Week 11 Organized - Repost - Concept Maps

Wow! I just created this Prezi. For this assignment to show teachers the transition from DreamWeaver to Google Sites. Has the ability to draw in your concept map and place images, video, and others along side of text. Way cool!

The one draw back in a Prezi concept map is the idea connections are not a easy to create as they are in bubbl.us. I have also used Webspiration while it was free and I could export my concept maps into a Google Document or Word Doc.



Below is the concept map I created to assist me in organizing what I need to teach our teachers for the Google Sites Professional Development. Click on the image for a full size graphic.

I think I like the Prezi better however, A little less restrictive when it comes to placement of your ideas.

The Reflection Piece: 

Since the tool we are exploring this week is concept maps I retuned to Webspiration to assist me in writing my reflection.  This is a free account I sign up for a couple of years ago. Reading the doucmentation it appears it should be a paid service.  I will keep on using until I have to pay the bill.

Update on the free time Ends April 4th (Wife's Birthday). Only on the front page Webspiration Website.   I wonder what is going to happen to my concept maps?  I am thinking Birthday present!

Again I have to start my reflection with the major theme of how we can leverage technology to change how we go about creating educational experiences. The past 3 weeks readings all focus on how the Instructional Designer is a key player in the development of teaching and learning activities. Last week's reading show us that lasting change needs to come from an Ecological or systemic form and the piecemeal approach will never really gain any footing for a lasting change. This weeks reading discussion of the role of how  Instructional Designer at the University level has influenced the learning experience at the  post secondary level. Looking at the integration of technology and learning experiences offered at the post secondary level,  I believe this is a direction we need to be headed in the secondary schools



The Western School District is currently in the process of putting together a bond issue and there has been a lot of discussion about a 1 to 1 computer plan.  The group I am associated with is made up of educators that are very excited about computers and technology in education. We have convinced our leaders the importance of gaining the support of the “non techies”. This past week the administrators have meet with Floyd Braid an external facilitator. His first suggestion is exactly what Reisner suggest in table 21.2 (p. 212) assess and enhance our readiness for a systematic change. Technology infusion that does not have the support of all stakeholders will not be successful.

This past week I was able to attend the MACUL. In the K-12 community I feel teachers by defination assume all of the roles described in the business and university application of Instruction Design. The only difference is our roles are not as clearly defined. I could easily be the teachers that presented at MACUL did so not to advance or hold on to their faculty positions but to share what their positive experience with educational technology with hopes of inspiring others. Presentation is also a means for MACUL conference fee paid for too. 


Using the university model where faculty are expectation to share their expertise in the construction of student learning experience may be a model that can be adapted to the  K12 environment. Giving knowledge instructors on staff time to work together to build better learning experiences that further enhance the reputation of the school.