Laura Armentrout

Hello! I am a first year grad student at UMW seeking licensure to teach art in the public schools. I have 3 boys and am active in PTA.

[Laura Armentrout @TeachArt4Life]

Did anyone else find it hard to write the Educational Philosophy page in your ePortfolio? It was hard for me to put into words what kind of teacher I want to be . . . #INDT501

[Laura Armentrout @TeachArt4Life]

I found this neat quote to inspire me to keep exploring #INDT501

[Laura Armentrout @TeachArt4Life]

One takeaway from this class: use technology as a way to engage the unmotivated learner. It can bring a new energy into the room, generate excitement and provide richer learning experiences. #INDT501

[Laura Armentrout @TeachArt4Life]

Being forced to use different technologies was both frustrating and enlightening. Sometimes we stay to the familiar due to time constraints and ease of use. It is HARD to learn something new when you already have an established pattern of behavior. #INDT501

[Laura Armentrout @TeachArt4Life]

Finished my eProfile and viewed it on my phone. It looks a lot better on my phone, LOL! #INDT501

[Laura Armentrout @TeachArt4Life]

Major finding while reviewing my Technology Integrated Plan: I had not provided any means of authentic assessments for my lessons. I need to go back and provide a rubric to demonstrate student success. #INDT501

[Laura Armentrout @TeachArt4Life]

Destination Imagination https://t.co/rllDxBtMw9 is a wonderful program to foster problem solving skills in kids. I sponsored a team and found they had a hard time learning how to take risks and navigate a problem through to solution independently. #INDT501

[Laura Armentrout @TeachArt4Life]

In a CAD class the professor kept telling us we were using the computer as a pencil instead of a design tool. We were drawing on paper and then transferring it into the program. He wanted us to use the program to create the design. #INDT501 #MakerMovement

[Laura Armentrout @TeachArt4Life]

"However, many educators are still clinging to old design models where students are provided recipes and prescriptive rubrics that hamper student imagination" Love this quote from the Maker Movement article #INDT501

[Laura Armentrout @TeachArt4Life]

I love the idea of an art gallery in my classroom that utilizes digital overlays. Each poster of art work could link to information about the artist! #INDT501

[Laura Armentrout @TeachArt4Life]

The Apelab tool is intriguing! My sons loved the "choose your adventure" books. They now watch narrated video games on YouTube all the time. I can see them liking this. Feels futuristic to me, LOL #INDT501

[Laura Armentrout @TeachArt4Life]

Augmented Reality (AR) in the classroom still feels inaccessible to younger grades. It requires the use of a tablet or smartphone. Are we expecting to use classroom sets of these devices? Surely they do not all own one? #INDT501 #AR

[Laura Armentrout @TeachArt4Life]

Reflections on UDL: I understand offering multiple pathways to learning, but in art, I keep coming back to basic skills. I need to be careful that in offering different ways for them to express learning, they are not avoiding a basic skill area. #INDT501

[Laura Armentrout @TeachArt4Life]

Ch. 11: The concept of thinking of the goal of the lesson first and then considering a technology tool to enhance, it feels more natural to me. Trying to find activities to fit the tool has felt backward these past couple of weeks, LOL #INDT501

[Laura Armentrout @TeachArt4Life]

Ch. 10: I love the concept of the rubric being used as a roadmap! That it should show a journey with progression from the first lesson plan to the last in a unit. #INDT501

[Laura Armentrout @TeachArt4Life]

Ch. 9: This is a wonderful article on telecollaboration, https://t.co/iF0F6xZdYw, it does have an art emphasis, but is applicable to all. Love the Art Miles Mural Project! #INDT501

[Laura Armentrout @TeachArt4Life]

More kids have cell phones than computers. Studies show they prefer handheld devices. We have to learn how to utilize these in the classroom while managing misuse. #INDT501

[Laura Armentrout @TeachArt4Life]

I live in a rural area and many students at our schools do not have access to internet at home. Schools offer hot spot devices students can check out and the library has extended hours before and after school. #INDT501 #DigitalDivide

[Laura Armentrout @TeachArt4Life]

I find it interesting that schools are shouldering the responsibility for bringing internet connectivity to their families' homes. Does anyone else feel this is an unjust burden? #INDT501 #DigitalDivide

[Laura Armentrout @TeachArt4Life]

@Kite_GU I agree. They seem to work better with interactive websites instead of creating your own activities. #INDT501