Joined: 2006-09-26 06:08:56 Moderator (kclemons): Hi Cathy Moderator (critter): Hi Karen Moderator (critter): Well are you ready to do this pre-conference? Im not sure exactly what we are to do in this. Moderator (critter): Are you typing? Can't tell in Elluminate. Moderator (kclemons): In my attempts to figure out how to proceed with the coaching experience, the only example I can think off is that of a psychologist like Frasier, drawing information from instead of imposing your own ideas and opinions on your trainee. Moderator (critter): That will be the hardest part of our mentoring. As a campus technologist I was always the one demonstrating or teaching. Moderator (critter): Frasier is a good example. I will have to try to remember that.Ask lots of questions and try not to give any answers. Moderator (kclemons): There was a natural assumption for us to take the lead, determining an end result that may or may not have been the same for the teacher. Moderator (critter): True. Moderator (kclemons): The shift wil be difficult, but at least we have specific quidelines in case we get ahead of ourselves. Moderator (critter): Hey, I figured out how to tell is someone is typing a response in Elive. If the thought bubble with the "hi" in it is yellow then the other person is typing. Moderator (kclemons): I also think of the best way to approach the teacher, where are they most comfortable? When is it easier to think and make decisions (not right after lunch, I can tell you that) Do they need to be away from school? Lots of questions come to mind because you want them to feel like they can trust you and be candid about their needs Moderator (critter): Yes, building trust and an open relationship requires some time and really can't be rushed between classes or in the span of a lunch break. Moderator (kclemons): For example I know that after a couple of mango margaritas, I'm pretty open to suggestions, only in this case we are doing the soliciting. Informal is definately the way to go. Moderator (kclemons): that's definitely, not "definately".(sp) Moderator (critter): Not too informal now. Moderator (critter): Well, do you know what type of lesson your teacher mentee is doing? Moderator (kclemons): Don't you teach second grade? Moderator (critter): Yes, I'm teaching 2nd grade this year. They are keeping me on my toes. Moderator (kclemons): About my mentee - last year yes, this year I'm not sure. Moderator (kclemons): Do you have special education children? Moderator (critter): I'm still trying to get someone at my school to be my teacher mentee. I'm new and really don't know many of the teachers except the 2nd grade teachers. Moderator (kclemons): My other certification is in special education. You would be amazed how their needs are not being met here, and we have inclusion. I know that one of the goals is to address learning styles as well. Moderator (critter): I don't have any special education students in my class, but the teacher next door has a student that was in self contained resource and is now in the classroom full time. Moderator (critter): My best friend is a special education teacher in a small south Texas community. I get to hear all about inclusion. Moderator (critter): Yes, one of the goals is to be sure that the lesson provides for inclusion of the special needs students. Moderator (kclemons): If you have questions about how to address students with learning issues or physical disabilites for your mentee, that is the first person I would collaborate with, I've done it here as we have a shortage and we don't have laws here that protect these children from receiving and inadequate education, but I'mm going off topic, sorry. Moderator (kclemons): Whew, check the typos on that last one, no more coffee for me. Moderator (critter): Moderator (kclemons): Who have you chosen at your school? Moderator (kclemons): I've got the Librarian Moderator (critter): Well, the one teacher that I have discussed working with is wanting to do a lesson in which she has the students illustrate a story in paint of KidPix and write the story in word. We are limited as to software at my new school, as well as time in the lab. Moderator (critter): I think one of the 2nd grade teachers, but if not I'll get one of the 4th grade teachers to help me out. As I said, I'm still trying to convince someone that this is a good activity for them to participate in. Moderator (kclemons): I'm lucky in that regard, the school usually is rich in resources and low in qualified personnel. Moderator (kclemons): Do you know about www.journeyed.com Moderator (critter): No, what is it? Moderator (kclemons): They are a software company based in Texas that sell software for educators and students at 75% off the regular price. I think they're in Carrolton, but don't hold me to that. It may help. Also you may ask specific software companies for beta versions of new software products. They're usually free and you can test before you purchase. I'm a beta tester for Microsoft Moderator (critter): That is awesome. I'll have to check it out. Moderator (kclemons): The Microsoft beta site used to be www.getthebetas.com, but I think it will direct you do a new site. My sister and I have been using Office 2007 beta for a while now. Check it out. Moderator (critter): Well, what all do we need to do for this? Do you have any ideas what we are supposed to talk about or do? Moderator (kclemons): My mother has been teaching since she was 19 (she's 75 now and just retired for the second time) one thing she taught me early on was that companies that specialize in education are willing to part with their goods before roll out for evaluation if you ask nicely. She gave Steck-Vaugh a run for their money for years. It is worth trying to offsett costs and the teachers and students get their hands on the new versions of products. Moderator (critter): Do we video our talk with our campus mentee? And is that supposed to be before they attempt the lesson or after? I really don't know. Moderator (critter): Hey, I'm all about the free software that they give away at the technology conferences! It has allowed me to get some really great software for my classroom that otherwise I wouldn't have been able to purchase. Moderator (kclemons): I think video taping is an option, but I don't think it is mandatory. Perhaps for us in the remote locations, it may be the only option for proof of training. Moderator (kclemons): Oh NECC! I'm planning to bleed them dry in Atlanta this year! And thats Steck-Vaughn, not Steck-Vaugh Moderator (critter): True, since we are remote from each other. I think I'll tell my mentee after they agree to this. Don't want to chase any more off from helping me. Moderator (kclemons): I hear that. Moderator (critter): I'll be at TCEA in Austin. I'm presenting a session. Just hope I get everything together and developed in time. I'm trying to do too much at once here this fall. Moderator (kclemons): I think to be affective, we need to change our mindset, have a host of resources at the ready, be mindful of the audience in terms of learning styles and special needs Moderator (kclemons): Good luck in Austin, have a double cappucino for me on Guadalupe Moderator (critter): I agree. I need to work up my questioning strategies ahead of time and try to keep asking questions. Moderator (kclemons): Peel them off like an onion I say, they just don't have to be lying down. Moderator (critter): Oh, we will try to have fun in Austin while we are there. I'm going with my brother-in-law and my sister for sure, hope my husband can come along too. My brother-in-law is also presenting. Should be fun. Moderator (kclemons): Do you think we've covered everything? I'm wondering if I'm leaving anyhing out. Moderator (critter): Well, I'll try to remember all the mentoring stategies that we have been learning in class. Moderator (kclemons): Oh yeah, I forget where you live, but in Dallas there is first and second Saturday in a massive parking lot by the Farmers Market after dark that has vendors selling IT gear on the cheap. And it's legal! They even have barbeque and other goodies as well. They're up there way past midnight ,so it may be worth the pilgrimage for equipment when the school is a bit cash poor. Moderator (critter): Well, I guess we have it covered. Without the actual lesson develped yet there is really not much to talk about other than just support the teacher and ask plenty of thoughtful questions. Moderator (kclemons): They may cover it for now, what do you think? Moderator (critter): I've been to Dallas many times to look for computer equipment. My old school had old computers and that was the only place to find replacement parts for the old computers. Moderator (kclemons): Love that place. Ready to make that move? Moderator (critter): I think we have done just about all we can do for now. Nice to get to talk to you. I've enjoyed this. Moderator (critter): Next time maybe we can set up the audio and video. Moderator (kclemons): Same here, at least we didn't get disconnected. That was a plus. What was the procedure for signing off and saving the transcript of our discussion? Audio and Video for sure, perhaps next week when I get the wireless 1 MB. Can't wait. Moderator (critter): To save this conversation go to File > Save >Direct Messaging Conversation. Hope that works. Moderator (kclemons): Ok, I'm going to try it now. Thank you for taking the time. Will talk again soon. - Karen Moderator (critter): OK, bye. Moderator (kclemons): Bye