Melissa asks: Blog: Using the same learning experience you reflected on last week, did each activity explicitly map to a goal? Implicitly? Did this impact your learning during the activities?
Due to the nature of my learning experience, I feel that the activities that were planned explicitly mapped out in the trainer's mind, but were implicitly transferred. Simply stated, the teacher/trainer implied the various learning activities and did not specifically state the specific aspects of the Mimio board that we would be learning. He had directly implied what we were going to be learning.
In some ways, I feel that this did impact my learning during the activity and lesson. I felt that I went into the training blind-sided (I was signed up for it on a Tuesday and trained on the following Friday.) For something that I have not had any experience with, I feel that the initial training should have given explicit instructions on how to utilize this new tool within our classroom. When you explicitly learn something, one is involved in "an active process where people seek out the structure of any information that is presented to them." This meaning goes hand in hand of exactly how the Mimeo training should have been structured.
Implicit learning is " characterized as a passive process, where people are exposed to information, and acquire knowledge of that information simply through that exposure." While implicit learning could work very well using the Mimeo board, we would have needed to have a hands-on experience to utilize this type of learning process. Exposure is the key word. We were exposed to it visually, however, because it was a training in how to use it, we should have also been exposed to it through an active experience.
In the end, this instructor could have had his objective met had he been consistent and had a specific goal in mind. I feel that he mixed up implicit and explicit learning. He will be coming back for another training this month. Hopefully the next learning experience will be more beneficial and will better my understanding of the Mimeo Board.
Definitions and quotes obtained from : http://io.uwinnipeg.ca/~epritch1/impnexp.htm
Monday, January 28, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
EDC 665--Blog 3
Melissa asks: "Think back now to a learning experience you have recently had--were the goals explicitly stated? If not, were they still clear? Were you aware of them as a learner during the learning experience?
A recent learning experience that I had was being taught to use a Mimio Board. A Mimio board is an interactive whiteboard that is able to capture any notes written on it as well as utilizing the included tools that will help teachers enhance their lessons in all subject areas. The general goal of this training was to introduce fourth and sixth grade teachers to this new technology that our school acquired. While all teachers were to be exposed to this board, no specific purpose was explicitly stated. We were not really told what things we would learn, but over the course of the training, we gradually learned all of the aspects of the Mimio board. I was not really aware of the learning goals during this experience because of the approach that the trainer took when teaching us. Much of what was taught was via direct instruction and did not give the trainees time to interact with the product. I can tell you that I know I was trained in the features, but I would not be able to perfectly use it. Practice upon training is a very important feature if you want your auidence to have retention. By having one person just show us the features of the board, I felt I was in a sales pitch instead of a training.
How would I have improved this learning experience. I would have had the trainer stop every new strategy that was taught so that way the trainees could physically relate and experience what our trainer was talking about. Giving the auidience the opportunity to experiment with the board is the best way for people to learn. While I know I will use this technology, I'm not sure how many non-technical people will use it because they are afraid.
A recent learning experience that I had was being taught to use a Mimio Board. A Mimio board is an interactive whiteboard that is able to capture any notes written on it as well as utilizing the included tools that will help teachers enhance their lessons in all subject areas. The general goal of this training was to introduce fourth and sixth grade teachers to this new technology that our school acquired. While all teachers were to be exposed to this board, no specific purpose was explicitly stated. We were not really told what things we would learn, but over the course of the training, we gradually learned all of the aspects of the Mimio board. I was not really aware of the learning goals during this experience because of the approach that the trainer took when teaching us. Much of what was taught was via direct instruction and did not give the trainees time to interact with the product. I can tell you that I know I was trained in the features, but I would not be able to perfectly use it. Practice upon training is a very important feature if you want your auidence to have retention. By having one person just show us the features of the board, I felt I was in a sales pitch instead of a training.
How would I have improved this learning experience. I would have had the trainer stop every new strategy that was taught so that way the trainees could physically relate and experience what our trainer was talking about. Giving the auidience the opportunity to experiment with the board is the best way for people to learn. While I know I will use this technology, I'm not sure how many non-technical people will use it because they are afraid.
FETC conference
I had heard so many things about the FETC in Orlando and now that it is over, I am so glad that I went. I learned so many different things while in attendance and I cannot wait to implement some new strategies within my classroom. During the first session of the conference we (OMET students) served as a panel of action researchers. Margaret gave a session entitled "Online Learning and Action Research: Take the University to School" Margaret spoke about how to solve problems within a workplace using action research. She started by simply stating the definition of action research. Action research begins when you examine your values and how you can reach those values through changing yourself. I really felt like I understood the meaning of Action Research and really enjoyed sharing my experience and helping attendees of the session in examine how they could use action research to help improve their work environment.
After the AR meeting I attended Alan November's session. His session focused on how to use technology in the classrooms as a tool. His lecture focused on connecting the family at school and that it is important to give instant feedback to students. After meeting with Alan November, I went into the Exhibit Hall and looked at the latest technology gadgets to use. Unfortunately I do not have the administrative rights to purchase the materials, but I now have ideas of what we could really utilize in our school. This is the second technology conference that I have attended and I am proud to say that I was more familiar with the products offered. Now I can use this knowledge to determine which product I would like best.
Lastly, while I was unable to attend all of the sessions that I wanted to, I found out that I would be able to upload podcasts of the ones that I did not make it to. Thank goodness for technology@ I look forward to utilizing what I have learned within my school/classroom.
After the AR meeting I attended Alan November's session. His session focused on how to use technology in the classrooms as a tool. His lecture focused on connecting the family at school and that it is important to give instant feedback to students. After meeting with Alan November, I went into the Exhibit Hall and looked at the latest technology gadgets to use. Unfortunately I do not have the administrative rights to purchase the materials, but I now have ideas of what we could really utilize in our school. This is the second technology conference that I have attended and I am proud to say that I was more familiar with the products offered. Now I can use this knowledge to determine which product I would like best.
Lastly, while I was unable to attend all of the sessions that I wanted to, I found out that I would be able to upload podcasts of the ones that I did not make it to. Thank goodness for technology@ I look forward to utilizing what I have learned within my school/classroom.
Reuniting with Cadremates
As I came to Orlando, Florida I was super excited to relax and get rejuvenated with new ideas for work and I could not wait to see my cadremates all together again! I flew on the same flight as Marie so it was super exciting to get catch up with her and have some company of the flight. We flew on Southwest, an airline with a laid back staff. The two flight attendants were very friendly and helpful and made the flight go by very quickly. I was even a flight attendant in training! They let me pass out honey roasted peanuts to the passengers (I thought that was cool because I am a people person) and they also hooked me up with drinks.
On Tuesday, I went to Discovery Cove and swam with the dolphins with both Marie and Heather. Swimming with the dolphins was such an exciting event and something that I have wanted to do since I was a kid. They are very serene animals and really seemed to love human interaction. While at Discovery Cove I got to swim with the rays and fish in on a coral reef. What an amazing, serene, and safe environment to be in with these animals. Discovery Cove was an all inclusive package deal which included all you could eat food, snacks, and drinks, as well as the necessary equipment needed to enjoy the park. We even got a 7 day Sea World Pass included in the deal!
Wednesday night was the night we got to all meet up again. I can not tell you enough how crazy it is that we have gone so long with not seeing these people, yet I feel like I have grown closer to them with the OMET experience. For the second face to face meeting, I feel that we are all much more comfrotable with each other. We can truly joke with each other and we understand each others like we've known each other for years.
Looking at te first half of OMET, I really believe that this is the right program for me. I have truly learned so much more about myself and have grown a lot as a person and as a teacher. I love the fact that our program is a noncompetive team-building one. I can honestly say that each person within OMET is an asset to me and I hope that I am an asset to them. What I really mean is that each person truly cares and knows about each other. Each relationship has truly developed into a familial bond as if we were each brothers and sisters. I know that over the course of the next two semesters this bond will even grow stronger.
On Tuesday, I went to Discovery Cove and swam with the dolphins with both Marie and Heather. Swimming with the dolphins was such an exciting event and something that I have wanted to do since I was a kid. They are very serene animals and really seemed to love human interaction. While at Discovery Cove I got to swim with the rays and fish in on a coral reef. What an amazing, serene, and safe environment to be in with these animals. Discovery Cove was an all inclusive package deal which included all you could eat food, snacks, and drinks, as well as the necessary equipment needed to enjoy the park. We even got a 7 day Sea World Pass included in the deal!
Wednesday night was the night we got to all meet up again. I can not tell you enough how crazy it is that we have gone so long with not seeing these people, yet I feel like I have grown closer to them with the OMET experience. For the second face to face meeting, I feel that we are all much more comfrotable with each other. We can truly joke with each other and we understand each others like we've known each other for years.
Looking at te first half of OMET, I really believe that this is the right program for me. I have truly learned so much more about myself and have grown a lot as a person and as a teacher. I love the fact that our program is a noncompetive team-building one. I can honestly say that each person within OMET is an asset to me and I hope that I am an asset to them. What I really mean is that each person truly cares and knows about each other. Each relationship has truly developed into a familial bond as if we were each brothers and sisters. I know that over the course of the next two semesters this bond will even grow stronger.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
EDC 665--Blog 2
Melissa asks "using the same learning experience, what were your desired results? Why did you choose these results?"
The learning experience that I chose related to teaching others to use the computer grading program, Easy Grade Pro (EGP). As a third year teacher, I was not sure how I would have been perceived because I was "teaching" more experienced teachers, yet it was something that I was more knowledgeable about.
My desired results were to have all teachers go back into their classrooms and be completely comfortable using the program. I felt that these results were reasonable because I gave the teachers a thorough user friendly explanation with a hands on experience. These desired results were very reasonable and did not put added pressure onto the teachers. Each trained teacher was given a lesson, with visual step by step materials in addition to the hands on experience that was provided with the training. I did not expect all teachers to utilize the program to its fullest extent, as I knew through Vtgotsky's Zone of Proximal Development, but let them know that there were other options to explore upon mastery of the basics.
Upon the completion of the workshop, I uploaded the EGP program into all of the interested teachers' computers. Many teachers were ecstatic to use the program within their classroom, but it was up to them to follow through with practicing and implementing what they learned. Speaking from experience, a new program can be somewhat intimidating when you begin it on your own upon training. It is important for you to dive right in and play around. Many people learn by doing and trial and error and that is what these teachers needed to do! About fifty percent of those in attendance at my workshop utilized the program days after the workshop. Many people commented upon the step-by-step insturctions and were appreciative of what I had done. They found that their gradebooks were much easier to use and made their lives a lot easier, especially when report cards came around.
It has now been about a year since I taught that workshop and some of my attendees have taught me a few things. They have since explored options that I had yet to explore and use. I am very proud of the end results from this experience and I am thrilled others have gone on to explore other aspects of the program without being afraid of the technology behind it!
The learning experience that I chose related to teaching others to use the computer grading program, Easy Grade Pro (EGP). As a third year teacher, I was not sure how I would have been perceived because I was "teaching" more experienced teachers, yet it was something that I was more knowledgeable about.
My desired results were to have all teachers go back into their classrooms and be completely comfortable using the program. I felt that these results were reasonable because I gave the teachers a thorough user friendly explanation with a hands on experience. These desired results were very reasonable and did not put added pressure onto the teachers. Each trained teacher was given a lesson, with visual step by step materials in addition to the hands on experience that was provided with the training. I did not expect all teachers to utilize the program to its fullest extent, as I knew through Vtgotsky's Zone of Proximal Development, but let them know that there were other options to explore upon mastery of the basics.
Upon the completion of the workshop, I uploaded the EGP program into all of the interested teachers' computers. Many teachers were ecstatic to use the program within their classroom, but it was up to them to follow through with practicing and implementing what they learned. Speaking from experience, a new program can be somewhat intimidating when you begin it on your own upon training. It is important for you to dive right in and play around. Many people learn by doing and trial and error and that is what these teachers needed to do! About fifty percent of those in attendance at my workshop utilized the program days after the workshop. Many people commented upon the step-by-step insturctions and were appreciative of what I had done. They found that their gradebooks were much easier to use and made their lives a lot easier, especially when report cards came around.
It has now been about a year since I taught that workshop and some of my attendees have taught me a few things. They have since explored options that I had yet to explore and use. I am very proud of the end results from this experience and I am thrilled others have gone on to explore other aspects of the program without being afraid of the technology behind it!
Getting ready for Florida
Well this past week has been built up with much excitement and stress. While I am super excited to be headed off for Florida tomorrow, I am also nervous at what I am leaving behind. I don't know if anybody knows the stresses a teacher has when he/she misses one day of work, let alone 7. I did a lot of cramming within my own classroom this past week as far as catching up and providing learning experiences that I know the sub would not be able to do (as in 6 science experiements within a 45 minute period to illustrate the differences between all of the different types of rocks (igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary). After that experiment I felt as if I was about to crash.
As I was in my classroom yesterday prepping for the 7 days I will be out of the classroom, I tried to think of every possible thing that I needed to tell the substitute. I will be meeting with her today ( in about an hour) to go through the ropes with her. I think that I am very prepared and I know she will do just fine--I look at it as I am giving her a learning experience (she wants to be a teacher). She has done some long term subbing in my class before so I truly trust her. I think my only worry is that I will forget to tell her something, but my colleagues are there to help!
While I am leaving behind a class that does not want me to leave, I also know that I will be going somewhere where I can learn more about myself as well as learn more things that I can use in my classroom. I am treating this conference week as a mini brain break week. Oftentimes a change of pace and scenery will give you a new outlook on life and in this case on my job and my graduate work. This is a much needed "break" to reconnect with my fellow OMETers as well as enjoy life. I knew coming into this program I would sacrifice a lot, but I also know that in order to stay sane, I need to have some time to myself. I will be doing just that in Florida. I am taking time to go swimming with the dolphins (something I've wanted to do since I was a kid) and possibly go back to Dineyworld. This week holds many exciting experiences for me and I look forward to the fun I will have.
As I was in my classroom yesterday prepping for the 7 days I will be out of the classroom, I tried to think of every possible thing that I needed to tell the substitute. I will be meeting with her today ( in about an hour) to go through the ropes with her. I think that I am very prepared and I know she will do just fine--I look at it as I am giving her a learning experience (she wants to be a teacher). She has done some long term subbing in my class before so I truly trust her. I think my only worry is that I will forget to tell her something, but my colleagues are there to help!
While I am leaving behind a class that does not want me to leave, I also know that I will be going somewhere where I can learn more about myself as well as learn more things that I can use in my classroom. I am treating this conference week as a mini brain break week. Oftentimes a change of pace and scenery will give you a new outlook on life and in this case on my job and my graduate work. This is a much needed "break" to reconnect with my fellow OMETers as well as enjoy life. I knew coming into this program I would sacrifice a lot, but I also know that in order to stay sane, I need to have some time to myself. I will be doing just that in Florida. I am taking time to go swimming with the dolphins (something I've wanted to do since I was a kid) and possibly go back to Dineyworld. This week holds many exciting experiences for me and I look forward to the fun I will have.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
EDC 665--Blog 1
Melissa Anderson writes:
Think back to a successful learning experience you have designed. What made it successful? What was your role in creating that success?
Considered a technological-savvy teacher by many of my colleagues, I have been called upon by many of my co-workers to assist them in the use of many computer related items in their classrooms, especially using it to make their lives easier. Last year I made the change from second grade to fourth grade. Knowing that I would need to have specific calculated percentage grades (A, B, C, N, U) as an upper grade teacher, I knew that a traditional handwritten grade book would be more burdensome. My principal purchased a site license for Easy Grade Pro (EGP) so that teachers could keep track of their grades on a computer, which would give me easily accessible, and more detailed information about specific graded assignments.
While we have a large staff that could easily utilize this grade book, I was the only teacher that really learned how to use Easy Grade Pro. I found that the grade book to be very helpful and it gave me one less thing to worry about (calculating grades ) at the end of a grading period.
Many people began to see the success that I had with the grading program, and had asked me to teach them how to use the program. During one of our staff development my principal asked me to run a session explaining how to use the grading program. I gladly accepted, as this is one of my outside passions--teaching adults technology. I had about ten people attend my session. At this session I gave the teachers a step by step instruction packet with screenshots--no use of giving them a manual that they would not use. In this packet, I only included the most important information.
I EGP loaded on all of the computers prior to the session. I used a projector to so that the group could have a hands on learning experience while I taught the program. I believe that technology is one of those things that needs to be taught in one of two ways (exploratory or hands-on learning) and that is why I wanted the teachers to utilize this experience using computers. I answered questions throughout the process and also gave time for each of the teachers to practice using the concepts I taught--creating a gradebook, entering student names, entering grades, printing out progress and grade reports.
I then proceeded to load all of program onto all interested teachers' computers. Many teachers set up their grade books after the session. As time went on, they used the program and had questions ---they were ready for another training for the next step in the EGP process. At the time I could not provide the needed instruction due to time constraints, so many of the teachers attended a district in-service. Upon completion of the inservice, many teachers complemented me and told me my session was much more helpful and that they did not understand this other person's approach to teaching the program. I received many compliments and that made me realize that the learning experience that I provided for my colleagues was utilized effectively and was beneficial to them. (Recently, I attended the same inservice (only so I could get a copy of the latest version) and I completely agree with my colleagues.
So why was my teaching so successful and what was my role in creating that success? I think it was super successful because of the approach that I took to teaching my colleagues. I created an easy how to guide, provided a hands-on and guided instruction experience, and gave practice time for each of the trainees. I also gave individual instruction time to teacher's that needed it. I believe that because I was the initial person to tryout this program, I was able to project where people might have difficulties and questions. I believe this was a great learning experience that I provided for others.
Think back to a successful learning experience you have designed. What made it successful? What was your role in creating that success?
Considered a technological-savvy teacher by many of my colleagues, I have been called upon by many of my co-workers to assist them in the use of many computer related items in their classrooms, especially using it to make their lives easier. Last year I made the change from second grade to fourth grade. Knowing that I would need to have specific calculated percentage grades (A, B, C, N, U) as an upper grade teacher, I knew that a traditional handwritten grade book would be more burdensome. My principal purchased a site license for Easy Grade Pro (EGP) so that teachers could keep track of their grades on a computer, which would give me easily accessible, and more detailed information about specific graded assignments.
While we have a large staff that could easily utilize this grade book, I was the only teacher that really learned how to use Easy Grade Pro. I found that the grade book to be very helpful and it gave me one less thing to worry about (calculating grades ) at the end of a grading period.
Many people began to see the success that I had with the grading program, and had asked me to teach them how to use the program. During one of our staff development my principal asked me to run a session explaining how to use the grading program. I gladly accepted, as this is one of my outside passions--teaching adults technology. I had about ten people attend my session. At this session I gave the teachers a step by step instruction packet with screenshots--no use of giving them a manual that they would not use. In this packet, I only included the most important information.
I EGP loaded on all of the computers prior to the session. I used a projector to so that the group could have a hands on learning experience while I taught the program. I believe that technology is one of those things that needs to be taught in one of two ways (exploratory or hands-on learning) and that is why I wanted the teachers to utilize this experience using computers. I answered questions throughout the process and also gave time for each of the teachers to practice using the concepts I taught--creating a gradebook, entering student names, entering grades, printing out progress and grade reports.
I then proceeded to load all of program onto all interested teachers' computers. Many teachers set up their grade books after the session. As time went on, they used the program and had questions ---they were ready for another training for the next step in the EGP process. At the time I could not provide the needed instruction due to time constraints, so many of the teachers attended a district in-service. Upon completion of the inservice, many teachers complemented me and told me my session was much more helpful and that they did not understand this other person's approach to teaching the program. I received many compliments and that made me realize that the learning experience that I provided for my colleagues was utilized effectively and was beneficial to them. (Recently, I attended the same inservice (only so I could get a copy of the latest version) and I completely agree with my colleagues.
So why was my teaching so successful and what was my role in creating that success? I think it was super successful because of the approach that I took to teaching my colleagues. I created an easy how to guide, provided a hands-on and guided instruction experience, and gave practice time for each of the trainees. I also gave individual instruction time to teacher's that needed it. I believe that because I was the initial person to tryout this program, I was able to project where people might have difficulties and questions. I believe this was a great learning experience that I provided for others.
Mentoring
This week we had the first week of classes for both Paul and Maragaret! In Paul's class we will be focusing on Mentoring and Leadership. With all of the reading I have been doing, I am really enjoying learning about the other side of Mentoring. Up until this point, I had just called people my mentor, and not really analyzed what the meaning of mentoring and exactly how it has impacted my life.
I am really looking forward to our first assignment--writing a letter to our mentor! This past week my Mentor has really been there for me, through the death of a family member to problems at work. Not only has she been there for me though, I have been there for her. Power Mentoring is something that we have discussed and read about and contains many aspects. The aspect that I am focusing on is reciprocity. Without my mentor, I would not have survived this week. She has given me the opportunity to have a different outlook on situations and help reassure me that I am successful in what I have done.
I am really looking forward to our first assignment--writing a letter to our mentor! This past week my Mentor has really been there for me, through the death of a family member to problems at work. Not only has she been there for me though, I have been there for her. Power Mentoring is something that we have discussed and read about and contains many aspects. The aspect that I am focusing on is reciprocity. Without my mentor, I would not have survived this week. She has given me the opportunity to have a different outlook on situations and help reassure me that I am successful in what I have done.
First Week Back
I'd like to say that I this week was a little crazy getting back into the swing of things. I was super excited to start off the week! I felt very prepared and everything was going smoothly at work. I know I could not have asked for a better Monday or Tuesday (at work).
Unfortunately, the passing of my great aunt put a damper on my week and that with added stress caused the latter part of my week to be a little saddening. I just was not myself and I hope that did not affect or impact others.
I promoted my technology club this week and I had great success! Over 80 applicants thus far and the students still have Monday and Tuesday to turn in. Yikes! I know there will be many disappointed students, but I will keep a waiting list and an interest list for future club openings. This upcoming week I will be sending home regret/welcome letters to the students of the tech club. I am super excited to venture out into the tech club arena following FETC!
Unfortunately, the passing of my great aunt put a damper on my week and that with added stress caused the latter part of my week to be a little saddening. I just was not myself and I hope that did not affect or impact others.
I promoted my technology club this week and I had great success! Over 80 applicants thus far and the students still have Monday and Tuesday to turn in. Yikes! I know there will be many disappointed students, but I will keep a waiting list and an interest list for future club openings. This upcoming week I will be sending home regret/welcome letters to the students of the tech club. I am super excited to venture out into the tech club arena following FETC!
Friday, January 4, 2008
SUCCESS--Internet fixed
Problem solved. After the service man came and checked out the computers, he could not find any problems wrong with the computers and could not trace the problem with the Internet service. While other technicians could not give him advice, he decided to switch the U-verse wireless unit and we were successful. Technology can be a drag sometimes!
Annoyed--Please Help
Okay...well I know I'm not the only one experiening this problem, but I can say that I am completely annoyed. Over the past few days I have had difficulty accessing Pepperdine's website. I cannot access wavenet or anything associated with Pepperdine. The funny thing is though, the only place I cannot access it is at home! WEIRD!
I called Pepperdine's IT support yesterday and explained the issue. We determined that it was nothing on their end. I know it has nothing to do with either my MAC or PC (both don't access t) because I was able to use and access the Pepperdine site at Starbucks yesterday.
Today I called my Internet Provider and after being on the phone for over 70 minutes still found no solution. I finally asked them if they had someone that could come to the house to check out the problem. I tried Brent's solution of asking about the IP address and they could give me no help with that. UGGGHhh! If anyone has a solution please help!
I called Pepperdine's IT support yesterday and explained the issue. We determined that it was nothing on their end. I know it has nothing to do with either my MAC or PC (both don't access t) because I was able to use and access the Pepperdine site at Starbucks yesterday.
Today I called my Internet Provider and after being on the phone for over 70 minutes still found no solution. I finally asked them if they had someone that could come to the house to check out the problem. I tried Brent's solution of asking about the IP address and they could give me no help with that. UGGGHhh! If anyone has a solution please help!
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