industry associations who in 2007 began to encourage players to get real guitars and take lessons. What transpired from there is the development of the Fretlight fretboard / software combination that will help you really learn to play the guitar!

Guitar Hero: Guitar Tournament Final: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74Li5UjrUY8

Conger, Cristen. "Will Guitar Hero really make me a better guitar player?" 02 July 2008.

HowStuffWorks.com. <http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/guitar-hero-guitar-player.htm>
02 July 2015

Overview of how Fretlight works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PefzNuaJPVQ

Firelight details, how to purchase: http://www.fretlight.com/pages/faqs

You Can 'Virtually' Learn to Play the Guitar or even Become a Great Singer!

I wish I had more time and social desire to get out there and 'Jam' with someone. I know from experience this is where I find a safe learning environment, have fun, and experience musical synergy. It just doesn't happen too often and I suspect the introverted tendencies of my ambiverted personality are to blame.

Well, a few months ago one of my awesome nephews came over for dinner and to play some guitar with me. It was amazing to see how he, such a self directed learner, taught himself musical theory and has applied it to his guitar playing. It was dazzling to say the least watching his fingers fly up and down the fretboard, hitting the notes intended, and making that baby sing!

He told me so many things I couldn't keep track...and then he showed me how to find 'backtracks' on Youtube for just about any song or artist. Instrumental backtracks that you play along for fun and learning.

As an example here is the link and just for fun I picked 'Move It On Over by George Thorogood:

http://www.guitarbackingtrack.com/play/thorogood,_george/move_it_on_over.htm

Another, example of this virtual learning tool is 'Adams Virtual Acoustic Guitar':
http://www.adamsguitar.com/acoustic.html which allows you to see and hear chords and notes using your keyboard and screen.

I love it and am also going to check out a virtual learning tool for singing!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMpaEpdmgyA

http://www.singorama.com/?hop=lly99

Look out neighbours!