Session 6

I work here at the college as a Technical Support Coordinator so I can vouch for our school when I say that a lack of technology is not really a salient issue (at least within the College of Education). The main issue that I see here is that most instructors really don’t have the time to invest in learning new technologies to implement or integrate into their instruction. Those that are more savvy when it comes to technology tend to make time to learn new tools and methods, however I feel that for those that aren’t as savvy; the learning curve is too steep for them to dedicate a substantial amount of time in attempting to learn new tricks.

It may be the case that the “lack of time” claim is just a proxy for the lack of ability, interest or willingness to learn new technology, but this is not always the case. There are many instructors here that carry a lot of additional responsibilities besides teaching. For these individuals who have the willingness, but not the time, I feel that once they are exposed to tools that have proven success in the educational arena, they will eventually adopt them as well.

I would address this barrier by gradually introducing various proven technologies that could potentially improve, enhance and or simplify processes that faculty are accustomed to conducting manually. I would start small with trainings, professional development workshops and email tutorials. My target audience would be those who aren’t technologically savvy so I would keep the initial trainings as simple as possible with the highest residual value ie. Folders and filters to organize emails or converting word documents and handouts to PDF’s. I would create small tutorials that walk through the processes step-by-step and list the potential uses and benefits of each technology. Anything to warm them up to the idea would be a step in the right direction.

Session 6 Activity Log

Project 1:
Continued testing software and applying them towards daily workflow. Documented the amount of time that processes take with and without this technology implementation.

Project 2:
Began scripting the dialogue for podcasts.

Project 3:
Refined project outline and continued to research avenues to introduce project into the educational system. Acquired actual technology needed to implement project.

Session 5

I use a technology called Wiretap to capture streaming audio on the Internet or from any source that plays through my Mac computer. Prior to discovering this technology, I had been searching for an alternative solution to digitizing audio. Being in the music industry, I am constantly collecting and building upon my sample library. I use to search and download sound files if I was lucky enough to find a source for the particular sound that I was searching for. If there was no downloadable source then I could either import files from a CD or capture the audio by running it out of my computer, into an audio interface and then back into my computer. This involved cumbersome hardware and wasn’t efficient at all unless I was planning on dedicating a few hours strictly to capturing audio.

Now I am able to pull up Wiretap at any time with one hotkey command prompt and begin recording instantly. If I hear a theme song that I want to capture from an old TV show, record an online lecture with multiple participants, save rare music directly from YouTube or iTunes radio or just record personal notes without having to open up a special audio editing program; I can do it. The program is extremely user friendly so there is really no learning curve at all. You just press record and stop on the transport control and then save the resulting file. From here you can open the audio within the same application for basic editing or export it to another location on your computer.

A friend of mine in the music business first told me about an application called Soundtap that had similar capabilities. I tried this program for PC and was satisfied with it, but preferred to work on an Apple platform so I began searching for a comparable program for my MacBook. Of all of the options that I found, Wiretap offered the most functionality for the least amount of money ($30).

Wiretap is a specialized program for a specific purpose so most people wouldn’t have an immediate need for it, but it is definitely a great tool to have if you are involved in online instruction. It would allow you to capture audio from multiple sources and then host it in one centralized location for your students. You would just have to be sure to site your sources as with any other type of media due to copyright laws. You could also easily record your podcasts and online discussions and archive them within your CMS. Now that I have this ability, I laugh when I think back to the days when I would sample from vinyl records via a usb turntable or line-in from a cassette tape recording.

Session 5 Activity Log

Project1:
Began implementing software applications into my daily workflow. Documented the amount of time that processes take with and without this technology implementation.

Project 2:
Located potential sources of literature to create dialogue for instructional podcasts.

Project 3:
Researched the technological resources needed to complete the proposed project along with an estimated budget needed to acquire these resources.

Session 4 Activity Log

Project 1:
Researched various tools and software applications/features that could optimize workflow in areas identified in session 3.

Project 2:
Acquired a majority of the resources needed to produce professional grade podcasts including the following:
Shure SM7B Vocal Microphone, Pro-Tools 9 Digital Audio Workstation, Focusrite Liquid Saffire 56 audio interface/mixer, Firewire 400 to 800 cable to connect audio interface to MacBook Pro laptop. This is all equipment that I can use for my production company as well.

Project 3:
Researched statistical data such as proficiency scores of local schools and average statewide proficiency scores. Identified educational leaders in the community where the project could be implemented.

Session 4

I would definitely classify myself as an innovator. Due to the nature of my professions, I use technology for nearly every project. I have my own production company, which provides the following services: Graphic design, web-design, photography, videography, audio recording/engineering and multimedia production. I also work for the college developing online training, websites and as a technical support coordinator. Needless to say, I must stay on top of the latest technology available to provide my clients with the best possible product in the least amount of time. With all of the services and software functionality available to businesses these days that enable users with limited experience to do things like create their own websites or edit and print their own photos from home, I must stay on the cutting edge of technology to diversify myself from the rest and stay marketable.

I have always been one to research new software, get involved in the testing stages and of course be the first to use the software. I often find myself reading instruction manuals and completing online tutorials to ensure that I am using the software to it’s fullest potential. After all, If I’m going to spend a significant amount of time and money on a program I want to be using it the way it was intended to be used at a professional level. On such instance is when I was looking for a program that could time stretch audio without effecting the pitch or shift the pitch without affecting the timing, I came across an application developed in Germany called Melodyne. The program cost was in excess of $800 American dollars so before I made the purchase I wanted to make sure that it had the functionality I was looking for. I further researched the program online and downloaded to demo version to test its capability. After discovering that the program can analyze complex melodies and separate each sound that makes up the melody so that you can manipulate them individually, I was sold. To this day there is no other program with this ability. Now when I’m working with a potential client in the recording studio, I make it a point to demonstrate this program’s power and more often then not the clients are blown away. This raises my company’s production value and gives me an edge on my competitors. Technology is making it easier and easier for common user’s to create professional grade products, but at the same time, professional grade software is always evolving to enable professionals to step their production up to the next level and stay current and in demand.

Session 3 Activity Log

Finalized project proposals.

Project 1:
Identified areas where technology could improve workflow.

Project 2:
Identified and researched the resources needed to produce podcasts.

Project 3:
Drafted up a rough outline of the proposed project.

Project 1

Nathaniel Wildes

Workflow Optimization Project

Project focus: Using Technology

Project Description:
I will identify areas within my routine workday that could benefit from the implementation of technology. Once identified, I will research tools available that could increase the efficiency of these common processes and optimize my daily workflow. I plan to target tasks that I perform regularly that are time consuming and repetitive in nature. I will then experiment with technology that could automate or streamline the process.

I chose this project because it would be of great benefit to me in all aspects of my daily life. I currently work to former full-time positions with part-time hours for the college so the responsibilities and workload remain the same, however the time allotted to complete the tasks has been cut in half. On top of this, I have a self-owned business and am servicing more clients now than ever before, a family to provide and support including two children under the age of 4 and I have just returned to school to complete my masters’ degree.

At the conclusion of this project, I expect that I will discover tools/resources that I would have wished I had utilized much sooner. As a Technical Support Coordinator and Web Master for the college, I use technology for nearly everything that I do. Even so, I feel that there are areas in my workflow that can be improved to increase my personal effectiveness. I will estimate the time saved per task as well as the effectiveness of each tool implemented.

Project Artifacts:

• List of the tasks and or areas in which workflow could be improved
• Chart displaying the estimated amount of time savings per task with new technology implemented
• Documentation detailing the overall effectiveness of each technology utilized
• A list of links to further information on each of the tools used in the project


Project Timeline:
Start Date- 10/4/11
Milestone 1- Identify tasks/areas within daily workflow that could use improvement
Milestone 2- Identify potential tools that could save time and or increase the effectiveness of these tasks
Milestone 3- Implement tools and record the estimated time savings and effectiveness
Finish Date- 11/29/11

Project 2

Nathaniel Wildes

Technology for Educators Podcasts

Project focus: Communicating about effective technology use

Project Description:
I will develop a series of podcasts with the purpose of introducing powerful tools in technology that online educators can utilize to increase the effectiveness of their instruction. I will focus on tools that were designed with online educators in mind. Within the podcasts, I will detail the features and benefits of each tool and it’s effective use as a persuasive argument intended on selling the product’s use in online instruction.

I feel that this project’s significance lies in creating awareness as to the type of technology that is available to innovative educators. I believe that in many cases, online educators become complacent with their courses once structured online and see no real need to make major revisions or additions to their course content or delivery methods. In this project, I hope to inspire online educators in this category to take the initiative to try something new for the purpose of enhancing the quality of their courses and stimulating student interest in the content being presented.

Upon completing this project, I expect that I will have discovered tools that I can use to better support the departments and professors that I work with. I hope to gain a better understanding of the resources available to online educators and the ever-expanding capabilities and features of these technologies. I also expect that I will become proficient in the entire process of developing and distributing podcasts.


Project Artifacts:

• Scripts that I will use as the dialogue for the recorded podcasts as well as the alternate transcribed version for hearing impaired users
• Original recordings before editing, equalization or compression is applied
• Finalized recorded podcast files in mp3 format

Project Timeline:
Start Date- 10/4/11
Milestone 1- Obtain the tools needed to produce the podcasts
Milestone 2- Identify and research the tools that will serve as the topic for each podcast
Milestone 3- Develop the script that will serve as the dialogue for each podcast
Milestone 4- Record audio
Mile stone 4- Edit and finalize podcast audio
Finish Date- 12/1/11

Project 3

Nathaniel Wildes

Community Service Learning Using Ed. Podcasts

Project focus: Supporting Technology

Project Description:
I will draft up a grant proposal for an Educational Podcast project, which will address the drop out rates and below average proficiency scores in the San Bernardino school district. This proposal will speak to these proficiency scores and outline the goals that the inherent program will attempt to achieve. At the core of the proposed project is a series of best practices Podcasts that will be developed using our resources at CSUSB and then be distributed to educational leaders within the region.

The purpose of this project is to provide professional development tools to those that are in a disposition to utilize this type of technology as an educational tool and refine their educational approach to better support their students’ needs. As a result, we hope that these educators will become more confident in their roles and in turn their improved instruction will lead to an increase in their students’ academic achievement. The proposal will include an executive summary, a timeline, a list of goals, the means of measuring the project’s effectiveness and an itemized budget.

I chose this project because I work part time with the Literacy Center on campus and we know that we could have a huge impact if we could only make the type of instruction and resources that we have available accessible to those who need it most. I think that if this project were ever to materialize, we could become a primary resource center for this type of professional development within the San Bernardino school district. Nonetheless, developing a proposal like this is great practical experience and will familiarize me with the process, preparing me for potential funding opportunities in the future.

Project Artifacts:

• Executive summary
• List of goals
• Project timeline
• Itemized budget
• Program evaluation plan
• Completed grant proposal

Project Timeline:
Start Date- 10/4/11
Milestone 1- Draw up an outline identifying resources and all parties involved in the proposed project
Milestone 2- Identify and research the tools/resources that will be necessary to complete the proposed project as well as the cost
Milestone 3- Create an executive summary
Milestone 4- Create a timeline describing in detail the goals and intentions of the proposed project
Mile stone 4- Create a program evaluation plan
Finish Date- 12/1/11

Session 3

I apologize for the late post!I thought I had caught up and just realized yesterday that I was still a week behind. Below is my response to the Session 3 podcast.

I think that there could be some form of generic hierarchical scale developed to represent the level of technological implementation in our classrooms. However with such diversity and varying degrees of socioeconomic status, computer literacy rates etc. it would be near impossible to devise a hierarchy that accurately represented the entire educational system in America as it is today and account for all of these variables. So to answer the question: Can technology integration in American classrooms adequately or correctly be expressed as a hierarchy? Yes and no. Yes there could be a scale that accurately represents technology integration in classrooms in America as a whole, but that’s not to say that you could take this scale and hold it up to any school district in America and be confident that it would be representative of their circumstances.

If I were to create a generic scale to depict the average levels of technology integration in American classrooms, it would be similar to Dr. Newberry’s example. There would be a few changes in the bottom two tiers since it has been 10 years and technology in the classroom is more affluent now. Given how technology plays an integral role even in the most fundamental of tasks, I would assume that in classrooms where technology is nonexistent, it would be largely due to a lack of funding or lack of technical skill sets possessed by the schools teachers and or administrators. That being said, there may be a need to add a level to the hierarchy that represents this lack of technology due to socioeconomics or lack of technological know how amongst the school leaders. On the other side of the conversation, a school may have plenty of funding and still have teachers that aren’t technically savvy so technology isn’t employed or visa versa i.e. an instructor that holds discussions rich in technology and asks his or her students to use critical thinking and problem solving based on technology. So in this instance, would the absence of technology in the classroom disqualify it from being categorized as a classroom where technology is integrated into the instruction? In other words, does the mere physical presence of technology really constitute as integration into the classroom? I think that Dr. Newberry’s model does a good job of addressing these questions. If I were to develop a scale, it would be something similar to the post below.

Technology Integration Hierarchy

Session 2

This week’s discussion on management versus leadership was very enlightening. I immediately began classifying my coworkers and peers based on these two categories. There are those who just facilitate and there are those who innovate. From my experience, the leaders are those individuals whom aren’t satisfied with mediocrity. They usually think outside of the box and strive to make a name for themselves and their organizations. It seems to me that the key ingredient separating the two is passion. In most cases, great leaders are very passionate about what they do.

Throughout my professional career I’ve encountered many great leaders and managers. I’ve worked alongside individuals who had extraordinary work ethics and were great at what they did, but didn’t seem to love what they did. They viewed work as a routine and perfected their trades, yet never strived to further advance their careers or organizations. I’ve also worked with individuals who questioned everything and constantly challenged themselves to improve processes and procedures. The funny thing is that some of these leaders wouldn’t make good managers and visa versa. Leaders’ willingness to take risks and their unorthodox way of thinking could jeopardize a company’s stability.

I once worked for an individual whom I would classify as a decent manager. They seemed to be happy as long as the company was running and there was no shortage of clientele. They acted as if they were passionate about the business, but I believe that this was in large part an act to keep the workers motivated and potential clients interested. They would propose ways to improve business and would create a buzz, but never followed through with any of the propositions. We did at one time make a large technological purchase in attempt to increase our corporation’s effectiveness, but this was not a wise decision in my opinion because we didn’t have the staff or type of clientele to support and utilize the technology. My supervisor was not technologically savvy and was easily persuaded into making purchases by different vendors. They had the resources and knowledge to make our business very successful, but there was no drive to follow through with proposed plans because I feel that they were not genuinely passionate about the business.

Activity report:

This week I began researching my projects and the resources that I will need to complete them. I have most of the tools that I will need to complete my tasks. I will be further researching software options for my first project and will begin familiarizing myself with the functionality of these programs. I will also be meeting with the Director of the Center that I work for to discuss the details in my 2nd and 3rd projects. I will finalize my project plans and post them in full detail prior to the end of this 3rd week.

Session 1

I anticipate that the different focuses on approaches in education in this course will enable us to gain a full understanding of the effective uses of technology from multiple perspectives. This appeals to me because I am often tasked to develop online resources that not only encourage the use of technology, but also hopefully serve as educational motivation. Looking at the three focuses will reinforce the importance of making learning with technology an intuitive process and maximize our effectiveness as instructional designers.

I intend on completing all three projects this quarter. I work as a Technical Coordinator in the Literacy Center here on campus, so I will try to develop projects that increase the Center’s marketability as well as my personal development. For the first project I plan on researching software and tools available that I can utilize to increase efficiency and workflow and streamline routine processes. I will then calculate the time savings and overall effectiveness of these tools. For the second project I will develop 3 podcasts describing best practices for tutoring children who are struggling with literacy. For the technology infrastructure plan, I will draw up a program for implementing a series of podcasts demonstrating best tutoring practices and strategies for improving the literacy skills in children grades K-12. These podcasts will be distributed to local schools and will be accessible to all of our Center’s community partners. I will provide an executive summary, technical details, development plan, required budget, project benefits/liabilities and proposed means of evaluating the program’s effectiveness.