I'm in Week Four of my first class towards my Masters. I'm beginning to feel a bit more comfortable with the use of some of the online tools we are using. My Wiki is up-and-running, although I do have some difficulty with composing and editing fonts and sizes, etc. But I'm learning and that's half the battle!
I'm doing well grade-wise, too. I earned 100s on my first two papers and a 90 on my mid-term. So my average is a 95. I have worked very hard on the assignments, so I very happy for the good grades.
I do have to spend a whole lot of time to do the readings, watch the videos, make use of the discussion forums, and compose and submit my assignments. So much so that I may have to forego a planned vacation this summer. I would take my computer, etc., but would I actually do the work?
No vacation -- that really whomps.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Reflections on a Website for Educational Stakeholders
Looking for information on the role of administration in technology implementation, I came across a website dedicated to educational technology in schools and the legislative actions being taken or issues being considered. Called the Ed Tech Action Network and located at http://www.edtechactionnetwork.org/index.html, the website has pages on issues, technology in schools, educational technology and student achievement, and key legislation. There is also a link for information on writing elected officials, state and national. Written for professionals, the website addresses issues that are of interest to all school stakeholders. Within the web pages are links to articles on a variety of subjects, with citations for the data incorporated into the articles.
The positives of the Ed Tech Action Network website begin with their motto: “Children + Technology = America’s Future.” Yes, many people say the same or similar thing, but it makes the website’s purpose clearly stated. The use of red, white, and blue make the website appealing to the eye. Web pages are clearly marked, links work and load quickly. There are also links to additional resources. When data is quoted, citations are given and the links to them are live. Perhaps the strongest part of this website is that the information challenges the reader to think and could provide ample opportunities for discussion.
The negatives I found were few. There is little interactivity and questions are answered via e-mail. While there are no creation or “updated on” dates, the information is current and clearly updated using recent data. The website does not give many ideas for actual implementation of technology in the classroom, but I need more than that. I need to know what is being done to encourage it on all levels, from district administration to state and national legislators. This website is one that can address my desire to know more.
For educators, the Ed Tech Action Network website is excellent for educators. Easy to navigate, with articles that are long enough to provide strong information but not so wordy as to be cumbersome, one can be assured of getting valid, reliable facts.
The positives of the Ed Tech Action Network website begin with their motto: “Children + Technology = America’s Future.” Yes, many people say the same or similar thing, but it makes the website’s purpose clearly stated. The use of red, white, and blue make the website appealing to the eye. Web pages are clearly marked, links work and load quickly. There are also links to additional resources. When data is quoted, citations are given and the links to them are live. Perhaps the strongest part of this website is that the information challenges the reader to think and could provide ample opportunities for discussion.
The negatives I found were few. There is little interactivity and questions are answered via e-mail. While there are no creation or “updated on” dates, the information is current and clearly updated using recent data. The website does not give many ideas for actual implementation of technology in the classroom, but I need more than that. I need to know what is being done to encourage it on all levels, from district administration to state and national legislators. This website is one that can address my desire to know more.
For educators, the Ed Tech Action Network website is excellent for educators. Easy to navigate, with articles that are long enough to provide strong information but not so wordy as to be cumbersome, one can be assured of getting valid, reliable facts.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
School Is Now in Session
Aaaarrrrgggghhhh!!!!
I'm well into Week 2 of my first class. I've finished the readings, videos, and review, and now I'm looking at starting my assignment to be turned in by Monday. Last week's assignment took what seemed like for-e-v-e-r to read and analyze the data given us -- and that was beyond the weekly readings, etc. I learned a lot last week and am learning a lot this week, but I sure am exhausted. I try to work smarter, not harder . . . but so far it hasn't seemed to work. One problem I have encountered is that I have trouble working on the turn-in assignment in short bursts (a few minutes here, 20 minutes there, etc.). It takes me a while to get settled in and coordinate my thoughts to put on paper (so to speak), so if I only have a few minutes I barely start before I have to stop and move on to something else.
I sure hope one of the lessons I learn this course is to be able to use every moment rather than just those that all come together!
On top of all this, I need to schedule, study for, and take the GRE. I have always had trouble taking tests of any kind. From Kindergarten through finally completing my bachelors, having to take a test or exam throws me into a tailspin. I know the information; I just cannot get it out of my brain and show on paper (or computer) that I know it so I can get a grade. The end-of-course exams nearly made me quit school over and over again. Perhaps that's why I find high-stakes testing reprehensible and unconscionable.
I'm well into Week 2 of my first class. I've finished the readings, videos, and review, and now I'm looking at starting my assignment to be turned in by Monday. Last week's assignment took what seemed like for-e-v-e-r to read and analyze the data given us -- and that was beyond the weekly readings, etc. I learned a lot last week and am learning a lot this week, but I sure am exhausted. I try to work smarter, not harder . . . but so far it hasn't seemed to work. One problem I have encountered is that I have trouble working on the turn-in assignment in short bursts (a few minutes here, 20 minutes there, etc.). It takes me a while to get settled in and coordinate my thoughts to put on paper (so to speak), so if I only have a few minutes I barely start before I have to stop and move on to something else.
I sure hope one of the lessons I learn this course is to be able to use every moment rather than just those that all come together!
On top of all this, I need to schedule, study for, and take the GRE. I have always had trouble taking tests of any kind. From Kindergarten through finally completing my bachelors, having to take a test or exam throws me into a tailspin. I know the information; I just cannot get it out of my brain and show on paper (or computer) that I know it so I can get a grade. The end-of-course exams nearly made me quit school over and over again. Perhaps that's why I find high-stakes testing reprehensible and unconscionable.
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