Aloha...hola...hi...ciao

            During our Blackboard session we talked about an upcoming video project. In order to complete the project we will be collaborating with students from Kansai University. Together we will create a short web-based video that shares stories about social media use. At first I was really nervous. I don't like to offend people even when it's an accident. After the presentation during blackboard I felt much better and excited actually. I had two people in my breakout room who actually did this project or a project very similar to this one. So I was able to hear their experience. I was well aware of the time difference because I collaborated with someone who resides in Japan however, his first language was english (I believe). I actually enjoyed meeting at 11pm Hawaii time because my kids were in bed. After reading the articles I definitely feel much better. I think it's just good to be aware. The more knowledgeable I am about working with second langauge learners, the more confortable I feel. 
              The class is progressing well for me. I am very thankful for the calendar because that is my go to place to see what is due. After checking the calendar, I locate the assignment(s) under the weekly topic tab. I don't quite know how I am doing in this class as far as grades, but I do know I have submitted all required assignments. I really like having blackboard collaborate every other week versus everyweek. I find myself more engaged. I have taken a previous course with Dr. Bert which included blogs as well. I know we were required to comment on other people's blog as well. One question I have is do we comment on 3 people's blog posts every week? Or is it done when it is on the calendar? Sorry if this is a silly question. 

Multitasking

 This is what I thought I looked like when multitasking.

             I enjoyed the readings this week. Sometimes in order to save time and get things done quickly I find myself listening to music, writing a paper, and texting. I figure, "hey I am already really busy and there isn't enough time in the day so I might as well do some homework while having some social time. I used to think hey I am so good at multitasking. This week I learned that I can not really multitask. Multitasking means to do more than one thing simultaneously. Now I know that I am not multitasking instead my brain is moving between the different tasks rapidly. I learned that what I have been doing is wasting more time and is not healthy for my brain. I also learned that only a very small amount of people can actually multitask. I am sad to know that I am not really one of those lucky ones. I found it interesting that our brains are only equipped to handle five to nine things at once. If we try and do multiple tasks that do not require similar brain power, we can be almost certain that we won't be able to recall of it. Since I can't strengthen my multitasking skills, it's best that I work on my time management skills.

This is what I really look like...at least in my head. 

What Goes Up Never Comes Completely Down

This week we talked about privacy and digital literacy. I enjoyed collaborating with my group(s) during our Blackboard Collaborate session. We were to discuss important ways to minimize the loss of personal data. A few things that I didn't really think about that I found important are:

• Deleting accounts that I do not use
• Do not save credit card information when shopping online
• Clear history

During our asynchronous time, we had to informally interview 5-8 colleagues. I interviewed colleagues from both jobs. I noticed that many uses Facebook and Instagram. I noticed that my results were similar to the Pew Research results. For example, many used Facebook compared to other social media.  I figured many used social media to keep in contact with family and friends. My assumption was confirmed by the responses of the participants. It also stated that in the Pew Research.

I mainly used Facebook prior to being in the LTEC program. However, through the program I have been able to learn and experience a variety of tools including instagram, twitter, and blogspot. I found that it is fun to commuicate with people in different social media platforms. Although I have multiple social media accounts I am still concerned about privacy issues. Privacy was definitely an important topic to cover.

Getting My Feet A Little Wet

Our first Face to Face class was on August 25, 2014. Synchronous sessions are important for an online program. I like how synchronous sessions allow me to collaborate with my peers as if we were in an actual classroom. Synchronous sessions allow students to ask questions as if they were sitting in an actual classroom. I enjoy getting to know my peers. It's one thing to watch a video and being in the same virtual room as them. It helps to build a relationship with my peers, the T.As and the instructor. 

During our asynchronous session, Dr. Bert went over the objectives for the course and his expectations. This is always key to a smooth course. I am the type of person that needs to know what I will be learning/ doing, what is expected, and when it's due. 

During our first class, Dr. Bert had us introduce ourselves as well. We shared who we were, our locus of control, and what we would like to get out of this class. I like how some of us were teachers and others were not. One thing that made me take Dr. Bert's class was because of the previous experience I had in a previous course I took with him. I learned about so many tools that I did not even know could be incorporated into an online learning environment, let alone even know about in general. The class left me wanting to learn more about the tools that are out there. 

Your Help Is Needed

Welcome to my blog. The purpose of this blog is to document my journey through Dr. Bert's ETEC 642 class. This course is about exploring tools that can be used effectively in an online learning environment. This blog may include thoughts, experiences, and projects through out the course.

Feedback is always appreciated. Even the little things would be helpful. For example, if you see a spelling or grammatical error, please respond to my post. If there was something more you may have wanted out of my blog, please mention it in a reply. If you have any suggestions or ideas that you think I would benefit from, please share. Sharing is caring. I am always interested in trying new things and exploing new tools. For example, if I tried a new tool that I liked or disliked and you know of another tool that is similar to the tool I tried or a tool that may serve its purpose a little better, please don't hesitate and comment on my blog posts.