Jennifer Underhill Portfolio
My name is Jennifer Underhill. I am married with 2 children (Ethan 9, Riley 5). I am currently an Instructional Technology Facilitator (ITF) split between 2 elementary schools in Wake County. I was a classroom teacher for 12 years, before moving into the role of technology teacher. I taught technology specials for 3 years. This is my 3rd year in the ITF position. I love helping teachers integrate technology into their classrooms. Technology is a great way to enhance the learning experience for not only students but also teachers.
My only travels outside of the US thus far has been Paris and Vancouver. I am very excited about having this opportunity to work with everyone over the next few months and then visit Sweden! |
Cultural Connections Project 1: Global Collaborative Project (Video Synopsis)
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Cultural Connections Project 2: Scripted Duologue (GoAnimate)
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Cultural Collections Project 1: Swedish Culture Map (Google Maps)
- Training Map, NCSU, Wolves
- Sweden Map
Cultural Collections Project 2: Tour Guide (History Pin)
Cultural Collections Project 3: Swedish History (MyHistro)
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Cultural Collections Project 4: Curated Collection of Objects (Voicethread)
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Cultural Reflections Project 1: The Last Word, Swedish education articles
We had a great discussion about these 3 articles. Though we tried to focus our conversation on the Swedish educational system, it always seemed to turn into a compare and contrast to our own work in education. We definitely felt that it is important to allow students the opportunity to have a say in their learning, but were unsure of the logistics behind it. Students are more likely to be motivated to learn if they have a choice. The expectation for the direction of our instruction is typically county/school system driven, often will little room for choice. This can often lead to students being difficult to engage. We liked the idea of students having a voice, but are unsure how one would really go about making this happen in our current teaching environments.
We had a great discussion about these 3 articles. Though we tried to focus our conversation on the Swedish educational system, it always seemed to turn into a compare and contrast to our own work in education. We definitely felt that it is important to allow students the opportunity to have a say in their learning, but were unsure of the logistics behind it. Students are more likely to be motivated to learn if they have a choice. The expectation for the direction of our instruction is typically county/school system driven, often will little room for choice. This can often lead to students being difficult to engage. We liked the idea of students having a voice, but are unsure how one would really go about making this happen in our current teaching environments.
Cultural Reflections Project 2: Swedish Book Club (GoodReads)
A Man Called Ove
I read this as part of an assignment for my Global Collaboration trip to Sweden group. I thought the book was good. It was about a grumpy old man, named Ove, who really just wanted to be left alone in his own misery and desire to join his wife in death. No matter how much he tried to push people away, he was actually always there for them when they needed him and they for him. It was a good book and would recommend reading it.
A Man Called Ove
I read this as part of an assignment for my Global Collaboration trip to Sweden group. I thought the book was good. It was about a grumpy old man, named Ove, who really just wanted to be left alone in his own misery and desire to join his wife in death. No matter how much he tried to push people away, he was actually always there for them when they needed him and they for him. It was a good book and would recommend reading it.
Cultural Reflections Project 3: Travel Writing (Blog)
Changing of the guard...um....maybe not
As I walked into the massive stone plaza of Amalienborg Palace one of the first things I noticed was the Danish Royal Guards that were dressed in attire similar to that of their British counterparts; consisting of a “bouffant” bearskin headdress, dark blue jacket and light blue trousers with white stripes.
There was one guard stationed at each of the 4 buildings that make up this Royal compound of palaces. The pacing of the guards was done in synchronization. I had to chuckle a little when I noticed one guard looking over his shoulder to see when his neighbor was getting ready turn and pace the opposite direction. This was reminiscent of a young child’s school play performance where everyone in the class is watching the ONE kid who actually knows what they’re supposed to be doing and when.
I then headed inside the part of the palace open to the public to see how the rich and famous live. I was shocked to find this was the most normal looking palace I’ve ever seen! I believe several of the rooms could have been found in my grandmother’s house. Pictures of family members galore and desks that are scattered and strewn with items from a long, tiring day of work. This is a palace that definitely has that lived in feel, unlike the often overtly elegant, and regal palaces I witnessed in Stockholm.
Getting ready to ascend to the 2nd floor for more room snooping, a crowd of people out the window caught my eye. Located in the center of the crowd were several Royal Guardsmen. After asking the “ticket lady” about looking out her open window and being kindly told “as long as you don’t touch it or reach out”, I decided it was best to end my tour and rushed outside to see what exactly was going on.
Changing of the guard...um....maybe not
As I walked into the massive stone plaza of Amalienborg Palace one of the first things I noticed was the Danish Royal Guards that were dressed in attire similar to that of their British counterparts; consisting of a “bouffant” bearskin headdress, dark blue jacket and light blue trousers with white stripes.
There was one guard stationed at each of the 4 buildings that make up this Royal compound of palaces. The pacing of the guards was done in synchronization. I had to chuckle a little when I noticed one guard looking over his shoulder to see when his neighbor was getting ready turn and pace the opposite direction. This was reminiscent of a young child’s school play performance where everyone in the class is watching the ONE kid who actually knows what they’re supposed to be doing and when.
I then headed inside the part of the palace open to the public to see how the rich and famous live. I was shocked to find this was the most normal looking palace I’ve ever seen! I believe several of the rooms could have been found in my grandmother’s house. Pictures of family members galore and desks that are scattered and strewn with items from a long, tiring day of work. This is a palace that definitely has that lived in feel, unlike the often overtly elegant, and regal palaces I witnessed in Stockholm.
Getting ready to ascend to the 2nd floor for more room snooping, a crowd of people out the window caught my eye. Located in the center of the crowd were several Royal Guardsmen. After asking the “ticket lady” about looking out her open window and being kindly told “as long as you don’t touch it or reach out”, I decided it was best to end my tour and rushed outside to see what exactly was going on.
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I stood somewhat awestruck as I witnessed 4 guards marching along the dark bricked path from one guard station to the next. What played out before me was an almost tight circle around the guards, following them from station to station, clicking away on their cameras as if they were the paparazzi. At one point a guard even had to kind of push a person out of his path. Where were the ropes holding gawkers back? Shouldn’t there be a Royal band playing? Why was there not an evident military presence, as I witnessed at the Swedish Royal Palace? This no frills changing of the guard...as I thought it was...seemed so lackluster in comparison, though still very “neat” to witness.
Upon further research, I was initially disappointed to discover that all I actually witnessed was a shift change, not the actual changing of the guard. This shift happens every two hours, with the guards marching from station to station simply switching out for the next person. My disappointment quickly faded when I realized that I still caught a glimpse of something steeped in tradition, that the majority of people have never been privileged enough to witness.
Upon further research, I was initially disappointed to discover that all I actually witnessed was a shift change, not the actual changing of the guard. This shift happens every two hours, with the guards marching from station to station simply switching out for the next person. My disappointment quickly faded when I realized that I still caught a glimpse of something steeped in tradition, that the majority of people have never been privileged enough to witness.
Cultural Reflections Project 4: Writing Into The Day (Pixlr)
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Storkyrkan (since it's a little difficult to read on the image)
Stockholm Cathedral, another name it’s called Thousands of people have crossed the threshold Organ fills the entire balcony, pipes that reach towards the sky Religion of Lutheran is practiced here King and Queen have a seat off of their own, topped with a crown You may not believe what the inside holds based on the outward appearance Readings and sermons from a pulpit above all those in attendance Kaleidoscopic colors of the stained glass window above the alter Adornment of gold can be found each direction Normal attendance one of smallest in Stockholm, so pay to view you must |
Cultural Reflections Project 5: Impressions of Sweden (Meme Generator)