Week 4 DQ #2

The things that stand in the way fall into several areas such as the plan to do it, the funding to do it, the school system, the families, and the students. I bring the technology, teaching, and coaching experience along with the vision and passion I have for making it happen.

The concept is explained in the question one post, but the details still need to be worked out. This is not a environment to save troubled kids, its about maximizing the potential of students that can learn in a self directed manner. There is a large portion of our student populations that are not challenged or get left behind because there is so much focus on low-level learners.

This project would be started as a small school or school with in a school format and expand out from there. All the stakeholders need to grow with the program, not be thrust into it unprepared.

Week 4 DQ #1

My dream is to create a blended learning charter school. Where the students can self-directed courses in a causal learning space managed by a facilitator and tutors. They spend there day engaged in online courses that are aligned with hands on activities done in learning space. If there is a need or desire for a student to take a course in a traditional setting then they can do that as well.

This allows them to have better flexibility in their schedule to participate in elective and enrichment activities. They find fulfillment by learning a sport, playing and instrument, and being creative in an artistic manner.

The learning day replaces the school day. The student participates in a 7am-7pm learning experience. That does not mean sitting in classes for 12 hours, but rather does their course work, homework, and enrichment activities in that time period and enjoys the time afterward with their family.

Week 4 Project

The realization that my media project had too much depth and breadth for what is needed for the project has hit me so I have adjusted my focus regarding the amount content for the project submission. However, the usefulness of my other lesson ideas is not lost. I will be continuing my creation of content for the project well beyond graduation.

Hopefully, I can create my self as a technology coach and informally help other teachers in the short term and generate some consulting business in the long term.

Week 4 Free Choice

In the spirit of my responses that I submitted for my Discussion questions I found an article President Obama’s proposal for more time in school for our children. He discussed the length of our academic calendar of 180 days versus the 200+ days of many other countries. What I found interesting is the number of responses from school-aged children. Most of them are against more time and advocate better teachers rather than time.

What kid wants to spend more time in school rather than be home with friends and family? My opinion on the matter is that if we create the right environment for portions of the student population and motivate them to be involved then their opinion would change. People need to see value in things to embrace them even if they are not the biggest fan of it.

Using the concept of 12 hour learning day in a blended learning environment can generate great results. It is not necessary for every student to stay the whole 12 hours. Why can’t they attend based on the needs of their personal education and their family’s circumstances? Why should they ride a bus for an hour, be home before their parents, and be unsupervised when they can stay at the school and utilize the learning day and be free of obligations when they go home?

As I mentioned in my DQ’s this is not a program to save low level learners. However, there are many kids in urban schools that live in similar environments as the low level learners. They can use this positive, safe, and productive environment to excel instead of be subjected to the negative influences of their home environments.

The article is:
http://www.eduinreview.com/blog/2009/03/obama-proposes-longer-school-days-extended-school-year/

Week 3 Project

The thesis was not where it needed to be and enveloped so much of my time. It seems like it will never be ready in my eyes. I said to my self that the thesis is gonna be the basis for a book and workshop package. It was my running line to my colleagues that I was gonna be presenting at FETC 2011.

If the thesis has taught me one thing its that I have to invest more time into book and workshop project than I anticipated. Sure I will have more time after graduation, but it’s been full throttle for an entire year. I don’t know if my fiancé will be willing to put up with my I gotta do homework excuses and takeover of the dining room table for much longer..lol

Week 3 Free Choice

This article was interesting to me since I spent 6 years in corporate IT and watched with my own eyes how people deal with change. Although corporate IT and Public education have stark differences, people react in similar fashions to change. The ten tips mentioned in the article are about dealing with change. They can be applied in both types of workplaces.

Ironically, I have faced changed many times in both career fields and one constant is that when change has come to me in the form of changing positions in my career it has been a positive experience. That’s not to say that the uncertainty that goes along with the change wasn’t stressful, but it re-invigorates me to move forward.

The act of dealing with change in public education is a multi-faceted endeavor. There are so many stakeholders with varying ideas of value that it can be daunting to implement. If the 3 main groups were prepared for change together it would help the situation. The administration, teachers, and the students all have to have a stake in the process to value the change so that they will embrace the experience.

http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/10things/?p=257

Tweeking the thesis..6 hours to deadline..