MNU Announces the new Masters of Education Instructional Specialist Degree

 Introducing our new Masters of Education Instructional Specialist Degree at MidAmerica Nazarene University!       
  Students will choose their path of professional development in line with the Heutogogical approach to learning.  This is an exciting endeavor and is an opportunity for teachers to further their educational knowledge in a direction of choice.

New Pathways to Diverse Educators

 Getting ready to serve on a panel at the New Pathways to Real-World Learning Experiences Conference at the Oracle Innovation Campus in Kansas City, MO.  Our panel will be discussing the recruitment and retention of diverse individuals in the field of education that is reflective of the demographics.  

Recognition, Acceptance, and Empowerment of the uniqueness of those entering the field of education is key.  Allowing students to celebrate their heritage, culture, and race allows a confidence that inspires role modeling for others.  

Local and outside agencies, companies, and organizations can attribute to this concept by providing speakers, internships, and opportunities for students to partner with them on projects that reflect their own cultural priorities and that allow them to experience cultures and people in contrast to themselves and their backgrounds.

I am honored to serve on the panel and look forward to the discussion!

SITE Conference 2024-Vegas!

 

Vegas was fabulous!  And the AACE/SITE Conference was fun and informative!  I presented twice: "AI Goes to School:  Just What IS in that Backpack?" and "Gamification and Technology Resources to Enhance Learning for the Whole Child."  It was great to hang out with like-minded people, and some of the research presentations and papers I heard were amazing!  I made lots of connections and even talked about collaborating on an AI research project for next year's conference!

It was also great to connect with friends who are normally virtual acquaintances and finally meet some face to face!  The bonus for the week was spending time with my twins who celebrated a birthday the weekend that the conference ended! 

Learning Network-NY Times

 Hello, everyone! If you are looking for a great networking and professional development resource, check out The Learning Network by the New York Times!

https://www.nytimes.com/section/learning

Check out this app!

 Check out this app!

WONDERSCOPE--augmented reality characters wi th a choice of learning adventures. Each lists the particular attributes on which it is focused. One adventure is free. The others are $4.99. Students can access the app on a mobile device, and there are prompts for the students to read so that they can interact with the characters. I even had fun playing with it! 😀

https://wonderscope.com/

The Not-So-Big Game!

 Today's the day...lots of parties and lots of cheers.  For my part, there will be a lot of disinterest.  I will watch for the commercials and will look forward to the snacks and friends, but my heart is not in the game.  I'm looking forward...to next year...another chance...Go Chiefs!

FETC Wednesday

 

In my seat and waiting for Leslie Fisher's session on Microsoft Teams.  I always learn so much at FETC and love the collaboration with colleagues who are just as excited about educational technology!

Looking forward to the day!

Let's Go Chiefs!

 What a game on Sunday!!  Enough said.  Looking forward to this Sunday's game.

Go Chiefs!!!!

FETC bound...

 

Off to FETC on Tuesday!  I look forward to seeing many friends!

Please join me for my 2 hour workshop! 

Strategic Creation of Online Learning Experiences: Designing Virtual Victories

Thursday, January 27   10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.

329 North

The instructional design behind the creation of virtual learning tools is critical for student and teacher success. Instead of considering these experiences as those lacking rigor and connectedness, using strategic methods of instructional design can assist educators in the creation of quality, online experiences. Participants will review Kirkpatrick’s model of evaluating learning’s effectiveness and Phillip’s concept of ROI (Return on Investment) of learning while applying the ADDIE and SAM models of design to create effective online learning structures. Whether using a waterfall and rather linear model of instructional design such as ADDIE or a more iterative SAM model, educational experiences can be designed in a way to make online learning effective and meaningful.

Six Months

 

I retired from my position at Blue Valley CAPS (Center for Advanced Professional Studies) six months ago.  During that time, I have been working with education students at a local university.  During that six months, as per Kansas guidelines, I could not interactively participate in any Kansas educational activities including substitute teaching, volunteering, or teaching at any Kansas retirement affiliate.  

Once that six-month period has ended, it will be great to again be open to focusing on more educational opportunities in my home state.

Give Teachers a Break...

 Over the past several weeks, I've heard a lot of teacher bashing.  I've heard teachers compared to grocery store clerks, liquor store clerks, and others.  In the Spring of 2020 when schools shut down, parents and community members could not thank teachers enough for jumping in, taking charge, and fulfilling their responsibilities within their best abilities (and resources) to assist in the learning of their students.

Fast-forward a year, and teachers are portrayed as whining, sniveling, pseudo-professionals who not only do not "want" to go to work, but who also do not seem to care about the progress of their students.

I have always told my students that the relationships we establish in the classroom will be long-held, that the connection that is made there will be a life-long one that will continue to shape and mold their futures long after we have said our end-of-the-year goodbyes.  I never make an effort to go back and see my banker to let him/her know what an impact that interest percentage made in my life.  Nor do I go to see the mechanic to tell him/her that the new muffler installed has enriched me.  Likewise, I never return to a grocery store or liquor store to rave about my purchase or the transaction that took place.  I DO, however, remember all of my teachers and the impact, good or bad, they made on my life. I do not in any way want to discredit any of these professions; respectfully, however, they are not anything like teaching. 

The people who are spouting these reflections, I am quite certain, have never had the joy of seeing 30 faces before them, eager for what you might provide in their lives.  They have also never had to deal with such collective criticism when striving to just uphold their place in the professional realm while still going the extra mile to provide resources and ENGAGING activities in the classroom to make it a second home for "their kids."

I am aware of the hypocrisy when I again and again see individuals carefully gathered together with 2 tables between them and spread across their meeting space, making decisions for teachers who work in often overcrowded classrooms. Teachers do not have that option and neither do their students.  

I believe that anyone who makes a decision about teachers in classrooms and how classrooms should be managed, (during a Pandemic or otherwise), should commit to spending one hour a day (minuscule in comparison to a teacher's time) in a crowded classroom, INTERACTING with students and keeping the students engaged.  Then, and only then, will teachers respect the decisions being made and believe that they are truly being kept in the highest considerations of safety and practice.

I currently teach graduate courses in education at a local university, and I am constantly seeking resources to enrich not only the preparation of future teachers but also the souls and mindsets of our future educators.  I came across this video and nearly cried while watching it, thinking of the thousands of teachers on computers at home or in buildings, trying desperately to keep the flow of learning going, all the while being told that they are not doing enough.  I, and many others I'm sure, can relate to the teachers in front of their screens, trying to be funny, active, and purposeful for the students watching through the screens.  Let's give teachers a break and begin to appreciate the amazing and caring individuals they truly are!