This page contains information
and links to various aspects of my iMET experience.
The first section is a diary of my thoughts at various times throughout
the project. The second section, contains links to various "mini
assignments" we had during our time in iMET, and the last section is a
link to some selected posts I have put up on the Phorum throughout our
course work.
September 17, 2000 The iMET adventure began for me at the same time as everyone else, but with a little less conviction than some others in the group. Some of our cohort members, like Jerry, had been working with the professors at Sac State for quite some time before the class actually came to be. I entered into the world of iMET with a minimal background in computers, looking to earn my Master's degree in the quickest way possible. What I found in the group of people I have met, including our professors, is a group of intelligent, enlightened, supportive professionals who are committed to making the use of technology universal in education, as well as, useful for students and teachers. We have become a very cohesive group. We are filled with laughter in each face to face meeting and the ribbing continues in our on-line sessions. When entering this program I never expected to learn so much, enjoy so much, and feel as rewarded as I do now, approximately one half of the way through our pioneering, iMET program...
As the pressures mount in the world, it is interesting to note the feelings and stresses that one goes through while trying to advance an education and a career. In the last few months, the grind of teaching, coaching and learning have taken their toll on even the most exuberant of people. I find myself frequently tired and playing a constant game of catch-up in order to try to stay on top of all the expectations in my life. Although the group I work with is still enlightening and fun, I think that many of us, especially me, have come to the realization that this is truly work no matter how fun it seems. I have still learned more than I ever would have, had I not taken this Master's Degree; however, just because we are not driving to California State University, Sacramento each week does not make the task any less daunting. As we are at the 2/3 mark of our adventure the trail is rough and the waters are choppy: if we can make it through this tough time we will see the fruitful prize at the end of the run...
As the stress mounts for us to finish our final 6 months in the iMET program, we begin our quest to research all of the things we have been working on so far, and the items that we are currently working on. A trip to the library is necessary and there will be frequent trips during the next 4 to 6 months I am certain. We have a F2F this weekend which I will not be attending because my Grandmother passed away today. A truly sad occurrence in my life, but also a blessing because she will now rest in an easier place, joining her lifetime love, my Grandfather...February 19, 2001 I am feeling some sense of accomplishment, for in the last 2 days I have made some good progress on all of the projects I am currently working on for the iMET program. I finished a lesson I have been working on for CTAP. This is the lesson that I am going to do action research on, so it will be a large part of my iMET portfolio. I have also spent much time trying to get my portfolio organized so that I can plug in the pieces as I finish them. I need to move on to finish (start) my WebQuest which is due in a few weeks...FitQuest will be quite a project...April 5, 2001 We are getting closer and closer to the end of our adventure. The work has been plenty, with plenty more to do; however, the fruits of the labor will be well worth the time. I am excited to be near the end of our program, not because it will be over, but because I have learned so much about how to use technology more effectively and I am inspired to use it more and more in my curriculum. I am beginning to realize that this is not just another step on the salary schedule but a fulfilling part of my educational and professional life...May 8, 2001 We just had our last F2F this past weekend. We are down to the final work in the course: finishing Action Research and completing the Portfolio. Two tasks that are going to be quite time consuming... As I look back on my time in the program I realize how much growth I have made from the beginning of this adventure. Not only have I grown in the way that I use technology, but also in the way I teach. I have made good friends during the iMET time and I know that we will all have a network of extended colleagues once our adventure is officially over. We walk for graduation on May 25, 2001 but we will not complete all of our course work and projects until the end of July. What a busy time the next few months will be, but a tremendously rewarding experience will be remembered and evidenced by all. Well back to the grind...June 1, 2001 Well, we walked in our ceremony 1 week ago today. It was a great feeling yet the stress still lurks because we have one class to complete along with finishing our portfolios and AR. I would like to have all of my stuff done by the end of this month so I can submit it for review and get it back in plenty of time to get the changes made and the final project back in. It will be a long month but I can't wait until July 31st when my portfolio gets accepted for completion of my Master's Degree...July 11, 2001 We are 4 days from the turn in date on our portfolios and I still have quite a bit to put together. Looks like some long evenings coming up. So much work has been accomplished - I hope that the rewards are handsome. I've got to push myself for 4 more days. I think I can, I think I can, I know I can, I know I can, I have to...
Well it seems that the ride is almost over. After several days of furious work, it seems that my iMET portfolio stands ready for revision. I hope that the work I have done has some value in the eyes of the powers that be. I sit here today a changed man due to the process, the people, and the challenge. Thank you for a fulfilling life experience I will never forget.
I can't believe it's over. My final revisions are complete, the web site done, and all I have left to do is put this on CD for the archives. What a refreshing and rewarding time. It feels so incredibly good to have this all over, but at the same time I feel sad that the time with my cohorts, mentors, and friends in this program is over. I will miss the laughter, the challenging and engaging atmosphere, and mostly the camaraderie. Mini Assignments...
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