Bring on the Fiber!

Terri blew me away with her synectics lesson. I haven't laughed that hard in a long, long time.... and that's a good thing. After the reading in our text, I wasn't 100% sure of what synectics meant exactly. After Terri's lesson, I really do understand the idea and the impact it can have in the classroom when applied appropriately. I had never previously heard of a shunt prior to this lesson. I am not up on the medical terminology. After the analogy of comparing it to constipation, it was extremely clear the purpose a shunt serves. Overall, Terri's lesson was well done and effective in teaching the theory to our class. I really enjoyed the class and definitely found much amusement in it all!
In addition to learning in depth about synectics, I was also excited to see how easy Noodletools can be to help me with my Annotated Bibliography. I have only used it once before, and the refresher crash course from my classmates brought it all back and I remembered how easy it can be. I am not as worried about "APA" any more. Back in my college days, I did not have the luxury of Noodletools!

Visit to Stockton

Tuesday night was a flashback to my college years when I used to spend quite a bit of time in the library to escape the loud music and partying of the college house I resided in at Rutgers. There is a certain smell and calming factor about being surrounded by a peaceful quiet and aisles of books. Aside from the atmosphere, a new page was turned for me as I realized how easily accessible the computer has proven to be within the library to find a variety of sources. As we were taken through the library website and all of its features, I had another flashback of how difficult it was at the library I used to visit in college to be pointed in the right direction. Last night I was relieved and feel much better about finding the research I need.
I also had an ah-ha moment as I flew through the Wimba checklist. Is it really get easier? I guess so!! It felt good understanding the terminology and knowing where to locate various tools and features in Wimba. Overall, class was very helpful!

Feb. 10th- Ah-ha!

It was nice to be in class this past week- conversing and bouncing off ideas about the foundations of cognitivism. Everyone's contributions to the discussion really brought it all together for me. I was unaware of how much I really understand cognitivism and bring it to the classroom as a teacher. As I read more and more about the different theories and how they all are cohesive with each other, I have my own experiences to relate them to and realize that these learning theories are in my everyday life- Ah ha!
As for class, the visuals that were presented throughout the lesson really helped me absorb the material and make connections. The coffee and chili were an excellent touch and made class feel like home. Until next time......

Class on Feb. 3rd

Well, class on Wimba was a success. I am no longer in panic mode about it! Although my experience was a little different than most, since I stayed at school and not home, I still liked experiencing something different in the world of education. It is amazing how technology continues to outdo itself. I never really visualized taking a class with a headset on from my computer! It was pretty cool and definitely kept me interested since the concept is all new! My ADD didn't hold me back....

So, when I got home from a late night at school on Tuesday, I became very motivated to get my computer ready for Wimba at home. With some help from Verizon and the tech team at school advising me, I think I have it up and running successfully. We shall see.... if it doesn't fail me the next time we have class via Wimba. At least I know I have a back-up plan in my classroom, which is literally around the corner from home! I am reminded how lucky I am for that convenience!! Kudos to all in MAIT 5110 for a successful Wimba-ing experience!!

Feb. 3rd

The online chat we had in class was interesting and quite funny.... I didn't know what to think of my picture appearing on the white board.... it made me laugh to see an arrow pointing to my belly..... that's not happening for a while! Anyway, we were all still a bit frustrated trying to figure the portal out but I know that is part of the learning process. I am having trouble at home accessing Wimba- even the chat. I am worried if that is going to hold me back any. I am going to do my best to use the school computers during and after work to get my time in online. I hope it works out and I do okay fulfilling my class obligations.