Wk4 Publishing_Leadership Project

In my attempts to conclude my action research, Mainstreaming in a Collaborative Setting has proven to be in need at my prospective campus. The reason for my two choices with regards to presenting and publishing reflect the audience at which I would like to support and target.
I feel that the content of my action research will help support the idea of Mainstreaming in a Collaborative Setting.
Mainstreaming technology in every aspect of the learning environment is the projected goal of future educational settings. Current standings of educational environments lack technological support and advancements of cutting edge platforms and there availability to teachers and students. The intent of my action research will reveal the need to improve collaboration between administration and teachers. The goal of my research is to help support the implementation of new technologies and advance the current platforms that are set in place so as to increase collaboration between constituents within the learning environment.


The current project can be viewed at the following link listed below:
https://files.me.com/ricardomireles/6wht7r


Journal potentially submitting to:

Journal of Technology and Teacher Education

http://www.aace.org/pubs/jtate/

Journal of Computing in Higher Education

http://www.springer.com/education+%26+language/learning+%26+instruction/journal/12528

Week 4 Comment to Cherie Park

Cherie stated,

I love how the author took the blame for the mistake during a performance. I had a professor in college who when the class did poorly on a test tell us, "I am sorry. I must not have taught this particular curriculum well. I will reteach it and again, my apologies." That has stuck with me through the years and I have had to say that to my students. It is important to not place blame on everyone else but to accept some of it as your own. It is not us (teachers) vs them (students), it is we as a class and we as a school. So I will try to be the whole board, not just a game piece.

Ricardo said...

It is really amazing when you have to say to yourself that I am to blame for the situation that we are in. This is a reflection that I at times make of myself and the current intensity of my students. What is it that motivates my class to achieve more that what is expected. As we returned from the Thanksgiving break I reflected upon what I needed to do to make my students more interested in the skills that we were attempting to develop. The answer that I came up with was the fact that I needed to have more in depth lessons with regards to actual drawing. My students are just learning how to create and sketch. Finding faults in my attempts to teach have done wonders for my adaptation and correction.

URL: http://cpark-edm613.blogspot.com/2010/12/wk-4-reading-ch-10-12.html
Blogger: Cherie Park
Topic: Week 4. Reading Chpt.10-12

Week 4 Comment to Renee Barber

Renee stated,

This chapter really had me thinking in a different way by contemplating "how did I get on this board?" So many times we are ready to put up our defense or attack when things don't go quite the way that we think they should. By taking time to analyze all aspects of a situation, we are able to have better attitude and see the whole picture and not just our own. The conductor could have easily been upset and angry at the musician for leaving his orchestra. Instead, he took the "why I give myself an A" approach and was able to communicate to the musician how much she meant to the group, how he respected her and that she would be missed. This was a great way for him to build a strong relationship with the musician and peace within himself.


Renee,

I agree with you on the fact that we at times react in a capacity that might require us to take a look back from the outside in. When you have been in the trenches for a while there come instances where projects and or specific outcomes may not present themselves as first imagined when beginning the project or duty. Recognizing and reflecting on our own contributions may reflect the solution to possible shortcomings we may have encountered.
What this reading taught me is take rule number 6 into effect and always try to remain ethically composed when dealing with findings or end results.

URL: http://reneesfsoinablog.blogspot.com/
Blogger: Renee Barber
Topic: Wk 4. Chapter Reading 10-12

Week 4 Reading Chpt 10-12

The similarities in the reading as compared to my own personal learning environment are especially close. This "downward spiral" as mentioned in chapter nine offers a glimpse into the problems we may face as part of our school setting. Depending on our population of students we can determine certain characteristics that will enable us to make decisions based on student actions. As we move on to Chapter 10 we are introduced to the idea that we must take hold of what goes on in our lives as if it were a "Chess Board".
If at any time you have involved yourself in a game of chess you have an understanding that every move is precisely thought out. If we apply those same decision making processes or thoughts may we improve our working environment. The action of a move on a chess board is thought out with the consequence of that action. One must be aware of every aspect of the game and respond accordingly depending on the situation.
Being able to react to certain situations in our learning environments has accustomed us to being tactful in our proceedings. There are certain areas of protocol that must be followed in order to proceed forward. Using the analogy of life or rather our work environment being like a chess board we must think out our moves before actually committing to them.
Contrary to following such a thought out process we fall upon a time when you may decide to go ahead with a risky move and then wait for the consequences to follow. As educators we are risk takers and at times we are moved to work at providing the best for our students no matter what the cost. I find that this part of the book was very interesting and motivating it has given me a different point of view when deciding on issues or arriving at conclusions.

Week 4 Free Thought

As we near the end of our studies I have began to think of "what will I do next?". We have spent the past year really focused on learning, creating, researching and informing ourselves about technology and how it applies to our own personal learning environment. Realizing that we will all go our own separate ways and continue to grow leaves me with a bit of sadness.

It will be interesting to see how many of us stay in contact with one another through the years, if at all. I am hoping to continue communicating with my classmates and continuing the learning process and exchange of information with regards to our own personal learning environments.
This experience has been really gratifying and enlightening. My views and perceptions about my learning environment have changed as well. I have come to the conclusion that I will commit myself to becoming part of the solution in attaining higher levels of achievement and merit.
My experiences at Full Sail University will enable me to continue to learn and promote the use of technology in my content area. It is sad that it must come to an end.

Week Three Free Thought

With as much that has been going on with school I am finding myself getting away from staying focused on the prize. My attempts to manage and keep the work flow going need to be thought of with more intensity. Our journey in our education and the experiences we learn during the process are important and make up a large part of our teaching knowledge. Managing those skills and applying them to the real world setting is the goal of my next few weeks.

Week 3 Communication - Shahenaz Week 3 Reading: To Be Or Not To Be...

Shahe stated:

Mistakes are a part of life. If we did not make them, then how would we learn? We need to accept the fact that no one is perfect despite our efforts to be and that’s ok. Accepting things for the way they are is the first step to making a difference. Passion is what motivates us to achieving our goals or making changes for the better. I absolutely love the concept of enrollment. We are all leaders and we each bring a unique element to the table. In order to grow, we need to welcome others into the circle and unite as one. I do think that if people disagree with a certain something that it should be acceptable, but at the same time, I believe there is a proper and respectful way of saying that something is not for you. As humans, we are entitled to our own thoughts, but it is up to us to share it appropriately with the world. It’s like Shakespeare wrote, “To be, or not to be, that is the question”. It is up to us to make the decision on what we do with the things we face in life and it is up to us to decide if we want to invite others so they too can partake on the journey.

RIcardo Mireles

@ Shahe

I agree with you about your thoughts, our journey in life is filled with interacting with people and individuals that posses a wide array of personalities. Having the ability to make a difference and decide for yourself that you will make that difference is the reward that I get when my students decide to make the right decisions and become successful students.


Blog Title: Wk 3-Reading To Be or Not To Be...
Blogger: Shahenaz
http://web.me.com/smabdelrahim/Shahes_MAC_Blogger/Week_3/Week_3.html
Retrieved on December 11, 2010

Week Three Communication - Cherie Park

Cherie Stated

Wk 3-Reading CH. 7-9

I agree with the author that we need to not focus primarily on what went wrong with whatever we are doing but what went right. I've done this many times. I will be presenting and mess one little thing up but other than that the presentation went smoothly and everyone was engaged and asking questions. Yet when I am done, all I can focus on is that one little flub. That little flub will then follow me into the next time I present. What I need to focus on is the fact that I alone am the only one who noticed the little mistake. We definitely need to include mistakes in our performance. If not when or if we do make a mistake, it will haunt us. I tell my students all the time that one little mistake is nothing, look at what all you did well. Guess I need to do as I say also.


Replied

Ricardo said...

During the time that I spent coaching there were many instances where we would have to tell our athletes don't concentrate and what you did wrong rather concentrate on what you are going to do right the next time opportunity shows itself.

Blog Title: Wk 3-Reading CH. 7-9
Blogger: Cherie Park
http://cpark-edm613.blogspot.com/2010/12/wk-2-reading-ch-4-6.html#comments
Retrieved on December 11, 2010

Week 3 - Art of Possibility: Chpt 7-9

This weeks reading sheds light on some realistic issues that we deal with on a daily basis. Reflecting on one's self and the manner in which we react to our surrounding and all that it contains determines how well we can work and complete the requests being made by those individuals. Within the learning environment it as at times realistic to evaluate the true abilities of our student population. In correlating the reading some instances of realization to what is truly the obvious needs to remain in our thoughts. When arrives the time where we dislike certain situations whether about student achievement or participation we need to remind ourselves that it is what it is. As much as we would like for our levels of competency to be above average there comes the needs of those that are not as motivated or concerned with the learning process.
The need to accommodate and design learning strategies for those students is our responsibility.

Conrad Wolfram: Teaching kids real math with computers | Video on TED.com

Conrad Wolfram: Teaching kids real math with computers | Video on TED.com

Week 2 Communication to Cherie Park

Cherie,

Your comment "Students should be given the lead in the classroom to make them feel a part of the class." is so true. It has been my experience where if students are allowed to make or have decisions about what goes on in class the sense of ownership has then been established. Engaging students and allowing them to make decisions gives them a sense of empowerment. This sense of empowerment along with the opportunity to prove that they can maintain a sense of higher level thinking and achievement is what students at times strive for. This chapter made for a great read and really found a conneciton to your comments.

Ricardo Mireles


Blog Title: Wk 2-Reading CH. 4-6
Blogger: Cherie Park
http://cpark-edm613.blogspot.com/2010/12/wk-2-reading-ch-4-6.html#comments
Retrieved on December 5, 2010

Week Two Communication to Dan Dolce

The following link is a video response that Mr. Dan Dolce has created. It is a really motivating piece one that has sparked my need to increase productivity and use of media applications.

Dan,

Really motivating piece. It is always an anticipating moment before your media begins to play because you just never know what you are going to experience. You are very skilled in your craft and it really motivates me to see your productions and how they can closely relate to your classroom environment. I imagine that your students and learning environment is truly an engaging experience. My visual experience in viewing this has set me forth in a new direction. I need to make more of media and them many forms in which it comes. Keep up the great work and looking forward to seeing more.

Ricardo Mireles

Blog Title: Week 2 Topic 1
Blogger: Dan Dolce
http://web.me.com/dandolce/Site/TheMACBlog/Entries/2010/12/2_Week_2__Topic_1.html#

Retrieved on Decemeber 5, 2010

Wk2 Reading: Art of Possibility, ch 4-6

I find it intriguing, this relationship between the conductor and his symphony. The relationship
to the real world environment and the manner in which we interact with all members of our social network, our families, our students. The list can become a lengthy list. Viewing from an outside perspective I began to reflect and put myself in the place of the conductor. How do my habits of instruction, interaction and over all character affect those around me.
As I read through chapters 4-6 I began to visualize and reflect the methods of persuasion that I have had to use in the classroom setting. Like the symphony each individual is affected by my place in the classroom as an instructor. How as an instructor am I to reach levels of accomplishment along with my students, my symphony?

In the production realm or rather in the fine arts realm it was very important to receive feedback about our works in college. Hearing the thoughts and perceptions of others as to the work produced is an important part in becoming a holistic artist. Being able to take criticism from others and use that information to grow upon has been a big part of my life. As an artist you develop your craft and create so that others may appreciate your ideas and thoughts. Allowing others to complete that blank white sheet of paper and give you feedback will provide an avenue of self discovery through the eyes of another.

As we returned from the Thanksgiving break I reflected upon what was going on in my classroom. I began to think of things that maybe I needed to change so that the students would become a bit more engaged and challenged. In the beginning of the year I begin to work with students in developing their skills. Drawing challenges and exercises with regards to eye hand coordination and visual perception are used so as to sharpen and fine tune skills.
Filling out that white paper on my own based on what I had reflected upon is what made the changes in my room. My focus has really come upon the idea that my students need more in depth step by step instruction in the development of basic drawing skills.
As an instructor or conductor, it is up to me to challenge my students and engage them in a positive manner so as to create interest and increase their own potential merely by guiding them through the process of creating a master piece such as a symphonic melody.

How Family and Friends play a role in your progress?

This evening I am driving too meet with my family as part of a retreat that my mother has attended. It is a surprise and she does not know that we are going to be there.
As I reflect about where we have come in our studies I reflect the question "How does our family play a role in our success?". The support and motivation that my family has played in my journey through this program has been a positive experience. In my attempts I hope to help pass my knowledge about everything that I have learned with my family. There are many ways to communicate and engage ourselves with live streaming media it is the coolest things.

Week One Post - Cherie

Cherie commented:

The part of the reading that stuck in my mind the most was the comparison of students to blocks of stone. Teachers have a level of mastery for each subject and the student’s grade is based on their level of mastery. How disappointing is it to see a C or D on a paper you worked incredibly hard on? I had a professor who asked us to come up with ideas on teaching a math concept. My partner and I worked together to create a lesson that taught in a meaningful and motivating way only to have the professor say this is what I want you to teach and how. She had decided what she wanted us to do before we left the class to make plans for our lesson. Our lesson was dismissed without her even listening to what we had to say, our hard work not even acknowledged.

I work as a special education teacher and all my students are working at different levels. I want them to feel great about what they have accomplished. I try to remind myself to acknowledge what they have done and how far they have progressed even if it is just one problem more than the day before. Sometimes we as teachers lose sight of what we are truly trying to accomplish. That is to ensure our students leave our classrooms not just with knowledge of curriculum, but also the knowledge that they are someone special who can do anything they set their minds to. Students are not just a grade.

Communication:

Cherie I am right there with you about providing students with just more than knowledge. Creating a sense of self worth amongst students and their environment is something that we are continuously working on at our campus. The life that some of these students experience does not afford them with the support of feeling or finding their place in life. A sense of belonging is all some student are looking for. Providing and accommodating the needs of our student population is the goal of our learning community. Before learning can even start their needs to be a relationship of trust and belief amongst our students that their teachers are going to provide the best setting and opportunity to discover their potential and focus on what needs more attention.

Sometimes just listening to your students and discovering what they are truly like will build and environment where they are motivated and willing to meet you half way so that the learning process is achieved with relative ease and positive experiences. Not every learning community is like another, the commonality the both possess is that they are there for the need of the student and the community. Educating students is not just giving a grade it is about building long lasting relationships and setting an example of what educated people are like and the traits they posses.
I wish you continued success and hope that all students continue to take advantage of this blessing which presents itself. I too work with the same population of students and find it very satisfying when levels of achievement are reached merely due to their interest and continued need to go far and beyond those limits that have been placed upon them. Students are only limited by the amount of what lacks on the part of the teacher. Being motivating and a positive figure is what every student looks for. By the look so it your children must really enjoy attending your class.

Blog Title: Week 1 Post 4: The Art of Possibility Chapters 1-3
Blogger: Cherie Park
http://cpark-edm613.blogspot.com/2010/11/wk-1-reading-ch-1-3.html
Retrieved on November 29, 2010.

Week One Comments - Renee

Renee commented:

After reading the professor who gave everyone an “A” at the beginning of the class, it reminded me of my own experience. Being the spouse of an employee who worked at Antioch University, I had an opportunity to acquire my Bachelor’s degree at no cost. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. When I went to orientation, one of the instructors explained the grading process, pass or fail. An outline was given for each course with the expectations/criteria for the pass and fail grade scale. I became very excited about this concept. During class, our discussions were engaging and we learned from each other. Students were not afraid to express themselves or their ideas. I looked forward to class and worked hard to find ways to contribute to the discussions as did other students. At the end of my schooling, I felt as though I had gotten so much more from my education than I would have if the school implemented the traditional grading scale.

Now I take this reading and I examine my children’s grades. My second oldest is very smart. Our conversations end with me thinking differently about a topic. However, looking at his grade card, it shows him being an A/B student. He is taking a course on exploratory technology. He was very excited the first few weeks of the course because of the hands on activities and the opportunity to take the robotics part to the next level if they could. This is something that he is interested in pursuing after high school. However, once the teacher stopped using the hands on activities and went to lecturing, my son lost interest in the class. He no longer feels challenged. His “A” in the class is now a “B”. Is he a "B" student? I don't believe so. He lost the motivation of free learning. If he, in turn, would be allowed to grade the teacher, what grade would it be? Grades are not what make us who we are; it is what we do that makes us who we are.



Communication:

In response to your view on the teachers classroom grading procedures I am reminded of a meeting that I had with a parent not to long ago. It is an interesting topic and one that I continue to examine. As an educator myself the idea and the thought about what grades are given to my students and the manner in which I grade my students has raised a reflective critique as to whether I am being fair and applying the correct rubric for my learners and the manner in which they will all be graded. In keeping with Gardner's Multiple Intelligences we must keep in mind our population and accommodate their style of learning and develop a most clear and precise grading policy that will allow for everyone to succeed with their own strengths and weaknesses.


Blog Title: Week 1 Post 4: The Art of Possibility Chapters 1-3
Blogger: Renee Barber
URL http://reneesfsoinablog.blogspot.com/
Retrieved on November 29, 2010.

Week One Reading Fiddle-itis: The Habit of Thinking You Make No Difference

Upon reflecting on our reading I must say that they section that stands out the most to me is where the concept of Fiddler-itis is discussed. Quickly the relationship between what was read and my real world environment connected. The connection or what I can apply this concept to is the ever-changing rate of teachers coming to our learning environment.

As the concept suggests and conveys there are instances where individuals entering the workforce of educational institutions arrive with much enthusiasm and energy. Just like the string player incoming teachers find themselves in the exact situation. They find themselves questioning whether or not they are making a difference when all efforts and devotion go unnoticed or perhaps not acknowledged. It has been my experience that at times levels of administration become like the conductor mentioned in the book. Management of a school setting is a grand task and can become overwhelming. There may be times when individuals in those positions become misdirected or misguided and leave the direction of the campus improvement plan. Currently we are fortunate to not have those types of individuals in those positions. As a campus we are attempting to establish our learning environment as an accelerated school.

The interesting thing about this topic is that the school setting can quickly become out of control and loose its focus and goal. Mismanagement mixed with a dose of not caring about the state of existence of a school setting can lead to an unavoidable disaster. Teachers must feel that their every effort is worth every instance of giving and devotion. Those teachers that find themselves devoting and sacrificing the well being of their own lives so as to provide for others are the types of teachers we need in our school setting. It is not my point of view to seem opinionated about this subject merely it is a reflection and connection to the reality that faces many school settings and institutions. What do we do when individuals acquire "Fiddle-itis" and conform to the idea that there presence and input are not worth the time because not everyone else carries the same torch?

Being a motivated and inspiring person can take you much further in life. No matter what the odds are you must continue on that journey and decide for yourself what you would like to accomplish and discover. Creating a sense of self worth amongst the entire school setting is a component of the climate committee. Having a leader to instill positive and engaging opportunities for the learning community may potentially lessen the amount of Fiddel-itits formed and spread throughout the school setting. Granted we are to accommodate all learners and levels of learning within our classrooms. But, the non existence of this contagious state of being makes it much easier to reach and educate students. As educators we must attempt to keep ourselves from being contaminated with the degradation of our environment. Challenging ourselves and reinventing ourselves from time to time can be beneficial and crucial to our continued success.


Sources: Zander, B., & Zander-Stone, R. (2000). The art of possibility. Boston, Massachusettes: Harvard Business School Press.

Week One - Free Choice: Where am I headed and how far have I traveled?

I never in my dreams would have envisioned myself reaching a level of technological literacy as experienced with my studies. Reflection is the best way to consistently evaluate yourself and decide what changes need to be made to continue on this path of advancement and revolution. As an artist and educator the idea of pushing the envelope to the extreme is a constant challenge. Individuals who are in the production realm may relate to this. Ideas and concepts continuously make up daily tasks and objectives, the growth experienced during these stages of artistry is what sets us apart.
As educators we are consistently trying to develop ideas for our classrooms. We consistently work towards creating something that will enable us to communicate ideas and theories. The age of technology has made this task much easier and efficient to create. As I look back on the past 10 months of study I can say that this journey has definitely been worth every effort. The friends that I have made, the networks that have been built, and most importantly the knowledge that I have acquired are all important to my character and personal make-up.
Because of every individual that I have come in contact with I have reached steps in my learning process. As a team we have all contributed to each other and the learning process. Our professionalism and willingness to work together for a common goal is something precious.
The only regret is that all this beautiful learning and engagement will all come to an end as classmates will prove to be the gears to this technological revolution that is set before us.