Web 2.0 Tools Reflection

I am in a district that uses Google powered email so everyone has access to Google Docs, Sites, etc. On our web portal, there are also links to many Web 2.0 tools. I have used Prezi, Wordle, Rubristar Rubrics, Survey Monkey, History Clipart, Quia, and others. Some of my coworkers utilize these, others are being converted more slowly. 

I enjoyed the web conferences, but I found that my busy schedule often made it easier to review the recording rather than attend. It was also easier because I could stop and start the recording to “catch” something or hear it again.  

The discussion portion was interesting because I could gauge myself at times by the comments that others posted. I also found that I could sometimes jumpstart my writing by reading what others had to say. It made me focus my attention. Other times, I jumped right in and contributed promptly.  

Overall, my life has been permanently changed by the introduction of Web 2.0 tools and the amazing array of possibilities that they offer.

Action Research Reflection

I found the Action Research project to be very enlightening.  It lead me in a different direction than I originally planned. I concluded that, although my district is advanced in many areas of technology, including Virtual School, they are decidedly behind in the integration of technology and virtual education for Homebound students.  Although the district shows innovation and experimentation in many areas of technology, the Homebound students have been left behind. I ran into roadblocks in numerous areas as I attempted to bring my students the level of education and accommodations that they deserve. I finally resorted to using my own computer, IPad and portable internet device. I thought about ways where other programs could be integrated with our program.
I have found since I concluded the research, that there are certain areas where my ideas are being implemented. I feel that this is, in part, a result of my suggestions. I found other areas where I want to do more action research. This is a process that I will definitely utilize in the future.

EDLD 5366 Group Web Site Project

The group web site project was an interesting experience. I had completed several other group projects and I had created Google sites before, so the experience enforced prior knowledge of Google sites. My reaction to the experience, however, surprised me. In my younger years, I could contribute freely, but I did not feel the desire to take the lead, even for a better product. To my own surprise, I found myself taking on a leadership role, not because I desired to lead but because I wanted a great product.

One of the other group members set up the Google group and I waited for someone else to take the lead and initiate the site. When no one did, I set it up based on comments from co-members. I found myself in the role of a leader as I critiqued the website throughout the week and made critical suggestions. When one group member appeared to not understand the principals, I made last-minute changes to his page. It seemed to me that, as I made suggestions, other members interacted favorably and three of them stepped up and completed their part.

I learned that, as I get older, I am taking on leadership roles and people appear to look to me for help and advice. At the same time, I am learning the value of collaboration.  In the future, I will definitely seek to collaborate whenever possible. Not only will I be teaching, but I will be learning as well.

Using web sites in the PK-12 classroom could be a very valuable tool. Students learn to work together and to learn from each other as they critique each other’s work. There will be leaders, followers and non-conformists and whether they are blogging, presenting information or processing information, they will all be learning.

EDLD 5366 Ancient Manuscript Design Review

The ancient manuscript that I chose to review is The Books of Kell. My first impression was that the pages appeared similar to other ancient manuscripts that I have viewed. The elaborate drawings and old style text was similar to other ancient documents.

The pages used a contrast mainly of blues, browns, gold and reds to bring out various parts of the design. In addition, the first letters of the paragraph or sentence were enlarged and used a design of some sort. There was a great deal of repetition in both the pictures and the text itself. Arches, rectangles, columns and circles were repeated. Alignment was perfect as objects were centered within perfect columns, rectangles or circles. Objects that appeared to belong together were constrained within these patterns or placed adjacent to each other. 

The author/artists chose to employ “royal” colors to indicate the importance of the manuscript pages we were viewing. I found the pages to be quite fascinating and would like to actually view the originals.

EDLD 5363 Week 5 Web Conference

Week 5 Web Conference was informative as Dr. Abernathy endeavored to clear up some of the questions and confusion about the Week 5 Assignments that were actually due. She informed us that Dallas had messed up some items in Epic. There were no grades for Week 4. Week 5 was to complete the process. This was a new experience for me as we used Drop box and working with video that other people filmed. Dr. Abernathy informed everyone that the 3 Instructional Associates of a list of grades that were due.
Week 4 and 5 discussion board grades were automatically 100% because of the great deal of work involved. The reflection final is not required as the questions have disappeared. Questions were answered.  We were also informed that Epic will be switched to Blackboard in the next few months. Dr. Abernathy also discussed the Teach Grant and offered her assistance if needed. Overall, I found the web conference to be quite informative.

EDLD 5363 Week 1 Web Conference

Week One’s web conference was an introduction to the multimedia course. . There was a problem with the audio as it continued to cut in and out. This made it difficult to hear parts of the web conference but I believe I got the gist of the information. Dr. Abernathy discussed the reasons behind the use of partners in the weeks to come.
Some people appeared to be concerned and reluctant to work with partners. Although I personally enjoy working with partners, I was struck by the fact that it was a requirement of accreditation. This is important as well as we prepare to become technology facilitators. In addition, Dr. Abernathy discussed the digital story process and her own digital story. She gave a little personal background for her digital story. Questions were asked and answered and Professor Abernathy gave out her personal cell number and email address.

EDLD 5363 Week 2 Web Conference

I actually viewed 2 of the web conferences that were recorded because one of them was not recording at the beginning. The document stated that there would be another conference at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, but no one else was there.
I found everything about this week to be confusing. I felt that the Week 2 Overview, the Week 2 Assignment, and the Web Conferences were at odds. The main thing that I got out of the Web Conference was that Dr. Abernathy wanted to make sure we knew where to get help, that we were to help each other, and to try new software. Both web conferences were conversational and were designed more as a Q&A Forum. I was encouraged after listening but when I actually began to work, I was even more confused. Alas, my week of rest and relaxation becamea week of confusion and frustration.