Week 2: Got Blog?

Welcome to week two. Hopefully, last week didn't scare too many people off. I know that we have a lot to cover in a short period of time, but I will do my best to ensure that you will understand each assignment and leave this class with some skills that you will actually use in the classroom!

Last week: we discussed the syllabus, got everyone passwords for the computer (well, almost everyone), and you received your first assignment: the Intro Letter. While the intro letter itself isn't that difficult, posting it on a blog might have posed a challenge for some of you. Don't worry, if you are struggling to figure out the blog, come to class early Tuesday and I will help you. Also, if you do not have a picture or know how to post it on the blog, I will help with that too. If you are able to get your blog created, don't forget to email me (through webCT) your blogger address so I can post it on the class blog. You should notice a few peers are already on the class blog.


This week: We will begin by ensuring that everyone is able to post the blog, take a look at a cool Mac application called Photobooth, then we will discuss social bookmarking, and if time permits, we'll discuss the journal requirements. Also, don't forget that you can begin your EdTechProfile assignment any time you are ready. It is something that you will be completing on your own.

What you should have for week two: Your ISTE subscription, TaskStream subscription, Gmail account, and your portable storage device.

This week's question: As I noticed that the first few postings on students blogs surrounded a love of movies, I want everyone to tell me your all-time or current favorite teacher movie. . .What makes it your favorite? To leave a comment, click on the comments section at the bottom of the post, ensure you have logged on to Google/Gmail, and type your response in the box provided. . .

See you Tuesday evening!

Intro Letter Instructions

Write a three-paragraph letter of introduction to me and your classmates that you will post on your class blog.
Content:
1st paragraph: Introduce who you are, where you are from, and where you went to school (K-12) and college.

2nd paragraph: Give an overview of your experience with technology. Are you a Mac or PC person? How much do you depend on technology on a daily basis? New question for technology: which version of Microsoft Office are you using the most (with the Office 07 release for PC and 08 release for Mac, the transition is not an easy one for most people. . .and some of my instructions will need to be modified depending on the version you are able to access!)

3rd paragraph: Read the CSUSM/COE Mission Statement (It’s on the syllabus) and respond to any part of the statement that speaks to you. Was it a factor in your decision to apply at CSUSM?

Include a digital picture of yourself on the blog.

Also, comment on at least two other peers' blogs.

To submit in webCT: include your blog link and the names of the peers whose blogs you commented on.

Grading: Three points for the intro/pic on blog; one point for peer comments.

Sample Intro Letter - Me

My name is Jeffery Heil and I am from, well, I'm not sure. I was born in Las Vegas, NV and lived there until I was two years old. Then I moved to Phoenix, AZ and lived there until first grade. . .then I moved back and forth from Seattle, WA (actually, Marysville, but no one outside of the NW knows the city). I attended quite a few elementary schools in Phoenix and Marysville and then attended two high schools twice. I started high school in Marysville, moved to Phoenix, moved back to Marysville, then moved back to Phoenix to finish high school. I have attended almost every college in San Diego. . .but I received a BA in Philosophy from UCSD, my teaching credential from National University (awesome synchronized swimming team!), and my MA from SDSU in Liberal Arts & Sciences. I also dropped out of a doctoral program at Pepperdine University. . .if you think it's expensive to see a doctor, try earning one at a private university ;-)

My experiences with technology are varied. I had little or no experience until I began college, then I developed a love of computers. I am proficient in many different programs from basic word processing to advanced video editing. I have been teaching educational technology for the last 3+ years and I love to show people how to integrate technology into their teaching! I just recently took a position as a technology resource teacher for the San Diego County Office of Education's Juvenile Court and Community Schools, where I will be assisting teaching in their use of technology to support student learning.

The mission statement of the CSUSM/COE was a factor in my decision to apply to be a distinguished teacher in residence (DTiR). As a San Diego County Office of Education employee, working for the Juvenile Court and Community Schools, I have been very committed to ensure educational equity for all students. The academic achieivement gap isn't something that will go away with positive thoughts, but through hard work and dedication from everyone involved in the education of our students. I see CSUSM as an institution dedicated to producing educators who can affect positive change as we transform public education!