Journal Entry #2- Gathering Project Specific Contextual Data

Gathering Project Specific Contextual Data

Goal: Create a workshop that helps teachers design lesson that integrate web 2.0 technologies.

Orienting Context- occurs prior to the learning event and includes factors that influence the prospective student’s motivation and preparation to learn.

            Learner- Assigning articles for the teachers to read prior to the workshop that provide research on the benefits of utilizing Web 2.0 technologies in the classroom. Informing teachers they will receive CPE credit for attending the workshop.

            Immediate Environment- The facility being used for the workshop is centrally located and has drinks and snack available for the teachers. There are plenty of parking spaces. Restrooms are near the training room. Technology being used for the training (computers, smart bards, internet, etc) is functional and available.

            Organizational Environment- The campus administrators promote the workshop and create a culture of excitement. The campus administrators provide incentives for attending the training. 

Instructional Context- includes environmental factors that directly impact the delivery of instruction.

Learner- Not having enough of handouts. Student’s computer not working. Delivery method not engaging for the teachers.

            Immediate Environment- Technology/equipment malfunction.

            Organizational Environment-Not being released from campus in a timely manner for training will cause the delivery of the instruction to be delayed.

Transfer Context- the environment in which the learning is applied.

Learner-Computers in the teacher classroom must be working in order to utilize the web 2.0 technologies. Asking for student’s feedback on the different technologies being utilized in the lessons. Planning as a team to promote the continuation of utilizing web 2.0 technologies.

            Immediate Environment- Additional equipment or technology needed for student and teacher success needs to be purchased ahead of implementation.

            Organizational Environment-The campus administrators must support teachers in taking time to plan lessons that incorporate web 2.0 technologies. Campus administration must also set requirements for usage of web 2.0 technologies. Keeping the moral and campus culture about the utilization of web 2.0 technologies in their lesson high by recognizing teachers for their exceptional usages and planning in staff meetings. 

Journal Entry #1-The "5 Whys" Technique

ID Project Idea- Majority of the teachers I support in my district have little knowledge of Web 2.0 technologies or how to integrate them into their instruction. Even though our district offers a training that introduces a few Web 2.0 technologies, teachers are not being trained on how to create lessons that utilize these tools.  I would like to create a workshop that shows teachers how to design lessons that integrate Web 2.0 technologies into their instruction in any subject area. The problem my design will address is the absence of training on integrating Web 2.0 technologies in different lessons.

The reason this lack of training on showing teachers how to incorporate Web 2.0 technologies into their instruction/ lesson planning is a problem is because teachers are not utilizing these technologies in their classroom and are sticking to more traditional instructional method which students don’t always find engaging

The reason this is a problem is because this generation of students are digital natives. They are very technologically savvy and Web 2.0 technologies often provide engaging, challenging ways of learning new concepts which appeal to students of this generation.

Another reason this is a problem is there are technology TEKS that are supposed to be taught in every classroom. Teachers have a responsibility to incorporate different technologies in the classroom and allow students to work with them as well.

The “5 Whys” technique was extremely useful in allowing me justify why this project was beneficial and it allowed me to think critically on my feelings toward the training opportunities in my district.  It did change the direction of my project. Originally I was going to address the utilization of one Web 2.0 technology but as I was going through each “why” I found a greater need for the teachers in our district and decided to go in that direction. I really like the clarity this technique brought to my project ideas and I will definitely utilize it again.