2015-2016 IDP Goals

Domain 1 - Demonstrating Knowledge of Content & Pedagogy

Goal - With the teaching of new software and the transition to Adobe CC 2015, I will do my best to display knowledge of the software this year.  During the 2015-2016 school year, I will learn and integrate the new video production software, Adobe Creative Cloud.  I will also update my Video curriculum to reflect the software changes.

Reflection - This school year has been a whirlwind of change.  By attending the Adobe Max Conference in early October, I was able to learn from industry leaders and teachers about the new Creative Cloud features.  Many of these features are geared towards the industry professional, but I worked hard to provide the students with real world examples of how they can use the features in our school workflow.  I developed new demonstration lessons to showcase some of the new features like traveling masks and the new Lumentri Color correction effects panels.  It is amazing when I think back to see how every year I teach the same subjects, but the methodology changes almost every year.  This is always dictated by the changing tides in the editing software and the engineers who are authoring it.

Domain 2 - Creating an Environment of Respect & Rapport

Goal - This year, I would like to continue work on greetings and closings every day with the students.  To help create an environment of respect and rapport. I think it is important to greet as many students when they come in the door as possible, and make those small connections before the lesson starts.  Also, when the lesson is over and the students leave, try to make eye contact and say goodbye.  My goal is to do this every day. 

Reflection - This year I have tried to be vigilant about standing outside my door and greeting the kids before class.  I have this new technique that I use when I come in the class.  I ALWAYS say "Good Morning/Afternoon".  For some reason, the kids often continue to talk and ignore my prompt for a greeting and engagement.  So I walk out the door, and re-enter the classroom.  I re-do the greeting all over again and this time, the kids know I'm serious.  This technique seems to work well and I've had many engaging discussions with my classes before we start a lesson.  I find this breaks the ice nicely and the students are more engaged when the real learning begins.

Domain 3 - Engaging Students in Learning

Goal - I will attempt to create activities, assignments, materials and groupings that are appropriate for ALL students and become student driven.  This goal applies to ALL students, but specifically focusing on my students with special needs (504 and IEP plan accommodations)

Reflection - This year I have integrated the use of the iPad with special needs students in my video production classes.  It has been AMAZING!  I have had students that function on a very low level, be able to produce stories and take photos at a very high level.  The tools of the iPad and iMovie with the built in camera and microphone are very easy to use.  I also find that most special needs students have been previously exposed to the use of the iOS devices and so the learning curve is very shallow to integrate video and photography.  It is really cool to see the students eyes light up when they come to me with a finished video.  They are so proud of what they have accomplished.  One student, who I have had in many classes, was able to do almost ALL of the digital photography projects and document it on his class blog.  This may sound normal, but this is the first time I have been able to keep a lower functioning student up with the content of the rest of the class.  I have received many compliments from the connecting teachers and the student's parents about what they are able to do in video production and digital photography.

Domain 4 - Maintaining Accurate Records

Goal - I will enter attendance every day and update grades for each class at least one time per week.

Reflection - I'm still working on this.  I enter my attendance at the end of the day (most days).  If I forget, I email Kathy James and she puts it in. I have been fairly consistent on entering grades weekly, but sometimes I get backed up and this doesn't happen until the following week.  That's life!