WEEKLY+READER+2014


 * 12/7/2013 **
 * 3:24 p.m. **

You must be proud of yourself! I am!! You've made it to the final assignment. That's not to say that this is the time to lower your personal expectations of yourself and your work product--in fact, it is the time to muster your inner strength, in spite of your being tired and ready to be done for the semester, and rally to do an exceptional job. Always finish strong! That's what teachers do--that's what we are!

As [|Og Mandino] shares with us "Every memorable act in the history of the world is a triumph of enthusiasm. Nothing great was ever achieved without it because it gives any challenge or any occupation, no mater how frightening or difficult, a new meaning. Without enthusiasm you are doomed to a life of mediocrity but with it you can accomplish miracles."

You will find this week's lesson at: http://ksumobiledevices.wikispaces.com/Final+Reflection

When You Are Done:

1. Send me an email letting me know your webpage/document is complete. You do not need to share it with me in Google, just complete the wiki page.

2. Check the grade book to ensure I didn't miss something.

3. Go spend 20 minutes of quiet alone time.

Do this last task for one reason--you deserve it!


 * 11/29//2013 **
 * 8:00 p.m. **

Wow, it seems like it's been a long time since we touched base! Hoping this week found you resting and enjoying a well-deserved break along with friends, family and a big turkey!

This week's lesson focuses on a passion of mine: the global nature of mobile devices and their importance in education.

You can find this week's lesson at: http://ksumobiledevices.wikispaces.com/Global+Education

When You Are Done:

1. Send me an email letting me know your webpage/document is complete and you have shared it with me in Google.

2. Check the grade book to ensure I didn't miss something (although obviously I haven't graded your Web2.0 assignment).

3. Go spend 20 minutes of quiet alone time.

Do this last task for one reason--to gain a sense of perspective (something we all need).

So go take a break!

Time for a quick story? It's a great one for the end of the semester. Even though you may have heard it, it is certainly worth another read.




 * 11/7/2014 **
 * 11:29 p.m. **

I know this is early, but the weekend looks to be a busy one and so it seems appropriate to share early. Happy Veteran's Day (almost) to everyone. This is my dad. I recently lost him and it has left a huge hole in my soul. One of the things I am most proud of my dad (and that he was so proud of) was for his service to our country. He joined the war effort (with a signature from his parents) and got into World War II at the very end. He always said he "fought the big one in Arizona" as he just finished boot camp and flight school when peace was declared. I hope he knows I'm thinking about him today (and every day).



This week's lesson focuses on one of the most powerful and exciting changes that the digital age has brought to education and CERTAINLY to mobile devices: Web2.0.

You can find this week's lesson at: http://ksumobiledevices.wikispaces.com/Web2.0


 * NOTE: This week's lesson is a TWO-WEEK LESSON. It is NOT due until November 22th. At that time, you will have Thanksgiving break. I DO NOT give work during that time (hence the reason it's called a BREAK). **

When You Are Done: 1. Relax! 2. Check the grade book to ensure I didn't miss something (wait for Monday night, please) 3. Go spend 20 minutes of quiet alone time. Do this last task for one reason--learning is a powerful task, but it can be as frustrating and tiring as it is exciting and invigorating. And learning to shift your teaching practice will change the way students learn--not the content, but the WAY they learn. WOW! As Albert Einstein shares with us: "Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school."

So go take a break!

Time for a ? This one is amazing!


 * 11/1/2013 **
 * 6:48 p.m. **

Happy November to everyone! Hoping this is finding you well and looking forward to a much deserved break in a few weeks. Sorry I fell a bit behind in grading--I'll get caught up by noon on Sunday (tomorrow).

You can find this week's lesson at: http://ksumobiledevices.wikispaces.com/ipad

When You Are Done: 1. Send me the link to your Google Doc (and give me "comment rights"). 2. Check the grade book to ensure I didn't miss something (wait for Monday night, please) 3. Go spend 20 minutes of quiet alone time. Do this last task for one reason--designing curriculum is exhausting, frustrating, rewarding and invigorating. And, as Judy Yero shares with us: "Of course schools should be accountable- but accountable for what?... I would like to see schools accountable for developing students who have a love of learning - who are continually growing in wisdom and in their ability to function effectively( and happily) in the world." So go take a break!

Time for a quick story? []


 * 10/26/2014 **
 * 9:58 a.m. **

You can find this week's lesson at:

http://ksumobiledevices.wikispaces.com/Chromebooks

When You Are Done: 1. Make sure your other team mates are going to complete their section of your team chart on time. 2. Check the grade book to ensure I didn't miss something (wait for Monday night, please) 3. Go spend 20 minutes of quiet alone time. Do this last task for one reason--as Phil Jackson (American retired professional basketball coach, former player, and widely considered one of the greatest coaches in the history of the National Basketball Association) shares:

"The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team." And that work requires a special kind of effort--one that certainly deserves a break. So go take one!

Time for a quick story?


 * 10/19/2014 **
 * 1:06 p.m. **

Sorry my posting is a bit late. We spent a late evening at our annual Halloween celebration at Anderson Farms But unlike in the past when our 9-year old was happy with mining for minerals and face painting, this year we went in the evening to visit the Zombie gravefields. Hmmmm...

Next Saturday, I'll spent the day teaching at a district-wide professional development session my district offers to our teachers 3 times a year called the Digital Educator Academy. This Fall session schedule looks like this, if you're interested in seeing it.

With such a busy week, I'm glad to offer to you one of my favorite topics: YouTube!

You can find this week's lesson at: http://ksumobiledevices.wikispaces.com/YouTube

When You Are Done:

1. Go to this page, click "edit" at the top of the page, and add the YouTube LINK to your video and the links to your top 5 absolutely most favorite YouTube videos (I don't care WHAT the topic is!).

2. Make sure you check out other people's products and make a comment in the "comment column" including your name.

3. Check the grade book to ensure I didn't miss something (wait for Monday night, please)

4. Go spend 20 minutes of quiet alone time.

Do this last task for one reason--sharing with others is a risk. And taking risks require "down time". So go take a well-deserved break!

Time for a quick story? This one is 20 minutes long, but stories of failure are what make success so empowering! Enjoy--

[]


 * 10/11/14 **
 * 4:45 p.m. **

Wishing a wonderful Autumn afternoon to each of you!

This week's lesson is ready at: http://ksumobiledevices.wikispaces.com/Google

The focus of this week's lesson is to THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX! Whether we are dealing with 4th graders or a board of directors, teaching requires creativity! Let's see what you can do!

When You Are Done: 1. Send me a google link to your job aid. 2. Check the grade book to ensure I didn't miss something (wait for Monday night, please) 3. Go spend 20 minutes of quiet alone time. Do this last task for one reason--creativity is something that can exist in some people "naturally", but it can also be developed. And part of that development process is to take some self-reflection time to consider where you are in the development process--this is a good time to do that!

Time for a quick story? The chaos that often defines my days (or is that daze?) sometimes finds me a bit short on patience and quick with judgement. This story never fails to center me.




 * 10/4/13 **
 * 1:14 p.m. **

Hi everyone!

This week's assignment is ready at: http://ksumobiledevices.wikispaces.com/digital+images

Most of the time you spend on this week's work will be done mentally!

When You Are Done:

1. Send me an email letting me know your webpage/document is complete and you have shared it with me in Google.

2. Check the grade book to ensure I didn't miss something (although I'll be grading tomorrow, not today).

3. Go spend 20 minutes of quiet alone time. Do this last task for one reason--to gain a sense of perspective (something we all need). And here's an audio reminder!

So go!

Time for a quick story?


 * 9/27 7:11 p.m. **

Happy 9th birthday to the sunshine of my world--my grandson, Isaiah!

And on this happy occasion, we welcome a new journey--Writing on Mobile Devices.

As usual, read carefully, think critically, and act with a combined passion of the head and heart.

When You Are Done:

1. Complete your documentary and either: --embed the code on this page or --just send me an email letting me know your Animoto video is done.

2. Check the grade book to ensure I didn't miss something (although I certainly don't have the cell phone assignment done as not everyone has turned it in yet--should be done by Monday night)

3. Go spend 20 minutes of quiet alone time. Do this last task for one reason--you are overdue for a visit to your happy place!

So go!

Time for a quick story? I appreciate not everyone is a teacher, but this seems appropriate for all of us.


 * 9/21/13 **

Can you belief it? Week 5 is already upon us. I haven't begun my evaluation of your work from last week (and my gradebook is ridiculously behind, but I'm looking forward to correcting that this afternoon), and I'm looking forward to learning about ebooks and social media.

This week, we're going to take a look at cell phones in the learning environment. But we also take a look at lesson planning in the framework of designing a unit of instruction.

When You Are Done:

1. Complete your chart with detailed descriptions.

2. You will have checked the grade book to ensure I didn't miss something

3. Go spend 20 minutes of quiet alone time.

Do this last task for one reason--reduce stress. Did you know...

1. The relaxation response can influence the expression of stress-related genes.2. Meditation may be able to change your brain function, a rewiring of sorts.3. Chronic stress may make the brain and body age faster

So go!

Time for a quick story?


 * 9/14/13 **

Happy Sunday to everyone! I'm extending a soggy greeting to all from my beloved state, remembering one year ago when terrible floods enveloped the state (for which we are still rebuilding! (Click here for a slide show on the damage!)

This week is a WILDCARD week. That means that you get to CHOOSE between one of two topics. This week, your choice is between ebooks and social media. You are encouraged to open both looks and peruse through the pages, then make your selection.


 * When you are done: **

For ebooks 1. Upload your script and your applied attributes 2. You will have checked the grade book to ensure I didn't miss something 3. Go spend 10 minutes of quiet alone time giving yourself accolades. Do this last task for one reason--education is a journey, not an event. And by completing this week of school, you need to celebrate you're progress on this amazing adventure. So go!

For social media: 1. Complete your chart with detailed descriptions and applications. 2. You will have checked the grade book to ensure I didn't miss something 3. Go spend 10 minutes of quiet alone time giving yourself accolades. Do this last task for one reason--education is a journey, not an event. And by completing this week of school, you need to celebrate you're progress on this amazing adventure. So go!

Do you have time for a story? I love this one!


 * 9/7/13 **

Thanks to everyone for posting such great infograms. I gain a lot of information from infograms, but I also see the author's perspective (you can see bias in infograms depending on what information the author shares AND (as importantly) information they leave out. I also think that the images and graphics chosen have a huge impact on what the viewer focuses on and the emphasis on certain information.

I went to a conference this summer and participated in a session in which they were offering tools to make infograms. Although I haven't done much with it, the few I have made required a great deal of research, organization, and creativity. A great assignment, but not as easy as I first thought it would be.

With that done, I hope you have your scripts and music selected by now for your podcasts. I HIGHLY encourage you to stick with the steps I offered you, don't become a perfectionist with your recording!

When you are done, you can post it to our Google+ circle. Remember, the members emails are listed here:

This assignment is due in ONE week (next Sunday, September 14)
 * **Wendy Barnes** || __qodeath@gmail.com__ ||
 * **Paul Duroni** || pduroni@gmail.com ||
 * **Mark Eliner** || markjillellner@gmail.com ||
 * **Melissa Miller** || miller.4081@gmail.com ||
 * **Carmen Wilson** || rj2ej4ever@gmail.com ||

My sincerest hope is that you are not just now starting this project. If you are, you are one week behind so make haste with your work.


 * When you are done: **

1. You will have posted your 2 podcasts with your name on Google+ page.

2. You will have checked the grade book to ensure I didn't miss something.

3. Go spend 10 minutes of quiet alone time giving yourself accolades.

Do this last task for several reasons: first, it is well deserved. You need to be proud of yourself that you have completed a very empowering task, one that will hold you in good stead. WOW! Secondly, as teachers, you work so intently on developing our teaching skills that sometimes we forget to just celebrate our own success as a learner. So go!

Do you have time for a story? I love this !

This is one of my favorite mobile tools--the mp3 player. Audio files are so empowering for learners and I manage hundreds of projects that utilize audio files.
 * 8/31/13 **

You should have a fantastic time with this assignment. Most students share with me that this is among their top three favorite assignments of the semester.


 * NOTE: this is a two-part assignment. **

So, here we go: Start here (with a mini lesson) http://ksumobiledevices.wikispaces.com/Devices Then upload your file to: http://ksumobiledevices.wikispaces.com/Infogram
 * This assignment is due in ONE week (next Sunday, September 7) **

Then go here: http://ksumobiledevices.wikispaces.com/mp3
 * This assignment is due in TWO weeks (September 14) **

Don't forget to send me an email when you have finished your two podcasts. Remember, this one is due 9/14! But don't make a very bad decision and think that I am giving you a "free week". I don't and you can't afford one. I'm giving you two weeks because it takes that time to produce a high quality project. And I will evaluate you based on the fact that you DO have two weeks.

Along with a great tool to work with, I am also including a fabulous teaching story! As usual, it really isn't limited to teachers, but to educational practice! Hoping you enjoy the video teacher-story-of-the-week. []

Welcome to class! I'm assuming you have listened to my initial podcast (found on the link "About This Course") and have a good feel for this course. This is where you will come each Friday to get your assignment. I try to post by 6:00 p.m. each Friday, but occasionally I get delayed--I will send an email message sharing with you that the week's assignment is ready.
 * 8/24/13 **

Please don't work ahead--I ALWAYS change the wiki (because that's what you do as an instructor--adjust your teaching to meet the needs of your students) and I would not want you to begin an assignment that I significantly change. For now, I'm not making pages available. Let's see how this goes.

Your tasks, this week (due by next Sunday):


 * 1) The “About This Course” has a bit to read, a podcast to listen to, and some videos to watch. These are NOT optional.
 * 2) Visit the “Course Information” page. Read the Course Syllabus. Then visit the Course Overview. Then spend some time with the Course Assignments link.
 * 3) Create a Google account if you do not already have one. Then access your Google+ (you actually have one once you have a google account) and create a "KSU Mobile Learning" circle. If you aren't sure how to do this, see the videos on the "Orientation" link.
 * 4) Email me (mcgregor.candace@gmail.com) with your gmail account. You can create a new google account if you want to keep your former one separate from this class, but you have to share a gmail account with me (as we are going to be using Google+). Additionally, I will use it for my online gradebook. Include with your gmail address a super brief introduction of yourself (anything you would like to share with me).
 * 5) Create a KSU Mobile Learning circle in your Google+ account, add me (Candace McGregor). In a few days, you will receive from me the list of people in this class who you will THEN add to that circle.
 * 6) Once I have received your gmail address via my email (mcgregor.candace@gmail.com), you will receive an email from [|www.Engrade.com]. DON’T DELETE IT!!!! Follow the link in the email, choose your own username/password combination and you will have access the gradebook. Super simple, super important, super free!
 * 7) Post your "Expectations" stem sentences on this Padlet
 * 8) Complete the 2nd section of this week (m-Learning).
 * 9) Send me any questions or comments you have.

1. Send me an email with the requested information. 2. You will have reviewed the website and the gradebook. 3. You will have a Google+ account with a KSU Mobile Devices circle set up (awaiting the names of your classmates to add to the circle) 4. You will have posted a brief introduction of yourself on Padlet and read others posting (it would be super friendly to make a comment or two). 5. You will have completed the m-learning section under Week One. 6. Go spend 10 minutes of quiet alone time giving yourself accolades. Do this last task for several reasons: first, it is well deserved. You need to be proud of yourself that you have started a new semester of school, you are moving forward with your life. And the direction you are moving is toward a dream you have. WOW! Secondly, as teachers, we often receive very few external accolades. Yes, we get a monthly paycheck; yes, we get a great retirement plan; yes, there are full benefits (albeit, they are a bit expensive). And once in awhile (and I mean in a very long while), one might receive a thank you note from a student long ago graduated. But the daily successes (and failures) must be evaluated, critiqued and stand as learning blocks. And it is only through personal courage that we can, and must, pat ourselves on the back for our successes and bear the burden (and responsibility to change) of our failures. So go!
 * When you are done: **

BTW, I always share a favorite teacher-story-of-the-week. You're not obligated to read them, but I've collected quite a fabulous collection over the years and hope you enjoy them also. Here's my first: