This week was a very special time for myself and those who work for the National Park Service. Ken Burns released his much-anticipated "America's Best Idea: The National Parks" this past Sunday on public broadcasting networks all over the country. The documentary accounts the creation of America's national park system, the first of its kind in human history.
For those who are not aware, Ken Burns has produced many other documentaries about American life and culture in the past two decades. His work on Baseball, Jazz, and the American Civil War have won him countless awards and praise. His most recent work recounts the history of conservation in America, beginning with John Muir and Gifford Pinchot in the mid-19th Century.
So, why all the excitement? America is truly a great place to live. Regardless of all the ignorance and greed we see from Americans on television, there are many who live here that offer much to the human race and are respectful to themselves and others. America is a unique place, but is for the most part built on ideas that are not unique. Democracy, capitalism, and French Fries all came from other places in the world. But for some reason we Americans are able to take something old and make it new again. There are many reasons for this. The most prevalent, I think, is because of the diverse composition of the American population. We have so many nationalities and races that have so much to offer the world...
Ken Burns' series that has debuted this week celebrates something that we Americans can truly call our own - the national parks. After the dust has settled hundreds of years from now, future civilizations will look back and attribute the world's first national park to America. And what a great Democratic idea! Land set aside for all to enjoy, regardless of income, race, or nationality. This gesture by our forefathers is, in fact, the most democratic notion of all! I hope some of you have the chance to tune in this week (8 pm every night this week on your local PBS) and enjoy this truly America legacy :-)
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Reflections of Week #5
This has been one of the most intense, but enriching weeks so far this semester. As our second cohort meeting approaches, I find myself scrambling to prepare for the weekend's courses. As usual, Dr. Diaz's law reading is tedious, but along the way I pick up morsels of great interest and intrigue. I am amazed by the types of cases that are brought before our Supreme Court, and with some of the final decisions! I once aspired to become a lawyer, but I'm really glad I chose a different path after reading much of the text required for the course. The law is fascinating, but my demeanor and attitude would not sit well in that field.
I couldn't help but notice the glaring overlap between the readings for 640 and 744 this week. In the first few weeks, some terms and theories greatly overlapped. But as I develop my Needs Assessment for my Instructional Design Plan, I'm seeing uncanny similarities between the readings and theories of the two courses. For example, I continually find myself reading about metacognition, or the ability for learners to evaluate themselves and personal learning styles and abilities. To be become a truly metaconitive learner is a goal that all students should aspire toward. This seems to be described as the pinnacle of tutelage. Dr. Whitehouse's articles have reiterated the importance of metacognition for some weeks now. Most claim that using Web 2.o tools, which foster Learning 2.0 abilities, can help students reach metacognition faster. Based on what I'm reading, I couldn't agree more! The readings this week once again revisited metacognition and emphasized its importance. I'm considering exploring this topic further in my final project for 744 in some fashion...
The other major theme that continues to arise concerns the constructivist learning theory and the learning-centered environment. Both of these were mentioned the first week in 640 and 744. Although they have popped up periodically since, both were overly emphasized in articles I am using for my Instructional Design Plan. This plan concerns the implementation of a unit for tenth grade high school history teachers. The unit is not particularly concerned with technology, but these two types of learning and learning environments are emphasized as critical "must haves" for the successful history classroom.
I made this my topic for today's blog because I'm fascinated by the interrelation of these topics! I do believe that metacognition, constructivist learning theory, and learner-centered environments are very important to the future of education. I have learned a great deal about them in the past few weeks, but I look forward to what I will learn about them in the future!
I couldn't help but notice the glaring overlap between the readings for 640 and 744 this week. In the first few weeks, some terms and theories greatly overlapped. But as I develop my Needs Assessment for my Instructional Design Plan, I'm seeing uncanny similarities between the readings and theories of the two courses. For example, I continually find myself reading about metacognition, or the ability for learners to evaluate themselves and personal learning styles and abilities. To be become a truly metaconitive learner is a goal that all students should aspire toward. This seems to be described as the pinnacle of tutelage. Dr. Whitehouse's articles have reiterated the importance of metacognition for some weeks now. Most claim that using Web 2.o tools, which foster Learning 2.0 abilities, can help students reach metacognition faster. Based on what I'm reading, I couldn't agree more! The readings this week once again revisited metacognition and emphasized its importance. I'm considering exploring this topic further in my final project for 744 in some fashion...
The other major theme that continues to arise concerns the constructivist learning theory and the learning-centered environment. Both of these were mentioned the first week in 640 and 744. Although they have popped up periodically since, both were overly emphasized in articles I am using for my Instructional Design Plan. This plan concerns the implementation of a unit for tenth grade high school history teachers. The unit is not particularly concerned with technology, but these two types of learning and learning environments are emphasized as critical "must haves" for the successful history classroom.
I made this my topic for today's blog because I'm fascinated by the interrelation of these topics! I do believe that metacognition, constructivist learning theory, and learner-centered environments are very important to the future of education. I have learned a great deal about them in the past few weeks, but I look forward to what I will learn about them in the future!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Reflections of Week #4
What a wild and crazy week this has been! I spent Wednesday and Thursday of this past week working primarily in Washington, DC. As I was traveling around the city, I would tune into local radio stations for music and commentary to pass the time. A big issue that is being raised in DC regarding education and social networking is very relevant to what we are discussing in this class.
School administrators in Washington, DC and the surrounding Maryland/Virginia counties are considering seeking the ability to access the social networking sites of students they serve. In short, teachers and school administrators would be able to log into sites like Facebook and Twitter to see what students are saying and doing. Schools are arguing this ability would be an added security measure and could help prevent bullying and fights that typically go unnoticed. From a larger perspective, having such access could allow schools to prevent school shootings like that in Columbine High School and Virginia Tech.
As you can imagine, this is a touchy issue for parents, students, and school administrators alike. As I tuned in all week, listeners from every walk of life were calling to voice their point-of-view and opinion. Many are impassioned about their view and refuse to compromise, while others see this challenge as a way to better utilize social networking in the schools. One parent raised an excellent point over the radio: Schools should be encouraged to create a social networking account and allow students, parents, and all concerned constituencies to befriend the group. By encouraging participation, all parties may come to embrace the social networking tools and further engage students in this new venue. This same parent argued that forcing students to surrender their privacy in the social networking world will only encourage them to interact with each other somewhere else and will destroy social networking as an educational tool.
There seems to be no easy answer to this issue. My point of view is simple: the Internet has always been a regulation-free entity that has allowed any and all to participate and learn. I believe that social networking should be treated the same way. But, I'm not a parent of a student who is being bullied or who attends Columbine High School. So my solution fits my needs, but my needs only. I do think there is ground here that can be given by both sides (allowing access or NO access) that will improve the vitality and educational potential of social networking. I think this parent I mentioned above is on the right track...
I'm most concerned about what my blogging followers think regarding this issue. Those of you out there who listen to me - what do you think?
School administrators in Washington, DC and the surrounding Maryland/Virginia counties are considering seeking the ability to access the social networking sites of students they serve. In short, teachers and school administrators would be able to log into sites like Facebook and Twitter to see what students are saying and doing. Schools are arguing this ability would be an added security measure and could help prevent bullying and fights that typically go unnoticed. From a larger perspective, having such access could allow schools to prevent school shootings like that in Columbine High School and Virginia Tech.
As you can imagine, this is a touchy issue for parents, students, and school administrators alike. As I tuned in all week, listeners from every walk of life were calling to voice their point-of-view and opinion. Many are impassioned about their view and refuse to compromise, while others see this challenge as a way to better utilize social networking in the schools. One parent raised an excellent point over the radio: Schools should be encouraged to create a social networking account and allow students, parents, and all concerned constituencies to befriend the group. By encouraging participation, all parties may come to embrace the social networking tools and further engage students in this new venue. This same parent argued that forcing students to surrender their privacy in the social networking world will only encourage them to interact with each other somewhere else and will destroy social networking as an educational tool.
There seems to be no easy answer to this issue. My point of view is simple: the Internet has always been a regulation-free entity that has allowed any and all to participate and learn. I believe that social networking should be treated the same way. But, I'm not a parent of a student who is being bullied or who attends Columbine High School. So my solution fits my needs, but my needs only. I do think there is ground here that can be given by both sides (allowing access or NO access) that will improve the vitality and educational potential of social networking. I think this parent I mentioned above is on the right track...
I'm most concerned about what my blogging followers think regarding this issue. Those of you out there who listen to me - what do you think?
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Reflections of Week #2 and Week #3
Hello to all my followers out there! What a wild and crazy last two weeks I have had! The social networking continues for 744, as does the reading and writing for Instructional Design and Higher Education Law. I want to comment in this post on a few things I have learned this week and how I am using these skills at my job with the National Park Service.
The readings for Higher Education Law have been very intriguing this week. Chapter 5 of the text discusses professor rights and tenure issues that have developed over the last several years. The discussion of landmark cases in the area is very enlightening. I had no idea that professors at public and private institutions could have such different rights and be treated so differently. Also, I learned of the importance of contracts and that implied contracts, which could constitute oral agreements, faculty handbooks, and even e-mails. In short, I learned that it is very important to watch what you say or promise and know what you are signing at all times.
I have learned a great deal in Instructional Design as well. I have only done one Instructional Design Plan in my entire education career. As a result, I'm a little nervous about how mine will turn out at the end of the semester. My current idea is to design an education tool for 10th grade Maryland teachers in relation to the C&O Canal's history. Dr. Kuhn has indicated I am on the right track with the piece, but time will tell as it develops. I'll keep everyone posted on the status right here at my blog!
As the Volunteer Coordinator at the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, my job is to recruit volunteers and complete any work that our staff is unable do. Since I arrived in the position in December of 2007, a goal of mine has been to create a website which can serve as a recruitment tool and an advertising/marketing venue for the program. A few months ago, we recruited a very dedicated and competent volunteer who agreed to assist us with building this web page. The site has slowly come together over the last 2 - 3 months. To better attract younger volunteers, and to get the park's name and program out on the web, we have decided to utilize social networking tools like Facebook and Twitter. The design phase of the site is almost complete. I'm hoping I can display the site and the tools we incorporated from this class as part of my final project, as the site is definitely being used as an educational and recruitment tool for the park.
The readings for Higher Education Law have been very intriguing this week. Chapter 5 of the text discusses professor rights and tenure issues that have developed over the last several years. The discussion of landmark cases in the area is very enlightening. I had no idea that professors at public and private institutions could have such different rights and be treated so differently. Also, I learned of the importance of contracts and that implied contracts, which could constitute oral agreements, faculty handbooks, and even e-mails. In short, I learned that it is very important to watch what you say or promise and know what you are signing at all times.
I have learned a great deal in Instructional Design as well. I have only done one Instructional Design Plan in my entire education career. As a result, I'm a little nervous about how mine will turn out at the end of the semester. My current idea is to design an education tool for 10th grade Maryland teachers in relation to the C&O Canal's history. Dr. Kuhn has indicated I am on the right track with the piece, but time will tell as it develops. I'll keep everyone posted on the status right here at my blog!
As the Volunteer Coordinator at the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, my job is to recruit volunteers and complete any work that our staff is unable do. Since I arrived in the position in December of 2007, a goal of mine has been to create a website which can serve as a recruitment tool and an advertising/marketing venue for the program. A few months ago, we recruited a very dedicated and competent volunteer who agreed to assist us with building this web page. The site has slowly come together over the last 2 - 3 months. To better attract younger volunteers, and to get the park's name and program out on the web, we have decided to utilize social networking tools like Facebook and Twitter. The design phase of the site is almost complete. I'm hoping I can display the site and the tools we incorporated from this class as part of my final project, as the site is definitely being used as an educational and recruitment tool for the park.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Reflection of Week #1
Hello fellow IDT 744 classmates! What an exciting week it has been! I wanted to take the opportunity to reflect on all the new technology I have been exposed to this past week.
First, I have truly enjoyed posting on this blog. I do hope I get some comments in the coming weeks. I have never been one to share my thoughts online and have always preferred face-to-face interaction. This past week, however, I have had the chance to post my thoughts on our first reading to this blog for the world to see. Pretty exciting :-) I foresee great potential with blogging in the educational setting. As the 1st week's readings suggest, education in the future will allow students to learn as much from each other than from a formal instructor. Blogging is a great way for students to share their thoughts and writing with the rest of the class.
Social Networking - what a ride! I had been a Facebook and Twitter hold-out for the past few years. I've finally made the jump, and I have had a truly positive experience. A downfall of this cohort would have to be the infrequency of our meetings. Facebook and Twitter have provided us with a direct line of communication to all of our classmates. For those just starting the program, like Jeff, Jacob, and others, social networking can become an invaluable tool of communication.
I have also enjoyed my experience with the Wiki. Allowing us to create our own group Wiki has improved my understanding of the tool. I see great potential for Wiki's in education, but the tool could be of great service to any group of people with one common goal. The site can allow an enclosed exchange of ideas for people who live thousands of miles away.
In short, this past week has been a great leap for me! I am a member of "Generation X" and consider myself computer-savvy. But I have always been reluctant to join the social networking revolution. I learned many new ways to reach out to people and the power of online information. With today's RSS feeds, its almost impossible to NOT be informed. I had a great week, made tremendous strides, and am looking forward to learning more next week :-)
First, I have truly enjoyed posting on this blog. I do hope I get some comments in the coming weeks. I have never been one to share my thoughts online and have always preferred face-to-face interaction. This past week, however, I have had the chance to post my thoughts on our first reading to this blog for the world to see. Pretty exciting :-) I foresee great potential with blogging in the educational setting. As the 1st week's readings suggest, education in the future will allow students to learn as much from each other than from a formal instructor. Blogging is a great way for students to share their thoughts and writing with the rest of the class.
Social Networking - what a ride! I had been a Facebook and Twitter hold-out for the past few years. I've finally made the jump, and I have had a truly positive experience. A downfall of this cohort would have to be the infrequency of our meetings. Facebook and Twitter have provided us with a direct line of communication to all of our classmates. For those just starting the program, like Jeff, Jacob, and others, social networking can become an invaluable tool of communication.
I have also enjoyed my experience with the Wiki. Allowing us to create our own group Wiki has improved my understanding of the tool. I see great potential for Wiki's in education, but the tool could be of great service to any group of people with one common goal. The site can allow an enclosed exchange of ideas for people who live thousands of miles away.
In short, this past week has been a great leap for me! I am a member of "Generation X" and consider myself computer-savvy. But I have always been reluctant to join the social networking revolution. I learned many new ways to reach out to people and the power of online information. With today's RSS feeds, its almost impossible to NOT be informed. I had a great week, made tremendous strides, and am looking forward to learning more next week :-)
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