Ramblings from the Father of Twins

Update: In the joy of writing the original post, the thought of copyright issues never came to mind. However, due to this type of violation, YouTube has pulled the cartoon I linked too. “Rabbit Seasoning” is the property pf Warner Bros. It’s another perspective that should be taken prior during the building process of each assignment.

Chris Harbeck’s presentation title “Release the Hounds” was an instant draw for me. I actually laughed out loud thinking of Elmer Fudd, Daffy Duck and Bugs Bunny in the classic Warner Bros. cartoon, “Rabbit Seasoning“. (If you need a quick laugh, this is well worth the viewing time) However, I began to wonder why this title under the heading of Classroom 2.0?

This presentation was just the start of a complete method for creating what he calls a “student led conference”. The ePortfolio was one objective for this plan. It was designed to create a reflective method his students can use to review and display works for parents (and themselves) at the end of the school year. In addition, he created an online log of events students could use in the event worked was missed due to sickness or absence. This “ScribePost” collected a daily timeline of events but maintained specific details that any one participant of the class would be able to use for study purposes. The ScribePost was also used with the student Growing Post for personal notes and information. His version of the journal provides a one stop shop for posted information rather than multiple posts throughout the year. Harbeck’s also utilized his Unproject which allowed the students to develop their own “mastery levels” based on the subject matter.

The combination of each subject area used in conjunction with web tools creates an environment students can build and not necessarily rely on the teacher to develop. Due to limitations for space, Harbeck’s choice of online tools allowed students to create while at home as needed. The overall project is an extension of digital storytelling but it provides many opportunities for new technologies to be retooled as resources become available. This method, I believe, places the ownership in the kids hands and could also led to opportunities for students to manage themselves.

I decided to choose the complete set of presentations instead of the mp3 version because of what was available. At times, I was restricted in my access to some files while at school, but found each to be well worth the wait. As a visual learner, I was able to understand the visual component needed for this project. I would not have been able to understand the entire concept with the mp3 version alone. My perception of the title did not click until the last presentation. The hounds (students) had the opportunity to find and search for the ever allusive fox (student objectives, grades, personal goals). Although the methods varied, I believe his usage of “hounds” suggests that everyone (students) is searching for the same results, destinations or goals. There is not a specific defined process for capturing the fox but the goal is to complete the hunt.

Elmer Fudd was never able to determine what the true season was in the classic Warner Brothers tale. At least not until Daffy and Bugs convinced him, that he was being hunted. In many cases, students need to realize that the opportunities being presented in this type of classroom could lead to them into situations of being the “hunted”. Colleges and universities are frequently looking for those students who can expand their student bodies. Businesses often want those who can think beyond normal boundaries to become part of their organizations.

From personal experience, being hunted is not a bad thing.