Another week in the books, but what a chapter its been.
This week was highlighted with both personal and a professional excitement.
On a personal note, this past Friday was spent driving to Graham, NC to see my sister, niece, and brother-in-law, as well as to attend a great concert. (A little back story.) Brandy has always been a huge U2 fan, and honestly I enjoy their music too. A few years ago we saw them in Pittsburgh and had a great time. We've also gone to Pittsburgh to see a U2 tribute band called 2U. 2U is owned (or at least operated) by a guy named Joseph Cumia...he is the brother of a Serius/XM "shock-jock" named Anthony Cumia from the Opie and Anthony Show. The band is touted to be the "Best U2 Tribute Band In the World" and has a contract to follow the band across the east coast performing at small venues near the U2 show. Back in March I found out that U2 would be playing in Raleigh and purchased tickets. In the past month I also found out that 2U was planning an Irish Pub called Napper Tandys. Suddenly I realized that this trip was going to be an opportunity to see both the REAL band and the TRIBUTE! Then, about a week before the trip I found out that Muse, a band I really like, was going to be opening for U2.
I could go on for hours regarding the pre-concert festivities with 2U at Napper Tandys and then the actual show (both Muse and U2 were phenomenal). The stage for U2 made the show both an auditory and a visual experience. Needless to say, I'd strongly recommend seeing U2.
At the same (ok, not EXACTLY the same time...but close...don't be so picky), I've experienced some great excitement in my profession. A portion of both of my IT courses are requiring the development of an instructional program or program using technology. I originally intended my project(s) to revolve around the development of an online approved clinical instructor (ACI) training or workshop. In researching the topic I found that very few programs use an online format, but did find a YouTube clip from Fresno State. I contacted the individual from the video via email and he replied with a few suggestions along with some contact information of others who have experience using an online medium. I contacted this individual and stayed in contact with the first. Through my correspondences I've found that a site for the repository of materials and resources is necessary. This caused me to ask the individuals if they were interested in a collaboration to develop an online program for use by multiple programs. Before I knew it, I had developed a wiki and embedded video, files, discussions, and links to show the possibilities available to learners involved with a forum such as a wiki.
I'm excited to say that thus far, a few days into it, the other "collaborators" seem responsive and eager to learn about wikis and developing a forum for conversation between professionals from locations throughout the country. It may seem strange to hear that I am surprised about this, however, coming from a small college and not having experience publishing or even working extensively with peers who do not work at institutions similar to my own I was surprised at how responsive the others have been. I guess I've never given much credit to myself or my contributions (or potential contributions) in my field. But now I am seeing a bigger picture, I can see that the project that I once thought about building for my own institution has the potential to be developed for many institutions. There is also the potential to complete a case study of the collaboration and possibly publish or present results.
How exciting!?
No comments:
Post a Comment