Final Project Design, Plannning, and Development

Mindy and I are working on a Final Project which is a teacher training for starting a wiki space as a repository for departments and classes. Below is an overview by Mindy Chiang for the project idea.

Here is the link if you'd like a look at the wonderful template Mindy has created, and I've uploaded, embedded, and organized my content knowledge.

http://carlmont.pbworks.com/Chemistry-Sample



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Wiki Space Template is Designed and Produced by Mindy Chiang
For Carlmont High School

Purpose:

• Recognizing that both the teachers and the students have much to contribute beyond the classroom, we set out to create a simple to use and near-maintenance-free template on PBWorks site for teachers at Carlmont.
• To supplement our current system, Communicado, which serves mostly as a one-directional "bulletin board" where the teachers post assignments and grades information. There is no collaboration function available.
• To offer a place where the teachers organize and share their materials with the students, colleagues, parents, and administrators.

Goal:

• To create a near-universal template which allows collaborative and interactive learning to our teachers and students.
  • Click here to see our design of the template.
• To create a sharing environment for all subjects.

Structure:

• Each teacher will have a PBWorks site of his/her own.
• Each subject the teacher teaches will have one folder.
• Each page will be of one lesson.
• There will be a link from Communicado to the teacher's PBWorks site.
• Sample teacher PBWorks site
• Sample teacher Communicado site

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Wiki Space Template is Designed and Produced by Mindy Chiang
For Carlmont High School

The design for each lesson page is divided into three parts:

Part 1: Textbook material

This is to guide students to the parts of the textbook that they should pay special attention to or are useful in the students' study of the subject.

Part 2: Teacher-created material

Teachers can share their created (or found) supporting materials here for students to view. This can be slideshows, images, podcasts, and videos.

Part 3: Colalboration/Student Contribution

Students can shine in this area by contributing and sharing their learning with their teachers and classmates. This can also be an area for questions and answers.

My Google Apps Presentation

Here is my Google Apps Presentation using Google Presenter

Week 13 - Wrapping up the Semester

I've been working day and night. Finishing all the projects, assignments, and working my full time job is stressful. Although, I know at the end of the program it will all be worth it. I liked how our classes have such lively discussions about many topics. I respect every one's input and experiences. It is nice to see so many different perspectives from a wide variety of people. Everyone giving constructive feedback that is welcome and helps us all to delve deeper into our own projects, ideas, and thinking processes.

The projects presented this week were well done, and insightful. It was nice to see that class members really developed projects that spoke to them and their audiences. It seems everyone in class is developing something to help others. Clearly, we as a "Community of Practice" are more concerned about the world around us, than in personal gain. It is refreshing to learn, work, and collaborate with everyone in class. :-)

Week 12 - More on Interface Design

This week was presentations on interface design. I think the key concern is accessibility where a user must feel the following.

1. Form - Is it appealing when viewing?
2.Comfort - It feels nice for me to use.
2. Insight into functionality - How does it work?
3. Access - What I can do.
4. Efficiency - Time Saver

Although these are not always the intention, it is taken into consideration when designing interface. This is my own personal belief, and what I got out of tonight's class. We often see things that may work for use, but can be completely foreign to other individuals. So another important aspect is "customization." Is the design somewhat customizable, not customizable, or fully customizable. The various levels of personalization really speak to a user or may turn them off completely. Lets discuss! :-)

Week 11 - Interface Design

This week was presentations. Here is the presentation that Alex, Tracy and I produced for

"Where is ITEC?"

Tracy and Alex are great to work with in my group. Each individual brings a unique set of skills and perspective. I think the project turned out so much better as a group than as individual because of the constant feedback. They were both constructive, pleasant, and highly skilled. In my profession some of my coworkers can be very difficult. Even though people may be highly trained and knowledgeable, they may not be approachable or open to collaboration. I'm glad to say Tracy and Alex are exceptional team members and very open to ideas. Their collaboration is highly valued and greatly appreciated.

Week 10 - Project Management and Design

I'm not familiar with formal project management, since I've never worked on a large project with a strict structure. School teacher here, and we usually do collaboration sessions, where we have one facilitator and everyone has sign off rights when development curriculum and designing materials.

So I was very interested in hearing more from our guest speaker. Project management becomes ever more difficult when managing more people, personalities, and budgets. It was very clear that not everyone is able to project manage effectively. Juggling so many personalities within a group with varying ability is at some point going to run into conflict. there were many good tips and discussions concerning the approach to projects and their need for team members to feel valid, give insight, and providing support with feedback. I think those are essential components in an effective project manager. I would have liked to hear more about budgeting, since I'm not the greatest at budgeting for projects of any sort.

Week 9 - Web 2.0 Exhibition

If there wasn't enough information out there already. Now we have all these incredible new apps. I'm a bite nervous and excited all at the same time. I'm just learning about these new apps on web 2.0 and here comes a new mountain of apps ready to be deployed. I feel that I haven't mastered the current apps and new ones have already been development. It is allot for an individual to take in all at once, but the feeling is more about excitement than anxiety.

I like the fact that many companies have decided to create apps that are not on a local machine. The apps are mostly all accessible on-line. just previewing some of the apps, it is clear that usability and accessibility in design , form, and function have been taken into consideration of some of the new web 2.0 apps.

My concern lies in the learning curve and who the audience is catered to. These conferences/expo seem to tailored to innovators, and risk takers. The language is completely different, since they speak in technical terms and often need to ask for clarification. Makes for a steep learning curve if ever you were to fully learn any one of the new apps. Still, people are excited, patient, and there is a willingness to cooperate, collaborate, and make more accessible to the masses. Great!