Reflections on Week #3

This week we learned about Concept Mapping as a Assessment tool for Education. I did have the opportunity to use this before the class, so I did have some experience with the software. In the limited amount of time that I have been using the software, I am encouraged by the strong capabilities of this tool. It improves the brainstorming concept that I have used before and help expand ideas into directions that one may not have been before. Looking at other classmates, I can see that there are many kinds of creative aspects of this tool. I really liked looking at the other student's projects.
This week, I have been in the process of getting a different internet service, so there have been challenges in that aspect of the classroom experience. I hopefully can get going in the correct direction and be able to respond to my classmates in an expedient manner and not have the frustration that I have had in the past. I am starting to do some research on my topic for the jigsaw assigment for this class and am working on it to make it happened. Hopefully, my group does not get too upset with my absence. I am working on it to make it better.
There are many different kinds of technology that I read about in the Dr. Curtis Bonk article. The article is a little dated but never the less gives a clear view that technology is growing and that the envelope is being pushed into more and better kinds of technology. There are so much out there that the teacher can use to improve their class and help lighten the load.
This week has been challenging but I have come though it and will continue to push on until completion.

Concept Mapping

Reflections on Week #2

As I ponder this class up to this point, I look at the projects that we have done up to this point and am amazed with the kinds of technology that is available to individuals. I can think back to when I was in High School and the computers that we had and how difficult it was for me to master them. They were difficult to program and hard to diagnose issues. The technology of today is user friendly and easy to use. It's refreshing to see. When I think of a blog or designing a blog, I get a overwhelmed and think that this kind of activity is too hard and I will not be able to preform the project. I start to work through it and find that it is not as difficult as I thought it was. I tend to make thing harder then they are. I am learning to give it a shot and try new things and the benefits will come. The information in this class is relevent to my situation in that I am learning new kinds of technology that I will know when I become a online instructor. One needs to step out and try things that maybe different in order to learn and master those projects. I look forward to learning more new technology in the future of this class. I feel that these classes challenge me and are very beneficial to me as I progress on toward completion of my certification.

Interview of Dale Johnson

Interview

1. Tell me a little bit about yourself.

I live in Northern Minnesota which is up by the Canadian border. I have been married to my wife for 20 and have a 10 year old son. I have a couple of degrees from different institutions. The first is an Educational degree from Northwestern College in St Paul, Minnesota and the other is a management degree from the University of Minnesota. I am certified to teach in the State of Minnesota and have kept my license up-to-date in the hopes returning to education in some form in the future. Online education really appeals to me due to the online presents and flexibility. I am starting the second phase of my live and am glad to be pursing my Masters degree, which has always been a goal of mine.

2. Are you a teacher, if so, what do you teach and how long have you been doing it? If not, what do you do and what sparked the interest in teaching?

I was a teacher for a short period of time. I looked for other positions but could not find one that fit my geographical demands. Teaching is something that I have always desired to do in the right place and the right time I just have not found the right position yet. Online education was the hook that lead me to this program. I would like to get into education in the Community/Technical College level position.

3. Why are you interested in online teaching and what made you decide to go with this program?

I researched different kinds of online educational schools for a period of two years. I wanted to find a program that fit my schedule and 100% online. UW Stout just fit the bill and was the program that I chose. I like the flexibility and the help that get in this program and enjoy the classes.

4. What do you want to get out of this course?

I just want to continue on the road to completion of this program. I want to be an online teacher that will be able to communicate with students and help them to become successful in life.

5. What do you see yourself doing professionally in 10 years? I see myself having some position in a school or University as a instructor or an Academic Dean while teaching students online on the side from other institutions.

6. What do you like to do in your free time?

I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling throughout the Midwest. I volunteer with the local Cub Scout group with my son. I volunteer time at my church with certain activities.

7. What else would you like your fellow students to know about you?

I am a big sports fan and like to watch athletic events.

Here is the link to the uwstoutblogs

http://uwstoutblogs.pbworks.com

Here's my blog