Second Line and Education

http://secondlifegrid.net/slfe/education-use-virtual-world

Virtual Ahapua'a

Meeting with Dave. Peter and Sam to the right and left of me are discussing a grant where we build a virtual ahapua'a. For more information on what a ahapua'a is visit...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahupua'a

For grant information...

http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2009/nsf09553/nsf09553.htm#awd_info

Other info

http://www.sip-hawaii.org/

First Official Virtual Meeting

Had my first virtual meeting in Second Life with one of my committee members and the person who owns the island in Second Life where we both will be teaching a class this summer. Will try to post more information later :)

Two great resources about virtual world identity

http://webidentity.wikidot.com/identity-and-virtual-world-avatars

http://www.mardigrasconference.org/download/IdentityIssues-021909.pptx

Life as a PhD student

Although PhD students are suppose to exhibit an air of professionalism and confidence, I want to open up and say that I am scared out of my wits. I have been through all my course work, and am about ready to start my comps. However, I still question whether I am up to this. I believe other PhD students are experiencing this as well. Yet, it is often not discussed or shared among the academic community.

I hope that I am able to complete my comprehensive exams successfully. I am still worried, but for now, I'll take it as is and not stress about it. God help me!

Second Life education contacts - for myself

Cynthia Calongne, Jeff Hiles, and Nick Noakes

http://www.slideshare.net/lyrlobo

Dissertation Prospectus

My dissertation prospectus is now online. Feel free to give feedback. I would really appreciate it.

http://secondlifedissertation.googlepages.com/dissertationprospectus

Why study educators in 3-D environments?

Studying educators in this environment is like going to another country and studying another culture. Why do we study other cultures? It's not like studying another culture will save the world or cause us to find a cure for cancer (or maybe it could). We study other cultures because other cultures are essentially a reflection of ourselves. Although other cultures may seem different from us in many ways, in essence they are not. By studying other cultures, we are studying ourselves. And since we are studying ourselves, we are contributing to the body of knowledge known as academia.

Notes

What characteristics/traits from educators cause them to participate in/gain (?) intercultural literacy in 3-D virtual environments?

Ch. 3 & 4

Today, I read Chapters 3 and 4 of the book club book. Chapter 3 basically went over whether or not computers should be allowed in preschools. The chapter mainly took a positive approach saying that they should. Chapter 4 went over whether or not teachers are adopting computer technology into secondary education classes and how students were often used to troubleshoot tech problems with the computers.

As for my dissertation, I downloaded some readings on mixed methods from my adviser, Peter Leong and plan to read them tonight or hopefully by the end of this week. Also, (mental note), need to email my advisers again since 2 of them did not get back to me yet because of NCATE accreditation this week.

Did nothing yesterday

Sadly, during my regulated "work" time, I ended up chatting with a friend on Skype instead. Darn you instant messangers!!! Although I did work a little on my instructional hierarchy for the the summer course, and I helped a friend out with her personal statement who is trying to get into grad school. Hopefully today will be much better in regards to getting work done.

"Oversold and Underused" by Larry Cuban

Off the topic of my dissertation, my doctorate cohort has a book club where we read an Ed Tech related book every month and then discuss, usually over some very good food :)

Currently, I am reading Oversold and Underused: Computers in the Classroom by Larry Cuban. So far, I read the intro and Ch.1. I read fast don't I? LOL. Anyway, the first chapter is about the state of California and how as the tech hub of the nation (since it has Silicon Valley) its schools are affected by being in the midst of the nation's center of computer technology. Also, how racial inequality still exists, and how technology seems non-existent in such schools. Very interesting read so far. I'll tell you more once I read more.

Dissertation Prospectus

Well, now I have submitted my dissertation prospectus to my committee members. I plan to post it up here soon. Please check back frequently for more info.