A list here... a list there

Whoa!! Looked at my TO-DO list thoroughly this weekend and realized it is quite extensive. SOOOO many webliographys. (sp) I thought the point of information literacy was learning to winnow our resources down! Interesting to see other states tech plans as compared to ours and our district...glad we are trying to bring on the tech in TN. I hope we continue to emphasize professional development.

The Sound of Music

At the beginning of the course, about 5 short weeks ago, I felt like I was reading rocket science. I have developed a whole new vocabulary. I learned about technology and how to use it effectively. I am aware of the uses of technology by students and the world in general. I have a better an understanding of the workings of my computer that may allow me to think more critically to solve the "glitch" problems I run into. I can see the possibilities of how the students’ use of technology can be incorporated into the learning environment. I have good sources that I can refer to on the web for professional development. I am aware that technology changes quickly so I need to keep up with this by using my resources. I have an understanding of where the library and education in general are going in the future and an understanding of how some schools and libraries are achieving these goals now. I know some issues and concerns related to the current topics in libraries, education and technology.

I feel like I am a jack of all trades but master of none. I am having a little competency problem right now in my role as mother, daughter, teacher, student, friend… but this can bring empathy to all my roles. It will all come together. I sat down with my son to watch The Sound of Music last night. That was such a pleasure. I haven’t watched a movie with him in weeks. These last weeks if he was spending time watching a movie I was going to take that time to do some school work. While we were watching the movie he threw his head back and laughed at something that happened…now that is the sound of music.

Internet begins with a capital I

It's all in the details.

Time

Big struggle for me to work within the 5 week timeline for assignments. I keep telling myself that I will adjust to balancing life. The research report project has been very odd. I spent a lot of time searchng within the data bases in the library using various search terms to get very little for the k-12. It wasn't till I located online journals that I found more of what I wanted but wow the hours....a little anxious about balancing work, family and school with what I consider a significant amount of work to complete in 5 weeks.

No Computer Left Behind

Today we debated social networking. I was to represent cons which I tried to do. I really think social networking has a place in the school system. I think each new communication/technology that is embraced by students should be explored to see how it can be applied to teaching and learning. I do believe some of it will fade or evolve. I still haven't explored all the aspects but it sounds to me as if most of it can be set up with appropriate parameters.

I now feel more adept at maintaining my computer. I actually had to defrag this week due to some problems. I understand more about how to protect it from all that nasty malware. Now...where is that research report...

Bits and Pieces

This week I continued to explore web based learning. The current focus is on the learners experience with the online course including social contacts that allow them to deepen their learning. I was excited about finding clean and simple tutorials for web design. I think I am going to start my own web page related to resources and ideas for students with special needs. I am going to work on that over the next year in my few spare moments. I am enjoying reading the last Harry Potter book. I usually devour a book but this one is going pretty leisurely. I have an eight year old who needs my time and attention more than Harry.

Up to my ears in research

We have had a hard time narrowing down our research. One thing seems to lead to another which is the way we learn right! I have been very impressed with the interactive resources I have found for kids that will be helpful in my classroom this year. These resources will also be helpful to me as a librarian/media specialist. I will have internet resources for teachers as they begin to explore using web based materials.

The processors connected to the heat sink...the heat sinks connected to the ...

Prof. Mac obviously uses what he learned in methods class. The activities were once again appropriate to develop an understanding of computer components through a variety of experiences. The pretest helps me know what the teacher is expecting me to learn. Great sense of timing... short power points...if I was doing the outlining/highlighting important chapter points at home I could have spent hours over it instead of the 20 minutes he assigned. I think everyone did a really great job in that 20 minutes. Rehashing what we learned through identifying the 50 computers parts really generated my brain cells. My highest regards for the teacher who is willing to tote around all that gear to enhance my learning.

Did anyone ask you how you felt about high stakes testing?

I am having a hard time finding data for my research project. I find it very interesting that the latest data I find addresses the affective dynamic of web-based learning. How did the student and teacher feel about the experience? It is approriate and interesting to see it approached from this viewpoint. I would be very interested to look at studies related to affect of teachers and students in relation to high stakes testing. Our students are currently participating in two web-based activities to keep our students passing the tests. I will be in-serviced on the new one next week. I am very interested in seeing how it is introduced to us. I wonder if some consider this web-based learning? I am wondering how we will have life long learners if we keep putting inquiry learning to the side. I also read research that tied good test scores to libraries in schools. I have enjoyed reading about libraries and tech this week. I read articles about automation systems. I may have relied on an “expert” from a company had I not explored this area. Now I feel better informed on pros, cons and future issues.

I am still feeling very frustrated with working effectively and efficiently with my computer. Something goes wrong with each product… couldn’t get word to do ANYTHING with my library design but save it and print it, my Webquest has queer markings on it and the pics were not loading when I did my demo. I took my computer back to the store to find out why ADOBE and Microsoft office word wouldn’t work and then when I went to pick it up the guy who fixed it was not there to tell what was wrong with it. I still don’t know if I could have done some trouble shooting myself. It took me a good chunk of time to find notepad on my computer to make the web page and this was after I attempted to load and use front page on CITRIX. Now I cannot remember how I found notepad. I can’t figure out why it just wouldn’t be listed under programs. I finally figured out how to get the Web page to show in my browser and that was gratifying. I like to portray competency when I am working with my students. A problem here and there is fine, kids love to help problem solve but I am very dissatisfied at this point. Right now I DO NOT want to wear the tech hat. I am an ideas person. I could think of lots of ways to use new tech. I really think the library association needs to promote a tech person SPECIALIST in every library and the librarian should not wear all the hats. The HOURS it would save to have a tech SPECIALIST could be well used for effective planning. I also believe the technology will get easier to use in the future so that is something to look forward to. I am not against learning but it seems like I spend hours to do some of the assignments because I am just not clicking on the right button or some odd glitch. I will try and reflect more on my research and learning in other areas my next post.

Two or MORE!

So my professor gets me all excited saying next week we will not be meeting but will participate in asynchronous learning. Cool I think to myself. Definition of asynchronous the occurrence of two or more processes at different times ALL DAY LONG!!! My computer and I used to be friends but after today it is over. We aren't even on speaking terms. Talk about hyper something I am getting there.

Touchy Feely

Tech is definitely an exciting tool. I like that various demonstrations of content are available online. I really like that technology will allow the student choices to develop a product based on their learning. I think blogs etc are about producing a community in the virtual world and are so interesting to the future of how the world will hopefully work as a community. What I am concerned about are the hands on stuff of the human experience...the senses. Goes back to our individual philosophy of education. For me technology would be part of a balance.

Geekdom is learned, not innate.

Ha! This was actually in a small article I read while I was researching. Nice to know I still have geek potential.
Whatsa wiki? Personal response system? So here’s the problem with technology research …it makes me realize there is more and more I don’t know. I came across digital story telling…fabulous…. We called it “talk story” in one state I lived in. I love the idea of getting back some of the oral traditions by using the internet for audio only. Hmmm...gives me ideas for my students with special needs.

This is my first blog ever. I am a person who does not normally share alot of personal information easily so this will be an interesting experience.