BP3_ututti

During the search of the hundreds of Web 2.0 I ran across some amazing technology. I was thoroughly impressed with how these platforms could be setup to fit any and every need for a particular area to enhance awareness and learning. After a good 30 minute search, I ran across a web tool that designed specifically for band programs! :)) Ututti in a nut shell is a management tool that allows directors, parents, and band members (future, current, and alumni) to remain engaged in all activities and accounts during the entire school year. Every student and parent gains an opportunity to sign on to the directors account and develop their individual account. 

After creating my account, I began entering names to create an overall roll of band members. Each student can be placed in groups by instrument, grade level, or skill level. 

Once all students are entered into the system, I can access their personal links to add all personal information which can only be accessed by the student, parent and director. To the left of the screen there are also links available to add parents info, check students inventory use, finances, and current grades for the class. 

This financial page is an EXCELLENT assistant for managing funds for our organization. During a regular school year, my program will collect anywhere between 20,000 to 50,000 through student dues, fundraisers, and donations. Ututti not only offers music programs the opportunity to adequately manage funds but it gives students a sense of ownership to manage their personal accounts and dues. Each student would receive emails about due dates for funds and future fundraising events. 

Ututti is also great for managing inventory within the program. Once all instruments, uniforms, music, etc. are entered, Ututti can assist in the management process to account for all items and which student is utilizing which instrument. 

Ututti is an amazing tool that would work wonderfully in relieving a lot of stress within my educational facility. Ututti will remove the filing system that we have relied on for years and create a better networking community that is needed for distributing information other than paper based. 

BP2_iGoogle Screenshots

Well, here is my homepage that was created during my first month in the program. Of course, being a born and raised Georgia boy why not have a theme that fits! I am a die hard any sport from Georgia fan and probably will never change! I do have facebook and twitter gadgets on this page as well as youtube, weather and others. A favorite of mine is the music gadget that informs me about upcoming local concerts! I love music!

My FSO/AR also contains a gadget for staying up on local weather along with several needed links. I will take some time later and continue updating and customizing my igoogle. This is such fun!

Final tab dubbed the Resource tab has several important links and some gadgets that I didn't add. Those will be removed in due time. This PLE will be an amazing tool to utilize as a work towards meeting the requirements at Full Sail University as well as remaining organized in life!

BP1_Welcome to my blog

Hello world, my name is Anthony Hunt! I am the director of bands for a high school in the metropolitan of Atlanta, GA. My high school currently sits in the center of the largest international community in Georgia and one of the largest in the United States. Our school represents over 54 countries from across the world. Working in my current educational facility has not always met with high regards. I've run across various adversity to get my band program to its current status. The band program initially started with ten to fifteen students four years ago, and now we currently have over 120 students enrolled, participating in several ensembles. I enjoy every minute spent with the "Mighty Band of Gold" especially when students show a genuine interest in learning and achieving. 

We are currently preparing for a joint holiday concert with our outstanding choral and orchestral programs. This year will be the first year having an opportunity to showcase our students talents in our new state of the art auditorium. I am particularly excited because we will also include the drama club for a holiday production. Our wind ensemble, jazz band with vocalist, and drumline will all participate in this event.  We have also invited our amazing feeder middle school band to perform for our concert. Hopefully, we will fill up the 500 seats within our auditorium during this concert.