Week 3 Concept Mapping

It's been years since I've tried Inspiration; in fact, the last time I used it, it needed to be loaded with floppy disks. The new version holds a more robust collection of images and formats. Using it, I've created two concept maps: one for evaluating secondary sources, and another to brainstorm the structure for a tech advisory committee that I'm going to co-chair this upcoming fall. Ordinarily, I think of myself as a right-brained thinker, but for some reason, creating concept maps is difficult for me. It's not how I think, but then, maybe the way I think isn't the way my students think, so using this as an organizer might be helpful for them. Perhaps using it in the research process would help them to better organize their thoughts.

This week led to more learning and more overwhelm. Bonk's 30 emerging technologies--especially since they were dated 2004, made me wonder how I would be able to assimilate all of this new information. The fact that 4 years have passed and even more technologies are on the horizon was not lost on me. Indeed, I think it helped me to better empathize with reluctant teachers. This week was an ambitious schedule given the holiday weekend and family in from out of town. Next week, is even more daunting with network down-time and a group project due. That plus, realizing that I was as rusty on writing objectives as I am on my eagle yoga pose, fills me with trepidation. Breathe...

Finishing up the week, I realized that I had somehow missed the Puzzles & Pattern Making Case Study. That was really discouraging. In my post regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the method presented, I couldn't resist a bit of alliteration and adding "Paint Drying". That article was really a tough go and I felt some empathy with our students when they are assigned a reading that they really don't connect with intellectually or in terms of interest. Yes, there were interesting and valid points, yet I think that in terms of direct applicability to the educational community, Marzano and Wiggins might have a niche opportunity in the wings.

Week 2 E-Learning Assessment

Clustrmap is now installed, but I'll feel like a sophomore with no date for homecoming, since I'd be surprised to see little dots clustering my map. Perhaps this is the formative piece of this activity:) I had hoped to return to my blog and now this will force me to do it. So far, the reading on uses of blogs in the classroom as pertaining to student work excites me. It validates their use and is supported by evidence. I'm intrigued by the idea that blogging will support all students in their self-reflection and learning.

Week 1 E-Learning Assessment & Partner Interview

Online learning is about as relaxing as being a stay at home mom. Anyone who thinks it's easy hasn't done it. However, that said, online learning allowed me to continue class while on vacation, where traditional learning would have necessitated missing a week's worth of class. I'm excited about the power of this class to help to bring my own online learning as well as that of my teachers and students to another level. Thus far, the readings have been relevant and have up-to-date copyrights too. I'm especially interested in the fact that we're studying Wiggins too, since our district has invested considerable time and energy in revitalizing our curriculum using backward design.

The best part, though, in online learning is knowing that other students are in it with you. It seems as if there is a greater interdependence of learning in an online class--if only because we become desperate in trying to figure out "what to do" or "how to do." Please meet Phil Haitz, my interview partner for the first class.

Meet middle school Math teacher, Phil Haitz. Phil has ambitiously decided to take two online courses this summer, so wish him luck.

One of his favorite hobbies is to troll the flea markets in Chester and Lancaster counties in PA a couple of times per month. What's he looking for? A good deal. Sounds like fun to me.

One of his favorite formative assessment tools is Study Island, a web-based math program this is aligned to PA state standards. It allows Phil to pre-assess students so that he can differentiate his instruction appropriately.

Welcome Phil!