Reflections

I find it quite amazing how quickly the past eight weeks have come and gone. In fact, it seems like just yesterday that I reviewed the course description for CEP 811. At that time, I read about the required core products which included an educational web page, a stand-alone instructional resource (StAIR), a WebQuest and blogging and a panic-stricken feeling came over me as I thought I may be in over my head. Keep in mind; I could serve as the poster child for Marc Prensky’s definition of a “digital immigrant”. Needless to say, I survived and I am very proud of the finished products. Initially, I felt that the assignments may not apply to my circumstances (not being a classroom teacher) but this isn’t the case. Integrating web-based technologies applies to everyone not just in the classroom setting. More and more, we are being forced to work more efficiently and effectively. Inasmuch, the demands placed on us with fewer resources requires that we get creative and I see web-based technologies as a great tool as we all struggle to do more with less. For example, the StAIR project helped me to identify a problem within my work environment and then create a resource for educators to use as a tool to resolve that problem. This StAIR serves as an inexpensive way to communicate with thousands across the state about a very important federal mandate that has caused much frustration and confusion for educators. Furthermore, as I constructed the StAIR I learned the importance of including various teaching strategies. There isn’t just one way of teaching nor should there be. In fact, I embedded several approaches and I found that providing immediate and appropriate feedback is just as important and necessary for reteaching especially when the topic is complex.

In addition, I am relatively new to blogging. In fact, I created my first account for this class. Initially, the “digital immigrant” side of me felt very reluctant with documenting my thoughts for everyone to see and evaluate. What a difference a few weeks make. Now I enjoy blogging. I see it as a great opportunity to express my opinions and share with others as well as view what others are thinking. It truly is like maintaining an online diary documenting my personal and professional growth. Unfortunately, I didn’t make as many advances with the use of wikis. I did create an account and posted information but I didn’t take it any further. I am hoping to take the time to learn more about wikis and use them (if possible) to work more efficiently. In fact, a personal goal of mine is to continue to increase my overall comfort level with technology. I’ll never be a “digital native” but I can be an enhanced “digital immigrant”.

Online Learning Experiences

The Michigan Merit Curriculum’s online experience guideline provides good information for providing a quality online learning experience. There are many examples of potential online experiences. In my work setting, I can see the use of a WebQuest as a great opportunity to challenge special education educators across Michigan to explore their student data available via the web using the appropriate links. I recently completed creating a data Webquest. I designed the WebQuest to address the elements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The intended audience for this WebQuest is district-level special education educators in Michigan. The educational goal is designed to provide school district staff with an opportunity to focus their attention on getting to know their special education data. As a short-term WebQuest, the focus is on knowledge acquisition. District staff should be able to complete the task in about a week by working together as a team. By investigating their data they identify areas of strengths and weaknesses in special education relative to educational placements, identification and discipline of their students with disabilities. Based on these findings they review district policies, procedures and practices. Throughout the WebQuest I have embedded various pedagogical strategies such as scaffolding, concept attainment, cooperative learning and discussion and experimental inquiry. Check it out at http://www.jtrevino.webs.com/. In my opinion, WebQuests have the potential of providing a quality online learning experience.

However, I think that online field trips and projects are technologies that would not easily apply to the target audience I work with across the State. Nevertheless, there are many other possibilities. Prior to taking CEP 811, I didn’t realize the potential for using technologies like educational blogs, wikis, podcasts and the use of RSS feeds all in an attempt to communicate more effectively and efficiently with special education educators across Michigan.

Zoho Show

Zoho is an online presentation tool similar to PowerPoint. Zoho allows you to make your presentation public for collaborative work with others. The toolbar on top is very similar to Microsoft products. It is very easy to use. The knowledge I have about PowerPoint transfers easily to this product. Users of this presentation tool have some nice choices for background designs. In fact, I like it much more than the Google.docs version. I used google in CEP 810 with my classmates as we collaborated on our final group project. It was nice but I felt like it was an unfinished product that I needed to transfer to PowerPoint to get a final finished document. However, with Zoho’s Show product, I feel like I could create a final presentation and have it ready for use immediately. For practice, I created a presentation and easily shared it with my fellow O.A.K. group members.
For use in the classroom, I think of the student who may not have the software on a home computer but does have access to the internet or the students who can collaborate on a group presentation without ever having to meet. Zoho is definitely a good tool to use for presentations. However, if you want or need more advanced presentation features, you may need to go back to PowerPoint. For instance, I didn’t find action buttons or the ability to animate text. The clipart available is also very limited. These “gadgets” can be important for a successful presentation. Nevertheless, I think that the price is right--FREE. It is a great option to use when collaborating with others or simply when you don’t have access to other software packages. I’m sold on it.