Moving Mindset

How could you adapt or change one of your current class/course policies to reflect a moving mindset? Is this a change you are willing to make? Why or Why not?

This is a very interesting question, and originally I was looking at it from an I.T. Professional view instead of from my classroom view.

Once I started thinking of how I run my lab, and what we do during our schedule technology time each week, I had a couple thoughts.  First, I honestly feel that I am, and have been, willing to use any piece of technology that will enhance a students learning experience.  Then I realized that I don't do this, especially with cell phones.  I do not believe cell phones have a place in the classroom right now, this might change, but it is something I am firmly against.  Texting, taking pics or videos, and surfing the web via data packages are just a few nightmares that teachers and I.T. departments have to deal with.  Beyond cell phones, I am open to whatever is out there, and we consistently use desktops, laptops, iPads, ELMOs, smart TV's, etc....

Using these devices has come easier to me than others, mainly because I love to use them.  Things like research, creating videos, or mixing songs with video can be much more entertaining on other devices.

Next, I have fallen into a rotation of topics to cover in the lab that I know work and that students enjoy.  This is good, but it can be better.  I would be willing to introduce new technologies, but get leery of doing so due to certain struggles we have at our school.  I have come to the realization after this module that I can't let that stop me from introducing new things to my students.

Finally, I wanted to add a little to this post about my thoughts from the technology administration side of my job.  Encouraging teachers, and other staff to use technology and explore new ways of getting information across to their students is something I do everyday.  This has become much easier after we upgraded the schools infrastructure and have become 100% wireless throughout the buildings.  A few of the schools I work for are still waiting to be upgraded, so it is more of a struggle in those buildings.  The idea of waiting for a year to research and think about what you really want at your school is a brilliant idea, but in this day and age where we want everything now it is a little more difficult to play the waiting game.

If your school is able to sit back and slow things down, it will pay off big.  The planning stage can be sped through at times, and that causes nothing but mistakes.  I realize that everyone wants the best that there is, but that might be different from school to school.

Module 1 Reflection

My experience with online courses is not minimal, but hasn't been extensive either.  I feel pretty comfortable staying on task within the deadlines and engaging in communication with peers.  With that said, there is always room to grow, so I would grade my interaction in Module 1 as follows:

The majority of my communications would fall under evolving, with a few areas creeping into the effective column.  I feel that I have a strong understanding of the topics we have discussed so far, but not so strong that I'm not excited about taking part in this class.  Pulling from experience and sharing those with others will be another strength because of the wide range of responsibilities that come with my job.  I struggle with putting my thoughts into words at times and I often get frustrated when I can't get them from my brain to my fingertips.  Clearly explaining what I am thinking is an area that falls under evolving, and possibly emerging at some points.  Collaborating with others by expanding on topics is another area I can improve, evolving is the column I would put myself in.  My main issue there is rushing through the process at times.  If I sit back for a few minutes and think, everything comes out a little clearer and more in depth.

Overall, I believe I would fall under the evolving column, but not too far away from being effective.