- New Faces
- New Music
- New Animation
- New Bloopers
Special thanks to Mrs. Kaushal for being so flexible during her interview!
Enjoy!
Showing posts with label iPads. Show all posts
Showing posts with label iPads. Show all posts
March 31, 2015
New Faces, New Episode!
After a long absence, the Phillips 'Behind the Paws' crew has produced a new episode.
May 28, 2014
A Phenomenal Woman
Earlier today, my students and I learned about the transition of Dr. Maya Angelou. We discussed her life, work and contribution to the African-American community and the world. People of my generation remember her work in the Civil Rights and Women's Right's movements. My student's generation was introduced to her through Tyler Perry movies or social media, then later fell in love with her poetry.
Her advocacy on the issues of today provided us all with clarity and kept us on track. For example, just earlier this month she tweeted about the tragedy of the Nigerian girls who were kidnapped by an extremist Muslim group in west Africa.
Being the creative group of teens that they are, my students worked in two groups and created two short tributes for this remarkable, phenomenal woman. #RIP Dr. Maya Angelou!
Her advocacy on the issues of today provided us all with clarity and kept us on track. For example, just earlier this month she tweeted about the tragedy of the Nigerian girls who were kidnapped by an extremist Muslim group in west Africa.
May 12, 2014
My Creative Students!
Every year I try to contribute to the school wide message of teens abstaining from drinking and driving during Senior Prom. In years past, classroom teachers led the project with my support of use of technology. This year’s project was a little different.
The students had the opportunity to participate in a lecture series provided by the Grand Boulevard Coalition of Bronzeville. This year, a representative from the organization provided a ‘deep’ discussion with Phillips teens about the dangers of drinking, driving and use of illegal drugs. The students were definitely impacted by this presentation because the presenter was very direct and to the point.
Weeks later, one of the members requested that I provide him with some additional support. Their town hall meeting for the community was quickly approaching and they needed some help getting the ‘word’ out in an innovative way. In addition, they needed a public service announcement created and starring Phillips students.
I recruited five seniors, one junior and two sophomores to create two videos, provide voiceovers and create/locate interesting graphics online. These students took control of the project and talked about the dangers of alcohol and drug consumption especially on Prom Night. Phillips teachers, security staff, administrators and our own Mercy Clinic supported this effort. The first video below is the announcement featuring a sophomore and junior student, encouraging the community to attend the townhall meeting and the second video is actually the public service announcement featuring the seniors. Please keep in mind, the students are using language (lingo) that they understand and would send a strong message to their peers.
The students were rewarded with a pizza party provided by Mr. Brunson for their good work!
The students had the opportunity to participate in a lecture series provided by the Grand Boulevard Coalition of Bronzeville. This year, a representative from the organization provided a ‘deep’ discussion with Phillips teens about the dangers of drinking, driving and use of illegal drugs. The students were definitely impacted by this presentation because the presenter was very direct and to the point.
Weeks later, one of the members requested that I provide him with some additional support. Their town hall meeting for the community was quickly approaching and they needed some help getting the ‘word’ out in an innovative way. In addition, they needed a public service announcement created and starring Phillips students.
I recruited five seniors, one junior and two sophomores to create two videos, provide voiceovers and create/locate interesting graphics online. These students took control of the project and talked about the dangers of alcohol and drug consumption especially on Prom Night. Phillips teachers, security staff, administrators and our own Mercy Clinic supported this effort. The first video below is the announcement featuring a sophomore and junior student, encouraging the community to attend the townhall meeting and the second video is actually the public service announcement featuring the seniors. Please keep in mind, the students are using language (lingo) that they understand and would send a strong message to their peers.
The students were rewarded with a pizza party provided by Mr. Brunson for their good work!
April 2, 2014
Behind the Paws Featured in The Chicago Citizen Newspaper
Recently, the Behind the Paws students news program was featured in The Chicago Citizen Newspaper. I am so proud of my students. They have worked very hard to master the use of technology, write for broadcast, and shoot/conduct interviews this year. Here's the link to the story and enjoy!
Wendell Phillips' "Behind the Paws" Program Gives Students Unique Voice by Lee Edwards
Wendell Phillips' "Behind the Paws" Program Gives Students Unique Voice by Lee Edwards
March 18, 2014
D-E-L-E-T-E!
It's time to delete.
As I perform the IOS 7 update all of my Library Media Center iPads, I find it's a perfect time to delete apps. Deleting has taken me down memory lane. Many of these apps haven't been used in over a year I'm ashamed to say. I've learned a valuable lesson and will now be more selective in my app selection.
As I perform the IOS 7 update all of my Library Media Center iPads, I find it's a perfect time to delete apps. Deleting has taken me down memory lane. Many of these apps haven't been used in over a year I'm ashamed to say. I've learned a valuable lesson and will now be more selective in my app selection.
March 4, 2014
The Breathing Zone
This app really works!
Lately I've been in 'discovery' mode with the new iPads. Sometimes I'm successful, but more often I fail miserably. Frustration levels can get high and sometimes I feel like I didn't accomplish anything. I really like The Breathing Zone app because it helps you return back to a 'normal' state of mind and just calm down.
This app works for me and I discovered that it works well with my students too. My student *Stacy came into the Library Media Center, fired up about the typical 'girl' drama. I immediately grabbed my iPhone, instructed her to sit down, close her eyes and listen to the breathing instructions. After three minutes, Stacy came back from the edge of teenage drama.
I was really fortunate to catch this app when it was posted free for 24 hours in the app store. For those who are considering purchasing this app, it is well worth the $3.99 price. You can set the time, music and male/female voice in the settings. In addition, there is a nice log that can track your progress over a period of time. The breathing analyzer provides a deeper monitoring of breathing activity and encourages the user to meet goals for optimal breathing patterns.
Just try it!
*For privacy purposes, the student's name has been changed.
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| The Breathing Zone |
This app works for me and I discovered that it works well with my students too. My student *Stacy came into the Library Media Center, fired up about the typical 'girl' drama. I immediately grabbed my iPhone, instructed her to sit down, close her eyes and listen to the breathing instructions. After three minutes, Stacy came back from the edge of teenage drama.
I was really fortunate to catch this app when it was posted free for 24 hours in the app store. For those who are considering purchasing this app, it is well worth the $3.99 price. You can set the time, music and male/female voice in the settings. In addition, there is a nice log that can track your progress over a period of time. The breathing analyzer provides a deeper monitoring of breathing activity and encourages the user to meet goals for optimal breathing patterns.
Just try it!
*For privacy purposes, the student's name has been changed.
March 3, 2014
Garage Band Anyone?
My co-worker Mr. Simpson has mastered the use of the Garage Band app. Last month, when he approached me about team teaching a lesson, using the app I jumped at it. I looked at it as an opportunity to learn something new with a tutor sitting by my side. The only glitch I had was, my inability to load all of the iPads with the app due to a CPS tech issue. Otherwise the some classes had to share the devices and it worked out pretty well.
The students had to create a 8 measure 'back beat'. These beats would be used as a background beat for the class song. Some classes used the acoustic guitar while others used the smart guitar. Was it noisy in the Library Media Center, yes but I didn't mind. The kids enjoyed themselves thoroughly. The final project was uploaded to SoundCloud.com for grading. Some of the students really created some interesting beats and in some cases Mr. Simpson and I were pleasantly surprised with the level of genius on the part of the students.
Within the first five minutes of the lesson, Mr. Simpson had the students hooked in. The students were interested, smiling, laughing and eager to be creative. There were students who seemed to 'come to life' before my eyes because they could creative their own song and share it with others.
Below is a video highlighting a couple of periods where students used the apps and spoke very candidly on camera about the lesson. Mr. Simpson and I plan on working with the students again this week. Stay tuned for more music from these classes.
The students had to create a 8 measure 'back beat'. These beats would be used as a background beat for the class song. Some classes used the acoustic guitar while others used the smart guitar. Was it noisy in the Library Media Center, yes but I didn't mind. The kids enjoyed themselves thoroughly. The final project was uploaded to SoundCloud.com for grading. Some of the students really created some interesting beats and in some cases Mr. Simpson and I were pleasantly surprised with the level of genius on the part of the students.
Within the first five minutes of the lesson, Mr. Simpson had the students hooked in. The students were interested, smiling, laughing and eager to be creative. There were students who seemed to 'come to life' before my eyes because they could creative their own song and share it with others.
Below is a video highlighting a couple of periods where students used the apps and spoke very candidly on camera about the lesson. Mr. Simpson and I plan on working with the students again this week. Stay tuned for more music from these classes.
March 1, 2014
CPS Developing Use of Innovative Classroom Technology
Back in January, I was a presenter at the Chicago Public Schools 'Tech Talk 2014 Conference." This conference was created by the district to celebrate the very best of the use of digital technologies by educators across the city. Two of my students, Myiah and Jordan provided a hands on demonstration on the use of iMovie. Below is a video highlighting the the conference where Myiah and Jordan are featured. View more about the 'Behind the Paws Student News Program' on my Library Media Center website - Behind the Paws
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
February 26, 2014
Winner of the CPS ReVITAL Grant
Singer Pharrell's song, 'Happy' is the perfect song that expresses my feelings about a recent award I have received. My students and I are HAPPY about receiving the CPS ReVital Grant for libraries! Last week, a MacBook Pro and ten iPads were delivered to my Library Media Center and in a couple of weeks, the ChromeBooks will arrive.
There are so many ways this technology can be used at Phillips. The video below is just a little snippet of how we will be using these digital devices to aide in instruction and help further advance students in the digital age. Enjoy!
ReVITAL Grant - HAPPY from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.
There are so many ways this technology can be used at Phillips. The video below is just a little snippet of how we will be using these digital devices to aide in instruction and help further advance students in the digital age. Enjoy!
ReVITAL Grant - HAPPY from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.
February 4, 2014
iMovie Tutorial
February 5, 2014
Digital Learning Day is about giving every child the opportunity to learn in a robust digital environment everyday, with the goal of success in college and a career. Read more about this day dedicated to technology at: www.digitallearningday.org. Below is the Behind the Paws student news crew's video submission for this year's celebrations. Junior level students Jordan and Myiah provide viewers with a descriptive hands on demonstration of the powerful app, iMovie.
Enjoy!
January 15, 2014
Phillips Students Salute Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Here's the 'Behind the Paws' salute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I believe this is the best work the students have completed since the inception of the program. All this work was created through the use of iPads and a MAC Book Pro.
Please enjoy the video and feel free to share!
December 16, 2013
Holiday Greetings from Behind the Paws
Continuing in the holiday spirit, here's another episode of the Phillips High School, "Behind the Paws" student news show. Enjoy!
Behind the Paws S2 E7 from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.
Behind the Paws S2 E7 from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.
December 10, 2013
Preparing for the King Show
The Behind the Paws students are preparing for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. show in 2014. Here's a couple of pictures from today's class period.
Students wrote critiques of the current episode of Behind the Paws and researched possible quotes that will be read during the segment.
I'm really proud of my students Myiah and Rossanli. Both ladies are showing strong leadership and technology skills with using the iMovie app. You will see in the picture how the girls are showing their peers how to pull images from Google and insert them into iMovie.
Enjoy!
November 10, 2013
Behind the Paws - S2, E2
Here's the latest episode of Behind the Paws....enjoy!
Behind the Paws S2 E2 from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.
Behind the Paws S2 E2 from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.
October 30, 2013
Schoology @Phillips HS
Yes, my school is a Schoology school!
Schoology is an online learning, classroom management, and social networking platform that improves learning through better communication, collaboration, and increased access to curriculum and supplemental content. Teachers in my building use this website heavily and the students love it. Many students have downloaded the app on their Android/iPhone devices and enjoy completing their classwork and homework assignments with greater ease.
Below is a video highlighting how my co-worker, Ms Decker effectively integrates Schoology into her daily lessons. Library Media Specialists: This is another way you can support the curriculum at your school. Videotape your peers teaching lessons that successfully integrate technology and share it with other teachers. Maybe just maybe, videos like this will inspire teachers to try integrating more technology in their classroom.
Sorry for the shaky camera work. I had the flu when I shot this video.
If you would like to learn more about Schoology, play the video below.
Schoology is an online learning, classroom management, and social networking platform that improves learning through better communication, collaboration, and increased access to curriculum and supplemental content. Teachers in my building use this website heavily and the students love it. Many students have downloaded the app on their Android/iPhone devices and enjoy completing their classwork and homework assignments with greater ease.
Below is a video highlighting how my co-worker, Ms Decker effectively integrates Schoology into her daily lessons. Library Media Specialists: This is another way you can support the curriculum at your school. Videotape your peers teaching lessons that successfully integrate technology and share it with other teachers. Maybe just maybe, videos like this will inspire teachers to try integrating more technology in their classroom.
Sorry for the shaky camera work. I had the flu when I shot this video.
If you would like to learn more about Schoology, play the video below.
October 19, 2013
iMovie and Librarians
Today I am presenting at the Chicago Public Schools 'iPads for Librarians Professional Development Session'. This journey describes by 18 month journey using the powerful iMovie app and how it has changed my job description and duties at my school. Just click the arrow at the bottom to advance each slide.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
October 1, 2013
Bronzeville History
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| Students are viewing a clip from the award winning series, "Eyes On the Prize" |
The Leadership Department at my school decided to create a unit for the entire student body about people in history who displayed admirable leadership/courage during trying times. The topic they selected was The Murder of Emmett Till. Through this lecture I've been giving this week, the students are learning about the leadership/courage of:
- Mamie Till Mobley (mother of Emmett Till),
- John H. Johnson (Publisher, Ebony/Jet Magazine),
- Ahmed Rayner (funeral home director)
- and Mose Wright (uncle of Emmett Till).
The goal of this lesson was to not only discuss their displays of leadership, but to also educate the students about the historical influence the key players had as it relates to their grassroots in Bronzeville. So far, the students have really enjoyed the lecture/presentation.
I will like to add that I've taught this lesson off and on for over ten years. Each time I teach this lesson, I learn something new. The Keith Beauchamp documentary called, The Untold Story of Emmett Till, provides historians with a new and fresh perspective about the unsolved civil rights era murder. I credit much of my lecture to the new research provided by Beauchamp's film.
The Emmett Till story is an important story that must be re-told to generations to come. Below you will find the powerpoint presentation as well as a internet pathfinder. The teachers that I am co-teaching with have plans to load this pathfinder into each classes Schoology pages for further discussion and study.
Emmett Till Internet Pathfinder
Compiled by KC Boyd, M.L.S., M.A., M.Ed.
Online Interactive Resources
PBS American Experience - http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/till/index.html
The Murder of Emmett Louis Till: The Spark that Started the Civil Rights
Movement - http://www.edwardmalone.com/Murder.htm Emmett Till Murder - http://www.emmetttillmurder.com/
Emmett Till – Biography Channel -
http://www.biography.com/people/emmett-till-507515
The Courage of Mamie Till Mobley and Jet Magazine Editor/Chief
Emmett’s Legacy: A Mother Keeps Her Son’s Name Alive
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1995-09- 05/features/9509050005_1_tallahatchie-river-mississippi-naacp-black-race
The Face of Emmett Till -
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/05/14/731205/-The-Face-of-Emmett- Till-UPDATED
Emmett Till – A Story With Lasting Power -
http://barrybradford.com/2013/08/29/guest-post-emmett-till-a-story-with- lasting-power/
Videos
Eyes On the Prize: Emmett Till -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxK8u58PqTE
The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvijYSJtkQk
Very short account of the Murder of Emmett Till -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=om7Dn5fw0cY
The Emmett Tlll Case Re-Opened: 60 Minutes (Ed Bradley) -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQC5WJMYaug
Books
Death of Innocence: The Story of the Hate Crime That Changed America by Mamie Till-Mobley and Christopher Benson http://www.amazon.com/Death-Innocence-Story-Changed- America/dp/0812970470/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1380223151&sr=8- 3&keywords=emmett+till
Simeon’s Story: An Eyewitness Account of the Kidnapping of Emmett Till By Simeon Wright and Herb Boyd http://www.amazon.com/Simeons-Story-Eyewitness-Account- Kidnapping/dp/1569768196/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380223046&sr=8- 1&keywords=emmett+till
Getting Away With Murder: The True Story of the Emmett Till Case By Chris Crowe
http://www.amazon.com/Getting-Away-Murder-Story- Emmett/dp/0803728042/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1380223151&sr=8- 2&keywords=emmett+till
A Wreath for Emmett Till
By Marilyn Nelson http://www.amazon.com/Wreath-Emmett-Till-Marilyn- Nelson/dp/0547076363/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1380223151&sr=8- 5&keywords=emmett+till
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=om7Dn5fw0cY
The Emmett Tlll Case Re-Opened: 60 Minutes (Ed Bradley) -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQC5WJMYaug
Books
Death of Innocence: The Story of the Hate Crime That Changed America by Mamie Till-Mobley and Christopher Benson http://www.amazon.com/Death-Innocence-Story-Changed- America/dp/0812970470/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1380223151&sr=8- 3&keywords=emmett+till
Simeon’s Story: An Eyewitness Account of the Kidnapping of Emmett Till By Simeon Wright and Herb Boyd http://www.amazon.com/Simeons-Story-Eyewitness-Account- Kidnapping/dp/1569768196/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380223046&sr=8- 1&keywords=emmett+till
Getting Away With Murder: The True Story of the Emmett Till Case By Chris Crowe
http://www.amazon.com/Getting-Away-Murder-Story- Emmett/dp/0803728042/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1380223151&sr=8- 2&keywords=emmett+till
A Wreath for Emmett Till
By Marilyn Nelson http://www.amazon.com/Wreath-Emmett-Till-Marilyn- Nelson/dp/0547076363/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1380223151&sr=8- 5&keywords=emmett+till
Emmett Till and Trayvon Martin Comparison
A Longer Look at the Emmett Till- Trayon Martin Comparison
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nicolaus-mills/emmett-till-trayvon- martin_b_3606636.html
NAACP Compares Trayvon Martin Death To Emmett Till Lynching
http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2013/07/16/NAACP-Compares- Trayvon-Martin-Death-to-Emmett-Till-Lynching
Justice Denied: Is Trayvon Martin Post-Racial America’s Emmett Till?
http://www.nationofchange.org/justice-denied-trayvon-martin-post-racial- america-s-emmett-till-1374329793
Picture of Ahmed Rayner
Courtesy of Pamela Rayner, October 2013
September 29, 2013
Season #2 - Behind the Paws
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| A student is working on the anchor's script with my co-worker, Mr. Brown |
September 23, 2013
My Avid Reader
This is Davion a high energy and a voracious reader. I will never forget the first time I met him. It was August and he was a freshman student excited about attending high school. He came into the library media center with a laundry list of Street Lit. titles...some I had not even heard of. It is Davion that I credit for changing my policy on students checking out adult Street Lit. books.
Until I met Davion, I only circulated the books to my juniors and seniors. I wanted to guide my freshman and sophomore students into reading young adult books that they had not been exposed to in grammar school. Davion like other students that year really challenged me. They had read Street Lit. young adult books while enrolled in grammar school and they wanted to read the adult versions. I couldn't tell them no, so my principal and I devised a plan for the circulation of the books with the parent's permission.
I've experienced much criticism for circulating the adult titles to teens. The interesting thing is the parents support the circulation and they read the books too. Since implementing this, I've had less than a handful of parents that have rejected it. At the end of the day, literacy is spread in the home and the student enjoys reading a good book.
In part 2 of 'Conversations at the Circulation Desk' sophomore student Davion describes why he enjoys using eReaders, participating in the Phillips book club and shares some of his favorite books. If you would like to view part one of the series, just click the link provided below.
Conversations from the Circulation Desk, part 1 - http://theaudaciouslibrarian.blogspot.com/2013/09/conversations-at-circulation-desk.html
September 19, 2013
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