The following questions were posed by Alec Couros in the Welcome & Orientations session held on elluminate:
How do you make your learning visible?
My learning becomes visible as I develop a digital presence. It doesn't have to be anything formal, and it doesn't have to all be in one space. My learning is visible when I participate in the #edugood365 project on Flickr, share images on Instagram, presentations on Slidesare, videos on YouTube, pins on Pinterest, bookmarks on Diigo, and infographics on Infogram. My learning is visible when I comment, post updates and share interesting links on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. It is visible when I write a new blog post. Most of all my learning is visible when I write a reflection, which is the transformational piece that takes all of my thoughts and experiences and produces something new or creates change. "Small tools loosely joined" will allow me to share my #etmooc learning journey as I explore Educational Technology and Media with other curious educators around the world.
How do you contribute to the learning of others?
I contribute to the learning of others when I share knowledge and resources, comment on postings, discuss ideas, collaborate on projects, challenge to think deeper, encourage and support when needed, and celebrate the victories of the educators that I work with as an instructional technology specialist, the people in my PLN, and hopefully some participants in #etmooc.
What are your learning goals for #etmooc?
I am most interested in the digital citizenship piece of creating change in the world. Alec spoke of using this 'collective privilege' for good, and this speaks to the social re-constructionist part of my being. Teaching all of the #etmooc participants how to use our 'collective conscious' for good reminds me of the 'butterfly effect' only more powerful because we are already a global community of learners. So, here are my goals for #etmooc:
Goal #1: I will learn how to use digital citizenship to create change in the world, country, state, city, community, or school; Goal #2: I will learn more about the open movement; Goal #3: I will learn more about the new digital storytelling tools available.
Alec showed this video for inspiration as we begin the #etmooc journey. Enjoy!
Here is my introduction to #etmooc. MOOC is the acronym for massive open online course. Educational Technology and Media or #etmooc was started by Alec Couros. I originally signed up to be an organizer and was able to see the planning of such an endeavor in action, but I think I will simply be a participant/observer this time around. There is much excitement and buzz today, the kickoff day for the course. I am enjoying seeing everyone's introductions. There is so much creativity being shared. I am impressed and inspired!
So, what am I doing to procrastinate from writing letters for jobs that don't exist, yet?
1. I have created a new professional blog - goal is to write posts about education technology, technology integration, professional development, social media, curriculum & instruction, and media literacy.
2. I've created a new group on LinkedIn called #phdchat - an extension of the Twitter group - mainly a way for people to stay connected after they have earned their Ph.D.s
3. I am co-organizing the after lunch activities to be held at #edcampstl on February 9 at Hixson Middle School in Webster. - LOVE this unconference platform.
4. I am sort of an organizer (there are many) but really just an observer/participant of a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) that begins today--called Educational Technology & Media or #etmooc Just like the title says, it is an open, online learning experience. Can't wait to see what it's all about. Might be the future of higher education.
I might be procrastinating, but I am also still learning because that is what I do. It's what I like to do--learn.
Celebrating @ Cyranos after my successful public dissertation defense
Inspired by Kelli Refer, here are my 10 favorite things of 2012:
After 6 year, I completed my Ph.D. I am so thankful to my family, friends, students, and co-workers who encouraged and supported me throughout the process. Hopefully, I will have much more to report on the career front this time next year. I am looking forward to participating in the graduation ceremony or hooding in May 2013.
"Congratulations. Your submission, 10545 has cleared all of the necessary checks and will soon be delivered to ProQuest/UMI for publishing." December 18 message from SLU. This means my Ph.D. is almost published.
Public Oral Presentation of the Ph.D. Dissertation: Successfully defended my dissertation on December 4. This meant that I presented my findings to my committee and anyone else who was interested. I invited Steve, Gwyn, Lynn, and Mary Jo. The girls went out to celebrate at Cyranos afterwards.
Participated in my first photo challenge (November): The 30-day gratitude challenge. Really enjoyed taking time to look at the world through a 'different lens.'
Celebrated my daughter's wedding with lots of friends and family--many of whom traveled from places like San Diego, Las Vegas, Denver, and Seattle (Tom & Kelli, yippie!). We were blessed with a beautiful day, ceremony, and reception.
Attended four lovely bridal showers for Katie (and Matt). The first one was given by the Pollihan's, the second by the bridesmaids, the third by Gwyn, Lynn, and Mary Jo, and the fourth was given by the Fucoloro's. Katie and Matt are certainly loved and supported by many wonderful people.
On June 18 we decided to commit to visiting with Tom via a weekly Skype turned Google+ Hangout on Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. This has been awesome! As Steve said, "We have our son back." We also often get to connect with Kelli on these 'visits' making the distance between St. Louis and Seattle seem a little closer.
After 19 years as a classroom teacher and 9 years as an instructional technology specialist in K-8 Catholic schools, I have chosen to move onto the next stage in my career. I'm very thankful for all of the students I have had the extreme pleasure to have learned with over these years.
Advance to Candidacy: Passed my doctoral oral exam (proposal) on February 16. This meant that I was was allowed to perform the research necessary for my dissertation. The proposal consisted of the first three chapters of my dissertation.
Participated in my first #edcampstl. An edcamp "is a FREE event that brings together those interested in learning and sharing more about best practices in education in an "unconference" format. This innovative format allows the knowledge and interests of those in attendance to lead the conversations of growth."
Only two days left in License Plate Game 2012! It's time to press the PANIC BUTTON! Good luck everyone who is still searching for those elusive plates needed to have spotted license plates from all 50 states between Memorial Day and Labor Day! I still need North Dakota and Hawaii...
So, Team Cange came in second place in #LPG12. Congratulations! As far as I know, Team Parkinson, Team Loretta, Team Barbara and I are still in the hunt. With only 12 days left, I am still in need of Hawaii and North Dakota. Hopefully, the image above is the perfect metaphor with the T-Rex representing our missing plates! Good luck, remaining #LPG12 teams!
Pep talk from the newly crowned King: "What? Over? Did you say "over"? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?!"
The Reigning King and His Royal Court and Globbers
Presenting, the Reigning King and His Royal Court along with His Royal Globbers, at Cracker Barrel in Fenton, MO (aka F-town), celebrating a great LPG2012 victory for the mid-westerners. The RK&HRC&HRG are all smiles after stuffing themselves with Cracker Barrel goodness fit for a King.
Still waiting to hear who comes in 2nd, 3rd, etc. place! This should be a LPL (License Plate Lucrative) weekend.
