Well here it is, the last blog post for ECI 834. This semester has raced by faster than all the others so far and I can’t believe we are already making this post. I have truly learned so much from all of my classmates and have loved seeing all of their Modules that they planned for this course. It has been an honour to view the work that you have all done and I am truly humbled to be in a class with such amazing people. So thank-you for the comments you have made on my posts, thank you for the work that we have done in our break out groups, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for not judging me too harshly on the song that follows the end of my video.
To be totally honest, I had the idea to write write this song as I was driving home in my car and “Times Like These” came on. All of a sudden the lyrics were changing to things we were discussing in class and writing it just flowed out of my head. And then, the realization happened! I just spent a day writing a song!!!! What was I going to do? I really didn’t want to sing it, but the day I used was a day I set aside to work on this project, ohh the conundrum. So I sat down at my computer and practiced it several times making sure I had the timing right but it really isn’t in a key that I am comfortable with (the low parts are the most embarrassing). I had to commit, I saw no other way around it. That is why you are getting a song I hope you enjoy the lyrics!
As for the beginning, I have two notes – I recorded it after school on a day where we had to dress up like a Pokémon. Did you know that the creator of Pokémon is autistic? So this week in school we are recognizing and celebrating autistic individuals as well as showing our love and acceptance to people living with Autism. That day I was wearing a hat because I dressed up as a Pokémon trainer, therefore the hat was staying on. Secondly, I had a big plan on how I was going to record and then I watched Leigh’s and Dalton’s video. I thought to myself that I have never tried anything on a green screen before either, so decided to take their wonderful influence and learn something new.
Great job! I like how you just spoke your truths. What did you use to make the video?
Also, the song is perfection!
Thanks so much Sarah. I used WeVideo and then found a whole bunch of free green screen videos on Videezy. They were super easy to download and add to the background of the video.
Hi Chris,
That was awesome! You are so creative and brave. Your song was perfect! It’s great to hear how what we have learned is used in practice and where you want to go with blended learning. Great work!
Wow! I really like the green screen here with the various backgrounds, but even more I connected with your reflection about the depth and potential of blended learning in the classroom. However we name what we are doing is a tricky task, but creating and adapting our ways to invite more styles and modalities in the classroom is what is really fascinating!
I really enjoyed learning alongside you Chris, and I hope we can share another class down the road!
Chris,
You’re so charismatic! I love how you handled the situation with the boy in your school regarding his sarcasm… So empathetic and genuine.
I also love the song you chose by The Foo Fighters– David Grohl would be proud! I appreciate that you took a risk and stepped out of your comfort zone. You were thorough when highlighting your key takeaways and reflected on your personal experiences, which made your summary so engaging to watch! Well done!
Chris this is so awesome! I applaud you on your creativity. The use of the green screen was great and your song us awesome! Your summary was reflective and heartfelt as you connected personal experience.
I appreciated your comments on community. You’re absolutely correct that what works for one student may not work for another. There are many creative things that teachers can do to build a sense of belonging and integrate everyone in an authentic way that builds readiness for the future.
What an amazing job! You are a natural at screen casting yourself. I valued your honest reflection and how the questions you raised were relevant to our current situation. Your real life examples hit home for me. What a wonderful story! Well done with the song. Using asynchronously and synchronously in song lyrics seems like not an easy task. I have enjoyed learning from you in this class.
Kendra
I enjoyed watching your SoL last night. Very impressive! And great song/singing skills! Hopefully we have another class together in the future!
Dalton
I’m so glad you shared this with us all in class. Fantastic job! Your video came through as honest and transparent, and I always value that! Great song choice and way to put yourself out there, although you did a good job. Best of luck in the future!
Hi Chris,
I am so glad you decided to commit to singing the song, you were absolutely amazing. I’m not sure how you managed to make the rewritten lyrics align with our class and your learning, but it worked! You are brave and creative and to even try green screen after that, you amaze me! I have enjoyed learning alongside you in class and hearing the learning and the perspectives you have shared. I hope we are able to take another class together some time.