Digital Storytelling

When it came time to put together my digital storytelling project, I found the idea of telling the story of myself evolving from a daughter to a mother as a the perfect topic. My adventure started on my desktop Mac at home. When I went onto iMovie I discovered that I had done a digital story six years ago about how I wanted to be remembered. It was extremely inspirational to watch the story as it was from my point of view shortly out of undergraduate school. Wow, I’ve learned so much since then! I quickly remembered how iMovie worked and was easily able to put together the digital story. Unfortunately, I had some issues due to the age of the computer and after working late into the night trying to get it on YouTube, I copied it onto a DVD just in case and called it a night. (The lesson learned was make sure your equipment is updated and is compatibly before starting a project.) I ended up making a new digital story with more current pictures and with a more updated computer. I learned how to use GarageBand and was able to easily narrate my favorite story to my pictures. Once my story was done I found embedding took a little bit of time but it was awesome to see it pop up on YouTube and have the control of who views it. I look forward to adding on to it and sending it to my family for the holiday season! 

I could see myself using digital storytelling with my students with the support of my technology specialist. I think it could be useful for retelling stories using their own drawings. I I also think it would be neat to have my class help me make the end of year DVD by narrating what’s going on in the pictures. Digital storytelling is not only a great way to incorporate technology it is a great way to capture your ideas, experiences and share it with others over and over again!

My Growing Family

The PLN Experience

My experience with a Professional Learning Network has been engaging and powerful. At the start of my journey on Twitter, I have found some wonderful groups and educators to follow. It is so inspiring to see what other educators are doing in their classroom not only in my district but in schools all over. 

On Thursday, September 29th I set out to try my first #EDChat as @ZikaA27.  I decided to try my luck at the #ICEILchat. I felt a bit nervous mainly because I was unsure of the speed in which I would need to respond. Luckily to my surprise, I found that the pace with not as difficult to keep up with as I thought. I liked that the discussion started off with a introduction and that there was a presentation of all the questions to preview and refer to  (courtesy of @amber_heffner). 

Since technology is not my area of expertise, I learned many interesting pieces of information. It was cool to see how some participants knew each other, yet the vibe overall was one that was welcoming and accepting. It was fascinating to be able to observe and interact with such a large group of people at one time from the comforts of my couch! At times I felt that I didn't have a great deal to contribute to the conversation because I did not have the same background knowledge as all the participants. Therefore, there were questions that I needed to do some research around to be able to respond with some insight. I did learn a great deal and feel that I will definitely participate in another #EdChat soon! 

Professional Learning Networks are a great way to get inspired by other professional and collaborate on your time. My favorite http://www.theprimarypeach.com/ is a wonderful network that I have found some wonderful resources in multiple areas. I have found some great reading ideas and technology use idea for my classroom. Check it out!!

Active Learning

    Discovering active learning has been enlightening. I was taught in a very traditional way and yet I can remember a few times when a teacher used active learning and it was a powerful and fun lesson. I love how student driven active learning is because it creates a more collaborative approach to learning.The lesson example (see Prezi below) that I read was a great because the students directed the lesson which increased the engagement and allowed for an authentic learning experience. 

   I feel that teachers should keep active learning in mind when they are lesson planning because it fosters independence and nuture students for the future. Students creating their learning experiences while being cognitively challenged will increase students ability to retain their knowledge because it is meaningful to them.  I would love to incorporate a more collaborative approach to learning in my classroom. We have 1:1 iPads in our classroom this year and I am hoping that I can create a lesson that allows my students to have more choice but with guidance. Working with first graders my goal is to foster independence and through active learning opportunities I feel that I can reach that goal sooner. I am looking forward to implementing more opportunities for active learning in my classroom this year! 

(See Prezi below)
http://prezi.com/xzszxwwfdakt/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share

All About Me

My name is Amanda Zika and I teach first grade at Willard Elementary School. I love teaching first grade because it is a great age for teaching the importance of good character. With all the changes in education it has been invigorating learning new ways to enrich and engage students.  I chose education as my career because I love having the ability to positively impact society.

I grew up in Glenview, IL and graduated from Glenbrook South High School. I continued my education at Illinois State University where I received my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and my minor in Psychology in 2007. My first job in education was as a teacher's aide working with students with special education needs which was a great foundation to my new career in education.  I decided to get my ELL endorsement from National Louis University. My next position brought me to Beach Park School in a 5th grade classroom followed by two long term substitute positions in Pre-K and then a full-day Kindergarten. After my experience working with such a diverse population I decided to get my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction at National Louis University. In 2010, I was hired at Willard Elementary School as a Kindergarten teacher and have been teaching there ever since!

On a personal note, I am a new mom! I had a little girl named Madeline Dior on March 16th. My husband Garrett and I are loving our new adventure as parents. When I am not spending time with my growing family, I enjoy time with my friends. I love going to concerts, eating and cooking delicious food and experiencing new things. I find it extremely important to have balance in my life and I am striving to be the best me!