Keith's+Journal

October:

1st: Reading through the text is making me re-think my positions on certain technological stances. I am growing more and more concerned about how technology is changing communication into nothing more than information. Are we missing that critical thinking component?

5th: Glad to have the ability to participate in a graduate program via online. I'm not sure many of us would have considered moving this direction without the ability to continue working and spending time with family.

10th: Attended our regional educators convention in Abbotsford. Had breakfast with my friend Doug. Again, technology has enabled Doug to get a great deal of work done on his research for his dissertation. Attended a course taught by some of my teachers, where they discussed the merits and benefits of using moodle as a tool for assisting students as they engage and encounter their learning online.

11th: Love chapter two and three of Shultze's book. We have just passed mid-point on the quarter at school. Teachers are starting to hear from parents, as the information about their grades went out electronically for the first time. Again, information instead of communication...we must be careful!

19th: Figured out how to set up a link to my journal page. :) How silly it can be and how intimidating to try to figure out something new, all the while trying to figure out how to maintain and manage life in the here and now. WHew....not even sure that made sense, but it made sense to my exhausted mind. :) 30th: Lost myself for awhile, but have now landed and back on the project. I sent out an email requesting my colleagues from NWCSI to join me in the Wikki effort.

31st: Got word back from two colleagues, one in Seattle and one in Mt. Vernon excited to be able to participate. I believe others will join in and it will be interesting to see how this plays out. Seems the director of NWCSI was pondering the same concept and is excited to see how this will work.

November: 3rd: Began collecting data of information peopel beleive would be beneficial to begin the Wikki. I am hopful to have the Wikki up and running by the end of the week. Stay tune... :)

November 12: Responses are coming in and are positve with regards to participating in the NWCSI Wiki.

November 16: I have started the Wikki and will work diligently to get others on board and begin discussion. I find myself frustrated with the amount of time in setting it up and the limited amount of time I have to develop it. I can see that if one is dedicated to this on a more formal basis, it could go much smoother.

Link to NWCSI Wikki: http://nwcsi-administrators.wikispaces.com/

November 18: Talked with Scot about possibly joining in on a grant with the expressed purpose of e-mentoring, and how wiki's may play a role in that process.

November 19: Starting to get responses from my fellow colleagues, though slow in coming. I think one of the most interesting elements to e-communinty is making sure everyone has the same information regarding access. Some also do not understand how to begin discussions and communications in the electronic community.

November 22: A contact at Bellevue Christian has indicated they would be willing to participate in the e-mentoring grant. I look forward to seeing how I can get discussions started via the Wiki.

November 30: I am looking forward to hearing from some of my colleagues with regards to their presentations. In particular, Dans attempt to create an online forum for creating ideas. Also I continue to be impressed with the work of my fellow cohort members...Mike and Greg. They are creative and do excellent work. I am feeling somewhat anxious about this project. I'm not sure how to get others to engage in my community. It is a bit frustrating to say the least. One fellow colleague has expressed interest in helping, others I sense are just too busy, don't understand or don't have time to engage at this point. Still I believe it worthy of pursuing.

December 3 - 6: I spent these few days in Philadelphia attending the funeral of my 92 year old grandmother. However, it was truly more like a celebration of life. There were at one count at least 4 generations of cousins gathered together. What I found most interesting, was how quickly everyone wanted to know who was on facebook and who was not. Within hours, computers were out and hybrid phones were exchanging facebook information. Upon my return, I have thourghouly enjoyed reading my facebook account. Honestly, up until this point I had done little to nothing with my facebook. Over the past week, I have found myself laughing at pictures, and enjoying the feedback/teasing/love we have given one another. Grandma gave us one last gift of connection before she departed...Thank you!

December 9: NWCSI Director sent out an email to all administrators strongly encouraging them to get connected to my newly formed Wiki. She then responded to my question regarding what makes effective teaching. Given some time, I believe this very well could become a useful tool. It was the first time I have felt encouraged by the project.