Module 1: Group Responses

I responded to the following group members during the module:

http://darlingtonsblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/module-1-identify-emerged-technology.html?showComment=1324169183094#c7568264181819238804

http://amusingmoose.wordpress.com/2011/12/
Blog is not working properly at the moment.  Will check back later.
Read link to word document and commented on 12/18/2011.

http://minerclass.blogspot.com/2011/12/digital-books-as-disruptive-technology.html

Module 1: Identify an Emerged Technology

Web link and Graphic:
http://tabtimes.com/news/education/2011/10/31/schools-will-have-more-tablets-they-do-computers-2016

•Identify a current technology that has emerged in the last few years that shapes learning or productivity in your industry.

Coahulla Creek High School is a new high school in Dalton, GA.  This high school was built under the assumption that it would be the new innovative school in the county.  Instead of spending money on textbooks, filing cabinets, and library books, CCHS bought tablets.  Because of this, every student and staff member was provided with a tablet they could use at school or at home.  The students can use the WFi anywhere on campus and all assignments are uploaded to a site called “Moodle.”

•What problems or challenges have been associated with this technology?

“When schools start thinking seriously about moving to one-to-one computing, one of the immediate challenges entails power consumption” (Thornburg, 2009).  This statement postulated by Dr. Thornburg is exactly what has happened at CCHS.  Even though all students and staff have a tablet doesn’t mean they have immediate access to the WFi on the tablet.  Our network cannot handle all of the activity, so most of the time the tablets do not connect to the internet.  This means work cannot be accessed, and with no textbooks, education is stifled. 

•What societal need does it meet, and what are its benefits?

This tablet allows students to continue to stay “plugged in” while at school.  If the network worked correctly, the tablets would allow the students to glean information for all classes at a faster rate.  They are also portable, so students can carry them anywhere and continue to work on assignments.  It gives all students an equal playing field; instead of the rich kids only having access to technology. 

•What would make this technology even better, avoiding the pitfalls you identified?

If our network could handle all of the activity and power the tablets use, we would be able to bring some many things to fruition.  Students could work anywhere in the school and complete work.  They could also upload work and receive immediate feedback due to certain websites.  Also, students and staff could stay in constant communication due to wikis, blogs, or Skype.  Even though this has failed this year at CCHS, in the future I believe tablets will make another comeback and schools will be implementing them across the country. 

Resources:

Thornburg, D. D. (2009a). Current trends in educational technology. Lake Barrington, IL: Thornburg Center for Space Exploration.

Module 6: Responses

I responded to the following blogs:

http://twrighteduc.blogspot.com/2011/11/learning-in-digital-world-twright.html?showComment=1321988826918#c3676076373278531936

http://hutchisonedt550.blogspot.com/2011/11/module-six.html

Module 6

My Philosophy of Teaching

In all actuality, I could write at least 10 pages on my Philosophy of Teaching.  However, I will try to condense it for this posting.  I postulate my thoughts will be ever-changing in this field.  Each year brings new aspects which I have to ponder upon and decide what I believe.  On the other hand, a few things are absolute: 1) Students are always going to be hormonal and have attitudes (good or bad), 2) You have the choice to change their lives and show you care, 3) You have the ability to give them an exceptional education, and 4) It is their choice whether they step up to the challenge.  Now, there are other things which play into these absolutes like parents and administration, but teachers can make a difference if they choose too.  Also, I believe the importance of emotional intelligence should be addressed in school.  Sometimes, students have a hard time receiving an education because they have so many other negative things going on in their lives.  However, if we address how to handle these other factors, I believe attendance confidence, and grades will improve. 

Some non-negotiables I have with teaching and learning are that all students can learn at high levels and all educators should have high expectations for all students.   If there are teachers who do not believe this, then they should be removed from this field.  As an educator, I should be consistently reflecting and re-molding myself to fit the students’ needs.  Let’s face it, this job isn’t easy and it has high risks, but big rewards.  Seeing students walk across the graduation stage makes it all worth it for me.

In what ways do you learn differently in an online environment from the way you learned in a face-to-face environment?

I actually prefer face to face learning.  I can see the instructors’ faces and hear their intended meaning.  I also receive help immediately rather than waiting for days and days to receive an e-mail about when I can get help. I am more apt in a face to face environment to participate and pay attention than in an online environment.  However, I chose Walden for my Master’s and now Specialist degree because my life is hectic.  Walden allows me the freedom to learn at home and on the weekends.  It also helps me to become a digital native not immigrant.  On the other hand, after this experience with my specialist, I wish I would have gone to UTC to receive my degree.  I have learned a few new technological tools, but that is it.

What impact has technology had on your learning?

Technology has had a major impact on my learning.  As I stated earlier, I have gone from a digital immigrant to a digital native.  I have learned so many new tools to use in my classroom; such as, wikis, blogs, Skype, moodle, edmodo, and many others.  My students have benefited from what I have gleaned in some of these classes; especially from my master’s program. 

Module 5: Responses

http://twrighteduc.blogspot.com/2011/11/new-technology.html?showComment=1321200378196#c1860892865520323912

http://rachelbell33.blogspot.com/2011/11/module-5-blog.html?showComment=1321200124589#c4982148522814845505

New Technologies

Briefly describe a situation in which you have encouraged people to use a new technology and have been met with resistance or disappointing results. What attitudes did these people exhibit? What behaviors did they demonstrate? Using Keller’s ARCS model, describe how you could change the motivation of these people, or learners, to encourage success. 

One year ago, I worked at the Whitfield County Career Academy where they were completely immersed in project-based learning.  Because of this, they used technology as a tool in order to make project-based learning more engaging and relevant to the students’ lives.  However, only half of the school chose to do this, while the other half experimented with it.  I was in the half that was experimenting, because they wanted me to work with seniors and the senior teachers on using technology in the classroom.  I thought it was going to be an easy/fun experience, however, it turned into a nightmare.  The reason being, they did not want to change from traditional learning or use new technologies.  I tried to remain positive for most of the year, but after a while, I gave up and did my own thing.  Once I began to work on my own, they hated me more for it because they felt guilty and like they were going to get into trouble.  Looking back, I wish I would have known about Keller’s ARCS model.   Keller (1984) proposed four conditions for motivation that must be met to have a motivated learner.  These are:

A-attention

R-relevance

C-confidence

S-satisfaction

If I would have known about ARCS, I believe I may have been a different person to them.  I forgot that even teachers need small successes in order to glean confidence in something.  Also, they need to see how it is relevant to their curriculum and receive some type of affirmation or satisfaction by trying something new.  Instead, I proposed something new and expected them to jump right in head first. 

References:

Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Module 4 responses

I posted to the following:

http://hutchisonedt550.blogspot.com/

http://momtech-eeducatorblogger.blogspot.com/2011/10/module-4-connectivism-mindmap.html?showComment=1319908189051#c1873272956577379287