Day 4 review

At the beginning of the week, Dr. Dunn mentioned the stages that coincide with the intensive schedule. I believe that the last day he mentioned was death or near death. I think I hit that stage on Thursday!

I was concerned that this class wouldn't teach me much in one week after spending almost 2 years working on a specialist degree in technology, where we utilized technology and related it to issues concerning leadership in the schools or within the district. Well, this class was great because it brought like minds together to share new technologies that have developed, how we use them, and even allowed us the opportunity to think of ways to incorporate technology in our classes, districts, etc.

I am good at learning new software and teaching software usage but I feel that I am lacking when it comes to the hardware side of technology. I have frequently thought about taking courses to get "certified" on different hardware features, but it appears that working in technology for my cash strapped school system is only a dream. The coordinator of technology told me one time that he can't afford to hire teachers with advanced degrees in his department because they earn too much money.

Fortunately, I do not feel that the Lord is leading me towards a career in technology.  I have recently developed a strong desire for working in higher education. It might be because I love the time I have spent on campus, but I really would love to work for Liberty. It is a wonderful university!  A friend of mine was in the first graduating class of the Law School here, along with her husband. I pray that God will continue to develop the various schools at Liberty because I have a child that wants to go to medical school one day!

Ok, going back to bed now.... for a little while.

What day is it?????

Another long day of working on EDUC 730.  My brain is fried and I am excited about designing my WebQuest but I am a bit frustrated that I can't get started right away. I am struggling with getting my part of the presentation completed by Friday. Of course, once it all falls together, it will be nothing to pull it all together. I just stress when it isn't completely falling in line with my thought process.  Therefore, I will continue to plug along and focus on getting to create the WebQuest when I am finished. Maybe that will be enough to keep me motivated to plug along, even when I am beyond tired.

I just love this commercial!

Shannon

Tuesday

We briefly discussed databases and I was slightly put out about the fact that my new Mac doesn't provide Access.  We also looked over PPT and Word to make sure the class knew many of the features that would benefit when writing dissertations.

In addition, we discussed various types of programs that are available, like screenr, voki, and so forth. I created a PPT presentation about Savannah, Georgia in order to practice with hyperlinks.  I was impressed with the amount of interesting information that I learned about Savannah.

Mr. Kemp and I partnered together to create an instructional video on Assessments. We found a few articles that were pertinent to assessments and talked about different methods of presenting information.

The articles are:

http://www.ewcupdate.com/userfiles/assessmentnetwork_net/file/A%20Primer_%20Diagnostic,%20Formative,%20&%20Summative%20Assessment.pdf

http://www.eric.ed.gov/PDFS/ED528684.pdf

http://www.niu.edu/facdev/resources/guide/assessment/formative%20and_summative_assessment.pdf

http://thinkonline.smarttutor.com/diagnostic-formative-summative-assessments-whats-the-difference/

Monday, Day 1

Today we discussed technology and how technology affects all aspects of society, government, etc. We also discussed the four factors of effective technology, theories, and thinking outside the box.

We spent some time discussing the literature review. I typically feel overwhelmed in the beginning of a class but, from experience, I know that it will be completed and the presentation will be successful. So, in tradition with today's class, I shall provide a video for a silly Christian Remix of a popular song, Thrift Shop. Enjoy!

Pre Class

Before becoming a teacher, I worked as an Auditor for the Georgia Department of Audits. 

My teacher education degrees are as follows:

Certificate in Business Education - Taught Sped Math

Masters in Business Education - Still taught Sped Math

Ed.S. in Technology in Education- You guessed it.... teaching sped Math 

I have the trifecta of apple products. MacBook, iPad, and iPhone.  I even have an iPod around here somewhere. 

I love working on computers and teaching computer classes as professional development for my co-workers.  I am quite good at learning new programs and reteaching the programs in a short period of time. Of course, as much as I know, my husband knows so much more. He is freaky smart.  :) 

I have temporarily given up on teaching computers and/or working in technology. Apparently, God decided that Special Education is where I need to be. I really would like to teach Special education at the college level. I believe that Universities are not providing the needed hands-on practice/experience with writing IEPs and implementing existing IEPs.