Advanced Applications of Instructional Technology

Summer 2015!  It has officially begun as the last day of school for staff was yesterday!

For me, this summer includes my last 2 graduate courses as I complete my 2nd Masters degree.  As a Johns Hopkins University student, I am working on Seminar in Teacher Leadership and Advanced Applications of Instructional Technology (AAIT).  For the latter, I am tasked with completing a program experience outside of the AAIT structure.  My choice is CLMOOC 2015.

CLMOOC = Connected Learning Massive Open Online Collaboration

CLMOOC “is a collaborative, knowledge-building and sharing experience open to anyone interested in making, playing, and learning together about the educational framework known as Connected Learning. CLMOOC provides educators of all types with an opportunity to play with new tools, make projects and friends, and share projects and reflections with colleagues across the country and around the world.”

I am challenged in the undertaking of creating a school Makerspace for the upcoming school year. This includes the design of the space, engaging staff and students with the materials, and ensuring that the activities are effectively integrated throughout the curriculum.  The CLMOOC experience will provide the opportunity to interact and learn with others facing the same challenges.  Additionally, I will have the opportunity to learn from experts in the field.

• I am very interested in the Maker mindset and engaging students with these projects.  This is not something I am directly studying in my graduate classes and I welcome the opportunity to pursue the topic.
• A Makerspace can utilize constructivism, project-based learning, collaborative learning, and inquiry-based learning as part of the pedagogical process.  The CLMOOC is based on a collaborative approach with a reflective stance for those taking the course.  It will provide opportunities to what pedagogies are most effective within a Makerspace environment.
• The CLMOOC is based on 6 weeks of “Make Cycles” which are units of different study topics.  These cycles are technology based, providing opportunities to learn/sharpen technology skills in a collaborative environment.
• I am the Chair of a Technology Committee that is helping with our Makerspace construction.  Some of the members will be taking the CLMOOC with me.  This will provide new opportunities for me to expand my technology leadership skills as we work through the course together with the Makerspace as a common goal.

Follow my CLMOOC adventures as I post regular updates here on this blog.