To even remotely understand Bill Genereux's lastest blog one must do a little research back to a previous blog on February 4th. Who is Ed Parkour? Ed is simply a random name assigned to what seems to be the surname Parkour. In reality "Par-Kour" is a French term meaning to maneuver over and around obstacles quickly and fluidly. Picture extreme running and you will understand the concept.
Bill throws out the question to todays teachers: "How do you Ed Parkour?" Meaning what are you doing to get around the obstacles within your classroom environment? He believes himself to be a free thinking, agile "Parkour Practitioner." He suggests we ignore other instructors styles and philosophies and go with our own personal strengths. If our own personal style 'works' for us then it will be a success. This reminded me of the phrase,"There is more than one way to skin a cat."
He tells a story of a 'musical match-game' he used in his college technology course. His students worked together matching terms while music played. When the music stopped the two partners explained to the class what their terms meant when used together. Here is a college technology class with no desks to sit in for that day, music playing instead of a lecture, and the students are actively teaching each other terms and concepts. "Parkour" indeed. The video is amusing because the students do not seem to be comfortable quite yet with this new assignment. I understand their reluctance. And I understand the concept and freedom that Mr. Genereux is setting up.
As future educators we should be "traceurs" of Ed Parkour. Whatever the issue in our way may be we should aim to rebound and readjust without missing a beat. The trick is to make it look easy and most of all interesting and meaningful for our students.
Combining Science and Art in "Evolution"
In this installment of TechIntersect Bill posts a stunning animation "Evolution" from the drawing of young school children that comes complete with their voices and a driving musical accompaniment. Art has a place in every lesson plan and can enhance the concepts being taught to further a complete grasp of knowledge. STEM (science, technology, science and math) converts into STEAM once art is incorporated. The animator, Tyler Rhodes, has an interesting blog that describes how the video was created. It was worth the time to read through it. Afterwards I had the distinct feeling that I, too, could possibly create a project, albeit on a small scale, and make a drawing come to life!
And if that wasn't interesting enough- imagine making your photos a 3-D moving presentation! The program is Adobe AfterEffects (think Photoshop for video) and it is way cool! Bill's example uses his family pictures from a Rocky Mountain vacation. Yet another way to capture attention and add another interesting layer to a classroom project.
Limited school resources should not rob the teacher or student of a creative and innovative pursuit. These two examples are yet another layer to be added into the teacher's arsenal of knowledge ammunition.
Bill Genereux has a wonderfully creative site. He will be included into my PLN.
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