week 15: "Procrastination is the Art of Keeping up with Yesterday"

I have finally found a scientific explanation for procrastination. . .I meant to find this last semester but. . .


This is officially the last evening of class click here and press button. . .As I mentioned last week, I want to meet with everyone individually to ensure that TaskStream narratives are in, there are two artifacts for each NETS, and your Blog link is appropriately described. I also have a checklist for the Emerging Technology Assignment that I want you to use to ensure that you have all of the elements on your blog that need to be there. . .If you want to see some good peer samples, look at Shannon or Kathleen's blogs

We also have to do evaluations tonight: As this is a technology class, the evaluations will be completed online. Everyone should have already received an email with a link to fill out the evaluation. I will create some space in class for this to be accomplished.

I have graded EVERYTHING that was submitted. . .there is still a bit too much unfinished work floating in webCT. . .please check your grades and let me know if you have any questions. I have also posted the last assignment, "Attendance and Participation". There is a small reflection that you will need to complete. . .

Final Question: What was your favorite assignment in the course and why?

Week 14: Is the End Really Near?

I hope everyone had a great Turkey Day. . .I spent the week driving around the state of Arizona. . .But it was a welcome break from the average. . .and I did get a weekend of snowboarding in @ Mammoth!!

I went to TaskStream today to review the NETS 1 narratives and there were a few of you who didn't have them posted. . .I had asked that that be completed the last week we met :-(

Tonight, I want to ensure you all feel comfortable navigating Google Earth. . .I will demo how to add a folder, put in a placemark and customize the image, and add a path. . .you will also save these projects as .kmz files to be submitted. We may have to upload the Kmz file to TaskStream and take a snapshot of our project for our blogs.
I also want to discuss the rest of your narratives for TaskStream and ensure that everyone understands what is left to complete.

I will finish all grading this week . . .iPromise ;-)

For next week, I expect that your TaskStream narratives are completed. I will take time in class to meet with each of you individually to check your TaskStream and then I will release you. If your narratives are not finished, that is what you will be doing in class. . .finish them and there is a great chance you can leave very early!!

This week's Question: What is your favorite family (or other) tradition? It could be traditional (pun intended) or non-traditional. . .

Week 12: If I Google Earth, Will it Google Me Back?

If you thought iMovie was cool (and you should because it is), wait until you see Google Earth. . .I really want you to play inside of the program to see how you might actually use in your classroom or your life!!

Today, you should be finishing up your iMovie projects. I am going to show you how to do a picture in picture effect that looks really awesome. You should have your checklists printed and ready to submit. . .

Also, I really want you to submit your first narrative for TPE 14. You should have looked over my suggestions and revised the narrative so that it is ready to submit. When you receive my thumbs up, I would like you to submit in TaskStream and request feedback on NETS I! (I would like this completed by tomorrow)

I will also go over some basics of Google Earth and discuss what I expect you to do for the project.


You should be finished with your wiki page and Excel crossword puzzle, and be fairly far into the journal articles 6-10!!

Remember that we are not having class next Tuesday - Furlough - so you should have more than enough time to catch up on any assignment that you have not completed. . .

This week's question: If this class were pass/fail, would you try just as hard in your work? (you can be honest ;-)

Week 11: iCreate iMovie: iKnow iCan iWi!!

I must admit that when I knew I would be teaching the new iMovie format, I was a bit nervous. . .The iMovie 08 and iMovie 09 interfaces are soooo much different than the iMovie that I have been working with for the past . . .oh. . .12 years. However, I dove in and am now officially ready to lead you through editing on the new iMovie. If you haven't worked with the old iMovie, this should be a much easier process for you to make a movie. . .if you have worked with the older version. . .this is a VERY different experience. So, I may make a few mistakes, but I'm sure we can make our way through this!
Here are some tutorials: iMovie 08, iMovie 09, from Apple



I have graded many of the assignments that were past due. . .I will also give feedback on your narrative for NETS I. . .so I hope you have been editing. . .

You should be working on the Excel assignment, wiki, and the Journal 6-10 assignment

Hope you brought headphones. . .you can also bring your own music for the sample.

This Week's Question: What is your favorite movie that was based on a book you read? I would have to say "The Great Gatsby," with Robert Redford & Mia Farrow

Week 10: Learning to Juggle

PHEW. . .I am amazed as to how much work you have all accomplished in less than 10 weeks. . .the good news is that you are almost finished with all of the assignments. . .the bad news is that you are almost finished with all of your assignments. . .right?


Juggling: you should have finished Inspiration, Copyright, and Classroom 2.0. You are still working on Journals 6-10, Excel Crossword Puzzles, adding artifacts to your blog, and the Wiki.

Tonight: I want to get everyone thinking about TaskStream and how to write the narratives. . .we will use your Inspiration projects to discuss what artifacts meet what NETS. . .there is not only one right answer. . .there are many as long as you can explain yourself and use the artifact to drive the narrative. I expect that we can come up with a sample narrative for NETS I.

We only have a few assignments left: iMovie, Google Earth, and your TaskStream Narratives. . .I really want to ensure that everyone understands how to write the narratives!

Grading (or lack of): my bronchitis and overall poor health has me behind in some grading. . .I will catch up by next Tuesday. I promise.

This Week's Question: What is your favorite food? This can be a dish or a specific type of ethnic food (and yes, all food is ethnic to someone, even hamburgers ;-)

Week 9: Wiki Don't Lose That Number. . .

Gosh, it feels like we haven't met in a few weeks. Hey, we haven't met in a few weeks. I hope that everyone used the time wisely to catch up on any missing work, or anything else that may have been neglected in your schooling haze. We have only a few weeks left of school and a few more assignments to work on.
I want to thank everyone for using twitter to let me know you received the message about class. . .only a few people didn't post.

This week: I will first answer questions about any current assignments that you are juggling (Inspiration, Classroom 2.0, etc.). Tonight, we will get a first-hand look into the CSUSM Web 2.0 Tools for Education Wiki and discuss the page that you will create! I would also like to see if there are any questions as to how to embed assignments into your blog. . .Don't forget that each assignment/artifact that is posted on your blog should have an appropriate, descriptive title and the NETS that it is addressing (also in the title). You will also give a brief description of what the artifact is in the body of the post.



Please note: the comments after each blog while fun, are also part of your attendance/participation grade for the class. It seems that there are a few people who are not posting comments. . .

Journals 9 & 10: I want you to use articles from the newest L&L, which hit the Net this weekend, for journals 9 & 10. Remember to use proper citation for the post. . .also, journal 10 is extra credit!

This week's Question: Do you think teachers should receive merit pay? If so, how do you propose it be accomplished? (There is a current gubernatorial candidate who is proposing merit pay for teachers)

Week 8: Just Breathe!

Attention: no class October 20! Please leave a tweet on #ed422 on Twitter that you received this message

I mentioned last week in class that I have a meeting tomorrow that would make me late to class. As I look over what is left, what you still have in progress, and the looks on your faces as I introduced two new assignments, I realize that you could all probably use a break to catch up.

What is currently due/in progress: Copyright collaborative assignment was due Oct 16. Please let me know if there are any questions (If you had Lupita in your group; she has some personal issues that required her to drop the course, so your group of 3 is now a two). There are also the journal 6-10 assignment, the Inspiration assignment, and the Classroom 2.0/Journal 7 assignment.
Emerging Technology: this is an ongoing attempt to embed all assignments in your blog. I will help you all periodically throughout the semester.

If you are a glutton for punishment, I have released the Spreadsheet/Excel assignment. I will discuss it next week, so you need not do anything. . .or you can go ahead and try and complete the assignment on your own. . .

Journal 8: "Have You Tweeted Today," which is also the Blogger's Beat on page 38 of the latest issue of L&L. It is only a one-page article; however, I would like you to also read one of the three resource articles at the bottom of the page and report out on that as well (if you access the online version, the links should take you right to the articles).

This Week's Question: What is your current or all-time favorite teacher movie and why?

Week Seven: Is your Technophobia Cured?

Almost half way. . .phew!! It must seem like only yesterday we were doing introductions. I am not completely recovered from my sinus infection. . .this is really getting ridiculous ;-)

Today: Please don't forget that EACH PERSON is responsible for bringing 3 rubrics that have you listed as the teacher. In small groups, we will be using the rubrics to grade the Power Points. After receiving feedback from your peers, correct any errors and submit the PowerPoint.

Tonight: We will begin the Inspiration assignment. . .and I will go over the Classroom 2.0/Web 2.0 Exploration, which will also be journal 7.

Journal 7: See the Classroom 2.0/Web 2.0 Exploration assignment in WebCT

As always, you should have plenty of assignments to keep you busy. . .

This week's Question: Cats, Dogs, something else, or no pet. . .Explain.

Week Six: Will You Survive?

I have clearly angered the gods. . .add acute sinusitis (sinus infection) to my tweaked back. Alas, like Gloria Gaynor, "I Will Survive." I hope you all have the same resolve in terms of your technology class ;-) You will survive, hey, hey!

Past Due: Newsletter, Delicious.com, Intro to TaskStream

Almost Due: Journals 1-5

In Progress: PowerPoint

Introducing Today: PowerPoint Rubric (go to the rCampus link on class blog and get an account), Copyright collaboration, Journals 6-10

Journal 6: "The Trouble with Rubrics," by Alfie Kohn. This is a link to one of my Delicious bookmarks. . .there should be enough info to use Citation Machine.

I believe everything submitted is graded. . .check your inbox. Remember that if you have any questions or need help, I am always in class by 4:30, if not earlier!! Also, don't forget to use Twitter. . .I would like to see more participation on this!

This Week's Question: Besides yourself, to whom do you attribute your educational success (by being here, you are educationally successful!) and why?

Week Five: I've Fallen, and I can't Tweet Up!

So there I was feeling young after mountain biking to the top of a hill in Mission Trails Regional Park early Sunday morning. . .and there I was again, just trying to put my pants on Monday morning when I fell over like a tipped cow and tweaked my back. . .After I waddle into class, I will do my best to remain upright this evening ;-(

Anyway, tonight I will not only show you how to convert your newsletters to PDF (if you haven't already), but we will be uploading the newsletter to your blog using a web 2.0 tool called Scribd. I will also show you how to embed your Delicious.com tags into the margin of your blog. I have released the Emerging Technology assignment on Web CT, but notice that it isn't actually due until the last day of class. We will also go over PowerPoint tonight, which requires that we familiarize ourselves with the NETS for students and the NETS student profiles
NOTE: Weren't you all supposed to do your Intro to TaskSteam? I only had 4 submissions????

Journal 4 & 5: Now that you are familiar with L&L on the ISTE website, I would like you to search previous issues to find an article that both relates to something we have covered or will cover in class, and something you will find interesting. Don't forget to use the Citation Machine to cite your article in the journal post. And Jamie would like to remind everyone to construct two original questions/answers for each entry. Remember: journal 5 is not required, it can be completed as extra credit.

This week's question: What is your favorite sport to play or do. . .and by sport, I mean anything that you participate in that keeps you active. Mine is for sure snowboarding!!

Intro to TaskStream Assignment

Week Four: Feeling Social?

Looks like we are 1/4 of the way through the semester. . .perhaps time really does fly. I hope everyone has her TaskStream in order and has self-enrolled into the local TPEs and the TPAs (codes on the first journal entry). Sadly, there are a few of you who have not filled out the TaskStream signup survey on the blog, so you may not be able to request feedback for awhile :-(

You should also be working on your journals and newsletter. Hopefully, the intro letter, EdTechProfile, and the Scan are in your rear view mirror! Oh, yeah. . .I would also like everyone to use Twitter with the #ed422 hashtag or use Edmodo to ask any questions about the class or assignments. If you have a personal question or issue, feel free to use WebCT email. . .

This week. I hope to get deeper into TaskStream with you (while I also familiarize myself with the new interface ;-) We will also begin the social bookmarking assignment, which I think everyone will enjoy! And if time permits, we will take a closer look at the ISTE NETS!! I know, how can you all be sooo lucky.

Journal 3: Last article from the current issue (Sep/Oct 09) of L&L: "Walk, Fly, or Teleport to Learning," by Maureen Brown Yoder. I wonder if any of you have ventured into Second Life? Yeah, I know, most of us are having enough trouble with our first lives ;-)

This week's Question: Who is your current favorite artist (painter, sculptor, etc.) or what is your favorite piece of art? Provide a link to the piece if possible. Can you name my favorite?

Got TaskStream?

Watch the video in the previous post to learn how to self-enroll. . .The self-enroll codes can be found on the first blog post.

Taskstream SignUp - Courtesy of Russ Bird

Taskstream sign up for CSUSM from rbirdcsusm on Vimeo.

Week Three: Getting your Geek on!

Wow, blogging, tweeting, and photoboothing. . .sounds more like something from another planet, doesn't it? Everyone seems to be doing well getting comfortable with the computer and using it in class. Don't forget that I am always in class early if you have any questions or concerns about an assignment, your computer, or something you found on the Internet.

This week: I hope you have scanned your self-portrait (or had someone draw a portrait of you). I will show you how to put the picture on your blog. We will also use the picture in the creation of your classroom newsletter, which we will begin in class tonight. I also hope to get you introduced to TaskStream (and show you how to self-enroll in the two required programs) and the ISTE NETS for both students and teachers.

Jornal 2: "Grounded Tech Integration," by Harris & Hoffer. This is in the September/October 09 issue of L&L. I realize that this may be a bit too much for students who are far away from becoming teachers, but an introduction to an idea of how to best integrate technology into the curriculum is a great way to get you to see that simply having a computer or being a proficient user doesn't equate to student success.

This Week's Question: Who has been your favorite teacher (at any grade level) and why?

Week Two: Did Tweety Bird Invent Twitter?

After a whirlwind first week, I hope that you are all settled into the new semester and somewhat excited about learning how to integrate technology into your liferooms = life + classroom (I admit, I have a little trouble separating my work and personal life. . .)

We will start off class by reviewing/visiting our blogs and discussing how to add pictures and how to comment on your peers' blogs. As of Monday evening, I only have about half the class's blog addresses. . .no big deal, we'll fix that tomorrow. Also, I will show you how to submit your edtechprofile (with the screen selection command on the Mac)

New Assignments: we'll discuss the Journal Article 1-5 assignment and the scan. . .I also want to discuss iGoogle, RSS, Twitter, Edmodo, and Photobooth. . .fun will be had by all, I promise ;-)

Journal 1: "e-Learning Programs Come in All Shapes and Sizes," by Coyle, Jones, and Pickle from the current issue of L&L

Don't forget to subcribe to ISTE and TaskStream ASAP!!


This week's Question: What is the best book you ever read for school? Explain.

Instructions: Publishing a Blog

Use the following Instructions to create your very own blog! Ensure you follow the naming convention outlined below. . .and pay attention to your blog's url! Click in the upper right box in the document to make it expend to a full page!!

Publishing a Blog General Instructions

Intro Letter Instructions!

Write a three-paragraph letter of introduction to me and your classmates that you will post on your class blog. You can see a sample Intro Letter of yours truly below!!
Content:

1st paragraph: Introduce who you are, where you are from, and where you went to school (K-12) and college.

2nd paragraph: Give an overview of your experience with technology. Are you a Mac or PC person? How much do you depend on technology on a daily basis? New question for technology: which version of Microsoft Office are you using the most (with the Office 07 release for PC and 08 release for Mac, the transition is not an easy one for most people. . .and some of my instructions will need to be modified depending on the version you are able to access!)


3rd paragraph: Read the CSUSM/COE Mission Statement (It’s on the syllabus) and respond to any part of the statement that speaks to you. Was it a factor in your decision to apply at CSUSM?

Include a digital picture of yourself on the blog.

Also, comment on at least three other peers' blogs.

To submit in webCT: include your blog link and the names of the peers whose blogs you commented on.

Grading: Three points for the intro/pic on blog; two points for peer comments.

Introducing. . .Me! (Sample Intro Letter)

My name is Jeffery Heil and I am from, well, I'm not sure. I was born in Las Vegas, NV and lived there until I was two years old. Then I moved to Phoenix, AZ and lived there until first grade. . .then I moved back and forth from Seattle, WA (actually, Marysville, but no one outside of the NW knows the city) to Phoenix, AZ. I attended quite a few elementary schools in Phoenix and Marysville and then attended two high schools twice. I started high school in Marysville, moved to Phoenix, moved back to Marysville, then moved back to Phoenix to finish high school. I have attended almost every college in San Diego. . .but I received a BA in Philosophy from UCSD, my teaching credential from National University (awesome synchronized swimming team!), and my MA from SDSU in Liberal Arts & Sciences. I also dropped out of a doctoral program at Pepperdine University. . .if you think it's expensive to see a doctor, try earning one at a private university ;-)

My experiences with technology are varied. I had little or no experience until I began college, then I developed a love of computers. I am proficient in many different programs from basic word processing to advanced video editing. I have been teaching educational technology for the last 5+ years and I love to show people how to integrate technology into their teaching! I am currently a technology resource teacher for the San Diego County Office of Education's Juvenile Court and Community Schools, where I assist teachers in their use of technology to support student learning. Oh yeah, I am a Mac. My district is moving toward almost exclusively PCs, so I have been forced to go to the DarkSide during the day, but I guess it has made me more of a well-rounded computer geek ;-)

The mission statement of the CSUSM/COE was a factor in my decision to apply to be a distinguished teacher in residence (DTiR). As a San Diego County Office of Education employee, working for the Juvenile Court and Community Schools, I have been very committed to ensure educational equity for all students. The academic achievement gap isn't something that will go away with positive thoughts, but through hard work and dedication from everyone involved in the education of our students. I see CSUSM as an institution dedicated to producing educators who can affect positive change as we transform public education! Technology can be a great medium for social change, which I hope to model for you this fall!

Welcome to Ed 422. . .

Welcome to another awesome semester of EDUC 422. . .Technology Tools for Education. I expect that you you learn a lot about how to integrate technology into the classroom, as well as learn how to ramp-up your digital life ;-)


I will use this blog to keep everyone updated on the weekly requirements for the course, as well as model for you how to create a blog for your future classroom!

Technical Issues: While this course has no required text, you will be required to subscribe to ISTE, the International Society for Technology in Education (see link on this blog), as well as purchase a subscription to TaskStream, an online portfolio generator.

For TaskStream (also linked on this blog): You will need to self-enroll in two separate portfolios. Here are the codes you will need:
Local: 6SG3BA
TPA: JF5BNH

I will also ask you weekly questions on this blog that you will need to answer. Some are related to education and most are related you your lives. . .It allows me to build community while ensuring that you are reading the weekly posts!

This Week's Question: What is your current favorite piece of technology and why? (mine is most definitely my iPhone!)