- Setting- too dark and difficult to hear everyone's thought. The computer room didn't allow for an open discussion. Many people were typing a theri computer rather than listening and aprticiapting in the class discussion.
- Pressure to do all of the technology pieces-we were all over the place in terms of feedback on this topic. Some were glad to try something new, others didn't believe that their participation in this class required the implementation of all of the new pieces of technology.
- Participation- we were accepted into this program to try and change our way of teaching, and so we should be expected to participate in the discussion and the class. We can't move forward if we don't all focus and contribute when we are together every two to three weeks for only three hours. We need to leave the "other things" outside of the class and concentrate on the task at hand.
- Speed- we are moving through things too quickly. We need to devote the time to each new piece before moving on. Don't introduce new things with only a few minutes. Instead, give us the class time to work.
- Collaboration- we need more small group work. Either discussion of concepts, what others are doing in class or bainstorming new ideas, this needs to be built in to each class session. Also, this doesn't need to be done by department. This can be just as valuable having interdisciplinary time.
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Feedback From Day Two
After debriefing with some of you regarding your impressions of Day One class versus Day Two, I wanted to share these thoughts with all of you and hopefully have you comment to them as well. Only through your feedback can we make this class better.
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ReplyDeleteFirst off, thanks to Karl and the rest of the leadership cohort for all of the time and effort you are putting towards "picking our brains" and getting feedback about how class is going.
ReplyDeleteI believe that all of the comments Anne summarized are valid and can be used to better the class as a whole.
But, overall, I think things are going really well and I want you all to know that. After just two sessions, I have integrated a new online assignment with a written e-mail response and have a blog about the ethics of genetic engineering ready for my next unit in Biology. The things we're learning are relevant and applicable, we just need to make the time and commitment to get them into our classrooms effectively.
So, I would like a little more content-focused work time, but other than that, keep up the good work!
Thanks to the leadership team for challenging us...even if we don't adapt all things into the classroom, it certainly ignites our thinking of teaching. It also helps challenge my own professional life.
ReplyDeleteI really like the way things are going so far. One of the challenges I see in any technology-related class is that people are at very different points. For example, several of us were introduced to blogs and del.icio.us in Karl's class this summer, and have a certain comfort level with these things, while others are still trying to grasp these concepts. It is hard for everyone to be on the same page. Perhaps we can find a way for people with more experience in certain areas to help people with less experience, so that we don't have everyone moving in different directions.
ReplyDeleteGreat comments. Ray and I thought it might be a good idea to write up thoughts and ideas as they come up so we can actually see them. This also validates what people are saying. I think we all need to remember that everyone is different and will take away a unique thing from each meeting. This is not bad. It is ok not to like something or want to use it at this point. And yes, everyone is all over as far as comfort with this stuff. I have a lot to learn. However, so far I feel very supported when I ask questions.
ReplyDeleteI too feel very positive about this group and where we are headed. From the first day, we all agreed that people would be at different levels, but with that said, I find it distracting when we all are not doing the same activity and people are going off on various tangents. I too think we need to be accepting that not all these strategies will be useful to some individuals. I know we're on a quest to change the face of education, but this is new to many of us, and I still have questions logistically that need to be answered before I move on. I'm a very quick learner, but I would like the time to explore. I love the group; hated the room. Last, I wholeheartedly agree that we all asked to be a part of this group, to make a difference. when need to stay focused when we are together and contribute and feed off each other as much as we can. I too am overwhelmed with my classloads and family/personal life. But we have to keep in mind why it is we came into this and see that in the bigger scheme of things, we are doing this to better ourselves, the students, and create a staff and educational dynamic that is willing to go the distance and take risks. Everything that is great,or beneficial or has changed the world has required blood, sweat tears, pain, time, frustration, and lots of mistakes. Nothing worthwhile is easy!
ReplyDeleteI feel that the class is going well, but i feel that at times we go too fast. I would appreciate more time to work in class. I can pick up technology pretty fast but I am a person that needs time to work and play with that technology. In other words I learn by doing! I am excited that I have a chance to incorporate new ideas in my classroom. This time of year, for me, is very busy and I problems doing new things that take more time. Hopefully this class will give me some time to work on those "new" things.
ReplyDeleteAt times I feel very overwhelmed with trying to do new things in the classroom. From this group, what I am in need of, is the encouragement to try things and learn. If the learning comes from failure then that is still a process that helps me to develop. I think that the more time we spend working with each other the stonger each of us will become with using the technology. I also think that we need to remember that each person is an individual and what we do as a group might not work for all of the people involved. An environoment of "open minds" is what we need to foster in the large group.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Anne's observation that the computer lab does not easily facilitate small or large group discussions, and to me, this is the most important part. At our second meeting I loved hearing everyone's thoughts on blog implementation in various subjects--it's the ideas, not the technology, that I find inspiring. Everything we've done so far has been exciting and helpful, but I would be all for spending more time sharing our lesson plans.
ReplyDeleteLike others, I was hoping to have time to play and create and I think we will. But some of that time was lost to good discussion that was needed. I am always one who plays devil's advocate or tries to get others to do so. If we are going to be successful, we need to have that role or else those outside of our group - some of whom have power!- that might question (or even oppose) what we are doing might have an advantage in those types of discussions.
ReplyDeleteOverall I am extremely excited about this course. As a new teacher I love hearing the ideas of others ot just in my own subject but across the curriculum. I think that having this setup somewhere besides the computer lab would be of more value. It was difficult to interact and at times hear the ideas and comments that were being shared.
ReplyDeleteOverall, I think this class has some wonderful potential and I look forward to the next time we meet (in a few hours :))