Project+Proposal+for+EDFL+675b+Summer+2011

Final Project proposal I recently purchased an iPad (2nd generation) for personal and work use as a means of becoming more efficient and familiarizing myself with current technology hardware. Since this hardware and accompanying software applications are new to me, I thought I would take the opportunity to journal and capture, the best I can given the limited time of the course, the challenges and successes I experience learning how to use this lovely new piece of equipment. As I’ve begun this new journey, I’ve discovered many blogs around the “how-to’s” and pitfalls of the iPad. Few, if any, have actually documented the processes for going about using the iPad as a tool for work.

Therefore, my project will be multifaceted. My regular journal will attempt to capture either video or written reflections using only my iPad. The journal will focus some on the “how to’s”, but may be much more reflective in nature. There are many parts to my work life, such as evaluations, student discipline, budget management, etc. The journey to take all of that work, including something as simple as printing from my iPad to a network printer, will be part of my final project. At this point, I’m not sure how far I’ll make it into that journey considering the unknown limitations of the iPad and conflicts between PC’s and Apple products. I do know, however, that my final project will capture as much of that journey as possible.

Addressing the content requirements, I assume I’ll be on this journey by myself, lest some reader of this proposal considers him or herself crazy enough to take the road with me. I intend for my action research project to be extremely qualitative and offer some insight for viewers and readers to enjoy and overcome the risks of using new technology. I will provide links to iPad blogs or chat rooms only if I consider them appropriate in helping the end user make appropriate and efficient work and personal decisions. The project will involve written and video journaling, as well as screen captures of slides, web pages, etc. I cannot tell you, for example, how challenging it has been to find an effective application that dovetails nicely with the Microsoft Office Suite. Moreover, the idea of printing from my iPad is still enigmatic.

With varying degrees of emphasis, I intend to connect with all five course objectives. I feel that the first and fifth objectives will be accomplished by “doing the work” so to speak, whereas the second, third, and fourth objectives will be best captured as processes to the end product. In doing the final project, which began the day I opened my new toy, I intend to share both the successes and trials as it relates to all of the course objectives. The summative piece will also be reflective as it relates to the course objectives.