Intensive EDUC 730

DAY 4 - 

We went over more opportunities with technology, focusing on iPads. iPads are extremely useful when it comes to implementing technology into the classroom. There are unlimited amounts of apps that teachers can utilize with students to advance their learning. I was amazed with the apps we went over that are effective in leading lessons and assessing student development.

Some of the apps that really stood out were nearpod, socretive, videolicious, wordle, and Sock Puppets. All are great tools to assist educators in implementing lessons that engage students.

We went over the literature review and prospectus expectations for tomorrow and Dr. Dunn is going to bring the iPads back tomorrow for groups to use during their presentations. My group is going to use the iPads in class to get our audience involved in our presentation. We are going to poll the group, show a video, and then do a final poll. 

Another resource we went over is a site called Audacity. This tool is used for audio management, including podcasting. For educators, it can be used to engage students in discussions. It is very useful to use with students struggling in class. It can also be used to communicate effectively with parents. We used Audacity to complete a mini assignment where we had to add in commentary in a file Dr. Dunn had already done. It was a quick and easy assignment, but useful for newbies to the site.

Intensive EDU 730

DAY 3 -

Today in class, we went over Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis (CAQDAS) and the
approaches, types, issues related to the process. We learned when the world wide web began, which was in 1993. We also went over online communities, which consisted of ARPA (Advanced Research Project Agency) that was formed under the Dept. of Defense.

The instructional video is a project we must complete online where we are showing someone else how to do something related to our current role. It has to be 1-5 minutes and uploaded on Youtube.com. Some of the sites available are screenr.com and screencast-o-matic.com.

We went over qualitative vs. quantitative. Qualitative looks under the surface. Atlas.ti 7 is a software that codes data for text, video, audio, image formats. It focuses on analyzed material. Dr. Dunn suggested we journal well as we go because it adds our perspective that we need that can be used as analysis. Quantitative tests the results; uses frequency (how many times did they say this, that - in relation to qualitative data) to get data. Both are used to look for patterns of research.

We also went over the dissertation process, which was very helpful. He gave us the ins and outs of who we can be successful throughout the entire dissertation process. He went over misconceptions and misunderstanding of previous doctoral students. I am eager to get the dissertation process started, follow all steps accordingly, and finish my doctorate in a timely, successful manner. I am confident I will take each step as it comes and make changes based on my committee's recommendations.









Throughout the day, we went over WebQquests (Zunal.com)
you will do, not students will do
process - in steps.
Learning advice- Quick tip, go here... view this and....
Conclusion



_________________________________________________________________________________

Dissertation - Kirstin Howough? - finds chairs/committee members

Universal misconception
     Looking at your ability to use proper methods with proper research

survey - qual
focus groups, interviews, conversation analysis,

numerical values, statistical procedures, regressive tests - quan

Design study - get feedback (919)

980 - Prospectus - research consultant - working proposal to work with a chair


chair search page in handbook page online


IRB application - use their templates - Do what they say, get through process quickly

Proposal defense

Justification

Committee must approve proposal - Send IRB APP OFF

Within a day or two - says what's missing
submit additional info if needed

Get accepted for 12 months of research

Do research

Intensive EDU 730

DAY 2 -

Today was a useful day in the realm of things related to technology and my understanding of it. In class, Dr. Dunn went over information that assists in educational technology practices that can be used in the classroom. I became a member of several online sites that use technology in varying ways to bring group members together in a single site or database.

We also went over Access and its effectiveness in data analysis. I never really knew the whole point of Access, but now I feel comfortable incorporating it into my classroom or for my educational purposes when needed. It seems essential to quickly getting data and analyzing it in a timely manner.

As we winded the day down, we went over flipped classrooms and our flipped classroom assignment in EDU 730. A flipped classroom is an excellent way to get students learning and engaged at home or at some setting outside of the classroom. They are able to do the assignment at home and bring their knowledge to the classroom to participate in active lessons that are geared around what they learned.

Intensive Course EDU 730

DAY 1 -

Of course I had problems getting into my blog, but here I am. Day one was a great start to understanding the opportunities that exist with using technology for educational purposes. Of course, we all utilize technology in the classroom, but we aren't all doing it for purposes that drive instruction.

My group, who is working on game-based learning, got together for the first time and really dove into what we wanted to focus on in relation to the literature review that we must present on Friday. Since game-based learning is more social, we have decided to focus on social constructivism and Vygotsky.

Dr. Dunn, since he is going to read this (jk), is unique in that he is pushing us to be creative in our own ways. And he actually had a sense of humor at Liberty University! He is pushing us to really focus on the research that relates to our topic, instead of speaking about game-based learning. I like the fact that groups, at some point, need to focus on timing so that they aren't babbling on when presenting.

EDU 730 is going to help me understand the availability and processes of technology and will provide avenues when researching my literature review for the class and for my dissertation. I love technology and think it's essential in today's classrooms, but I also think people are ignorant when it comes to updating their knowledge and understanding of it's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

Technology in the Classroom

Technology advances learning in the classroom. In today's classroom, technology increases student knowledge and gives young children the ability to explore different modes of educating themselves. Teachers are able to implement technology into their classrooms via internet usage, as well as educational software that promotes critical thinking and best practices. Technology allows students to collaborate with others, via chat or email, and even gives them the opportunity to think outside the box by being creative and innovative in their exploration of online material and sites. IPods are becoming a part of an everyday classroom lesson where students are able to perform tasks individually or with others. Teachers are able to challenge student learning based on technological advancements, and are able to get parents involved more. With the overwhelming majority of parents having smart phones, teachers and schools can get parents on board with sites and tools that allow the parties with an educational interest to view assignments, blogs, grades, etc. Communication is extremely important for teachers and schools to maintain with parents; therefore, technology has played a major role in this opportunity to get parents involved more. With technology, teachers are able to connect with other educators to develop themselves and learn from others, whether it's from sharing and downloading lesson plans or viewing videos of exemplar educators. Technology in the classroom has become a game-changer in schools and will continue to play a major role in teacher practices that meet the needs of students to advance their learning and development.

Geoffrey Hampson