WEEK 9 Reflections

The more I play with the possibilities, even the most trivial stuff like putting the text on the right, the more I can see opportunities for learning.

Today I was in a conversation about how to get the students to see things in new ways.

I pointed out that first we need to get them to see things.

I admire my students

the ones

who

keep plugging

away until the very end

no matter how well or poorly they are doing

Too often I encounter quitters who are trying to mitigate their own short comings

by claiming that the prize doesn't matter

doing well isn't as big a deal

as just doing something

anything



google

maggie and milly and molly and may

by e. e. cummings

and don't forget to become a better person by going to www.freerice.com

WEEK 8 and the thoughts which have been thunk

Why I study hard is also the reason I stop from time to time. I spent part of my summer on Bear Island, Maine. No Internet, no phone, no mosquito netting...

Here are my two favorite bears.

That said, wow, what a week. Our little hospital waiting room of a class keeps finding tech based solutions to staying on task, cool. The support of our work from fellow students is more than I have seen in any class, be it brick and mortar or online. This leads me to believe (yeah I used the "believe" word, ain't blogs grand) technology based communication may be one of the best collaborative tools available. I spent my school collaboration day helping one of my science teacher friends edit some video, and bringing us closer as colleagues. Rose Ann keeps sending me to new and fascinating web opportunities whose opportunities to download toolbars has rendered windows Internet explorer even more useless than it was when I began this course. To top it off I got a Skype reminder that today was Pam Eder's birthday; giving me an excuse to give her a Skype call instead of just a chat.

The projects are impressive, the people I have surrounded myself with are great, and the learning experience enormous. Virtually, a great place to be.

flypen

coming soon to a website near you

Week 7 thoughts and stuff that are a lot like thoughts

What a week. It started out with a Sunday and skipped right away to Thursday at 9:06 p.m. local which is 7:36 a. m. in Afghanistan. Every one in the course seems to be a week or two ahead of me. I get requests to check out their presentations (which I love to do) and my recording time slips away in chunks too small for me to record in anyway.

I learned over the years that a minute of great quality recording takes about an hour to produce. I also discovered how really hard it is to not look goofy on a web cam. I need more practice or more mood altering substances to make me look natural. I am thinking of doing out takes for the end of my pod cast if it doesn't turn into one big out take/laugh track inducing farce.

On another note, hmmmm, (that was Be sharp) I find it interesting to be working on a project that will serve a dual role. A podcast can be used in synchronous or asynchronous form. If a class contains repetitive material, an instructor can record it before hand and introduce it while taking role. If there are any students absent the material is there for them in an asynchronous form.

Week 6 thoughts

The halfway mark,

I started this course thinking I would be able to use all of the stuff I knew to breeze through.
Wrong! I am happy I had the background, but I am also thrilled with how much new information and experience I am acquiring here. The requirement to communicate our thoughts in so many venues for such an extended period may lead to new habits. Readings pushing us to rethink how far we have come, and how far we still need to travel, provide discussions outside the classroom as I engage peers and colleagues in the lunchroom. All in all, I am having fun with this.

Week 5 thoughts

I was discussing my course with a colleague today. I began assessing all of the different ways we are expected to communicate in this course: RSS, blog, wiki, e-mail, class discussion threads (2 for the week, plus the cafe), skype chat, phone calls, video chat, group chat, chat with the instructor, chat with the instructor and at least one other student...

I'm certain I missed something in there, like I missed the "By Thursday of each week" (I was thinking it was Sunday, my bad) All of this coupled with the readings has at times left me wondering how I have had time to get involved with facebook, twitter, diigo, and juice all at the same time.

Knowing how and when to use the various synchronous and asynchronous communication is the big lesson I take away this week. Can't wait for the next drink from the fire hose.