Monday, February 28, 2011

[EDM613] Week 3 - WIMBA

Though not able to attend the Wimba session, I was able to watch the archive. In watching the archive I was glad that the week 4 projects were discussed because I already was behind and I needed to make sure of what needed to be done. When I heard that I needed to get feedback from others it really got me to thinking about how I was going to do that. Lucky my critical friends were able to assist me in this feat in such short notice. Also if I can share the part of these chapters that hit home for me it was Chapter 5 "Leading From Any Chair". This along with the section how much greatness are you willing to give really hit home and made me re-review why I teach. After looking into myself understanding why I teach, I found that my motives were in some cases mixed as it had to do with supplying the industry with better entry level industry professionals and help individuals that under other circumstances would not have the opportunity to do what I have been fortunate to do in my career.

This book really got me once I got into it and I could not put it down. In some cases self reflection is the best reflection you could ever have.

Sunday, February 27, 2011

[EDM613] Week 3 - Free Post



As I near the end I worry if I have what it takes to finish. With alot going on around me I have to stand amist the craziness. My research is done and I am working through interpreting the data now, but I also have to write a journal entry...oh boy! I'm excited about this and nervous at the same time.

The picture says it best the end is near and I will be happy to feel the light on my face!

[EDM613] Week 3 - Comments to Catherine

There were many sections of this week's reading that hit home with me.
"What would have to change for me to feel completely fulfilled?" (p. 83) What do I need to do and how will I look at my world to feel completely fulfilled? The onus is on me, the only person I can actually change, rather than pointing fingers at those people or things outside of myself. Take responsibility for yourself rather than bemoaning what you cannot change. I don't know how the situation here in WI will play out with our governor trying to take away collective bargaining rights, but ... I am a good teacher and this is the situation that is at hand. Whatever happens, I am still a good teacher.

The father and son communication problem was another point I am reflecting on. When there is no attempt at communication, it is easy to feel shut out and separation. Someone has to initiate the talk, even if not right on point and difficult, it is a starting point. Here again is a parallel with bargaining rights being taken away. How will teachers feel if they have no voice? Shut out, alienated, dismissed and of no value. I also am reflecting on it as I am dealing with a soon to be 15 year old and his struggle for independence and finding out who he is as an individual. These are things he needs to discover and they often create dissent, but they are hard to handle as a parent. I think I will be re-reading the section of the two businessmen and how they worked through their issues with each other as I go through the next few years with my son.

Notice when you are holding back ... participate fully ---> Give Way to Passion (p. 114) How often do we hold back in our lives? How often do we say no to a child, student, partner to emphasize the power we have even though saying yes would not be detrimental to the event at hand? Do we look for a way to say yes, utilizing communication to see that both parties gain from it?

"Mom, can I go to Sam's house?"
"No, you have homework to do."(I am the parent, with absolute power.)
From creative commons http://www.flickr.com/photos/dragnfly78/
"Mom, can I go to Sam's house?"
"Yes, as soon as you finish your homework. Do you need any help with it?" (I am the parent, but I respect you and want to help you succeed and be happy because I love you.)

Which conversation holds back, or participates and shows the passionate love we have for our children?


It's always good to hear/read what you have to say, you actually put it in perspective for me! It was funny I actually had a hard time getting into this book at first so I went searching on peoples blogs to see what they were getting out of the book. After reading your post the first time I really help me to see this book in a different light. Like myself, you really got something out of this book that allowed you to directly apply it to your daily life. I hope all works out for you with the collective bargaining rights deal.

[EDM613] Week 3 - Comments to Cheryl

My greatest take away from the reading was from the chapter on "Leading from any seat". The Zander's showed me that leadership should be driven by the role of empowerment. Dr. Martin Luther King's role of a leader was to inspire and empower people to change their current conditions. He knew that his one voice would not make a difference. Zander said that a leader who thinks he is superior will not hear those he rely on to deliver his vision. That's why it is important for a leader to keep a pulse on his people. I like Zander's vision of placing a sheet of blank paper on everyone's stand so they can write down any observations or coaching that might enable him to empower them. This is something that trainers do at the end of their sessions to critique their performance. My job as a leader is to develop the next leader to take my place, by example and practice. I look into the eyes of my students as todays learner's and tomorrow's leaders.

I also liked "Rule Number 6" because I can identify with being light-hearted and high-spirited during tough situations. I engage my students by bringing humor into the classroom. I found that when I make my lessons funny, they remember the content.


I totally agree with you! Reading your blog post reminds me of a time when my grandmother set down with a bunch of gangsters from the block I was raised on in Chicago and she told them, "How can you tell anyone this is your block when you don't know about the man whom the block is named after (Emmitt Till)?" Emmitt Till's mother made a point to use her voice and her son's gruesome lynching to empower people change the current condition and hatred going on in the south.

I feel that our job as educators is to empower and to motivate individuals to continue the learning process within their daily lives. I completely agree with your view of us as the next generation's educators.

[EDM613] Week 3 - Reading Post

So as I read the Chapter 5 thru 8 I found the text a bit hard to follow but after re-reviewing the text it hit me that the author is using different stories to explain what it takes to be a successful leader. Once I came to this realization I really began to gain and understanding of what it takes to lead. In this reading I have found parody in the authors stories, which showed close resemblance to the job we do as educators. We are look upon as leaders and individuals that have the ability educate future; with this calling comes a pedestal in which we are placed upon. Like the unsung world renown artist of the Boston Symphony we have to remain humble and find ways to meet our students on even ground. I found myself drawn to the portion of the story regarding the granting greatness. This is something that I strive to do in my educational system. The more individuals I empower the more gratification I obtained from watching them go out and empower others. The stronger my team is, the stronger I am! I loved the description of the facilitator that is governed by Rule Number 6. It stated that the job of the facilitator is to pave the way for individuals to take charge of discussions. Our jobs as educators falls under this category as we have to be well versed in helping others to get out of there own way so that they can learn. And lastly the practice of being with “the way things are” really stuck out to me as well. It really put into perspective how as human beings we typically tackle a problem starting with how we turn our attention toward what it should be rather than what it really is. I loved the analogy, “Closing the Exits” meaning for one to stay with their feelings and let them play completely out so that you can deal with them. The author goes on to state, “…that feelings are like muscles the more you stay with the exercise the more emotional heavy lifting an individual can do.

I really found these chapters of reading to be extremely uplifting in my current situation I was in.

Friday, February 25, 2011

[EDM613] Week 2 - WIMBA

Not been able to attend the Wimba session it was great to get a refresher of the material cover that week. I was happy to see how much stuff I retained from the time I watched "good copy, bad copy" till now. The quizzes were actually awesome though I could not take them I found myself really trying to answer the questions. I can definitely say that this is a subject that really hit home for me as I deal with intellectual property all the time and wow did I learn how much I break the law. Joe B. was right, there alot of gray area within the law and I even learned from the discussion that it is very literal. For instance buying a movie and playing it in a public forum like a church is technically illegal, wow my church when I was growing up did this like every other weekend for youth night! So yes I learned alot about this subject matter and I am truly more knowledgeable subjects such as "fair use" and "creative commons" now!

Sunday, February 13, 2011

[EDM613] Week 2 - Free Post



So as I inch closer to finishing my research for my cycles I find myself getting a little excited knowing that I will feel more confident about my project and how it has developed over the course of the last 10 months.

I would like to take the time to thank my wife and kids for standing by me during this incredible journey and I look forward to the future of teaching and learning and how it will enrich my family at home and my relationships with my future students.

[EDM613] Week 2 - Comments to Pamela

This weeks reading was so good I just enjoyed reading the letters to Mr.Z. I got several things out of the reading but I just want to focus on a few things. The first chapter or two was talking about new ideas and inventions it was basically saying that there is plenty of business to go around for all inventions. I felt that the reading was challenging me to not be afraid to try new ideas in personally and professionally. The last two chapters were basically challenging students to not think about grades or restrictions but rather be creative in their learning. I really liked how the Asian students stepped out of their comfort zone and learned by their mistakes. I fell that our education system is focus so much on performance in testing and grades to the point students are afraid to take risk. Students are so afraid of making a mistake to the point they can't think for themselves. I find that this is so true in my class. I can give them an assignment and I want them to be creative with it but they want steps a,b, and c laid out for them. My students do not know how to use their imagination they just want to know what it takes to get an A. I feel like education needs to focus on what the students are learning through exploration rather than lets see how many standardize test we can give the kids. Life isn't about multiple choice questions life is about thinking for yourself and making decisions for yourself.

I totally agree Pamela! I feel that the more educators realize that there are more ways to assess the knowledge of their students the better educators they will become. Like that last statement, "life isn't about about multiple choice questions, "Life is about thinking for yourself and making decisions for yourself". This is so true! Too many students are taught and are book smart but can not use there mind to solve a problem that they find themselves engaged in life.

[EDM613] Week 2 - Comments to Scott

Enjoyed the archived edition of copyright...IDK, it's a good thing for me to hear it at least twice for stuff to sink in to my head (that problem seems to be getting worse as I get older).
A couple of thoughts occurred to me as I listened in on the session:
- once again, at work just yesterday I was fighting with one of my associates regarding the use of certain media (this happened to be music) in an upcoming training course we are putting together. His comment to me was simply, "it's education, so it's OK. I am constantly amazed at how that falsehood, or myth to Joe's list got spread. So it was an excellent educational opportunity for my to teach back to this associate the correct use of copyrighted material and to steer him in a different direction.

- on the flip side of that thought...I was struck by the length of time copyright lasts: lifetime + 70 or 100 years for corporate! The comparison was briefly drawn during the session between copyright and patent. It seems like the patent law is much weaker from a timespan basis. I know there is more to it than the simple 20 years I understand with patents, but really! A patent is truly something that could change the world! The holder only received 20 years to capitalize on that patent, while the copyright holder receives his/her lifetime + their childrens and even potential grandchildren. Seem to be a little lopsided!

Just some random thoughts I had during the session...Don't copy them or I'll come after you ;>}


I completely agree Scott. I find individuals are lost to the concept of copyright. I see the digital age and technological advancements to be partially to blame for this. I recently found and DJ mixing program and iMovie as apps for my iPhone and was surprised that I could take two or more songs and mix them on my phone and upload them as my own creations with no problem. Because this software is available and is so easy to use the thought of "...its ok will continue to loom..." until you are placed into a situation where it is not.

[EDM613] Week 2 - Reading Post

This week we read about how we as humans understand the world we live in. This chapter was extremely deep for me because it allowed me to really think about how I invented the world that happens around me. I actually went through the little practice test and found there were assumptions that I was making related to my life that gives me the view that I have for my life. I found that many different events shaped my life but my goals kept me focus. Then I rolled into Chapter 2 that went into the discussion of about the "Universe of Possibility". What really jumped out at me was how it talked about our measurement of reality and how we assess our "world", our "place of peace". The author spoke of the "little voices in your head" and this being the source of how we assess the world that we live in. These measurements are created by our life's experiences. I really loved the connection between these two chapters they really taught me something about me as a person and the world that I create for myself.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

[EDM613] Week 1 - Wimba

Though I was not able to attend Wimba, I watched the archive to gain an understanding of the class. I was actually happy Joe B. rediscussed the material discussed in his intro videos because it actually sunk in the second time hearing it. I was also happy that he discussed how the month was going to proceed this help my nerves a little bit. Now that I have a better understanding of this month its time to get into my AR website and completing my last cycle of research.

It was interesting that they are going to have us submit to a journal as a practice. never done this before but man that would be cool if my submission get's accepted. I loved the explanation of this scope of work it really helped me to know what to look for going forward into month 12. Thanks to Professor Joe B. for the session.

[EDM613] Week 1 - Comment to Andrea

I have to admit, as excited as I am for graduation, I am very nervous. Over the last 10 months, I've learned so much. I struggle to try and implement the things I've learn for various reasons. We have limited technology in our building, many sites are blocked and take weeks, if not months to get unblocked, and then there's the time factor. When would I implement a lesson that I've spent hours planning, in addition to all the mandates being handed down from the district. It's overwhelming at times to think about all I've learned and all that's not being used right now.

Ideally, I'd love a position as a technology teacher. Someone who can plan dynamic and engaging lessons and teach them in classrooms. As glorious as that sounds, that would involved putting myself out there as a job applicant again. That's something I am not sure I am ready to do just yet. I love the building I work in and the staff and kids, so it's a comfort things right now. I could possibly find something within the district, but that means I'd have to give up my current position and that's not something I am willing to do.

Beyond that, there's a feeling of loss for me. When we're done with month 12 and have graduated, what will occupy my time. I know I will spend more of it with my kids, but not being connected to my classes and work will create a void in my life. It's almost like losing a loved one. I've really enjoyed my time at Full Sail and forging the friendships has been a very unexpected benefit to the program. I've met and become friends with some truly amazing people, people who will always hold a special place in my heart. It will be a little strange to not have a weekly connection during WIMBA, or projects to collaborate on. Now I am sure that we will stay in touch, but I am guessing the frequency of our communications will diminish a bit.

When I started looking at getting my master's degree it was really more for the pay raise than anything else. I wanted to get it and get it done before the kids got involved in school and sports. Researching programs lead me to talk to others with their master's degree and a friend turned my in the direction of Full Sail. I am a firm believer in fate and I feel that her pointing me in the right direction was a fateful moment for me. Because of her, I've met my wonderful friends and learned all the things I've learned. After the first few months of the program, I realized this was something different than I had intended it to be. It became something I was truly passionate about. I've poured my heart and soul into all that I've done for the last 10 months and intend to do the same for the last two.

Last summer, I ran my first 5K race. I trained for weeks and weeks to get ready for it. When I finished, I felt a huge sense of accomplishment. I can't imagine the feelings I will have at graduation. This was something I couldn't train for. I just jumped in blind and kind of hoped for the best. I've gotten so much more out of it than I ever intended to. Like I said, I just wanted the pay raise.

After all is said and done, I will have to step out of my comfort zone. I am going to have to use what I have to better education. This has been my training for that. It's like training for a 1/2 marathon (something I will being shortly), when the end is near, the tough get going. It's going to be a trudge to the finish line, but what comes after that is what matters.


Wow Andrea way to put it out there. I applaud you for sharing this with us, with me! In some cases I can definitely get where your coming from and I'm sure that the opportunity will open up to have your cake and eat it to. Remember your job is now to tear down those barriers and make them re-write those policies and procedures because you have proven the technology has its place in the classroom. Use technology to educate the parents in turn that will have the parents excited enough to ask for more technology out of the classrooms. It may start as a sponsored after school group that flourishes into a class. Remember the administers of today don't know how to deal with this technology explosion and they are going to need guidance you could be that person. There is one admin out of them all that will listen and that is forward thinking. Find that one person and link up with him or her and share ideas. Share your research if it is pertinent to your idea. It has to start somewhere find that place, make it so, and ENGAGE (In the great words of Dr. Reo)!

[EDM613] Week 1 - Comment to Greg

As my 6 month journey with my Literature Review comes to an end, I would like to say some final words to my paper.

Dear Lit. Review,

Well, we have had quite the ride these last several months. We had our good times, and some bad times as well. We had our late nights and our early mornings. I kicked you to the curb a handful of times, and you made me sleep on the couch for not keeping you APA happy. There were the times when I tried to make you feel more appreciated by synthesizing and rewriting you, but you always claimed to need more 1.5 inch space and more support from other people (specifically your "peer-reviewed" friends). I remember one time in particular where you told me that I needed to rewrite your introductory paragraph because it was too wordy and wasn't representing you to the potential you deserved. I was really embarrassed about this, and so I spent a good amount of time reworking and developing a better foundation for the both of us. I really felt we hit it off on a positive note, just to find out that I was hurting the both of us from the start. I am proud of myself for correcting that in our relationship and giving you what you finally desired: a body of 1200 to 1700 words. So now the time has come to where we must go our own ways. I know we will keep in touch and maybe even run into each other at the local EBSCOhost. All in all Lit. Review, we had a great time together and I wish you well in your new world of research. Take care and good luck.

Sincerely,
Gregg Eilers
Your author and caregiver


Like seriously you are hilarious man! Very well said! If my lit. review could talk there would be alot of bleeps and I probably still would not catch them all. I'm so glad that part is over! But the one thing that could be said is that we definitely learned alot from this experience.

[EDM613] Week 1 - Sharing My Experience

Hey we are here...

As the end nears I look back and begin to reflect on life on FSO. A life of true digital technology exploration. It brings me chills to think about how much I've learned and retained while using this platform and it has truly inspired me to continue my research related to virtual teaching and learning. This journey has been so consuming from Professor Haynes' class to now is where it really began to pick up for me. Not saying that the classes before those were not rewarding they were just a tough adjustment having never taken online classes before. I feel that they were necessary though! Big ups to Dr. Wyly I made it through thanks for the push! Dr. Seigel, for seeing the best and expecting the best out of me, thank you. Professor Haynes for the spark, it all started with you and I have been riding the wave ever since. And most recent Dr. Reo for hanging with me through my tough time and encouraging me to keep pushing. I was in the right class at the right time and I call it...divine intervention! Oh yeah...sorry...this blog post would not be complete without a shout out to Roxanne DeLeon, for your work with my AR project. I know my project would not have gotten to this point without your critique and encouragement.

[EDM613] Week 1 - Copyright Issues Videos

Wow after watching the videos related to copyright and piracy, even though there were many things I knew I still learned so much about the subject matter and how it effects the United States and other countries in Europe. I have run into copyright the most in the architecture design world. Many times designers are trained to study the art form in depth, reviewing every thing that has come before them and sometimes they miss the true essence of what they are trying to create. They get so wrapped in to one element of design forgetting that architecture is three dimensional. I feel some time that these basic items are forgotten because they get so consumed with something that they see that they begin to almost copy it verbatim. Understanding the legal implications of this is one thing but I agree with the video that our world has become one big "remix". Individuals "biting" (sampling) those that came before instead spending a little more time to look deeper into their resources to figure out what really makes the piece work and using that theory to create their own works.

Big Oski