PLN in Progress



 This weekend, I spent time developing and creating my PLN using Mindomo. I enjoyed using the site (thanks Sue!) and found its features vast and easy to navigate. If you get a change, preview my PLN and, if inclined, please offer feedback. I haven't added links yet. I think you can only add one link per topic, so I'm still investigating that feature. The work contiues...

Welcome summer



Observe Memorial Day



Reflection

Time is flying...

It's hard to believe we have just two class meetings left, plus a Wimba session next Monday. I'm busy creating my PLN, deciding what web 2.0 tool I want to use as the format. Choices like this can be overwhelming. The discussion on possible career paths was beneficial. I guess it's never too early to consider life after this program is over, although now that seems like a world away. I'm also preparing my tooltime presentation for June 6th. I appreciated the laughs on Monday night, which included identifying Andy at the "Jing Master." I really enjoy the dynamics of our cohort and I'm grateful for all they bring to this graduate experience.

Exploring PLN's

I've started my preliminary research on PLN's. I came across this PLN Tutorial on YouTube which I found useful. Since grasping the concept behind creating a PLN, I came to see a common thread between this and the vision I feel is missing in my professional department. To be fair, there may be a vision somewhere, but it's clouded by the state's mandates on our ever-changing curriculum. So many thoughts going through my head...I guess it would be ideal to have a clear departmental vision to strengthen our cohesiveness when we're rocked by constant changes imposed on us by the powers that be. With this new motivation, I'm looking forward to creating my own PLN.

On a different note, I came across this Cool Cat Teacher Blog while researching PLN's. I've only just started following the writing, but I'm liking it...enjoy!

Reflection

Educational morsels

I continually measure my progress in this program by reflecting on the new learning I acquire in each class. This past week, the "a-ha" moments were abundant. The vast array of content covered by the presenters was impressive. Walt Disney and war-training movies...who knew? The bookends to the Scott/Sue/Julie presentation were creative and inspiring. The 3.0 web discussion brought 21st century learning and teaching into focus as the next frontier in education. I love morsels like that to chew on! In addition, mult-tasking is a behavior to which I refuse to succumb. However, I know, based on the multitude of hats I wear as a working parent/student, it's inherent to my day-to-day survivial. As long as I don't appear as frazzled as I feel inside my brain, then I remain one step ahead of the game. Now, it's time to continue refining projects on my contract.

A Series of Hurdles

This picture describes how I felt after giving my History of IT presentation Monday evening. I'm proud of what our group accomplished. I enjoyed the experience and the topic very much. If I'm correct, it's the first go at a group project. In addition to the educationally relevant discussion it prompted, many of us turned nostalgic about the educational games we played as young learners. Shaina's post got me reminiscing about my teenage heartthrob, the Karate Kid. So, I include the following pictures:

Karate Kid then...

Karate Kid now...my son Harrison

Reflection

After last night's class, I'm simultanously feeling energized and overwhelmed. I'm excitied that our History of IT project is taking shape. It was rewarding to see my group producing and working so well together. Darelene created a Wikispace to house our project. I used bubble.us for the first time to create a Project Timeline for our group. I like the look of what it produces. Our group dynamic is the energizing part...it just feels like one can accomplish more with the help of others. I think we're hoping NOT to take an extra week to complete the project. It's ironic that we're all of the "let's just get this done" mindset, although we're not fully decided yet. I feel like I'm constantly aware of how fast time flies by. I'm trying hard not to get caught up in the whirlwind. In my tunnel vision, I see the beach, my beachchair, and a cocktail at Scott's end-of-class party :-) Have a good week everyone! Think summer!