Linda J. Burke

Assignment No. 14
Reflection on CI335

Information technologies:

One of personal goals was to become up to date with the latest technologies. I have been amazed at how much of this knowledge I have acquired in one semester. Some of the knowledge came from the orientation to using WebBoard, CTERbase, and other program software. Some came from the assignments in the course, such as emerging technologies. I am very interested in File Maker Pro, and using its Web integration feature. A great deal came from working in a group with two individuals who were expert in Web page development. They were willing to spend time and effort to bring my limited skills up to the level necessary to complete my part. I also spent a great deal of individual time learning to use Front Page.

I can now produce a Web site with more of the features which can make it a useful learning environment: navigation tools, graphics, tables. My section on getting started on the Web also required me to do a great deal of research on using products such as Composer and Word to create the necessary HTML code. I have a much better understanding of the code, its strengths and limitations, and I can actually modify HTML code directly without destroying my work. I have learned several different systems for posting work to Web servers, which is very valuable, as I am working on a grant project which will require preservice and classroom teachers to interact a Web Based interface.

I need to learn a lot more. Specifically, I want to be able to incorporate graphic organizers, such as organizational charts, tables, content webs into Web Sites as instructional devices. I wish to learn more about good basic Web site design. I have found several great Web based tutorials, but I need time to work through them. Second, I want to be able to develop a database of technology competencies similar to TEbase for the SXU teacher education program.

Communication

Seeing what online instruction looks like from the student's point of view was very revealing. The "feel" of threaded discussions, synchronous chats, and reading other students postings is different than the type of communication which is part and parcel of the "chalk and talk" mode of classroom discourse. I saw some of the other students adapt to it quite readily, but I am still feeling my way. While I gained a tremendous amount from reading what the other students wrote, I did not avail myself enough of the opportunities to engage in actual discussion. This was due to a lack of time on my part, not a lack of interest. My goal is to be much more engaged in the second class, in terms of both of quantity and timeliness. I have arranged my teaching schedule to give me the time I will need, and my greater comfort with the technology should make participation less painful.

I liked the synchronous chats I had with my group, and the chats led by Chip Bruce. I really appreciate the fact that you were willing to be flexible in scheduling, and I attended all that I could. I learned to use NetMeeting in my project group, and would like to use it more. You provided an excellent model of an online instructor, very responsive to student's needs.

I find applying what I know to be the best way to improve my skills. So I will be trying out some threaded discussion assignments and synchronous chat in my courses. I have used Nicenet in the past, but I am learning Web Course in a Box.

Curriculum:

I have begun the process of thinking about teaching and learning as it is moderated by technology. I felt the topics covered by this course were all appropriate, but I felt frustrated as we quickly moved from one topic to the next. I would prefer to explore one area thoroughly before moving on. I can appreciate the value of getting the big picture at the beginning. It would be helpful to me to see what the overall goals of the CTER program are up front, so that I can see the why of where we are going as well as the how. The program is meeting my personal goals, but I feel I'm not getting all I could from it.

The type of Web based research that we engaged in the course (particularly the use of Open Directory) reinforced to me the value of using Web resources in my own college teaching. The skill of evaluating what is on the Web will really come in handy here, as it is a skill which most students do not have. I would like, through the CTER program, to view ways of meeting and assessing my instructional goals in technology environments. What is the benefit to my students, for example, if I require a Powerpoint, as opposed to a poster, presentation? What type of Web resources, and Web assignments, are the most beneficial to developing teachers? Learning technology has a price, and the benefits to learning need to outweigh the costs. I find using technology (word processing, spreadsheets, scanners, statistics programs) very useful for personal productivity. Further explorations of new literacies will help, but I need to become more engaged in the discussion which is occurring in the field of teacher education.

As a start, next Spring semester, I will be providing Web support in all three of my courses, Child Development, Educational Psychology, and Introduction to Research. I will try to incorporate what I have learned in this course, and from prior uses, into making the most direct links between assignments and learning. I am planning to incorporate student reflection and feedback (ala your metaconference area) systematically into this process.

Policy

I found the discussion on access issues interesting. As I noted in my assignment, I am concerned about the digital divide - a new aspect of the increasing division between rich and poor. Technology fortunately holds promise of bridging this gap, if enough resources are allocated to it.

Based on a WebBoard entry, I visited several term paper sites, and one site which will screen student papers for plagiarism. The Open Source discussion was interesting, as it brought up issues of intellectual property and ownership. My belief (probably not supported by sound information) is that our current laws and thinking have not kept pace with the technology.

As in most of these areas, my main reflection is that I have a great deal to learn. I am looking forward to the Policy course in the program

Evaluation

Evaluation is an area in which I have some expertise. My background is in research, statistics, and assessment. As in most area of innovation, evaluation of what we in education are doing in technology lags behind practice. The challenge lies in selecting evaluation methods which match the outcomes we are trying to achieve. How can we tell if a student possess the skills to evaluate Web page content? What's a good Web based course? Is it how it looks, how it is used, what students think about it, or if the students pass the tests? And, how is it possible to link specific outcomes to specific technology: If I post my overheads, will students access them? If they do, how useful in studying will they be? Or is the fact that they are present simply means students will think you are a good instructor?

My SOE faculty want me to tell then why they should be using technology in their teaching. The best answer I've got so far is that preservice teachers will be expected to use technology in their teaching. The CBAM model which was discussed in chat looks like a model which can be used to think about the reform of teacher education, so I plan to explore it further.

A colleague and I have received a $10,000 Ameritech grant to provide support for clinical teaching experiences which incorporate technology. The issue of how to evaluate the success of our program is one which is facing us squarely. I am hoping to use the next course to answer questions I have.

Conclusion

I know that my work that I have done is the course is not the best of which I am capable. I need to participate in a timely manner in discussions, and complete assignments on due dates. I do feel that I have learned more than my performance indicates, so I wish to be able to continue in the program. For various reasons, this particular semester was very stressful. If you wish, I can give you the details, but otherwise I'll spare you. I have changed my schedule for Spring, and I feel that I will be in much better position to benefit from the program.

I do feel a sense of accomplishment with the work I did on my project. I have a better sense of what I need to know. I am much better acquainted with resources on the Web, which surprises me as I have been a heavy user for quite a few years. The course was an interesting first experience for me with online instruction, and with a greater comfort level, I am ready to move on. Thank you for this opportunity to reflect.

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Last updated: 08 December 1999