MTTC Journal

Ellen Zimmerman

 

This picture was created by one of my BCIS I students. Used by permission.

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Pre-class entry May 29, 2007 At first it seemed quite overwhelming but I'll just have to take one step at a time! It helped after I looked at some of the previous students notes! I learned alot studying for my Technology Applications exam and I can't imagine how much more I will learn from this course!
Pre-class entry June 1, 2007 It's been fun playing in First Class! I have my profile setup with a picture and I even chatted with someone today! I hope I set up this journal right! My chat partner helped me out! I had it in Word at first but now it's in Dreamweaver.
Week 1 June 7, 2007 I cheated! I logged on Wednesday night! My curiosity was killing me, I wanted to know what I was getting into. I already feel more comfortable after "talking" to some of the other students. There should be a ton of information to share with each other. We are from all over the place!
  June 9, 2007 I overcame two hurdles today! I now understand the web page process and I found my first research article! I also have a prospective partner for my coaching experiences!
  June 11, 2007

I was really starting to feel overwhelmed by the number of different assignments to complete but I am beginning to feel better now. After seeing comments from other students and working my way through my organization panic, I think I can handle it now! I keep reminding myself that it is just the first week and everything will feel more comfortable next week. (I hope!)
  June 13, 2007 I've made contact with the person who I think will be my partner and I am looking forward to having someone else to discuss assignments with! The benefits of another peer are already paying off. Sharing information is great!
Week 2 June 14, 2007 Great discussion with partner today! I feel like I've always known her! (Shawn Smith) Looks like we will have three in our group. Becca Rampy will be with us. Shawn and I've sent e-mails to include her. Hope she makes contact soon so we can get going! Shawn and I made a "plan of attack" and I think we are off to a great start in the program. I feels like I'm taking a Masters course!
  June 15, 2007 It's seems like there are alot of other students with some of the same issues that I have with regards to the classroom and issues. I really appreciate to time to address situations that are going to be useful in the classroom.
  June 16, 2007 I spent alot of time researching today and I really have to keep reminding myself not to get to far into the information so I don't run out of time to complete the assignments.
  June 17, 2007 The video comparison spreadsheet is done! Yeah! Now I'm working on the Pre-conf. I keep looking at the video slides to stay on track.
  June 18, 2007 Feeling much better now! I finished the Pre-Conference document and I'm moving on the the Prof. Goals. I'm finding out that alot of us have the same areas of concern, not leading the mentee, listening carefully. I feel good that we will be able to come up with solutions working together.
  June 19, 2007 Dear diary.... couldn't resist! It seems that more and more I am finding out that we all have relatively similar issues and needs of information. The benefit of the assistive devices education has been excellent. It's so nice to have the chance to share information with other teachers!
  June 20, 2007 I worked on some more research today and caught up on the discussion responses. This Web page thing may be the death of me!
Week 3 June 21, 2007 I created a listing of questions I predict I will need for my mentee teacher discussion. I feel that I am prepared better by creating practice questions. Even though the discussion may be very different I believe I have a better idea of what to expect.
  June 22, 2007 Spoke with my mentee teacher today and I feel that we understand each other very well. The lesson is developing nicely and I documented the discussion for reference. We limited our discussion but made notes for future discussion.
  June 23, 2007 After completing the Professional Development Goals, I felt like it made more sense. I just wish I didn't have to wait until I finish to see how it works! Spoke with Shawn about assignments. I sure am glad we have partners!
  June 25, 2007 Spoke with my mentee again to clarify some information and discuss what will be next. Web page postings seem to be working fine now that I switched to Firefox and took out the extra folder layer in my home folder.
  June 26, 2007 Today I started working on Module 4 hoping that I can spend the majority of next week on the Assistive Devices Video.I'm looking forward to creating the video and I want to have time to concentrate on the content and preparation without changing subjects so often..
  June 27, 2007 Checked up on all of the discussions today. It takes alot of time reading but there has been alot of new information that I have learned by all of the interactions between classmates. We will all be great resources for each other!
Week 4 June 28, 2007

One way that I have found that I can support and maintain trust with colleagues is by offering them information that I find for them that is useful in their classroom. Sometimes I surf around to locate helpful information and websites and I show them the information. They now ask me to help when they are looking for information and they know I don't mind. (Sometimes I have the students in my class help. Several are usually in the other classes anyway.)

I'm beginning to realize that I communicate well but I often get too excited about the information and I need to listen more before I jump in too much! Teachers trust me but sometimes are overwhelmed by the information I want to give them. I have to remember that they aren't all computer geeks like me!

  June 30, 2007 Last day of June already! That means that video is getter closer to the due date! Stress!!
  July 2, 2007 Not much work today or tomorrow because it is the last two days I teach Summer School.
  July 4, 2007 I actually took the day off today!
Week 5 July 5, 2007 Back to working hard today!
  July 6, 2007 I'm so jealous that Shawn has finished her video!
  July 7, 2007 Some work today but mostly cleaning and packing for the week.
  July 8, 2007 Left for San Marcos today with my daughter so she can attend her Student Council workshop.
  July 9, 2007 Mentee and I discussed assessments today and made notes. We'll have to record our formal discussion later.
  July 10, 2007 Video and Discussion 3 form all day today!
  July 11, 2007 Thank heavens I finished the video today! I started two weeks ago and still worked non-stop for the last two days! Maybe I'm too picky!
Week 6 July 12, 2007 I feel that my ability to clearly express my values, and goals is improving with all of the talking between myself and mentee and peer coach. The documentation has to be so specific it forces you to think through and make clear statements. If I can continue to spend the time as we have in this class when I prepare for lessons and have discussions, my abilities can only improve!
  July 15, 2007 There's has been so much going on! Trying to make sure all of my links work and finish lesson plan documentation.
  July 17, 2007 I have most all of the peices together. I just need to complete and make sure I have everything. Every time I review I find something else!
  July 19, 2007 Aaaaargh! There's been so much to do and so little time!