Intensive Day 1

I came into this class a sponge. With high expectations and  hopes that I can learn and draw from to then, turn around and implement into my classes.  Dr. Dunn has not disappointed. As far as my first impression, he nailed it. Its nice to learn from an educational technologist that has been around a while and has well developed thoughts, ideas, and opinions on the use of technology in schools.  He has also helped in developing my thoughts on research, but I will probably focus my blog postings on the highlights of educational technology. 

You Tube, with a series of about 6 videos, that were thought provoking, and entertaining. Each video gave the class a starting point for discussion.  The main theme I received from the discussion is that technology is used to bi-pass the common norm, and to push someone or something further toward success that would not have normally been achieved in a mainstream pathway.  In his example he showed how You Tube was used to bi-pass norms.  What are other examples of technologies that have allowed for this to take place?  Here was the first video shared, that I enjoyed as an introduction to the course.  I will definitely be stealing this idea. 

Doctoral Intensive Introduction

This weekend I have driven to Lynchburg, Virginia to take a week long "intensive" at Liberty University. As a requirement for the course, I will be making daily posts on my progress and reflect on what I am learning day.  Today is a reflection on technology in general.  Since I teach the technology courses at Olivet, I am a very big believer in technology, its uses in the classroom, and the direction that education is going with the development of technology for schools.  I understand the disadvantages that it brings, but in my opinion the advantages far out weigh the disadvantages.  I think it is imperative that the next generation of teachers are widely exposed and have the understanding and ability to utilize all types of technologies in their classroom. With the expansion of mobile devices, the future options will be endless for the students of tomorrow.  Its an exciting field.  There is almost too much to keep up with, but as I tell my students... find something you like and become good at it.  Then find something else you like and continue growing and developing your skills and abilities with technology.

Part 2: Glad not to be me

I watched the new Lord of the Rings "Hobbit" this past week, thanks to a generous offer by Gabe Guven. I liked the movie and enjoyed the night out, but wished that it would have been made it before "The Fellowship of the Ring."  I mention that because if you noticed the title of this blog, I decided to write part two to this blog prior to writing part one.  I don't understand the logic, but since Part two happened a couple hours ago, I will write that first...
I was sitting on the throne in the San Jose Airport, taking care of business before a long flight when an announcment came over the loud speaker, "Someone has left their laptop at security in terminal B, please return to security to claim it."  In a panic, I unzipped my carry-on and saw that I did indeed grabbed my laptop among all the other things that were scattered along the conveyer belt.  Just then, I recieved a phone call on my wife's phone (why I have my wife's phone, read Part 1). It was my mother, my phone had arrived by UPS to their house and she was wondering if I wanted to try to make a trade. Knowing the amount of stress that would be relieved by all parties having their own personal phones, I decided it was worth the risk.  I told my mom to bring the phone to the airport.

I had already been through security once, there had to be a way that I could trade a phone without having to go through security again, right.... Not a chance! So I left "the secure area" to go wait curbside for my parents who were bringing me my long lost phone (Part 1).  Am I going to still make my flight?  Can I trade phone, make it through security, and make it to my gate before my plane pushes off.... The minutes creep by.

Finally, I see my parents arriving in the distance, I go out to the middle of the chaos, trying to avoid a trip to the hospital and make a quick trade. I'm sure those who were watching, thought a deal had just gone down...  I hustle my way back to the security lines. And wait... and wait... and the time, although it is ticking slowly, the amount time before my plane leaves is moving fast (I cannot explain that). Finally I am showing my ID, and the lady gives me one of those looks like, "you have been here before..."  Of course, like any good suspense movie, I get behind Mr and Mrs. Slowski, who have obviously not flown since before 9/11.  Luckily, I was there and motivated enough to teach them in the ways of swift movment through a security checkpoint... "Yes, mam, you must take off your shoes... Sir, they want your jacket on the conveyer belt as well."

Phew! I made it through security and now its time to "Home Alone" or "OJ Simpson" my way through the airport.  And I arrive at my gate just as they call for "A boarding." 
I enter the plane, and believe it or not, the coveted Exit Seat is still available.  I go to pull my laptop out of my carry-on... and...

You guessed it. My laptop is still back at security! My worst nightmare. Hundreds of potential options run through my head as the plane kept filling up with passengers.  What I am going to do?  I can't leave the laptop.  I need it this week....  I flagged down the flight attendant and told her my predicament she says...
"We will wait for you, if you want to delay everybody's flight..."  Unfortunately, there were 35 other people within an earshot, now looking at me thinking, 'you better not!' I could feel  a heavy scowl! I asked her if she would save my "prized seat." She agreed and I took off  weaving in and out of people filing onto the plan and sprinted my way back through the airport! One, I am really getting my exercise. Two, San Jose airport is really long. I make it back to security out of breath, and I enter where it says not to. Good thing too, that attracted a lot of attention.  They pulled out a couple laptops and I immediately identified mine, but they needed proof. The only thing I could think of was to boot it up and type in the password to get in.... and windows is loading... and loading... Finally, I am running through the airport again with my laptop in hand.  I get to the gate and thankfully the plane is still there.

As I enter the plane, I see the evil scowl once again, , and feel that many are glad not to be me.