Today's session went much smoother. Today I taught her how to open a saved document and we retrieved the practice document that we created last week. We quickly reviewed the skills that were taught in the previous lesson and were able to move forward in tackling Word, because she retained the information from the previous session. I also had her to practice using the shortcut keys to perform various functions. In addition to reviewing previous skills I introduced how to save a document (I didn't do this last week, because she had to leave so I just saved it myself.), how to align paragraphs on a page (center, justify, left, right), and how to include bullets/numbers. Believe it or not it took a little over 30 minutes for this session.
Overall the session went well. I was asked what we were going to be working on the next week so I'm assuming that I am retaining her interest and she is enjoying the sessions.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Mentoring Experiences Day 1- 10/13 - Microsoft Word
The purpose of my mentoring experience is to provide one of the teacher's assistance with general technology awareness. The first session was very frustrating for my mentee, because she felt like she didn't know anything when I began asking questions to assess her technology proficiencies. It is true that at the current moment she does not possess any strong technology skills. I provided constant reassurance that the purpose of our sessions was to develop her skills and that she didn't need to get frustrated, because I was fine with explaining anything in depth. We decided to start out working with Word, because this is a very common tool used by teachers. I wasn't sure how basic I needed to begin until we had a chance to meet. After this first session I realized that it is going to take a while to develop her skills so we will focus on one application for a while.
I had to begin the session with how to open word and starting a new document. Basically, this session covered typing text into a word document, changing the font, and adding special features to the font like color, size, italics, underlines and bold print. I tried to introduce the shortcuts that are available for some of these features, but that was information overload for the first session. I just typed up the short cuts and gave her a handout to practice outside of our sessions. If this basic information is retained we will review the skills taught in this session and move on to new objectives.
I had to begin the session with how to open word and starting a new document. Basically, this session covered typing text into a word document, changing the font, and adding special features to the font like color, size, italics, underlines and bold print. I tried to introduce the shortcuts that are available for some of these features, but that was information overload for the first session. I just typed up the short cuts and gave her a handout to practice outside of our sessions. If this basic information is retained we will review the skills taught in this session and move on to new objectives.
MTT Culminating Reflection- It's a Wrap !!!!!!!!
I did not realize how much hard work and effort had been put into the program until I began reflecting on all of the productions, papers, and sleepless nights I have had. I have truly been shown something in me that I didn't know was there. I always knew I had motivation, but it was truly tested during the MTT courses. This was my first time ever taking online courses and initially it was extremely frustrating, but over time it got better. Honestly, I still prefer face-to-face sessions, but the self-pacing is a perk once you obtain the discipline.
The MTT program requires a lot of discipline and extreme time management. I have gotten much better with both of these attributes since beginning the program. However, sometimes it just seems like you are down to the wire trying to get things turned by the due dates. Even though the program is rigorous and demands a lot of time I have learned a lot about technology integration in the classroom over the past 3 semesters. Previously I viewed technology as a separate content area that would consume extra instructional time. Now I am beginning to seamlessly integrate technology into my lessons, and help other teachers do so as well. I never thought that I would have the capabilities to conduct a professional development sessions that were both interesting and beneficial to teachers instruction. Nevertheless, my grade level is beginning to get excited about technology and I even have a mentee that I am bringing into the digital age. I'm excited about my future as an MTT and becoming more proficient in technology integration as a classroom teacher.
I feel a sense of accomplishment knowing that I have completed all 4 MTT courses. I am truly grateful that I no longer have to get up on Saturday mornings for class :) I will continue to seek professional development opportunities and keep up with the trends and research in educational technology beyond the scope of this program. The next obstacle is passing the MTT certification test :/
The MTT program requires a lot of discipline and extreme time management. I have gotten much better with both of these attributes since beginning the program. However, sometimes it just seems like you are down to the wire trying to get things turned by the due dates. Even though the program is rigorous and demands a lot of time I have learned a lot about technology integration in the classroom over the past 3 semesters. Previously I viewed technology as a separate content area that would consume extra instructional time. Now I am beginning to seamlessly integrate technology into my lessons, and help other teachers do so as well. I never thought that I would have the capabilities to conduct a professional development sessions that were both interesting and beneficial to teachers instruction. Nevertheless, my grade level is beginning to get excited about technology and I even have a mentee that I am bringing into the digital age. I'm excited about my future as an MTT and becoming more proficient in technology integration as a classroom teacher.
I feel a sense of accomplishment knowing that I have completed all 4 MTT courses. I am truly grateful that I no longer have to get up on Saturday mornings for class :) I will continue to seek professional development opportunities and keep up with the trends and research in educational technology beyond the scope of this program. The next obstacle is passing the MTT certification test :/
Executing A Professional Development Plan - Having Enough Time In The Day
When we were told that we had to create a professional development plan for this course I panicked. I really felt like I was going to completely bum this assignment. I knew what professional developments were needed from talking to the teachers on my campus and conducting the needs assessment, but I did not know how I was going to follow through with actually presenting the information. My main concern was getting teachers interested in coming and then having activities that would be beneficial to them as well as interesting. I know how teachers dread professional development sessions, because they are usually lecture based and terribly boring. Much to my surprise the teachers were really interested in receiving the training and gave me insight on what they really wanted to learn about. I designed the plan based on what they wanted to learn and provided opportunities for hands-on practice and open dialogue. So far the sessions have gone well. They are still a work in progress I may get the opportunity to squeeze another one in before the break (after I meet all of my assignment deadlines and prepare for finals.)
The biggest issue in the school day is time. I struggled trying to figure out when I could conduct my sessions. Every available time slot in the day is filled with grade level meetings with administration, after school meetings, after school tutoring, and mandatory after school professional development. To even think about getting anyone to come before school would be ludicrous. So I had to work really hard at finding the time in the day. It got very frustrating, because a few of the days that I had planned to conduct my sessions we ended up having unexpected meetings.
Professional development is necessary for teachers growth, but there is so many limitations on time. After talking to a friend at another campus she stated that her school had extended planning sessions one day a week for each grade level. The teachers actually have a 90 minute block weekly to meet. This would be a perfect opportunity to conduct training sessions. I have presented this idea to administration for next year so we will see how it turns out. This type of initiative takes team work, because the specials teachers would have each grade level twice a day. Hopefully everyone gets on board and this can be successful on our campus as well.
The biggest issue in the school day is time. I struggled trying to figure out when I could conduct my sessions. Every available time slot in the day is filled with grade level meetings with administration, after school meetings, after school tutoring, and mandatory after school professional development. To even think about getting anyone to come before school would be ludicrous. So I had to work really hard at finding the time in the day. It got very frustrating, because a few of the days that I had planned to conduct my sessions we ended up having unexpected meetings.
Professional development is necessary for teachers growth, but there is so many limitations on time. After talking to a friend at another campus she stated that her school had extended planning sessions one day a week for each grade level. The teachers actually have a 90 minute block weekly to meet. This would be a perfect opportunity to conduct training sessions. I have presented this idea to administration for next year so we will see how it turns out. This type of initiative takes team work, because the specials teachers would have each grade level twice a day. Hopefully everyone gets on board and this can be successful on our campus as well.
Extreme Frustration & End of the Semester Blues
Can anyone relate to extreme frustration? I am now at that point. I don't know if I'm having the end of the semester blues from trying to meet my upcoming assignment deadlines for my two classes or what, but all I know is that I am at an extremely high stress level right now. It seems like everything that can go wrong is going wrong and as if all the preparations that I have made are pointless. You would think that 24 hours in a day would be enough time to accomplish the world, but then life happens. Life has truly had an effect on school for me this semester. I've been sick like 3 times and we all know how hard playing catch up can be. On the days I schedule to complete assignments some situation arises that I have to tend to and I have to change my game plan. If it wasn't for the grace of extensions I would be up the creek without paddles with a hole in the bottom of by boat.
I actually think my wick is beginning to burn out and I'm just ready to get the whole grad. school thing behind me. Being tired is an understatement when you strongly consider dropping classes and its beyond the point of a refund and the class is not offered again for another year. Luckily I can see the light at the end of the tunnel by knowing that I have more hours behind me than ahead of me. Knowing I only have 2 more semesters remaining is what keeps me from completely losing my motivation. I'm learning how to take one day at a time and not getting too overwhelmed by my to do list.
I am looking forward to the Christmas break, because it will be my 1st break from both school and work since I began the program in January. I know once I get over this end of the semester hump I'll be fine. A little rest will rejuvenate me and get me back in momentum to conquer the tasks ahead of me.
I actually think my wick is beginning to burn out and I'm just ready to get the whole grad. school thing behind me. Being tired is an understatement when you strongly consider dropping classes and its beyond the point of a refund and the class is not offered again for another year. Luckily I can see the light at the end of the tunnel by knowing that I have more hours behind me than ahead of me. Knowing I only have 2 more semesters remaining is what keeps me from completely losing my motivation. I'm learning how to take one day at a time and not getting too overwhelmed by my to do list.
I am looking forward to the Christmas break, because it will be my 1st break from both school and work since I began the program in January. I know once I get over this end of the semester hump I'll be fine. A little rest will rejuvenate me and get me back in momentum to conquer the tasks ahead of me.
The Mentoring Experience
Being a mentor is quite an interesting experience. I am able to actually see some true talents in myself that I take for granted. I have never considered myself to be extremly tech savvy, but in the eyes of others I seem to be a techie. My mentee throughout the semester has been very easy to work with, because she's eager to learn. The first session started out with a verbal needs assessment so I could have an idea of what concepts to teach. It wasn't very hard to decide where to begin, because I had chosen a candidate who had no idea what to do with a computer. When asked what areas she would like to receive help in my mentee quickly stated that all she knew how to do was turn the computer on. During our initial meeting we decided to focus on Word and Power Point, because these are the most frequently used applications by teachers. I knew once I could get her proficient in using these tools we could advance to other tech. areas.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Summing up the Mentoring Experience
Overall, my mentoring experience was very pleasant. It was very rewarding for me to provide someone else with skills they could implement throughout their career. As previously mentioned my mentee did not have any technology skills whatsoever. However, currently she is getting extremely excited about learning how to use different technology tools. Once turning on the computer was her limit of technology proficiencies now she is able to create a simple word document, and format a basic slide in PowerPoint. We will advance to other features of these two tools throughout the school year.
I was completely amazed when returning back to school after the break. My mentee came to me very excited about her Black Friday deals. She had purchased a flash drive, a flash memory camcorder. She had also gotten her laptop repaired, because she wanted to be able to practice the skills that she learned in our sessions. It was very funny, because once she showed me the things she bought she began laughing and stated that she didn't know what to do with any of it. She stated that she found the deals and thought they were a good buy, and figured that I would show her how to use them. Needless to say during one of future sessions I will be teaching how to save.retrieve a file using a flash drive. I also see a Movie Maker session in near our future, because she is very excited about the camera since she has a baby due in about 4 weeks.
Choosing my mentee wasn't a difficult decision at all, because she always came to me for anything that needed to be done using a computer. Now when she comes to my room to ask me to do something I smile and ask her to try it herself and I walk her through when she gets stuck. I'm kinda excited about her learning and enjoying developing new skills. I've even researched positions at the local community colleges for teaching entry level computer courses as a part-time position when I complete the entire Master's program.
I was completely amazed when returning back to school after the break. My mentee came to me very excited about her Black Friday deals. She had purchased a flash drive, a flash memory camcorder. She had also gotten her laptop repaired, because she wanted to be able to practice the skills that she learned in our sessions. It was very funny, because once she showed me the things she bought she began laughing and stated that she didn't know what to do with any of it. She stated that she found the deals and thought they were a good buy, and figured that I would show her how to use them. Needless to say during one of future sessions I will be teaching how to save.retrieve a file using a flash drive. I also see a Movie Maker session in near our future, because she is very excited about the camera since she has a baby due in about 4 weeks.
Choosing my mentee wasn't a difficult decision at all, because she always came to me for anything that needed to be done using a computer. Now when she comes to my room to ask me to do something I smile and ask her to try it herself and I walk her through when she gets stuck. I'm kinda excited about her learning and enjoying developing new skills. I've even researched positions at the local community colleges for teaching entry level computer courses as a part-time position when I complete the entire Master's program.
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