Wicked Problem Project Final

I was asked to identify a need or problem which I could find a creative solution for resolving the problem with the integration of technology. Since I am not in a class at the present time I had to rely on the assistance of a former colleague and friend who allowed me to use her class as my setting for this project. Past practice for a grant award program called a Sustainable Vegetable Garden ha research and record keeping being conducted in a manner that is antiquated, cumbersome and a collection of poster of graphs lying about in an untidy mass from well over 228 students. Students and classes had no opportunity for immediate input of observation, reference to accumulated data, or the ability to save and transfer information immediately to others.

The solution was to create a student learning network with the Apple Ipad 2. The ipad is a completely portable learning tool, with a camera allows documentation to be taken to a whole different level. Apps such as Garden Plot, Gardening, Seed Planner and Field Notes LT will allows students to take copious notes of their observations, attach the date, time, GPS location and photographs of what is observed. Of the four noted apps, three work without internet connection. This will assist with the students having on site access to application if internet access is not available in areas away from the school. Even more powerful is the access to volumes of primary source documents and data to help in or out of the classroom. Because the student received Acer netbook this year a decision was made to write a grant for the Ipad 2 and use resources already at hand.

My suggestion to use Microsoft products which would begin with utilizing SkyDrive and Outlook create uncertainty for the school Technology Coordinator and the classroom teacher. Since I would not be able to manage the integration of this technology, I elected to model how a student learning network would benefit the program. To provide them with a clear understanding the benefits of creating a student learning network using the Ipad2 and secondary Skydrive and Microsoft Outlook, I explained how we would use the framework of TPACK to integrate technology that focused on the science content and pedagogical practices of this science class.

TP knowledge

The solution I have chosen for my wicked problem is to improve student content understanding by creating a Student Learning Network that will be a sustainable solution for any subject matter. It will allow the students to collaborate, communicate and store information, then organize those collaborations, communications and stored information with teachers, peers and others outside of the classroom environment. By using the aspect of a Student Learning Network present in this wicked problem, a teacher has opportunity to support pedagogical strategies such as fostering inquiring or collaborative learning. When you have large amounts of students researching large amounts of information and using scientific knowledge to identify the most useful or valuable parts, learning is enhance by managing an on line collaborative platform and learning management system.

TC knowledge

This technology will allow students to have access to how science subject are transformed by online collaborative and learning management system. It will provide them with an opportunity to use new methods and tools, plus operational and technical skills related to specific science knowledge. The technologies not only create a base that is inquiry oriented but support real world applications that support research, composition, design, analysis, and as noted communication.

PC knowledge

Educational technology tools such as Outlook, a student information manager, i.e. email and Sky Drive, a cloud-based collaboration platform and learning management system and later the ipad will help students actively engage in the acquisition of scientific knowledge and development of the nature of science and inquiry. The purpose of using technology tools in science is to motivate students to answer their own question and get more into the process of inquiry. Organization and collaboration of knowledge is the key to developing a system that will make those difficult concepts easy to learn. Organization and collaboration will also make prior knowledge readily accessible for sharing in school, on the go, or at home and most importantly it will help students effective use their technological energy and become a guide for the best ways to use technology to learn.

The lesson I learned from this wicked problem project is the importance of having confidence and knowledge of the technology you are trying to integrate. In an environment where technology is used properly a teacher knows how to properly explain and model its use. It is important to work out all the kinks before you present any tool. It is also a good thing to regroup and introduce something new if the technology you have chosen does not work for you. There is an abundance of ways to solve every problem using technology and it is important for the teacher to find one she is comfortable integrating.

At the present time I am not currently in a class. My efforts to assist teachers I know who want to integrate technology into their classroom is only a phone call away. I think it is important to assist others. My observation of this wicked problem is an experience that many teachers are facing. Without proper training, technology integration into the curriculum is solely based on suggestions from current text books or others with experience. Providing an educator with focus opens up doors to explore more technology. As I explored beyond my solution to this wicked problem I find that sites such as Edmodo, Evernote, or Google Groups are sufficient resources and will produce the same result. Having different solutions for a problem presents an opportunity for more technology use.

Professional Learning Plan

 

Michigan State University CEP 812 class helped me realize the benefits of using this database technology. I will continue to explore the use of research databases and periodical during the next school year.  I currently subscribe to an on-line edition of Edutopia and plan to take advantage of articles and multimedia resources on this website.  To increase my knowledge of mobile learning I have researched and plan on joining the Mobile Technology Association of Michigan.  MTAT focuses on the demand for access to information and applications through mobile technologies such as the Apple iPhone and iPad, devices running Google Android, Windows, RIM's Blackberry and other operating systems is surging among consumers and businesses.  I will expand my professional reading by joining Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) whose benefit includes a subscription to the MACUL journal.  

My goal is to gain employment in an area that allows me use the skills I have gained and will continue to gain as I complete my Endorsement in Technology at Michigan State University.   As I volunteer in learning environments, I see the importance of proper introduction of technology to learning.  As a goal during my beginning of this program, I visualized a virtual pre-school program geared at not only integrating technology into the curriculum also teaching the importance of digital student learning network.  With changes to NCLB reform and legislation to expand virtual school, I am focused a Virtual tutoring program  which will mirror Michigan Virtual Charter Academy (MVCA), an online charter school authorized by Grand Valley State University.  To achieve this endeavor I plan to utilize the various webinars, video conferencing and Video, Multimedia and Technical Services provided by Wayne County Resa.  To further assist with this endeavor I will attend an online e-learning offered by Techsmith Corporation, developers of Camtasia Studio software, to learn how to teach and demonstrate visually with Camtasia Studio. The focus of this two day session will be to answer questions with screen recordings explaining how to use software and Web sites, post PowerPoint presentations on the Web, complete with Picture-in-Picture, for virtual learning and demonstrating features of new versions of software, Web sites and other applications.  

The goals I have set for myself will be obtained with self-motivation and determination.  My ultimate goal is one that is a long term effort.  If I am to have success with my Virtual Tutoring Program I want learning to be able to have a direct connection to current subject matter taught within the classroom. This will require keeping up on political trends and funding allocated for education reform.  I will be prepared for the technological aspects of my goal and am hoping the focus of technology integration continues to be on the forefront of political and educational leader’s agendas. In the event I am not able to stay focused on any of the aforementioned goals, I will rely on knowledge I have obtained in this certification program, to utilize my personal learning network and professional learning communities to establish or re-establish any communication I may be lacking. 
 

Team Project: Final

This is our Team Leadership video on the use of iPad apps using 3rd grade students. Collaborating on this project with my team members presented me with an opportunity to see how effective and efficient a group of professionals can be when there is constant communication. The technical aspect of this project has provided me with insight on how to create student collaborative lessons and most importantly, how to use technology to increase awareness of new technologies for professional development. This has been a rewarding experience and I applaud the members of my team, especially Danielle for her diligence in editing the video using iMovie.

Exploration: Mobile Learning

At the present time I am not in a class so my explorations in this lab where limited. Before taking CEP 812, I did have an experience with Poll Everywhere which was a great interaction for a portion of the students who had this experience. The survey consisted of picking qualities of candidates for student leadership. This survey was to be administered to 228 students. This is where we encountered a problem with the free version. The amount of students was over the limited allotted for the free version. In order to conduct this survey, the services would have needed to be upgraded to the school wide plan which has a cost. I believe it would be well worth a school looking into but with the financial state of most districts, it may not be feasible.

One mobile device I find useful is the use of Asus, Oplay mini media player that reads, MiniSD, MicroSD, ( MiniSDHC and MicroSDHC with passive adapters), flash drives and can connect to any High Definition Multimedia Interface, HDMI device. MiniSDHC and Micro SDHC can be removed from your cell phones to display videos, photos or even play music. This is a good substitute for using flip camcorders or digital camera. Many times last years I wanted to use video located on YouTube for instructions. YouTube is a prohibited site in most districts. I was able to use Keepvid to recorded the video to mp4 format and store it on a MicroSD or SDHC card. Without a computer, the Oplay can connect directly to a projector or television for viewing. The challenges I foresee with this mobile technology is receiving the proper training on how to effective use this device. A solution a district could take is to take a look at how to secure sites that are useful for teacher and find a way to make them accessible. The primary reason I purchased this device was to have use of information blocked for sites that my students and I felt was useful.

One of the things I would like to try is using QR codes. For older student who have cell phones this is a great way to provide them with learning using a mobile device. Many of the technologies presented are geared directly at older students so elementary teachers must improvise. I researched using a 2D USB bar code reader which can be purchased for under $35. This will be a great assistance to direct younger students to learning without having the teacher typing in or bookmarking multiple URL’s during a lesson. The challenges I see with this problem would more than likely be cost and availability of the bar code readers. Most school district conduct the business of purchasing technological devices systematically which may not include using Amazon or Ebay.

Part D: Findings and Implications

Presently I am not in a classroom. My Wicked Problem project was derived from what I perceived to be a problem in another teacher’s classroom. The research done to best solve the problem was based on finding a viable solution to integrating technology into a specific project. The project, a sustainable vegetable garden, is a collaborative 8th grade level effort where scientific inquiry is derived through a hands-on way for students to learn about the natural world. The long term solution to this project was to integrate an Apple Ipad2 to collect, store, and interpret data use to plant and manage the garden.

The short term goal was to introduce a student learning network that included Microsoft Outlook and SkyDrive as the driving forces of communication in and out of the classroom. Implementing the long term goal requires funding that was not available this school year. Two grants were submitted; Lowes Toolbox for Education and Home Depot’s Youth Garden Grant Program, to help defray the cost of the Ipads. The short term solution was substituted with Edmodo, a student, teacher interface that is a good substitute for Microsoft Outlook and SkyDrive. The teacher in charge was a little more comfortable with this solution. A teacher should be comfortable with the technologies he/she integrates into learning.

The decision to integrate technology into the sustainable garden project opened doors to including technology into an environment where little to no technology was being used. Establishing a viable connection to learning insides and outside of the class provides the students with an opportunity to arrange data collected in an organized manner which was not present before. It allows them to use familiar technological skills in their learning environment. It validates their choices of how to share information as being important in an educational setting. Finally, it opens doors to more technology use.

If presented with another project with similar characteristics I would elect to approach the solution in a different manner. I see the importance of starting small and working your way to bigger solutions. The first step should be to work with the technology you have to solve your problem before finding a solution which may include waiting for funding. I noticed that most of the students had smartphones and iphones. The solution to a problem does not necessarily have to be a problem solved by school funding or school issued devices. Using mobile phones are a valuable tool and they could serve as a substitute for the Ipad.

The lesson I learned from this wicked problem project is the importance of having confidence and knowledge of the technology you are trying to integrate. In an environment where technology is used properly a teacher knows how to properly explain and model its use. It is important to work out all the kinks before you present any tool. It is also a good thing to regroup and introduce something new if the technology you have chosen does not work for you. There is an abundance of ways to solve every problem using technology and it is important for the teacher to find one she is comfortable integrating.

At the present time I am not currently in a class. My efforts to assist teacher I know who want to integrate technology into their classroom is only a phone call away. I think it is important to assist others. My observation of this wicked problem is an experience that many teachers are facing. Without proper training, technology integration into the curriculum is solely based on suggestions from current text books or others with experience. Providing an educator with focus opens up doors to explore more technology. As I explored beyond my solution to this wicked problem I find that sites such as Edmodo, Evernote, or Google Groups are sufficient resources and will produce the same result. Having different solutions for a problem presents an opportunity for more technology use. I would definitely do this project again and focus on using Google Groups as a primary solution.

Part B:Storyboard and Script

My group chose to use Google presentations for our storyboard. Our presentation is on the integration of Ipad as a technology in the class. We elected to set our presentation up to mirror a school day. Each of the group members selected a subject matter and researched Apps that would be appropriate to introduce to teachers who are novice Ipad users.

My contribution to the storyboard is slides #13-20 which introduce the App Exploriments as a science based application that utilizes a variety of features which stimulate science inquiry. I provide images from the actual App and briefly summarized the different features offered. Each image is numbered in the script and has precise timing on when to transition to the next slide. Since I am not in a classroom, video was provided by Jessica of student actually using the App.

The next part of the project would have each member record their audio contribution to the project. The final stage of compiling each member’s audio will be recorded using iMovie by Danielle. Included with those audio will be instructions of the specific times each image should be displayed with the times of the audio matching. I believe having a script alleviates many problems with timing that goes into this project. The next portion of the project should fall into place because my teammates have been so diligent about this project thus far.

Part C: Implementation