As I sit to write my 2nd Blog, I am attempting to relax and not feel stressed by the numerous conversations I am following in Blackboard Learn, RSS feeds (classmates Blogs and professional sites), and Twitter. Every time I log on to Blackboard Learn, Blogger, or Twitter I am overwhelmed by the number of postings I have to read. It is to the point that every time I log on I feel that I am already behind in the course, but in reality I am not. This is not my first rodeo, so I know it will get better. In my psychology class today with Dr. Was, we discussed self-efficacy or self-concept. People who have a higher self-efficacy are more successful because they persevere through challenges and learn. Please do not take this as an egotistical statement, but I am determined to be successful in this class. That being said, I will figure out a way to simplify the conversations in Blackboard Learn, Blogger, and Twitter so I can spend more time having fun with the in-depth projects.
I am really excited about creating the WebQuest as well as the Instructional Website. My favorite thing about my Master's courses is that I learn how to use new tools and technologies effectively within my curriculum. I teach 5th grade science, so my projects are focused on the standards or new common core pertaining to the concepts that I teach. I find the projects to be practical and meaningful in that I am then able to use them within my classroom and see first hand the benefits of designing lessons and units that effectively integrate technologies. The overall focus I chose for my projects is scientific investigations and laboratory safety techniques. In more simpler terms it is the scientific method and safety rules.
To end today's blog, I want to note that I am looking forward to working on the Wiki project with the class. I have only had one experience with working in groups for an online course. With the diverse backgrounds of my classmates, I have a feeling this will be a positive experience.
we'll all tucker ourselves out after another day or so, Megan! I have had the same experience that you have - turn my back and there's another 30. [I know, I'm probably responsible for a lot of that discussion chatter!] I suspect the twittering will drop away. I'm using it right now because it is less formal, but I'm not sure how useful it is when we have discussion boards. And I've got to figure out a better way to get through those boards.
ReplyDelete-Eric
I agree with both you and Eric. Lots of different places to check and try to keep up with the many new posts each day...
ReplyDeleteMegan, you mentioned focusing on the standards or new common core. How are you feeling about the transition in Science from one to the other?
Shannon
I like the set-up of the common core better than the standards simply because it promotes depth in understanding and development of science concepts. Where as before with the standards, it simply listed the objective and the terminology was very broad. I am aware that the science common core has not been made official. However, the currently posted common core topics are similar to the current standards. Again, the exception being that the common core allows for more depth and understanding of concepts rather than addressing a broad list of indicators. Shannon, how are you feeling about the transition from standards to common core?
DeleteIt is so good to hear that others are feeling overwhelmed, it's not just me! It always seems as if everyone is doing so much better than me at posting, it is nice to know that we are all in the same boat. Thanks for sharing,
ReplyDeleteAmanda
I feel that I am in the same place, trying to respond to posts, discussions, twitter and complete our assigned projects. However, I am extremely stressed, due to the fact that these tools are all new to me. I am also committed to sucessfully complete this course. I'm not sure how I would be able to make the conversations any easier but I will work my way through. I am not a teacher, but I am also interesed in working on the Wiki project.
ReplyDeleteI like your blog setup and the way you are including visuals. Along with good blog titles, I find bloggers that include visuals become more memorable to me. Then I look forward to reading their future posts.
ReplyDelete