Emotions for now, because I'm so exited about today's blog experiment I'm at a 2. We will see how it goes by the end of today I may end up a 1 or a big sad 5!
My Question: What happens to our TIC class when a blog is incorporated into the meeting process?
( I plan to get a bit more detailed in my question. For now that's the gist of it.)
Since last meeting and the meeting before, I've been reminding TIC folks about the blog through email and word of mouth. I have asked all participants to complete a survey letting me know if they used the blog and if they feel they have access to the blog. What I discovered is that most have complete access but most do not use the blog. From the circumstances of today's meeting I developed the idea of blog buddies and actually assigning the use of the blog for today's meeting. I am expecting great success! I will compare this to the first meeting we had back in November that was completely blog based. I will then survey everyone again asking for some comparison ratings November meeting to Feb. meeting. I'm thinking the blog buddy system will be the key to success. I will follow up with watching to see if folks continue to use the blog, continuing with the blog buddies, without it being an assignment that takes the place of a class. With this year's TIC, I've noticed that each step of my process I am figuring out as I go! At least I'm starting to collect data and I am set on a focus! FINALLY!!!
What I need from the group: Can you give me any ideas for what to do as I continue this blog exploration? Just now, I got another idea! The way we post what we need from our group may impact what response we get and how much help we get...like my post, it's vague, lacks focus because I'm not really sure what I need.But, I read Liz's post and what she needs from her blog buddies is direct. I'm excited because every post typed in the blog is my data. I can access this stuff any time and analyze in many different ways. Unlike our face-to-face meetings when once we've said our thinking, it's no longer accessible, unless I've videoed class.
Thanks for your help! Can't wait to hear from you.
Holly
Last time we used the blog I was not as excited. But today, I feel better about it. Maybe it's because I have a sick baby and this allows me to be home with him. :) I think the blog is a great addition to TIC. The mix of both face to face and blog are important I think.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Lisa about being more excited about this time around. I am thinking it is because there is a specific assignment and need. We also have buddies to look for so it is not so overwhelming.
ReplyDeleteLisa Freeman
I agree with the group. This is a better assignment. I knew what I needed to have ready and who I am supposed to be talking to. It gets overwhelming when we have to respond to 10 people and keep checking back. I like that we decided on a time to be online and talking getting it done all at once.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the group above as well, and for the stated reasons-this was a more manageable assignment. I'm responding now while it's still fresh.
ReplyDeleteThis was a LOT of fun for me. Bouncing back and forth between my post and my three buddies' posts was great on a highly caffienated weekend morning. My emotion survey went down only because I'm daunted (though excited) about what I have to do next-help teach my students to think!?!
One minor note-I think a lot of people, not just in my buddy group, reversed your emotions rubric, and said a high number when they meant a low number (and vice-versa). I saw a few people who did things like "4-I'm feeling great!" when they meant a "2".
This was overall very effective-good work!
If I could get my act together, the blog would be an amazing addition to our discussions. I can't remember who my buddies are or what time we were supposed to be blogging. Wait, it's coming back to me - Holly, Lisa Freeman, and...???
ReplyDeleteMy emotions - about to succumb to abandonment of the project. I realize I do this to myself, but I am paralyzed by too many variables, thoughts etc. Aaron gave me great advice last TIC when he said to simplify, but I am having a hard time with that.
ReplyDeleteOh, my question: What happens when I use different strategies to teach the same grammar concept to high school english students?
I think that is the first time I have actually articulated my question. Perhaps that could be the problem? I'm overwhelmed with the scope of grammar and haven't figured out how to narrow it down. But, even as I'm writing, I'm thinking maybe I should just focus on commonly confused words such as then, than. Okay, now I'm renewing my committment to reflecting in writing - journaling. It helps me sort out my thoughts. Already, I'm feeling like I can do this and I haven't done anything except blog.
Okay,
ReplyDeleteI just realized that I posted my main blog as a response to Holly. Sorry. Anyway Holly, I think you are absolutely right about the way we write about our project dictates the kinds of responses we receive - both on the blog and face-to-face. I noticed that since I haven't been journaling, my blog was mostly a journal reflection that cleared up my thinking, but I didn't get to the point of figuring out what I needed from the group so it was more just throwing my thoughts out there more for myself than anyone. Had I been journaling, I would likely have been past the point of simply clarifying my thoughts and settling myself down and probably could have articulated some sort of organized blog - here's where I'm at, here's where I think I need to go next, here's how you can help me.