Educator 500 Spotlight – Christine DiPaulo and Michael Bland Help Students Integrate Mathematics and Technical Programs with iMovies.

Christine DiPaulo, an Honors Algebra II teacher and Michael Bland, a carpentry instructor at the Center for Arts and Technology in Phoenixville, PA, collaborated with additional Career and Technical Program Instructors on an exciting student project. The project enabled Honors Algebra II students to use iMovies to demonstrate how math is an integral part of the performance tasks required in their career and technical programs. Students learned more in depth how technology can be used as an effective presentation tool. They also learned about planning and managing a complex project.

Students planned project goals in collaboration with Academic and Career and Technical Instructors. They began with storyboards using Atomic Learning Storyboard Pro. They scheduled and executed the shoot, edited the footage and submitted the product for final approval.

The completed projects, a set of 15 iMovies on carpentry, health care, teaching math to children, automotive technology and other career areas, were broadcast on YouTube so that anyone watching could learn about the task being demonstrated. Finally students posted their reflections on the project in the class weblog, including the connection of the mathematics and their career and technical education programs.

Christine and Michael met for more than 40 hours from planning to broadcast stage to make the entire project a success. The two educators later reflected on their experience with a 3E interviewer.

Mr. Bland emphasized the value of being open to change. A life-long carpenter, Bland says, “Now technology applies everywhere. And it is a necessary part of a good education.”

Bland also noted that it is important for modern educators to be aware of their peers, what they are doing, and how to learn from them.

Christine Di Paulo stressed the global economy and the importance of taking teaching and learning outside the four walls of the classroom.

“This is all about collaboration," she said. “It’s about working together.”

These entrepreneurial educators would encourage others considering great learning projects not to be held back by limits they initially experience, but to push beyond them.
Christine declared, “To open up and let the kids really think outside the box and solve problems without being told exactly what to do all the time, to see the students achieve is our great reward.”

“Yes, added Mike. “They shine!”

To download the podcast interview of Christine di Paulo and Michael Bland click here. You can also view the students’ iMovies through this iMovies link.