Week 2 502

Some things that I have found useful in this class was actually practicing being a facilitator in Blackboard. I enjoyed learning the tools but I wish I could learn the real trouble shooting pieces to it because I don't think I could fix computer problems as they arise just listening to someone explain their problematic situation. Even last week in the chat I could not type in the message box and I was fiddling with it for so long and never fixed it. I also enjoy the articles about online teaching and the honesty behind them. I like knowing "what it takes" to be an online teacher and someone actually telling you it might not be as easy at it seems. I truly think it would be more demanding and quite intense with the management piece of it. As a tech integrator I feel comfortable with most of the technology pieces we have done, like the blogging, sites, vokis, etc. but I've enjoyed learning some new tools as well like jog the web.

CED502- Week 1

To determine the most effective tool for anything, I think its important to know what the purpose is and the outcome you are trying to achieve. Asynchronous Tools: Most effective: I like all of the following tools: shared calendars, website links, databases, surveys, blogs and narrated slideshows. They all make our job as educators just a little bit simpler. Least effective" Streaming audio because you can't answer questions or expand on topics with this tool. Synchronous Tools: Most effective: Video conferencing with programs like Skype, Oovoo because you can really have in depth conversations with multiple people. Least effective: I would say instant messaging, at least in the education world because it is limited to just a 1:1 conversation and I have a hard time seeing it as a learning tool. Often times you have to have compatible systems in order for this to work. I like instant messaging on a personal level but not for education. Facilitation skills required for these tools to be used effectively: 1) Organization, find a system that works and tracks the students learning and assessment 2) Lessons well planned and thought out with a variety of media 3) Skilled in using technology and troubleshooting 4) Knowledgeable about how these tools work 5) Proper equipment- bandwidth 6) Communication- get feedback from students, offer diverse perspectives on issues, have deep dialogues 7) Reflect on the learning and what changes need to be made 8) Set deadlines 9) Collaborate as team members

Week 3

Really, I almost had to laugh at the short 5 question survey on if I was ready to be an online instructor. Again, really... All I need to know is how to attach a document and search the web. I'm guessing that most people know how to do that, especially search the web. Now, the second survey was a much better judge on if a person could "handle" teaching online. Teaching can be difficult and I surely don't think teaching online would be any less of a workload. According to the survey, my readiness is a yes and my technical awareness is pretty good too but some of topics I never pay any attention too, like speed and size (RAM, GB, etc.). I took the first quiz and I was hoping there was going to be sort of an answer key at the end, like if you checked b then......(some outcome). As far as the competencies go, I really liked the checklist at the end because I'm a checklist kind of person and that would be very helpful in organizing an online class. According to most of this data I could handle sitting at the computer for 2 hours or more managing a non face to face classroom, but I truly think it would be neat at first but after a while I would miss seeing the students and causally interacting with them on a daily basis. Then again, no discipline problems would be awesome!! I love the WAWM Moodle classes, although I don't teach them but I did help write the curriculum and I'm in those classes helping out a bit. I'm really curious to know where public education is headed with online learning? I read the blog entry directions as reflect on class activities so I'm not sure if we had to include webcams and online storage but I'm including it as well: I use web cams and video conferencing quite a bit in my classroom. I use programs such as Skype, Oovoo, and Eyejot. I connect with classrooms across the district to share information,yet we've done author talks with people across the country. I actually have a Skype group at school that meets twice a week and they connect with mentors in the community and get math help. It's a pretty amazing program, although we defiantly have had our share of problems, audio, video, connecting, etc. I think all of the online video conferencing tools really extend the individual learning of our students and they offer great potential to real world applications/connections. I have not used Google chat with my students yet but I'm sure that they are familiar with that as well. Online storage is awesome as well. When I go into classrooms and teach technology, I see that many students already have Dropbox accounts, and they know what Evernote is as well. I love the hassle free idea of knowing that you can access your documents anywhere and from any type of computer. I really love downloading my photos to dropbox because they take up so much space on my ipad. There is an amazing app called BUMP and you can literally bump devices and you can transfer photos/documents into your dropbox account that way. It's almost to amazing to believe.

Week 2

How is what we are doing in class influential in my professional and personal life?
Professional, I could demonstrate these skills to staff and students for them to begin utilizing as well.  I have presented on topics such a Diigo and Google docs but there continues to be staff members that are unfamiliar with the power of these tools.  So, somehow I have to reach out to these staff members to make them aware of what they're missing.  Maybe the idea of working with a teacher one on one and showing them exactly what they are in need of would be a starting point, specifically with things like Google docs because that can be incorporated into a classroom immediately.  Also, the idea of using different browsers is huge because I've run into problems at school when certain programs (like Compass) don't run well under Internet Explorer but it works just fine under Firefox.  I appreciate ALL trouble shooting possibilities.
Personally, I can use all of this week's classroom ideas; browsers, bookmarking collaborative docs, and FERPA.  I tried Diigo a few years ago and I never really latched onto the whole process.  I understand how it works and I think its a great tool but I found that I never used it once I downloaded the tool bar.  So hopefully by revisiting Diigo, I will be intrigued to give it another try.  Side note:  I felt the same way about Pinterest when I discovered it last year (what's all the hype??) and now I'm completely addicted!!

Week 1

I am hoping to learn new ideas on how to customize learning for each unique child that comes down my path.           I love the Ipad as a tool for learning but I wish I had more ideas on how to personalize their learning.  I want to learn how to instruct students in an online learning environment so that as a leader I have the skills to conduct an online learning class that has the options to meet only online.  As the one the WAWM district technology integrators I feel it's imperative that I keep up with as much technology as possible, specifically supporting the district's technology initiatives.