The first week EDLD 5364 has been very informative to me. Having been out of the classroom for many years, the new theories of instruction discussed this week are new to me. In Dr. Mason’s introductory videos, she discusses the three theories – constructivism, connectivism and cyborg theory. Each of these theories is introduced in the week one video segments.
Basically, constructivism is the belief that learners start out with personal experiences and knowledge to which new information gained is tied to in the brain, thus forming new knowledge. Authors Sprague and Dede (1999) state “constructivist theory posits that students make sense of the world by synthesizing new experiences into what they have previously understood“(p. 7). This theory makes sense to me as brain research shows that, “the complexity of the human body requires that we automate many behaviors. The more we automate, the less we are aware of them. Most of our behaviors have come from either ‘undisputed downloads’ from our environment or repeated behaviors that have become automatic. This suggests potential problems and opportunities in learning.” (Jensen, n.d.) We understand that the brain creates neural pathways to retrieve information and knowledge. When we are asked to recall previously learned information, we use these pathways to find the memory. Constructivists believe that new knowledge gained is stored near related memories so that the information has relevance to the student’s current understanding and memory. In the article, Learning as a Personal Event (Southwest Educational Development Laboratory, 1999), learning is viewed as a “process of accommodation, assimilation, or rejection to construct new conceptual structures, meaningful representation or new mental models” (para.5). This theory translates into a classroom that allows multiple forms of information attainment which may include videos, reading, listening tools, and collaboration with fellow students, internet searches and projects. Technology is well suited to meet the needs of a diversified constructivist classroom.
The connectivism theory, developed by George Siemens, believes learning occurs in a variety of ways and is done through connections in the brain that allow students to find the information stored. This theory is similar to constructivism but it more closely adheres to the belief that the neural pathways to the information stored are key to finding a place for a new memory to go. Connectivism builds on the idea that if a student has a previous path to a set of knowledge developed in their brain then new information will be more easily and quickly attained if the student stores similar information along that same pathway. Connectivism combined with constructivism leads to trends in education that propose that technology is changing the way we thinking and that learning is a life-time process as many students will change careers multiple times during their lifetimes. (Solomon & Schrum, 2007)
Cyborg theory is a “way-out-there” theory that believes that somehow humans will be perfected by computers and memory chips. I feel sorry for a guy who writes, “Perhaps society’s evolution is at a pre-adolescent state as evidenced by our inability to comes to terms with our identity; not certain of who we are or what we are becoming and all the while uncomfortable with not knowing” (McPheeters, 2009, para. 6) What hopelessness is expressed in not knowing the purpose of your existence and thinking that you have to come up with a new device to perfect yourself. It is very interesting to study the brain and how it functions, and I am sure that many brain injuries will be overcome through technological advancements in brain research, but I do not think you can perfect upon what a perfect God has already made and called “very good” (Genesis 1:31, New International Version Bible 2010).
Sprague, D., & Dede, C. (1999). If I teach this way, am I doing my job: Constructivism in the classroom. Leading and Learning, 27(1). Retrieved January 28, 2011 from the International Society for Technology in Education at http://imet.csus.edu/imet9/280/docs/dede_constructivisim.pdf
Jensen, E. (n.d.). Principles of Brain-Based Learning. Retrieved February 25, 2011, from http://www.jensenlearning.com/principles.php
Southwest Educational Development Laboratory, (1999). Learning as a personal event: A brief introduction to constructivism. http://www.sedl.org/pubs/tec26/intro2c.html
Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2007). Web 2.0: New tools, new schools. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.
McPheeters, D. (2009, March). Social Networking Technologies in Education, Tech and Learning. Retrieved August 8, 2009 from http://www.techlearning.com/article/16250
Friday, February 25, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
“Domain II, Competency 6” EDLD 5345 Course-Embedded Internship Activity Log 4.
I feel that my experiences living in culturally different areas in Texas, will serve me well if I choose to aspire to be a principal. I have lived in a community where racism was rampant. It was such a part of the culture and blamed for all bad consequences received. This community lived in both culture destructiveness and cultural incapacity. Not only did they try to put people out-of-business for being the wrong race, they taught it to their children as a way of life. The sad truth was that this inability to look beyond skin color or affiliation was what kept their community from thriving. The graduates could not wait to get out of all the negativity. Although the schools worked hard to create a climate that embraced the culture, the community mentality that all their problems were caused by their oppressors (who they really could not identify) led me to believe that it could only be fixed by spiritual revival.
Although I believe communication and understanding are keys to reaching cultural proficiency in a school, I am not sure I agree with the idea that all of our differences should be spotlighted. I do not believe this has always been thought of as what is best for our nation. For example, while in college, I did extensive research on LULAC, the League of Latin American Citizens. This organization was founded by Frank Tijerina after returning from war service. He returned home to find many Hispanics had moved to the United States but had not acclimated enough to the culture to fully participate and take hold of the “American Dream”. He formed this group to promote the learning of English, achieving the requirements for citizenship, and learning how the constitution and government worked. (Retrieved from http://www.lulac.net/about/history.html. Jan 26, 2011)
I do believe that all students are benefitted from an environment that is accepting and loving toward who they are as an individual. Schools should strive to meet students where they are academically, socially, emotionally and physically. Using this knowledge, schools can create climates that build on the students’ strengths and help them overcome their weaknesses.
Although I believe communication and understanding are keys to reaching cultural proficiency in a school, I am not sure I agree with the idea that all of our differences should be spotlighted. I do not believe this has always been thought of as what is best for our nation. For example, while in college, I did extensive research on LULAC, the League of Latin American Citizens. This organization was founded by Frank Tijerina after returning from war service. He returned home to find many Hispanics had moved to the United States but had not acclimated enough to the culture to fully participate and take hold of the “American Dream”. He formed this group to promote the learning of English, achieving the requirements for citizenship, and learning how the constitution and government worked. (Retrieved from http://www.lulac.net/about/history.html. Jan 26, 2011)
I do believe that all students are benefitted from an environment that is accepting and loving toward who they are as an individual. Schools should strive to meet students where they are academically, socially, emotionally and physically. Using this knowledge, schools can create climates that build on the students’ strengths and help them overcome their weaknesses.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Field-based Activities January 2011
This month was the fullest in terms of activities for my internship. I finally finished a volunteer treasurer job that required me to file ethics reports that were quite detailed and time consuming. Wow, what a burden lifted off my back. Now, I feel I have time to plan the fun stuff of the internship.
In the beginning of the month I spent some time reorganizing my internship plan. This has been a tedious job and I finally finished it. At least this is, before I decide I need to change it again!
I also met with the CIT for the high school, Laurien, who gave me some good ideas of what I could do. There are some future meetings I can attend and professional development. She also showed me two new websites – Tagxedo and WordSift. She also told me I could contribute Facebook tips for a blog that the technology department maintains for teachers.
A professional development day for technology was planned for our “livestock show” holiday and I attended. The first half of the day we learned to use the website www.universalstreaming.com. During the second half of the day we learned about a new available service – Google Apps. This is provided on the school website and is monitored by the technology department. It allows for student use of wikis, email, chat, and documents all in one spot.
I met with a sixth grade science teacher, Tina, who I will work with to get some instructional technology hours toward my internship. So far, we have planned a day for me to come in and teach about the use and misuse of Facebook. Also, I will help develop a science lesson on creating a spaceship, which ought to be fun.
Lastly, I attended the TASA Midwinter Conference in Austin, Texas. During this time, I attended several sessions on school technology and leadership. First, I heard Dr. Susan from Grand Prairie ISD talk about her improvement plan for that district and the success they have had. Her program was modeled after Coach Lombardi’s 5 running plays. Her five plays were vertical/horizontal alignment; 5E model from NASA – engage, explore, explain, extend, and evaluate; data driven decisions; relational capacity; and intentional leadership. I heard other speakers talk on topics such as: the legal framework of Texas Public Schools, TASB plan for school finance, RTI Implementation, Cloud teaching and the Texas Accountability in terms of finances by Lynn Moak. The final speaker of the day was Chip Heath, the author of the book Switch. Heath spoke about change and the need to look for the “bright spots” in any difficult situation to guide us in our actions looking for what works.
Hours Earned for January 2011 -- 18.
Total Hours to Date -- 53
In the beginning of the month I spent some time reorganizing my internship plan. This has been a tedious job and I finally finished it. At least this is, before I decide I need to change it again!
I also met with the CIT for the high school, Laurien, who gave me some good ideas of what I could do. There are some future meetings I can attend and professional development. She also showed me two new websites – Tagxedo and WordSift. She also told me I could contribute Facebook tips for a blog that the technology department maintains for teachers.
A professional development day for technology was planned for our “livestock show” holiday and I attended. The first half of the day we learned to use the website www.universalstreaming.com. During the second half of the day we learned about a new available service – Google Apps. This is provided on the school website and is monitored by the technology department. It allows for student use of wikis, email, chat, and documents all in one spot.
I met with a sixth grade science teacher, Tina, who I will work with to get some instructional technology hours toward my internship. So far, we have planned a day for me to come in and teach about the use and misuse of Facebook. Also, I will help develop a science lesson on creating a spaceship, which ought to be fun.
Lastly, I attended the TASA Midwinter Conference in Austin, Texas. During this time, I attended several sessions on school technology and leadership. First, I heard Dr. Susan from Grand Prairie ISD talk about her improvement plan for that district and the success they have had. Her program was modeled after Coach Lombardi’s 5 running plays. Her five plays were vertical/horizontal alignment; 5E model from NASA – engage, explore, explain, extend, and evaluate; data driven decisions; relational capacity; and intentional leadership. I heard other speakers talk on topics such as: the legal framework of Texas Public Schools, TASB plan for school finance, RTI Implementation, Cloud teaching and the Texas Accountability in terms of finances by Lynn Moak. The final speaker of the day was Chip Heath, the author of the book Switch. Heath spoke about change and the need to look for the “bright spots” in any difficult situation to guide us in our actions looking for what works.
Hours Earned for January 2011 -- 18.
Total Hours to Date -- 53
Monday, January 31, 2011
EDLD 5345 “Domain II, Competency 6” Course-Embedded Internship Activity Log 3.
Our district provides mentors for teachers that have less than two years experience teaching or two years or less in their assigned subject matter. Mentoring teachers are provided a stipend for their work. Mentor teachers must have completed training, have had three years of successful and exemplary teaching and support for students and have met the requirements assigned by the commissioner of education.
Our district has two lead mentor teachers, one for secondary and one for elementary. These two ladies have a passion for teaching and learning and have a reputation for excellence in all that they do. They are full-time mentors to both new and veteran faculty for as long as they serve. Under these two are all the teacher mentors that have been selected.
A new teacher attends new teacher orientation and receive full training from the mentors. New teachers are trained on the district technology systems. The mentors work to prepare new teachers for their experience in the classrooms and are available to help on any issue.
The response to the program has been extremely positive. Teachers appreciate receiving personalized help in a non-threatening manner. The mentor program that has been developed will grow with the district. In the future, it is hoped that the district may hire a mentor for the special education teachers.
Information retrieved from: http://www.boerne-isd.net/page.cfm?p=4140
Our district has two lead mentor teachers, one for secondary and one for elementary. These two ladies have a passion for teaching and learning and have a reputation for excellence in all that they do. They are full-time mentors to both new and veteran faculty for as long as they serve. Under these two are all the teacher mentors that have been selected.
A new teacher attends new teacher orientation and receive full training from the mentors. New teachers are trained on the district technology systems. The mentors work to prepare new teachers for their experience in the classrooms and are available to help on any issue.
The response to the program has been extremely positive. Teachers appreciate receiving personalized help in a non-threatening manner. The mentor program that has been developed will grow with the district. In the future, it is hoped that the district may hire a mentor for the special education teachers.
Information retrieved from: http://www.boerne-isd.net/page.cfm?p=4140
EDLD 5345 “Domain II, Competency 6” Course-Embedded Internship Activity Log 2.
Right now, because of the funding issues with the state legislature, our district is not hiring new employees except those that are essential. But in the past, we have participated in job fairs in San Antonio and at the universities located there. We have an online application form, and at times have had as many as 4800 applications for 50 positions. Recruitment is not that hard. We live in the beautiful hill country, outside a major city, in a family-oriented community with conservative values. Many families are drawn here.
To retain our excellent staff, many incentives are in place. A few are: special parking for Teachers of the Year, discounted membership at the local YMCA, discounted day care with a local day care facility, and a local builder offers discounts on homes for teachers. We try to keep up with the pay at the nearby districts so at least to compare well. We have the employee leave bank for major medical issues. We also offer re-imbursement for masters programs at universities like Lamar.
As a principal, I would have to consider my location as a primary influence over whether or not recruitment would be an area of high concern or not. This problem may be lessened if I strive to create great working conditions and administrative support for teachers. Word of mouth comments by current employees would be a major factor influencing the desirableness of a job on my campus. I might have to go to job fairs and universities in search of employees.
I would work with the Chamber of Commerce to create and maintain updated published and web resources for our town that I could refer to and use in my recruitment strategies. I may need to create a contact list at major universities in Texas; so that I could put the word out when I am looking for specific certified job applicants.
To retain our excellent staff, many incentives are in place. A few are: special parking for Teachers of the Year, discounted membership at the local YMCA, discounted day care with a local day care facility, and a local builder offers discounts on homes for teachers. We try to keep up with the pay at the nearby districts so at least to compare well. We have the employee leave bank for major medical issues. We also offer re-imbursement for masters programs at universities like Lamar.
As a principal, I would have to consider my location as a primary influence over whether or not recruitment would be an area of high concern or not. This problem may be lessened if I strive to create great working conditions and administrative support for teachers. Word of mouth comments by current employees would be a major factor influencing the desirableness of a job on my campus. I might have to go to job fairs and universities in search of employees.
I would work with the Chamber of Commerce to create and maintain updated published and web resources for our town that I could refer to and use in my recruitment strategies. I may need to create a contact list at major universities in Texas; so that I could put the word out when I am looking for specific certified job applicants.
EDLD 5345 - “Domain I, Competency 3” Course-Embedded Internship Activity Log 2. The Review of Chapter 247 of the Texas Administrative Code
Through recent changes in the law, the State Board for Educator Certification not longer accepts complaints against professional educators. The Texas Education Agency handles the complaints made at the state level. In all cases, the TEA expects individuals to follow the chain of command established through the local school policy. They also do not accept complaints on areas that have not been established through the legislature.
The TEA website states “If after completing the complaint process at the district level, a person believes he or she is aggrieved by the actions or decisions of the district's board of trustees that violate the school laws, the person may appeal the board of trustees’ written decision to the commissioner of education. The process for requesting TEA Hearings and Appeals under §7.057 of the Texas Education Code is described in §157.1073 of the Texas Administrative Code.” (Retrieved January 30, 2011 from http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/ED/htm/ED.7.htm#7.05)
An individual who does not accept the decision of the local school board may request to appeal the decision to TEA. This mostly includes contract decisions, but may include other issues as well. Anyone who is an adult and has interacted with a certified or certify-seeking individual in such a negative way as to consider them to be unfit for the profession can file a complaint. If they have followed all the local chain of command procedures and the local school board policies, and they are unhappy about the school board decision at the appeal process there; then an individual may request an appeal to TEA.
In the Texas Administrative Code, a principal is expected to have high moral character in all areas of their lives. One area that principals are expected to always be truthful is in regards to school monies. Principals may “not submit fraudulent requests for reimbursements, expenses or pay.” (Standard 1.3) This would mean that a principal could not sign up to go to a conference that happens to be in Miami, Florida, and then spend the entire time on the beach. The expectation would be that the principal is attending the conference for most of the day. So if another administrator from the district notices their absence and sees a picture of them on the beach, the beach-loving principal may have an ethics complaint against him.
Another situation where a principal or educator may face an ethics complaint would be in the acceptance of a large gift that may be seen as giving a special advantage. If a principal was offered floor seats for the Spurs basketball season from a parent, and he accepted them; he may face an ethics complaint when he fails to discipline the child of the parent who gave him the tickets. (Standard 1.5)
Another area where an educator may violate the ethics code against a colleague is when the educator makes false statements, lies and twists information to place the victim in a bad light for the purpose of causing them harm in their career. (Standard 2.2) Standard 3.7 states “the educator shall not furnish alcohol or illegal/unauthorized drugs to a student”. An educator would violate this standard if they invited students to their home for a post game party and supplied a keg of beer for their consumption.
An educator would also find themselves faced with ethics complaint if they choose to send inappropriate text messages to a student so as to begin or imply a desire for a romantic relationship. (Standard 3.6) Possible consequences of an ethics complaint could include a criminal investigation by law enforcement officials if any laws are broken, a reprimand letter may be placed in the individual’s permanent file, restitution may be sought for money lost by the district, and a poor evaluation may be received by the educator and quite possibly nonrenewal of their contract.
My example
Standard 3.7 states “the educator shall not furnish alcohol or illegal/unauthorized drugs to a student”. An educator would violate this standard if they invited students to their home for a post game party and supplied a keg of beer for their consumption.
As a principal in this situation, I would gather all the facts regarding the incident and present them to the educator with my decision. If I also knew that this educator had deficits in their teaching skills and classroom achievement, I would feel more empowered. But either way, I would terminate the employee. It is illegal to serve alcohol to minors. The educator has broken the law, and will also probably face legal ramifications for their act of stupidity.
The TEA website states “If after completing the complaint process at the district level, a person believes he or she is aggrieved by the actions or decisions of the district's board of trustees that violate the school laws, the person may appeal the board of trustees’ written decision to the commissioner of education. The process for requesting TEA Hearings and Appeals under §7.057 of the Texas Education Code is described in §157.1073 of the Texas Administrative Code.” (Retrieved January 30, 2011 from http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/ED/htm/ED.7.htm#7.05)
An individual who does not accept the decision of the local school board may request to appeal the decision to TEA. This mostly includes contract decisions, but may include other issues as well. Anyone who is an adult and has interacted with a certified or certify-seeking individual in such a negative way as to consider them to be unfit for the profession can file a complaint. If they have followed all the local chain of command procedures and the local school board policies, and they are unhappy about the school board decision at the appeal process there; then an individual may request an appeal to TEA.
In the Texas Administrative Code, a principal is expected to have high moral character in all areas of their lives. One area that principals are expected to always be truthful is in regards to school monies. Principals may “not submit fraudulent requests for reimbursements, expenses or pay.” (Standard 1.3) This would mean that a principal could not sign up to go to a conference that happens to be in Miami, Florida, and then spend the entire time on the beach. The expectation would be that the principal is attending the conference for most of the day. So if another administrator from the district notices their absence and sees a picture of them on the beach, the beach-loving principal may have an ethics complaint against him.
Another situation where a principal or educator may face an ethics complaint would be in the acceptance of a large gift that may be seen as giving a special advantage. If a principal was offered floor seats for the Spurs basketball season from a parent, and he accepted them; he may face an ethics complaint when he fails to discipline the child of the parent who gave him the tickets. (Standard 1.5)
Another area where an educator may violate the ethics code against a colleague is when the educator makes false statements, lies and twists information to place the victim in a bad light for the purpose of causing them harm in their career. (Standard 2.2) Standard 3.7 states “the educator shall not furnish alcohol or illegal/unauthorized drugs to a student”. An educator would violate this standard if they invited students to their home for a post game party and supplied a keg of beer for their consumption.
An educator would also find themselves faced with ethics complaint if they choose to send inappropriate text messages to a student so as to begin or imply a desire for a romantic relationship. (Standard 3.6) Possible consequences of an ethics complaint could include a criminal investigation by law enforcement officials if any laws are broken, a reprimand letter may be placed in the individual’s permanent file, restitution may be sought for money lost by the district, and a poor evaluation may be received by the educator and quite possibly nonrenewal of their contract.
My example
Standard 3.7 states “the educator shall not furnish alcohol or illegal/unauthorized drugs to a student”. An educator would violate this standard if they invited students to their home for a post game party and supplied a keg of beer for their consumption.
As a principal in this situation, I would gather all the facts regarding the incident and present them to the educator with my decision. If I also knew that this educator had deficits in their teaching skills and classroom achievement, I would feel more empowered. But either way, I would terminate the employee. It is illegal to serve alcohol to minors. The educator has broken the law, and will also probably face legal ramifications for their act of stupidity.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
December 2010 Reflection for Field Based Activities
This month was spent in the Digital Graphics, Animation and Desktop Publishing Class 5366. Here I learned many tricks of the trade concerning graphic design and publishing. Although tedious work, the course was fun and will prove beneficial no matter what my job prospects are after completion of the program. My son is still enjoying the Scratch software I downloaded on the home computer – making animations of how to put together lego creatures.
I have spent my time reorganizing and rewriting my internship plan. I hope to get much done on this requirement before June. I have it organized by activity and not by ISTE standards, which helps me see what needs to be done. If I have the time, I may create a second document to show that each standard is covered.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I have spent my time reorganizing and rewriting my internship plan. I hope to get much done on this requirement before June. I have it organized by activity and not by ISTE standards, which helps me see what needs to be done. If I have the time, I may create a second document to show that each standard is covered.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
