EDU120: Common Myths and Misunderstandings

EDU120: Technology in EducationCommon Myths and Misunderstandings

Myth/Misunderstanding #1

All of the work can be done in class.


All of the work can be done in class.

Most of the “work” is done outside of class including digital communication via discussion forums, blogs, and other web 2.0 apps. Also there are assignments and projects to be completed outside of class. Class time is used to get a jump start on artifacts of learning, share ideas, troubleshoot, and problem solve.


Step by step instructions will be provided for all assignments

and projects.


Step by step instructions will be provided for all assignments

and projects.It would be impossible for me to provide step-by-step instructions for each project and assignment because there are many different ways to accomplish the same task AND so many different apps we’ll be using. That would be like telling someone there is only one way to get dressed, travel to North Carolina or teach a class. There are obvious starting points and best practice suggestions which will be identified. Beyond that it’s vital to be able to use technology to find answers. In addition, it’s essential we collaborate to help each other reach milestones. You will know the destination (rubric) before you set out. There are many paths to reach it. That sure makes it a lot less boring and a lot more fun!


There’s too much dead time in class.


There’s too much dead time in class.

I hate dead time and plan purposefully hoping to optimize instructional time. However, sometimes the best planned lessons don’t go as expected due to technology gliches, the learning needs of others, and other unexpected events. In the event of “dead” time, take the initiative to help someone who may be having difficulty, troubleshoot the problem we’re experiencing or learn more about the topic in which we are engaged. There is no such thing as “dead time” when you’re sitting in front of an Internet connected computer. (and this doesn’t mean updating your Facebook status)


The class is too hard.


The class is too hard.It’s not nearly as hard as it will be planning differentiated lessons everyday, creating authentic assessments and grading them, tending to the academic, emotional, social and sometimes spiritual needs of your students and colleagues. I acknowledge that my expectations are high. Education majors have but one 2 credit hour course to be introduced, apply and begin to master principles and applications of education technology.

Similar to ELA and mathematics, technology is a subject that transcends one’s life and the classroom. Whether you’re a physician, lawyer, mechanic, researcher, deputy sheriff, child advocate or salesman, technology will influence your life. If EDU120 appears difficult, there’s a reason – it’s important. Remember, I am here for you to make it easier, not more difficult.


Prof. Gardner will adjust projects suited to fit my needs.


Prof. Gardner will adjust projects suited to fit my needs.

Projects may be adjusted to suit your needs, but you need to do the adjusting! I do not know the ins and outs of every profession and how and why an ed tech class would be helpful. Please bring me your ideas for adapting assignments and/or projects in order to make them useful and meaningful to you. I’m all ears, willing and excited to hear about them.


I doubt I will get anything out of this class.


I doubt I will get anything out of this class.

“You get out of it what you put into it.” Nuff said.


There’s too much busy work in discussion forums and blogging.


There’s too much busy work in discussion forums and blogging.

I do not believe in busy work. If a task appears to be busy work, please ask yourself first: “Have I read the assignment and reviewed the rubric thoroughly.” Next ask yourself, “Am I beginning the task with the right attitude?” - an attitude that either understands that you may be enlightened or have the opportunity to enlighten others?

Finally if you cannot determine the purpose or value in an assignment or project, ask me. There shouldn’t be any tricks or secrets in our class. Maybe it needs to be tweeked. I am here to learn from you, too.


I have too many usernames and passwords already.


I have too many usernames and passwords already.

Having several usernames and passwords can be confusing, however, in this class, more will be created. This is unavoidable since that is the direction ed tech is moving. As cloud computing and Web 2.0 apps take hold and gain in popularity, creating new usernames and passwords is inevitable. At last count I had over 80 different platforms which required a username and password. Write them down if you must (not ones like bank accounts, etc.) Try to duplicate them as much as possible for low stakes environments. (not email, financial or MU academics)


Night class.


Night class.

Yes, bummer. A night class. Believe me I’m spent at the end of the day too. As difficult as it is to sit in class, how would you like to teach for 2.5 hours? I do my best to mix it up using whole group instruction, hands on, peer assessment, self assessment, video clips, podcasts, student presentations, writing, brainstorming, formative assessments, etc. Still, it is a night class.

I get up at 4:00 am every day, check email accounts, Facebook, Google Reader, Google News and pray. After my run, I try to hit up Mass and then begin my day. By 8:00 pm I’m spent. I totally feel your pain and fatigue.


There is not enough time to complete assignments and

projects.


There is not enough time to complete assignments and

projects.Post secondary education is as much about learning adult life skills such as time management, information processing, preparation, and communication skills as it is learning about your content (well almost as much.) Here are some tips to help you complete assignments on time.1. Ensure you thoroughly understand the assignment and review the rubric

before you start.2. Utilize the resources available (provided on Canvas, classmates, Google, me).3. Begin work on the day it is assigned and work steadily toward your goal of

completion.4. If you feel like you’re getting in trouble, get help immediately.


The pace is too fast.


The pace is too fast.

Yes the pace is fast. Please slow me down if you have a question or I’m unclear. I’m passionate about education and only have 1 semester to prepare you. I convey a sense of urgency because I really care about education and about you. Plus I really love what I do (in case you can’t tell.)


Prof. Gardner doesn’t care.


Prof. Gardner doesn’t care.I care enough to:• challenge you and hold you to high expectations• thoroughly review your work and provide feedback• communicate my own deficiencies in hopes you’ll learn from them• speak on your behalf or write you a quality letter of recommendation (should

you ever need one)• stay on top of my game by continuing to read, attend conferences, dialog with

teachers, observe classrooms and do whatever it takes to perfect both the art AND science of teaching• think about you every single day (and many times a day) lifting you up in prayer

if needed for any special intention or challenge you may have shared with me• sacrifice time with my family, my friends or personal time in order to help you

prepare to be the best professional you can be.

Key to Dispelling Myths and Alleviating Misunderstandings

Communicate

Key to Dispelling Myths and Alleviating Misunderstandings

Communicate

Be an advocate for your learning. As teachers we want to create independent, confident, capable students. Teachers are not always at their students’ side. Students move on and that’s why I believe we need to teach students how to be advocates for their learning and try instill in them a desire to learn and to continue to ask profound questions that lead to meaningful answers.

This class is no different – be an advocate for your learning. Remember, you get out of it what you put into it. Make it count.