final production "DRAFT"

Week 4 Blog Comment

Melinda's Original Post:

It was frustrating not to be able to type during Wimba. However, we had a great discussion. Reflecting on Art of Possibility was really interesting. I enjoyed the book. The chapters that we read always gave me food for thought. I am interested in Chapter 3, Giving an A, this idea really opens up the discussion about grading. I have suggested to the administration at my school to have this as a discussion during a staff meeting. Four times a year we have a "World Cafe" staff meeting. A topic is chosen and it is discussed during dinner. It is a very good way to spend time together and share ideas.

I also will use this topic to create a discussion with my middle school students. I have not decided exactly how I will present the lesson, but I am working on it. Back to Wimba it is always great to hear everyone's thoughts and ideas. So thanks Professor for a great month.

http://melindaonmaui.blogspot.com/2012/06/week-4-wimba-art-of-possibility-post.html?showComment=1340556313761#c9132716607745363464

My response:
I was reminded this week of the dedication that you've shown to attending Wimba sessions this entire year. You've had to watch while still teaching; enduring endless Wimba malfunctions. Your dedication hasn't gone unnoticed, Melinda. I applaud you for your tenacity. Thanks for being such a superb team member this past year. It has been my honor to work alongside you as we've walked this journey together!

Week 4 Leadership

This isn't going to be a long-winded blog on the qualities I look for in a leader.  Because the greatest quality of leadership can be summed up in one word:  servant.  A true leader is willing to serve those under his/her leadership.  I've seen leaders who forget this principle and ultimately lose their grip on reality, resulting in a grandiose view of themselves and a loss of respect from their subordinates.  I've also experienced leaders who took this to heart and earned the respect and support of their team.  It's simple, yet powerful.  To lead, you must first be willing to serve.

Week 4 Blog Comments

Wk 4 - Reading Entry

It has been almost exactly a year since I began investigating the EMDT program at Full Sail. I had been thinking about a master’s degree for quite a long time, but I hadn’t found the right program. It had been quite a challenge to think about going to grad school, working, and raising a family at the same time, but when I learned about EMDT something just clicked. The chance to really dive into the technology that I want to incorporate into my classes was intriguing and to get the degree finished in a year made it sound possible.

Go Lovely Ladies!

I knew I had made the right decision during our first month. I found myself in a group of dedicated, creative, supportive, intelligent women doing something I never thought I would do…creating a project completely over the Internet. Plus, we were in Second Life!!! It was a thrilling experience and I am still so proud of our work on that first project together. 

Month 2 brought many more experiences and a new group. From the Princess Bride to the Wizard of Oz, The Matrix, Sound of Music, Star Wars…these gentlemen I have worked with have become more than just partners in projects even though we have only met through a phone line or computer screen. We have spent countless hours in our “Treehouse” or a Google Hangout creating, editing, venting, celebrating, joking, and laughing. We have challenged one another to do our best work.

 About 5 months ago I joked with my team about creating a documentary about our AR journeys with the idea that we all come from different places, but have been brought together and have completed some amazing work because of EMDT. Reading the last chapter of Art of Possibility reminded me of this brainstorm. We live in different parts of the country, work at different types of schools, teach different types of students and yet, we have, for some reason, been brought together.  We have been through so many challenges together academically, professionally, and personally. I am a faith-filled person who believes that God has a plan for each of us. The plan may be obscured, but in time, opportunities and reasons will be revealed. I wouldn’t change the difficulties, frustrations or late nights because it is through the successes and failures that we grow into who we are.  It is how we interact with others during times of challenge and times of success that develop our character. 

So sorry for the mushy blog post. I guess the book just got me thinking about how grateful I am for each member of this cohort who has journeyed with me through EMDT. I appreciate your support, encouragement, and feedback. I thank you for your patience and for clarifying assignments. I have been inspired by each of you as you have shared your passion for learning and teaching over the last 11 months. You have encouraged me to accomplish things I never imagined...writing a literature review, creating music on a computer, making a movie in 48 hours, and designing a project whose impact continues to make ripples in my school community. I truly look forward to meeting you in the real world in a short 7 weeks.

Our journey is almost over and I am sure there are still some challenges ahead, but I know that WE can do this…TOGETHER!

http://engageandmotivate.blogspot.com/2012/06/wk-4-reading-entry.html?showComment=1340483822386#c7105437311486843440

AuntieSiggyJune 23, 2012 1:37 PM

Rebecca - You are such a gifted writer. You have brought a sense of calm and serenity to the chaos of each month. It has been a pleasure to work with you and interact with you each week. I remember the very first video you created (your Bio) and when I watched it I thought, "I am really out of my league!" And as skilled as you are, you are not haughty or pretentious. I really admire that about you. I'm looking forward to meeting you and enjoying an adult beverage (first round on me, second on Pete!) with you. Thanks for your walk down memory lane!

Week 4 - Revamping the Vision by Creating a Frame

 This past year was a train wreck at my place of employment.  Morale was non-existent and many people, myself included, had a difficult time keeping our focus (student academic growth) foremost in our minds.  We existed in a toxic environment.  We were a group of people functioning (well, attempting to function) with no vision.  There is a verse in the Bible, Proverbs 28:19, "Where there is no vision, the people will perish."  While this verse is speaking specifically about the nation of Israel not allowing God to work in their hearts, I believe that the principle stands true for other instances where vision is necessary.  Without a clear direction or purpose, the group will wither and wander.  That was us.  That was me.  Yikes.  The chapter on Frameworks for Possibility was comparable to throwing a lifeline to a drowning victim.  


I appreciated what Zander had to say about distinguishing what is "on track" versus "off track" for the possibility framework.  It is easy to get off track and lose sight, but keeping on track keeps you focused.  The word "vision" is an oft-used term these days, but we don't really understand the meaning of the word.  A vision can move schools (or any organization) from lethargic and aimless to focused on "possibility."  


This chapter has made me realize the importance of pulling myself and my colleagues (and yes, my school) out of our downward spiral.  Perhaps setting a true vision will help us do that.

Week 3 Leadership Blog

The Project:

My Leadership Project is a review of the tremendous success I experienced implementing my Capstone Project.  It provides a background of the problem that I experienced personally and knew many of my peers experienced, as well.  The problem was that we had access to technology for use in our classrooms, but we didn't know how to use it.  And rather than venture into the unknown, we let it sit in the corner, unused.  What ensued, was a group of tech-less teachers that morphed into technology users.  We saw the power of technology in the classroom. 

Why present this at a technology conference for teachers?  The GaETC is specifically for the professional development of educators with a focus on technology innovations and the impact on teaching and learning.  I think that sharing a successful plan for sharing technology with reluctant-to-embark-on-the-journey teachers will inspire "tech-y" people to continue reaching out to ALL teachers. 

The Links:

http://www.karensigmon.blogspot.com/2012/06/week-2-presentation-options.html


http://www.karensigmon.blogspot.com/2012/06/presenting.html

The Presentation:  (This site will be updated by 11:59pm on 6/18/12)

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1LrI5lfG8V854PkIu1l8UQTpVn3l9Jb4257wTmIKsh-k/edit#slide=id.p

Week 3 Blog Comments

Original post by Rebecca:

I feel that it is so important to find wonderful women who are role models for leadership 

and this cohort is filled with such individuals.  

Vee has taken the opportunity to challenge the epidemic of Cyber Bullying and has shown focused dedication in developing a project that will change the lives of the young people in her community. Jessica I. is a shining example of organization, timeliness and attention to detail and these skills have aided in her creation of an innovative reading and writing program for her students. Melinda is always willing to jump right in and incorporate a new tool with the students in her classroom in a creative and unique way allowing her students to find their own voice. Karen was nervous about using technology at first, but is no longer afraid to text what she is feeling and has clearly shared some of her views with us :-) Carrie joined us only a few months ago, but she has quickly become Captain Barbosa who is always ready to keep us updated or reminded of important information. Debbie has taken risks and implemented incredible lessons that engage her challenging and diverse audience. Tracy has developed her AR project so as to empower lifelong learners. Katina created a project that has a direct and immediate impact on her students' as they search for future employment. Cherylee demonstrated her resourcefulness when she didn't allow the lack of a classroom to deter her from designing an after school digital storytelling program that had a waitlist! Jessica B. has shown that collaboration is vital to an engaging learning experience and has encouraged her students to work together. Tamarah has provided clear and reflective feedback to some of my posts. 

I am thankful for the lessons I have learned from each cohort member.  

I have only highlighted a few. 

I am really looking forward to meeting each of you 

and celebrating our many successes as we journeyed through EMDT.

My response:

http://engageandmotivate.blogspot.com/2012/06/wk-4-leadership-post.html?showComment=1339973516351#c776183784846276566

I'm quite certain that this is the most touching blog post anyone has written during our months in EMDT. How thoughtful of you to remember something about everyone in our cohort and include that in your text. You have forgotten one very important person, however. YOU! Let me add a few details. I haven't been in your close-knit working group, but that hasn't stopped you from providing input, sending chapter summaries, sharing encouragement, and always maintaining a happy disposition in the midst of insanity! You shared a most special motherhood video (still my favorite) and opened the door to your very soul. I cannot wait to meet you as well, when we gather together to celebrate a year of growth and learning. Thanks, Rebecca, for being such a mentor and leader in our cohort.

Week 3 Blog Comments

Original posting from Melinda Lyle-Javier

 

“Leading from any chair”

My classroom does not have a teacher’s desk. I move around the room as I give lessons. A Montessori classroom teacher is called a “guide.” Hopefully, we guide the students or direct them. Zander’s book has so many aspects that really resonate with me.

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“Rule number 6”

After reading this chapter I feel my challenge is to lighten up. I do agree that being able to lighten up enables one to be in a positive energy place. Whatever my energy is I can see how much it impacts my students. Every morning as I arrive at school I take a moment to leave behind my personal world and ready my body and spirit for my students.

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“The way things are”

The strongest point that resonated with me was being with the way things are by clearing judgments. I can be judgmental, and this is a negative trait that I continually work towards changing.

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“Giving way to passion”

Dare to let go. This is great advice that everyone should follow. If we let go we can experience new ideas. Those ideas can take us many places. So date to let go.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________  My response to Melinda:

http://melindaonmaui.blogspot.com/2012/06/week-3-reading-post-art-of-possibility.html?showComment=1339806547553#c2449119665270978071

 

Melinda -

I found your lack of "teacher desk" to be an interesting concept. In prior years, I didn't spend much time at my desk because I was constantly moving amongst my students and leading group discussions, etc. This year, my desk became my sanctuary. When I became overwhelmed, I hid. I'm not proud of that. Where do you go in your room when you need to escape for a few minutes? :)

I also appreciated what you said about leaving your personal world behind when you walk in the door. I do wonder how much my students picked up while I was going through my health issues and my frustration with teaching to the FCAT (and maybe even FSU stress!). I will make a conscious effort to "ready my mind" for my students. I love that.

We can sure learn a lot from the Montessori method of teaching. I'm so glad we had the opportunity this year to get to know each other and learn from each other. Onward!

Following the Rule

By very nature, I am a rule breaker.  So of course I was both wary and drawn to Rule #6 - Lighten Up! In addition to being a rule breaker, I love to live life not-too-seriously, so this was a rule I could live with, and even embrace.  

There are many teachers who are overly concerned with the calculating-self.  I'm not finger-pointing or blaming, because I was a slave to my calculating-self this year.  I was so focused on surviving this, my first year as an FCAT-administering teacher, that I lost my purpose in being a teacher.  I was so concerned with the outcome of that test that I sold myself out.  It was a slippery slope - the more I obsessed with "getting ready" for the FCAT, the further behind I felt my students and I were.  It was exhausting, and no one, certainly not my students, benefited from this incredible pressure to accomplish the mandates my calculating-self imposed on me.

When my central-self finally assumed control, my countenance, my attitude, and my teaching style were set free.  I can pretty much tell you the day I decided to cede control to my central-self.  Joy became contagious and eventually began spreading.  

I like Rule #6.  I am going to keep it.  Lighten Up. 

Week 2 Leadership Presentation Options

The first conference I am interested in presenting my Leadership Project at is the Ubiquitous Learning Conference at the University of Illinois, October 2012. 

·      Investigates the use of technologies in learning

·      How do laptops, mobile phones, games, digital music players & cameras widen the possibilities of education

·      The conference focuses on the main challenges of access to these new learning opportunities

·      Presentations can be in person or virtual – conference attendance is the same

The second conference I am interested in presenting my Leadership Project to is at the Georgia Educational Technology Conference, held in Atlanta, Georgia, November 2012.

·      Varying presentation styles including:  Concurrent (a formal, one hour presentation given to a seated audience) or Smackdown Session where a presenter has about two minutes to share something ‘techie’ that they find valuable in the world of educational technology

·      The GaETC is specifically for the professional development of educators with a focus on technology innovations and the impact on teaching and learning

My choice for presenting is the Georgia Educational Technology Conference because their focus is on educators.  I felt that the attenders of this conference would benefit from my experiences in teaching technology to teachers who have been reluctant to implement technology in their classrooms.