Why...

So, I had some time to think today... And one thing I questioned and pondered is: why? Specifically: why am I so intensely attracted to you? Not just one aspect of you, not just this or that, but the entire you (everything, all-inclusive) And after some thought, I realized: it's your passion. More so, your degree of passion that exudes from you like a light beam. You are incredibly passionate about everything you do. From your work, to family, relationships, running, everything and anything you do is fueled by unbridled passion. Your passion fuels your dedication and commitment to never give up and to keep pushing yourself. You dont do anything medicore, whatever journey/adventure/task you embark on you give it all you've got. Your passion drives you. Your passion causes you to take risks, which results in a courageous heart and wisdom. Your passion is extremely contagious and magnetic. Your passion for people leads you to be compassionate, caring, and loving. Even though you may not know exactly what it is that you want, you know you will do whatever you can to achieve your goal. That's passion! It's attractive, beautiful, sexy, etc. That's why...

BTW: I picked up a pair of new, fancy running shoes. Your passion is wearing off.

Week 5 reflection

From this course, I came to better understand the function of technology as a learning tool, rather than an addition to the classroom. When teachers embrace the opportunities that technology affords they can start to make connections between content and real world implementation. When students understand how what they are learning will be beneficial, their understanding deepens. More so, I learned that social networking has deep connections to learning, given students begin their exploration with an understanding of responsible use. For example, Facebook or Twitter can be used for more than getting status updates on your friends. Students can use social networking tools to finds help on projects from professionals in their field of interest.

I have already begun implementing social networking and web 2.0 tools/resources into my planning for the coming school year. I have expanded the digital presence of my program beyond a simple website to Facebook, Twitter, a wiki, and others. I would like to explore some more in depth technologies, such as augmented reality, and create a learning experience product around this technology.

From developing my educational philosophy, I have in written form my values and goals. Having this gives a point of reference when creating projects for my students. Also, on those days when you wonder why you got into education it'll be a good reminder!

Week 4 Podcast

Week 4 reflection questions

I have long turned to my digital devices to ‘remember’ my contacts info and scheduling. Currently, I could probably only recall from memory a few phone numbers, the ones I am forced to dial. Quite often I cant even remember my own phone number. I have to schedule meetings using an online calendar. If it’s an event I’m not excited about, I wont remember it.

I do take my iPad to meetings. My phone is always with me. But usually I take notes on paper. I’m a slow typist, and also a visual/tactile learner, so the physical act of writing it is more useful. Having my phone or iPad with me is more for access to emails, calendars, or web based resources.

The main selling point of the iPhone to me was having the internet in my pocket. Staying connected, or having info readily available, is of upmost importance to me. I could easily live without cable, but high speed internet is a must have.

I can actively engage in a few activities at once, but nearly as effective as teenagers. I once saw a young man texting on a cell phone while riding a skate board. I’m not sure if thats stupidity or genius. However, I do feel that there is a point where we need to put away the technology and socialize in person. Many people carry on oral conversations with multi tasking on their phone. I personally think this is rude. Pay respect to the person you’re talking with. Let them know you are interested. My pet peeve is seeing parents out with their children and the majority of their time and attention is spent on their phone. I try to remember that my son will only be little for a few more years. I dont want to waste precious time with him on my phone.

I have never been interested in video or computer games.

I was born in 1981, so technically I fall into Generation X. However I am at the very tail end of my generation. Being only 30, I grew up in a world very different than that of a 46 year old (born in 1965: the beginning of Generation X). However my youth was quite different than that of the teenagers I currently teach. So, I’m somewhere in the middle.

Week 3 reflection questions

Of the ten principles of Assessment for Learning listed, the one that I feel is most pertinent is: “AFL develops learners’ capacity for self-assessment so that they can become reflective and self- managing.” I believe this because self directed learning is rapidly becoming more common. Instead of teachers pouring out information in lectures and hoping students retain enough to pass a test, self directed learning exemplifies the need for the content to be learned and gives the student opportunities to choose what and how they learn. This paradigm is directly tied to assessment for learning. In that the student now also takes responsibility for assessing their own learning and identifying strengths and areas for continued learning. A different principle: “AFL should be sensitive and constructive because any assessment has an emotional impact”, struck me as somewhat redundant in assessing for learning. Of course, because learning is personal, care must be taken not to discourage the student. Praise as well as constructive criticism must be in balance. However, if the student is now taking responsibility for their own learning and assessing their own weaknesses, sensitivity shouldn't be an issue.
I think the use of portfolio's in assessing student learning is very advantageous. Especially versus tests. Portfolios can not only exhibit a breadth of knowledge, but also depth in specific areas. While tests are created by the educator, a portfolio is created by the student. Giving a test is like saying: "Here, show me what you know." Versus a portfolio is from the students perspective: "Here, this is what I learned." A portfolio can be used for assessment at all levels: student of self, educator of student, and even educator of self. If in general, your students cant exhibit that they learned what you have taught, then as an educator you need to review.
I think that creating a portfolio of my work will give me a deeper understanding of what I have learned and an opportunity to review where my weaknesses fall. As an undergraduate product design major, creating and maintaining a portfolio was critical to our studies. However, back then it seemed our portfolio served as more like a catalogue of our work. We never reviewed our portfolios with the intent of examining what we had learned and what needed more work. With my own students, we develop pseudo portfolios. Very shallow. And I dont feel that the students understand the purpose. Most likely because I did not explain it to them fully. I plan to implement the creation of the digital portfolio at the beginning of the school year. Hopefully, with continual usage we benefit mutually.

Week 2 reflection questions

• After completing the MAPping information activity: what are your reactions to your findings? To be perfectly honest, the mapping exercise didn't provide me with any "aha!" moments.
• What will you do differently while searching on the Internet for information now? Most likely, I won't do anything different. I am aware that the ranking a search engine assigns an URL in no way speaks to it's validity. Users must also understand this and practice personal judgement and common sense.
• How confident are you with the information you've used in the past (as part of your college career and/or in your profession)? I feel as confident as I possibly can with the information I've found on the Internet. I understand that just because it is said, does not make it true. Besides the fact that the Internet is more open to the general public, I don't think that any previous media source were any more reliable.
• What are some implications for the future of our students if we fail to teach them these skills in school? Just like we have to teach our children not to speak to strangers, we must teach them that same mindset applies to digital communications as well.
• Do you see any advantages for organizing your information via Delicious and/or Google Reader? I see their advantages, but I don't see myself fully utilizing them. I know they are made to improve online organization (Google reader) and provide another means for social networking (Delicious), but I don't see those as services I have an immediate need for.
• What are some ways you think you could use these tools in the future? I could see myself possibly using both services in the future. Either when I fully realize their potential, or I have a personal need.
• This week, you also explored the concept of wikis and created a wiki for a specific purpose. What purpose did you have in mind when developing your wiki and have you started to implement your ideas yet? I created my wiki as an extension of my class website: www.irvingdesignstudio.net. I would like to provide my students an avenue for cloud based information and file sharing.
• What advantages do you see in utilizing wikis? I see wikis as being advantageous for groups to efficiently share and organize information.
• What disadvantages do you see? Wiki's, by nature, are open for the group to edit. This can be beneficial or harmful. Given that many people have editing access, things can be mistakingly or maliciously modified or even deleted.
• Think back to the digital natives reading: How do wikis have the potential for engaging them? Wiki's give those users who might be socially introverted a digital voice. That which is equal to every other user. Almost like the digital equivalent to the Colt 45.
• In exploring the eLearning Tools Wiki, what other web 2.0 technologies did you uncover that you want to explore further?

digital concept map