Latest in my Go!Animate Unit Introduction Series

GoAnimate.com: Intro to Program Music by kathykellen

Like it? Create your own at GoAnimate.com. It's free and fun!

My Quest poem....Quest Atlantis

Since I couldn't submit my quest poem....
here it is! The first line is Emily Dickinson's (the quest said to choose one and then write a poem)

"I can't tell you, but you feel it" (Emily Dickinson)
this anticipation, this sense of loss...
even in the midst of great achievement...
it's bittersweet.

What WoW has taught me about Games...and Myself

I didn't know what I would think of World of Warcraft, and really didn't think I'd play past the 10 Day Trial... but just like so many instances in the past 9 months, I was in for a big surprise!
WoW is totally an immersive game, and is definitely more fun to play with friends! I enjoy the quests and the components of experience points and levels, also the rewards and professions. I have learned that a 10 year old experienced player is an invaluable resource, and appreciate the patience and helpfulness of higher level player friends!

I have become so immersed in WoW (a nicer way to state that I am addicted!) that I even dream about it....could be because I am usually playing right before I go to bed...and last night I woke up in the middle of the night thinking I could see the game playing itself in my bedroom! That was a bit freaky!
Then again, when I remember that when we've vacationed at Disney Parks in Orlando, I wake up in the night thinking I'm on a never-ending ride for at least a week after we're home! :)
I am a very visual, experiential learner in that way, and I know that I need to be careful what books I read or movies I watch.
Games are pretty addicting to me. I found that out years ago when my daughters first got "The Sims"and I would play my family on there for hours. Now there's Farmville, Treasure Isle, and WoW!

I constantly have my students play games in music class, so I definitely see the value of engaging learners in this way!
When I am having fun, so do they!

Having FUN in Game Strategies Month

"Have Fun!" That is the recurring theme throughout this month, whether it is working on a "Farmville" farm, exploring Quest Atlantis, making videos, reading about how games can and should be incorporated in education, creating a SPORE creature, or becoming addicted to World of Warcraft!

Since I already utilize games in my music classes, I totally see the value. It has been fun to be given permission and encouragement to follow my dream of making "Silly Staff" into an interactive game idea! I learned last month to "never say never" and as this journey of EMDT continues to fly, I'm just holding on tight and making the most of the ride!


The QUEST and the DREAM
Click on the above link to view my assessment video for this month!

Shift in Focus

School is out for the summer! Tomorrow I have one last day to work at school, and then there will be a shift in my focus...EMDT will be in the prominent position in my viewfinder! My friends and colleagues who I am used to seeing every day, will each have their summer focus as well. Change is not something I generally embrace, but with EMDT to fill my thoughts and time...I do welcome the break!