Learning from Experience

If I could re-design a lesson and add multimedia, it would definitely be my presentation on Maya Angelou. In this project, I was to read her poetry (analyze and relate), write a biography, and present my work to the class. All I had were pictures and my facts. They couldn't hear her powerful words; the pain, struggle, the triumph in her voice. Instead they had to settle for pictures and a printout of her poem. It was my job to spark enough curiosity in them to do their own research on her. I felt like my presentation was compelling but not enough to get everyone thinking (only some). I think if my class heard and saw Dr. Maya Angelou read one of her poems, they would have appreciated it more and felt what the poem was conveying.

My PowerPoint of pictures would have kept them on the same focus point while I spoke and video clips of her speaking would have made them feel as passionate as I feel when I hear her name. Overall, multimedia would have greatly enhanced my presentation.

Even if they don't feel like they connect with Maya Angelou, I just wanted them to recognize the history she is talking about or realize that art can be a form of outlet for them whether it be writing, singing, dancing, or playing (or whatever creative medium they decide to express themselves through).

Assessment on Using Technology: Teachers would give a rubric of what they want students to include, then let them be creative. There are so many different tools to use and I think if teachers allow students to choose, it would keep presentations interesting; you and your students won't know what people will come up with next.