Reflections

John Burgess ID # 0074386

Mod 4 was another great week for professional growth and development. During the week I was focused on “finishing strong”. I wanted to get as much out of the class as possible. I believe I have. I had some trouble connecting with my partner Jeff on the collaboration effort. I think he had some family issues which may have prohibited him from participating in the discussion.

In the end the work still had to get done, so I attempted to use what we did the week before to evaluate the Social Media sites for use in the education. As I started my evaluation, I found it difficult to be objective in my assessment, as I have so little experience with the tools that are available. So, I decided to use a survey instrument to collect information from others to help me develop some objective criteria. The results of the survey allowed me to collect and synthesize data from 11 respondents. That was a great idea, (if I do say so myself). The information from the survey was then plugged into a Grid analysis and will be used to evaluate sites before using them for learner collaboration.

In reflecting on the survey I understand it needs some work. The sample was too small, the information is incomplete, the survey questions need work, and there needs to be some clarification of the criteria being used, but it’s a great first start and I plan to continue to pursue the effort.

The first thing I plan to do is fix the survey by trying to remove any bias. Then I can resubmit it to more people. Secondly, I want to make the Grid Analysis more users friendly. There are so many sites available for use, and they all do something different. Therefore, my next step is to sort and categorize the tools and web pages. This will allow me to group the sites according to their classification, similar to the way scientists do using a seven step hierarchal nomenclature system in to categorize the animal kingdom. Who knows, perhaps there will even be an eNome project someday.

Life has been so busy and there’s so much new information in the class, it’s hard to absorb it all. With that said, I know this is just the beginning for me. I’m already dreaming of new ways to use the Internet in the classroom. Before this class, I limited my web use personally and in the classroom to research and discovery with a bit of social networking sprinkled in. Now I will be using it to network professionally, collaborate and grow in every imaginable way. Furthermore, I’ll be modeling this for my students and coaching them to do the same.

One of the things I’m most excited about since this class started is the creation of my two VirtuLearners. Their names are Vernon and Veronica. Yes, they are twins. They were created to help me build a collaborative environment for learners who might be taking Virtual College classes alone or with very small numbers. When this happens, these learners can create a group and ask Vernon and Veronica to join, (or vice versa). I have not worked out all the details, but I’m planning to create online identities for both Vernon and Veronica. They already have gmail and facebook accounts. Feel free to send a friend request to one or both. Who knows, maybe someday they will even be teaching our classes…

In conclusion, w hen this class started I had a Facebook page that I rarely visited. I am currently learning to use: LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Wikispaces, and Diigo. Furthermore, I’m networking with others in the field of education and discovering new ways to employ technology and all the social media tools at my disposal.

Thank you for a great class!

John Burgess - Mail Stop WA Northcentral Technical College

1000 W. Campus Drive Wausau, WI 715.803.1893

Mod 3 Reflection

Each week we’re exposed to so much new information it’s hard to absorb it all. The term “information overload” defiantly applies. Understanding this fact clearly confirms that my learning about the application of social media is definitely just beginning.

I just started a new group on my fb page. I’ll be asking students in three of my Lean Organizations classes to send a friend request, so I can add them to the group. I’m hoping to use it for collective expression and discovery. My goal is that the group will become a clearing house to share thoughts, information and concept covered in class. This would not be happen if it were not for this class. I’m a bit nervous about the whole thing, because I’ve only used fb for personal use in the past.

This coming week I will need to find out how to restrict access for students who join the group. I don’t want them to have access to my personal information. I bet I can post the question to my SoMe class on fb and they’ll tell me what settings to use. How cool is that?

John Burgess ID # 0074386

Mod 2 Reflection - This week has been crazy! In addition to family, work and school I moved my mother out of her apartment and into an assisted living facility. Despite the hectic pace of the week I did manage to learn a lot of new material in this class.

During the week, I created a Twitter account, joined LinkedIn, Diigo and several groups, found and read for the first time my college’s AUP and learned I have dual citizenship, (US and Digital). It’s been quite a week. I’ve really enjoyed learning all the new material, but sometimes I get a bit overwhelmed. I suppose I’m experiencing a little information overload.

I am really looking forward to using and sharing what I’m learning, so it’s all good.

I do feel badly that I named this wiki the wrong way. I understand that it made it difficult for you to identify who it belonged to. My intentions were good. I was just trying to use a name that would help me remember it. I’ve joined so many sites in the last two weeks, that I thought organizing them by class name would be helpful. It had nothing to do with, "hiding my identity online". Sorry! Should I see if there's a way to change the name, or should I create another one?

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Regards <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">John Burgess ID # 0074386

John Burgess Mod 1 Reflection - This is my first online class in a long time, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The last class I took online through UW-Stout had s ynchronous meeting times. It was not at all conducive to my schedule. I was pleased to see the flexibility built into this class. However, I still wonder if it’s as accommodating as it could be. Don’t get me wrong, personally I like due dates and deadlines. They help me stay on task and get the work done. But, others may not need a deadline to complete their learning activities. Still others may feel the pace is too fast or too slow.

Part of what has me thinking about this is all the talk about customization, "learn your way", open entry/open exit, etc. Next fall my college will be launching a new initiative called Virtual College. The idea is to create an online learning environment that allows students to learn at their own pace. They will still need to complete the course within a semester, but they'll be doing it without intermittent deadlines. I have to say, I honestly don’t know if it will work. I definitely know that this learning environment won’t be for everyone.

With regard to the course content, activities and discussions in this class, I’d have to say they’re first rate. I’ve found the materials to be informative and relevant to my learning objectives, (and corresponding to those outlined in the course description and competencies).

I have already asked myself on several occasions “how does this apply to my learners?” or “can I use this or that in my classes?” Creating the wiki was awesome. My daughter thought it was cool that dad was creating a wiki, but then went on to tell me that her teacher didn’t want her using them for research because, “anybody can write anything they want out there”.

Overall, I’d have to say that my first week has been great, and I’m looking forward to the coming Mods.

John