EDLD 5363 Public Service Announcement in Spanish

EDLD 5363 Public Service Announcement in English

EDLD 5363 Week 4 & 5 Reflection

I have had the privilege to work with a great group of fellow classmates as we created and produced our public service announcement. We have been ahead of schedule since the very beginning! This is very helpful as we have had lots of time to make edits to ensure our project is exactly like we envisioned it. We even had enough time to create the same video but in Spanish thanks to our bilingual classmate. It has been a great experience working with others on this project. I love using a Google document for us to all share our comments, questions, and concerns. I just wish Google doc would allow an option for putting date and time stamps on what people wrote. However, our group just started adding our own date and time stamps to ensure better organization. I can't wait to do more group projects throughout my grad school courses, and carry what I have learned into my school and classroom. 

EDLD 5363 PSA Group Project- Weeks 3-5

Group Members Include:


Angela Mahl
Cortney Mullman
Teri Call
Joanne Puryear
Elizabeth Estrada


Click here for our group collaboration Google document.

EDLD 5363 Week 2 - Podcast

Click to hear podcast!







This was a very time consuming assignment. I had to learn and download several different software. I enjoyed learning how to use VideoPad, a video editing software, and found that it made editing very easy, creative, and fun. Once I learned the software, it did not take me long to create my script for my podcast. Audacity took me a few tries to really understand this audio recording software. Once I was more familiar with it, it was really fun to use. I also had to convert my Audacity file to an MP4 file extension so I could upload it to podbean.

After everything was said and done, I was happy with my final product. While learning new software can be difficult or frustrating at times, I find that the best way to learn it is by trial and error. Get your hands wet and just play around with the software until you feel comfortable. I am looking forward to incorporating these digital tools into my classroom in the future.

EDLD 5363 Week 2 Web Conference Reflection

Web Conference: Tuesday, November 22, 2011

I was one of the ones that waited last night for the web conference that never happened. I do completely understand,while we all love technology, it can be our worst enemy at times! =) At the beginning of tonight’s web conference I was confused on week 2’s assignment, and with the web conference I was able to get many answers to my questions. Many other students had the same questions as well which is always very helpful and reassuring to know I am not the only one. This conference also gave me insight on what to expect for week 3, 4, and 5’s assignment with our groups. I am looking forward to working with my group to create a great finished product!

EDLD 5363 My Digital Story

I really enjoyed making my digital story! Photo story was an extremely user friendly software to us. I will be recommending it to my colleagues and friends. I can see using this program for meet the teacher as a way to introduce yourself to the students and parents. I can would also let my students create a photo story about themselves or a subject that we are learning about.

When creating my own personal photo story it was hard at first to come up with a story because I never have considered myself a good story teller. My partner Cortney Mullman helped me come up with something that was interesting and had meaning to me.

The hardest part of this assignment was trying to cut my video down from 3:00 minutes to 2:00 minutes. I wanted to keep the detail but had to really look at which details were important to the story. I can't wait to use this program with other teachers and students in the classroom! What a fun way to be creative and share!

EDLD 5363 Week 1 Web Conference Reflection

Date and time of web conference: November 14, 2011 at 6:00pm

I enjoyed this web conference as there were some familiar faces, but I also got to see a lot of new faces and names. Dr. Abernathy was very helpful on answering all of our questions. While I still feel overwhelmed, I believe the web conference did answer a lot of my questions about our group assignments. It is really great to see all of us work as a team and help each other out. This program is one that I could not do without the help of fellow students, professors, and instructional associates! I am looking forward to another web conference next week.

Around the Corner-MGuhlin.org: Experimenting with Lubuntu

Around the Corner-MGuhlin.org: Experimenting with Lubuntu: This past weekend, I had fun trying out new GNU/Linux distros that I hadn't played around with in awhile. One of them was lubuntu , which...

Around the Corner-MGuhlin.org: Experimenting with Lubuntu

Around the Corner-MGuhlin.org: Experimenting with Lubuntu: This past weekend, I had fun trying out new GNU/Linux distros that I hadn't played around with in awhile. One of them was lubuntu , which...

Action Research Draft Plan

This is not copying and pasting correctly! Please go to my wiki site at https://sites.google.com/site/angelamahlstechnologywiki/ to view my action research plan correctly! You will also be able to make comments on my wiki.
Thanks = )

OUTCOMES	ACTIVITIES	RESOURCES/ RESEARCH TOOLS NEEDED	RESPONSIBILITY TO ADDRESS ACTIVITIES	TIME LINE	Revisions to SIP/PIP based on monitoring and assessments
Collect authentic and relevant data	Have first grade team fill out an iTouch use inventory	Computer, word, excel	Angie Mahl, First grade team	Oct 23-Oct 26	Once data is collected I will use that knowledge to shape or reshape my action research plan to meet current needs
Analyze data with peer group	Meet with first grade team to discuss findings and come up with solutions to what they hope to gain through my action research	Classroom, computer, iTouches	Angie Mahl and First grade team	Oct. 27	Use this knowledge to help shape the direction of my action research to benefit the current needs of the first grade team
Find available applications that are in line with the math curriculum	Research iTouch apps and take time to learn these apps. Read and research ratings for apps	Technology team, iTouches applications, iTouches	Angie Mahl, Cortney Mullman, Melissa Zerangus	Oct 23-Oct 31	This knowledge will help me add appropriate applications or delete ones that are not appropriate for student use in the classroom to enhance the curriculum
For students to feel comfortable with the use of as well as using them correctly.	Create small group lesson to introduce iTouches to the students	iTouches/elmo	Angie Mahl	Nov. 7-8	This will give students a chance to explore and gain a better knowledge of iTouches. They will also be able to ask questions if need help. With my observation I will be able to provide a contextual viewpoint (Dana, 2009, p. 41) to help shape research plan
To learn what students think of using the iTouches	Create a short class focus group	Class discussion/elmo	Angie Mahl/Melissa Zerangue	Nov. 8	I can use this data in my action research plan to help meet needs of students
Self reflection and evaluate progress of action research	Take time at the end of each week to self reflection while also looking at collected data from surveys and focus groups	Computer, excel	Angie Mahl	On-going	I will use this time to self reflect on my action research thus far. I will make sure I do not have any bias in my current findings and research. I will use this self reflection to help change the direction of my action research if needed
iTouche use in everyday math curriculum	Design lessons and activities with iTouches that are in line with school’s scoop and sequence as well as the state teks	Computer, iTouches, elmo, Eduphoria (lesson plan/scoop sequence KISD tool)	Angie Mahl, Cortney Mullman, Melissa Zerangue, Technology team	On-going Nov 21, 2011- March 27, 2012	Will monitor implementation of lessons and charge action research accordingly
Compare student success to gain a better understanding of iTouches in the curriculum	Use data from assessments to compare student success with iTouches verses a classroom with same assessment and curriculum but no use of iTouches	Computer, iTouches	Angie Mahl, First grade team	On-going	Will monitor assessments to see if iTouches help enhance student achievements
To obtain data from students regarding their use of iTouches in the classroom	Hold a midyear focus group for students in class		Angie Mahl	January 12, 2012	This information will help me see how students are feeling about the use of iTouches. I can use this information to move forward with my action research while changing or adding any necessary research, tools, or activities to help with individual needs
Share findings with first grade team	Meet with first grade team to discuss how iTouches affected my students’ achievement.	Computer, data on excel, iTouches	Angie Mahl, Melissa Zerangue, First grade team	March 27-30	This information will give me the knowledge I need to start thinking about holding a hands on workshop for iTouches in the classroom, and what to include in the workshop
Increase confidence in first grade teachers on the use of iTouches in their classroom	Hold a hands on workshop for the use of iTouches in the math curriculum	iTouches, elmo,	Angie Mahl, Melissa Zerangue, First grade team	Mid April	This assessment will help me see what I still need to teach or show fellow teachers to help them feel confident with incorporating iTouches into their curriculum.
Continue school improvement through the use of iTouches	Meet with first grade team and the technology team to discuss my action research findings and first grade iTouch workshop. We will discuss together how we can improve use of these digital tools to help student achievement throughout the school. I also want feedback on the workshop I gave to see what I need to change or add when sharing with rest of the school	iTouches, computer, classrooms	Angie Mahl, Technology team, First grade team	April 1-14	Formulate, as a team, a new plan to introduce and teach rest of school about iTouches. We will include data findings, current research, and tools to the rest of the grade levels. The focus will be to help build confidence among the staff to use digital tools in their 21st century classrooms. This information could help introduce a new action research that will continue to benefit the school

Creating My Action Research Plan

I found it some what hard creating my draft action research plan. I wanted to be as specific as I could with my activities but felt some still need work. I am really looking forward to putting my action research into play. I feel my classroom will greatly benefit from using iTouches within our math curriculum. I have already found so many great apps that I feel will enhance what the students are expected to learn. I know this is just a draft and I can go back and edit as needed. I have a great site mentor that will help me along this journey!!

I have attached my action research to my WIKI.

Here is the url https://sites.google.com/site/angelamahlstechnologywiki/
You will find a tab on the left side of wiki labeled "Action Research Draft Plan".

Reflections from Week 2

I am starting to feel more comfortable with my action research topic after talking to my site mentor. She was really encouraging on how important action research is in our classrooms and schools. We have decided that my topic will be: How effectively can iTouches in the classroom affect and impact students’ learning? I want to bring iTouches into a classroom and incorporate them to enhance everyday curriculum. With this information, I will be able to share important knowledge about iTouches and applications that work well with our everyday curriculum. I hope to show other teachers how easy and important it is to incorporate these digital tools into the classroom. I also enjoyed hearing the different principals’ interviews from this week’s videos. It was great to hear other people’s opinions and advice on action research. They also gave great ideas and examples.

Blogs for Educational Leaders

Blogs are a wonderful digital tool that can help connect educational leaders with their peers, colleagues, students and parents on a regular basis. Leaders can keep their staff up to date on the latest research, teaching strategies, district and school wide information, and provide valuable resource tools to their readers. Blogs also give the reader the ability to comment on blog posts as well as asking questions to the educational leader or author of the blog. Educational leaders can also include surveys and polls on their blogs. This would be a great tool to receive instant feedback and insight on an assortment of topics. I feel that blogs are extremely important and are a useful tool for educational leaders to reach an abundance of people on the latest information they feel is authentic and relevant to their readers.

Action Research

As a teacher, I have learned that action research is a valuable and beneficial tool that I can use as I learn and grow to become a better leader and educator. I love that the research is based on your own “wonderings” (Dana, 2009, p. 3) for a specific need or problem at your school; therefore making it more applicable and authentic verses a traditional outside researcher. Action research sounds like a long and drawn out process, but because it is essentially your “baby”, it will not be a chore, but something you care significantly for, and immediately take the steps to put into action so it becomes a part of your everyday routine. You will feel a since of ownership in pride by what you are researching, developing, and accomplishing in order to make your students, teachers, and schools more successful.


Action research is a great way to collaborate with our peers in order to achieve a goal. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues on an action research project that involves technology in our school, how it is or isn’t being used, and what needs to change in order for teachers to implement technology in their everyday curriculum. The school I am doing my internship at, has a set of iTouches for every grade level! These can be a wonderful digital tool for the classroom; however teachers are not using these resources. I can see how an action research would give me the information I need to help teachers learn to incorporate these amazing digital tools into their classrooms. Every campus has a technology plan, and we have to find ways to move forward into the 21st century classroom. I am also looking forward to talking to my principal and finding out if she is doing any administrative inquiry at the time being. I would love to be involved and assist in any way necessary, to help her and the school achieve their goals while learning from the experiences and her expertise.


Dana, N.F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

EDLD 5306 Post Course Reflection

1.What outcomes had you envisioned for this course? Did you achieve those outcomes? Did the actual course outcomes align with those that you envisioned?

I had envisioned having a better understanding of our graduate program as a whole. While I am still confused over certain aspects, I do feel much for familiar with the program as well as Epic Player. This course was very well outlined with step by step instructions for each individual component of the 5 weeks. I am still a little confused on if our professors change for each course, but I will soon find this out when our second course starts. I also feel more knowledgeable with certain technology terms and plans that are in our district and state. I can now easily access the star chart and see the technology assessments for our schools. One of my biggest envisions was getting to know my classmates through distance learning. Through web conferences, email, blogs, and wikis, I feel like I have a great group of colleagues to call on if I need help during this program.

2.To the extent that you achieved the outcomes, are they still relevant to the work that you do in your school? Why or why not?
My outcomes that I achieved are very relevant to my life as a mother, teacher, student, and lifelong learner because I am able to understand what Keller ISD is looking for in regards to technology throughout this course. This benefits me as a perspective teacher for Keller ISD as I see the goals they are trying to achieve in the near future. I also learned so many different ways to communicate with parents, peers, teachers, administrators, and the world. I cannot wait to use these digital tools, such as the wiki and blogger to share my knowledge with others as well as collaborating with each others. I have a much better understanding of what it takes to be a leader, and someone who is continually taking the steps to be a proactive learner now and in the future.

3.What outcomes did you not achieve? What prevented you from achieving them?

Where I need learning Keller ISD’s technology vision, I did not learn about specific technologies being used in the schools. The school I am most familiar with does not have a lot of digital resources available to their teachers and students. I envisioned ways to incorporate more technology in the classroom, but how can this be achieved if every school does not have the means to provide such digital tools? I feel that this course has shown me the importance of providing 21st century learners with digital tools. I also feel that Keller ISD wants these tools implemented, but until we can bridge this digital gap and equip every school with necessary technology, these outcomes will not be achieved. I envisioned learning the mechanics of this course and feel I have with Epic but I am still lacking knowledge with the TK20 program and software through Lamar.
4. Were you successful in carrying out the course assignments? If not, what prevented or discouraged you?

I feel I was very successful at carrying out this course assignments as well as staying on top of the assignments to ensure on time submissions. Assignments were very well lined out with step by step instructions, and made it very easy to accomplish these tasks. I like to get my work done early so I could have weekends to spend with my husband and kids. I stayed on top of all my assignments and made sure that I did not have too much to do at one given night. My youngest daughter has been very helpful during this course by taking long afternoon naps and going to bed at 7pm most nights. While the kids sleep, the mommy works. I have also been able to lean on a fellow classmate and best friend throughout this course. We have spent many hours working side by side, answering each other questions, and reassuring each other that we can do it.

5. What did you learn from this course…about yourself, your technology and leadership skills, and your attitudes?

I learned so many different things about myself as an educator, parent, leader, and student. While at first I thought I knew a lot about technology, I soon realized there is so much more for me to learn and became aware of this very early in the course. I feel that I also grew as a leader in this course. This course provided opportunities where I had to communicate closely with others by blogging, web conferencing, and emailing to provide and receive feedback. Communicating with complete strangers can sometimes be a struggle for me, but feel that with the opportunities this course provided, helped me become a better leader by working closely with others, speaking my opinions, stepping out of my comfort zone, listening to others feedback and constructive criticism, and of course researching and trying new things which are all important aspects in improving leadership skills. Overall, this course has helped me grow and learn in ways I never thought I would. It has given me an immense amount of knowledge that I can take with me to my future students and classroom to ensure their highest levels of learning are achieved now and in their futures.

Cool Cat Teacher Blog: Librarians Teach Us to Swim; Social Media Builds I...

Cool Cat Teacher Blog: Librarians Teach Us to Swim; Social Media Builds I...: Funny how fast things change. I'm finding that some incredible information and graphics are coming to me via Tumblr (see the Beginners Guid...


V Davis. (2011, June 14). Social media syndication part2: Overview of places to share. [Web blog post]. Retrieved from http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/search/label/education

Never Forgotten!!!

“Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children. “
- President George W. Bush, November 11, 2001

My World!

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Internship

After preparing my mentor internship papers, I am now becoming a little overwhelmed with the whole process! Luckily I have my family and friends to help me along the way!! I am just taking graduate school day by day!!!!!

Thank you to everyone for the support and help!!! And thank you Kennedy for sleeping through the night for the past 3 nights!! = )

Moving Beyond a 4-Walled Classroom!

Labor Day Weekend!

It feels great to have my week 2 assignment completed and submitted so I can enjoy this 3 day weekend with my loves!!! = )

I hope everyone enjoys their weekend!!!!

National Educational Technology Plan

   I found the National Educational Technology Plan (NETP) highly informative and encouraging, but I wonder how many teachers have actually read this plan or know that it is out there? The plans overall goal is for leaders, administrators, educators, and the community to be able to provide engaging, higher level critical thinking skills, to measure assessments more authentically; in doing so we must find a way to integrate technology.

    Learning needs to be more engaging so it can empower our students today and in their future lives. Most students already have 24/7 access to many digital tools, and it is our job as educators to creatively incorporate these tools into the classroom to create tailored learning experiences that connect with their everyday lives. We also need to provide equal access among all students. Assessments are another key goal to the NETP. Data gathering is extremely important and what we are lacking as a whole is the data on how we are actually integrating technology into the curriculum. We need all kinds of data to help shape our ongoing technology goals and to create them for the future. It needs to be more student-centered through the use of technology.  I loved the "teaching prepare and connect goal" in the NETP. In order to reach the other goals we must remember to work as a team. It takes a village to raise a child and I whole truly believe in this. We have the means to work together on a daily basis and we need to use these tools or make these digital tools and resources accessible to all at anytime and anywhere.

   The infrastructure needs to be alligned with the objectives and accessible to everyone, otherwise how can we continue to promote a 21^st century classroom and learning? Once this infrastructure is strongly in place, we can then start to see learning going beyond the classroom via digital tools, higher level thinking skills, creativity, etc.  We must improve productivity in our school systems. Texas is going through a huge crisis right now and it is our students that are suffering due to these budget cuts.  We have to work as a nation, state, and community to ensure we are giving the best opportunities and chances for success to ALL our students. The dropout rate needs to decrease and to improve this, we need to continually work toward the goals in this plan. They will be more engaged, they will create and share, they will be INVOLVED in their learning, not just in a desk, in a classroom listening to the teacher.

Education, D. o. (2010, November 9). National Education Technology Plan. Retrieved August 30, 2011,  from ED.GOV:   

     http://www.ed.gov/sites/default/files/netp2010-execsumm.pdf

Keller ISD Technology Plan

   The Keller ISD Technology Plan is much like the National Educational Technology Plan (NETP) just more on a basic step by step process. They have a very realistic strategy for technology and have an ongoing assessment that states if the technology initiatives are in progress or completed. Keller does recognize that technology does not only need to be incorporated into lessons and in the classroom so they are successful in using it now and in their future. 

   Keller identifies that the infrastructure and support systems are a vital key component to this plan. The infrastructure is important because if the software, equipment, and Internet bandwidth are not being extended or added, then the teachers cannot work toward the goal of teaching and learning. This needs to be an ongoing assessment of telecommunication services. This goal is important to making the curriculum authentic and real to the 21^st century learner as well as incorporating higher level thinking and problem solving skills that the students can take with them now and into the future.  Due to budget cuts, I am aware that many of the software programs that were used in the classroom have been cut. It is so hard to make these goals reality when we are in such a budget crisis in Texas. We have GOT to fix this budget crisis within our nation, state, schools, and communities because the students are suffering and they are our future.    

   Professional development is another key goal because teachers are lifelong learners as well. Keller’s strategy is to always provide on-going training and support, facilitating online learning, and communicate instructional strategies that emphasize the use of digital tools. Keller ISD was one of the first districts to establish K Connect, a share point portal for all district information for employees. I know many teachers that use this on a regular basis. However, due to the recent budget cuts, I know that schools no longer have a 24/7 tech support that is easily accessible to teachers that they had in prior years. Administration has their own goals to launch and incorporate technology standards which have already come into play. They also use data collected by the STaR chart as well as other assessments to guide their decisions. This is a very ongoing evaluation process. While Keller recognizes the need for technology and change in the way we teach and learn, they also believe quality instruction is and always will be the basis for student engagement. No matter how much or how well you include technology into the classroom, if you are not teaching with quality, the students will not learn.

Keller Independent School District Advisory Committee. (n.d.). Keller ISD Technology Plan 2009-2011.     Retrieved  August  30, 2011, from Keller ISD:   http://www.kellerisd.net/community/technology/Documents/District_Technology_Plan/District_Technology_Plan.pdf