Spring Break!

After a couple active weeks online, we are now enjoying the relative peace of Spring Break. This weeks marks a good chance to take a break before the final weeks of the semester. I have noticed, however, that several of our class members are handing around in Moodle Rooms, even during our week off.

I also noted that I probably should have made the TPACK discussion summaries due Monday, March 19 instead of March 12 since some of our group are out of town for the break. Because of Spring Break, I will not count any of the summaries late if I get them by March 19.

I am looking forward to meeting f2f on March 26. We will use that class time to review major points in the readings analyze the ideas behind Bransford's learning environment and review major topics for the midterm the following week. The midterm will be online and students will be able to take it any time during the week of April 2.

After the midterm, we will focus on defining topics, creating outlines and drafts for the final paper. We will use our online presence to help students get feedback on their final papers each step of the way.

And I look forward to our work with social media next week!

Making it Happen Online

I have been enjoying our online activity this week as I slowly catch up with class activities. Grading digital stories while lying on the couch was great fun and probably the ultimate of enjoyable "paper grading". The stories were compelling, informative and personal. I will be eager to see the outcome of the vote for the three best stories. Given the overall quality of the stories, this will be a tough choice.

Throughout the semester, I have been pleased with the high quality of the resource review presentations and follow-up discussions and this week was no exception. Nicole's narrated Teacher Tube presentation was clear and complete and the ensuing discussion was reflective and informative. Making these presentations online seems to be working well.

I also note that we are beginning to have a Facebook community beyond posting assignments. Several students posted information and resources this week, and I hope this informal, professional community continues to grow.

The week of March 5 we will try forming smaller discussion groups as we work together to understand and interpret TPACK. We will use this same format again after Spring Break and each student will have a chance to either chair or act as secretary for a small group discussion.

I am glad to be back and look forward to our work together.