EDLD+5370+Web+Conference+Reflections

== =File has all updated reflections in APA format.= = = **__Week 1 Assignment 1.1 – Web Conference 1/22/12__** = = On January 22, 2012 9PM, the EDLD 5370/5398 Ed Tech Internship web conference kicked off. The total number logged in, 26, was very close to the actual number in the course according to Dr. Mason. When I first logged in to the web site I took a minute to look over the page and first noted the AGENDA set up to the left of the page. I was pleasantly surprised to find that format and quickly read through it and made some notes for myself to help keep things organized during the conference. I wish all the past course web conferences had been as well organized. Dr. Mason logged in a few minutes prior to the allocated time and did an audio check. With no other web cams turned on and microphones muted there were no audio/visual issues throughout this conference. I appreciated that Dr. Mason took each item in the agenda and discussed it then opened it up for questions. Everyone typed their questions instead of “raising their hand”, which allowed us all to see and read along. Dr. Mason was thorough and even others who also had definite answers gave feedback which was extremely helpful. The most important part of week 1 conference was to line out the understanding of the merge between the two courses and to identify that all of the Ed Tech Leader work was loaded to the course as EDLD 5370, but that on our transcript it will state EDLD 5398 Internship. Another aspect that I needed clarity on earlier and got that with a one on one phone call from Dr. Mason; was others in the class also felt like they may not complete their hours on time. She made us all at ease with the explanation of possible extended time option.

**Week 2 Assignment 2.1 Web Conference 1/30/12** This week’s web conference was rather late in the week in my opinion. While I still like the web conference layout of the Agenda and the feedback we get I would have rather had had it Friday or Saturday at the latest. With an assignment due the day after I felt as though I really needed to scramble to be sure and look back over all of my week’s work and then also complete this reflection. This week’s information mostly pertained to the graduates that are doing the Principal certification; which I have decided that now is not the time for me to do that. I am however going to pursue it at a later date once I have determined exactly how big of a leadership role I will take on. I am confident that in my career move just from what I have gathered as an intern I will need that certification, but perhaps not just yet. I am thankful to Dr. Mason and Dr. Abernathy for their guidance and honesty throughout the program and hope to work with them in the future on my next endeavor. I hope week 3 conference is as productive as the others have been even if it is on the afternoon of Super Bowl Sunday!

**Week 3 .1 Web Conference Reflection** This was not a good day for me to join the web conference. No it was not because I was enjoying food and beverage before the big game… I was pretty sick that day from the previous day of either eating something or a bug that tracked me down to reek havick. However, once feeling better on Monday I managed to look over and review the notes from the web conference to see how much good information I missed. Its not quite the same and frankly I am not thrilled I missed this. I was pleased by Dawn’s comments about the paper grading. I have expressed to her how that must be quite a load to grade each week. I am also pleased with the level of professionalism yet personalization you get from both Dawn and Dr. Mason. I am still a little confused about the paper work to submit at the end of the course/extended deadline for my internship documentation; only because my unique situation has given me a couple different schools and mentors to use. So my next e mail this week will be to Dr. Mason to clarify how to get that submitted properly. Without speaking for everyone else, Foe me, I think it’s a level of insecurity when working as a Distance Learner or using the Internet to collaborate about such important documents. I like everyone else will probably ask the same questions and maybe even two times just to make sure it’s done correctly for my sake and sanity. So, please forgive me now Dr. Mason if I do that. I will not miss the next Web conference.

**__Week 4.1 Web Conference Reflection__** The web conference for week 4 occurred on February 13, 2012 at 9PM. The last web conference I joined in on was also a late one, with it being the night before the week ended. To me a weekend conference would not only be more appealing but also a timelier manner for these weekly assignments. Mind you I realize there was not a lot to cover in last night’s web conference however, if there had been viable information for the week’s assignment it could be detrimental to some that work on their home work up to the last minute. I do see the sense in making it later in the evenings, after most children are in bed and most families have had dinner. Therefore, I am indifferent about the timing, just wanted to add an opinion or suggestion for later courses. Overall, I get a great deal of help from each of the web conferences from the professor and IA attending and there is some comfort knowing that I am not the only person in this program that may be struggling at times with certain circumstances as crunch time is upon us. Thank you to all that have been active in helping us to get to this point.