It is only fitting that the worse class I have ever taken  in my academic career should end just as sub-par. I got an A-. I know a lot of people would be satisfied with an A-.  My issue with the final grade is how it must have been selected at random with no true foundation. Nothing in the class was graded, I never got any feedback on anything I did. I was one of the only people to do the work in the discussion boards. If I truly earned an A-, I can live with that. But it sucks to have a grade selected random.

I have come to understand the  “less structured” ways of doctoral studies. This is the second instructor I’ve had that has been pretty free form, but the first instructor had specific assignments for us to do and provided actual feedback and discussion.

I won’t say I walked away with nothing, but I can’t identify what I gained from 15 weeks of suffering.  I haven’t decided what to do. Nothing is the most likely course of action. I could call the instructor out, not sure what that will yield….. We shall see.

I’m really looking forward to my next series of classes. They are all directed study and core to my Community College Leadership Program. I’m hoping to walk away with significant insight. I’m also plotting my last 10 classes. 5 are laid out, The remaining 5 will take some work to plan out. That doesn’t include the intro stats class I plan to take at PCC. I need to sharpen my skillz or the quantitative  research class will  destroy me.

My dissertation study will most likely be a quantitative study, so I need to be on top of things.

American Association of Community Colleges Conference

I left for the conference on April 21st and got back on April 24th. I was back in the classroom on April 25th. Talk about beat. A little jet lag and being on a different time zone didn’t help. The conference was enlightening, motivating and terrifying all in the same breath.

Enlightening – I met a lot of interesting people. I sat through several presentations. The topics included leadership, distance learning, women in Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) fields, and people of color in education. There was so much information. I’m in the process of working on the recap of the trip. I took a lot of notes. I may contact some presenters for more information and track down the original presentations.

Terrifying – There was so information to had, so many people I didn’t talk to. While learning that there will be plenty of opportunities in the future for me to ascend to leadership, I also learned how much I need to accomplish to be ready. I learned how much I don’t know.

And finally…..

Motivating – The motivation aspect comes from figuring out what I need to know and picking a path to come by those skills and abilities. My focus will remain the completion of my EdD. However, beyond that I know I will need to look at leadership training and seminars, both internal and external to PCC. I will need to look for opportunities to lead and manage. Things I have already considered.

It also heightened my awareness of how I can help all students be successful, but also students of color.  My experiences and direction can be a positive influence on others. And it should be shared.

Teaching

Spring term is very quite, very laid back in comparison to Fall and Winter.  April was a very busy month for teaching/admin work & finishing up my class. So needless to say, I’m waaaaaay behind on grading. Made some strides. I knew if I didn’t grade every day, I’d end up behind.

My admin work list is still pretty long, I’m teaching 287M Microsoft Security and there’s a major issue with the book. It’s out of stock and Unavailable. No word on a new edition or reprints. I need to get that book squared away soon.

As a full time instructor I’m also responsible for helping with the dept.’s assessment of classes. For this round I’ll be working with 140M. That takes a fair amount of time and effort.

I’m sure I’m missing something on the teaching side.

Gaming

I’ve kind of returned to WM/Hordes fold. I actually played my Trolls AND WON! So I decided to buy a few Troll goodies to play with. The new stuff is assembled just need to

One assignment/presentation away from putting the Intro Research class behind me. It’s been the longest 15 weeks – EVA! The last assignment is a prospectus and presentation. I have to give the presentation in class. However, that nothing major. The biggest road block is putting the finishing touches on the paper. Converting it to a PowerPoint is a non-issue. I do that all the time. There is a two week break before my next class starts. Looking forward to that. The next class is directed study (one on one with the instructor). Cyn has had this instructor before and has really enjoyed directed study with this instructor. That will be a nice change.  And the topic is Community Colleges, my focus.

Overall, my topic remains distance learning in higher education. My research into the topic has been very interesting. I’ve read several studies which combine tons of other research into a single spot. Helps get a very good grasp on the topic.

Teaching – Spring Term

I must grade every day for at least an hour or it’s gonna get silly fast. Overall the term is off to a great start, online classes are pretty quite & I’m somewhat on top of things. I think most of my students have been in a previous class of mine or a class in a similar format and so they know what to expect.

I am behind on lab proofing, I’ll have to hit it pretty hard next week as I won’t have any doctorate class stuff hanging over my head. Next week is already week 3!

Administrative work

One of the things that comes with teaching full time is administrative work. I have a few admin type things on my plate right now. Writing the course assessment for our CIS140M class. It’s part of the college’s accreditation process. I’m sure I’m missing something…..

American Association of Community College Conference  – AACC

The last thing on the radar for April is The AACC Conference in Orlando, FL. I’ll be attending with a few people from PCC. Mostly administrative types, like the president of PCC. Feeling a bit outclassed. But I’m sure I’ll get over that quick like, I hope!

It’ll be a very nice break from everything and should expose me to community colleges on a national stage.

Gaming

I actually got out for a miniature game! Anima Tactics. I haven’t rolled dice like that in a long time, it was pretty fun. As summer approaches I start thinking more an more about getting game time and what games I’m gonna play. (Just like a kid!)

yep, must be thawed, another post so soon.

So I was looking for text book for CIS 287M, Microsoft Security. It would appear that I’m going to be adding this class to my list of classes I teach. I came across this book: http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Security-Essentials-Darril/dp/111801684X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1331595346&sr=8-1

I thought, awesome. I saw it had some good materials in at a first glance so I passed it along to my dept chair. And he came back with, you know that book is for a certification.

WHAT! No, I didn’t. I’ll have to look at the book in greater detail to see if it’ll work, BUT I hadn’t heard of that Cert before. At first thought it was for a new Microsoft Security product. Nope, it’s a new certification, Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA).

Oh technology, blink and you’ll miss it!

So off I go to: http://www.microsoft.com/learning

And end up here: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mta.aspx#overview

This MTA exam is apparently an entry-level exam. I’ve heard almost nothing about it before coming across the book. But that doesn’t mean anything. I’m not as connected as I once was. I’ll have to do some more investigation before I’m able to pass judgment.

Windows Server 8!

Really! I’d heard the talk about Windows 8 the client version. And I really haven’t taken the time to figure out the deal. But I KNEW it wouldn’t be long before the Server equivalent came out. And it’s on its way.

So the next thing on my reading list (aside from articles on distance learning, and text books on research methods): http://searchwindowsserver.techtarget.com/guides/Windows-Server-8-guide

So where to begin:

I finished another class, comprehensive planning and implementation with an A. The instructor was good, responsive provided decent feedback. She certainly helped in improving my APA style. I like the structure of the online class, the assignment due dates are clearly laid out, you have a clear understanding of what will be required each week (discussion question, two replies, one to two papers). I like structure. I’m still in Intro to Research, not enjoying that class at all! Much less structure, different instructor, we’ll leave it at that. (This is the internet and this is open to the world……) The intro to research class is done in Mid-April.

A major breakthrough was getting all of my core classes worked out. There are 5 core classes for my program in Community College Executive Leadership and I was having a horrible time getting into the classes. They weren’t showing up on the schedule. Lucky they were able to get me directed study (me and an instructor) for all 5 classes. My path is laid out clear until Fall term. However, as I get closer to the end, I see some difficulties with wrapping up and getting all the dominos to line up properly. I’m still on track to be done with course work by summer of 2013.

Teaching has gone alright this term. I know the pace I keep can have a very negative impact on my attention to detail. Attention to detail issues KILL me inside. I hate things that can be avoided by taking a few extra seconds to review. Of my three classes this term, two of them required development. The Web Tech class, 187I required MAJOR development.  But its coming along. It’ll be much better the next time I teach it (I Hope!) Looking forward to Spring Term, I’m teaching two classes I’ve already updated this year. So there’s no development. I can tighten up some various aspects of the course etc.

I can say I’m out of damage control mode. That panicked mode where you are getting things done before the just before the deadline, as in minutes. Being down to one class in my studies helps.

And YES I’m looking forward to summer!

As you might imagine I’ve done almost 0 gaming or anything that hasn’t been school or work (which is STILL school).  I think I’ll hammer out a separate gaming update post.

But now its back to work.

CIS-288M, CIS-187I & CIS-225 are the classes I’m teaching. My teaching and office hours schedule isn’t to bad. One of the joys of teaching at this level is flexibility. If my office hours aren’t working out, I can always change them around like I did last term.

288M & 187I are two classes that I’ve struggled with. I haven’t found the right content & level of depth. The flow isn’t there. I’m hoping this term I hit the mark with both classes. We shall see. I’m looking forward to 225. I’ve taught this class once before and should be more “fun”. The topic of user support allows for more discussion and interaction. Some role playing etc. Probably a guest speaker which I need to arrange…… (one more thing)

Classes I’m taking:  Introduction to Research Methods & Comprehensive Planning & Implementation.

Both classes are off to a decent start. Intro to Research is a blended class so it means trips to Seattle once a month.  I don’t mind the trips so much as it a break from the routine. I’m just hoping the class is worth the effort. I’m a big planner and need structure. A lot of the on campus classes are more….. Free form. I have a hard time adjusting to that.

The planning class is a standard online class. Very structured. I have to sit down and lay out the details of each assignment so I know what’s do when and what it’ll take to complete the assignments. If I have to conduct interviews for an assignment I have to start scheduling them NOW. People are busy, especially the people that I need to interview.

The initial outlook is good. We’ll see how well things are around next week.

There is no doubt that the doctoral endeavor is a one that requires commitment and dedication. There is no illusion to the amount of work that needs to be done throughout the process. The days of taking classes, getting grades and being done are behind me. But one of the biggest realizations for me was the amount of reading that I’d have to do! Reading a few chapters for class is the least of my issues.

I’m reading research that will pertain to my end dissertation. Lots of research & dissertations. My writing 7000 instructor pointed out that a standard dissertation will have at least 100 sources. To get those 100, you’ll need to 7 times that. My jaw dropped. 1 in 7 of the articles, dissertations and studies I read won’t make the cut. 6 items will be useless. WOW!

Realizing how much reading was necessary, I put aside my reading aversion and decided to make it part of the routine. So every day I read for about an hour. I rotate out topics from 5 categories:

Technical – Information Technology or Computer Information Systems related, cert study, etc.

Distance Learning – Topics related to distance learning, since this will be the focus of my dissertation

Community College Leadership -  What is going on with community colleges? What do I need to know to be in a leadership position. (My current aspiration)

Academic – This will be chapters for class, course materials etc.

Leisure – All work and no play……

So today’s topic: http://sloanconsortium.org/publications/survey/class_differences

This report is examines enrollment figures, how organizations see online learning fitting into their future strategy and perceptions on the outcomes face-to-face vs. online. Perceptions of online learning is the foundation for my dissertation so this study should be valuable in that regard.

Lets wrap up fall term & then start talking about winter term.

In the end I was pleased with fall term 2011. It was a long  fast paced 4 months. I felt both of my courses (CIS 287I & CIS 289M) went pretty well. No catastrophes, I kept up on development, grading (with the help of a teacher’s assistant) & my own school work. My end of course evaluations for 289M were pretty good. I managed to forget to post the eval for 287I (silly rabbit!) I got an A in my writing 7000 course. There were a lot of little things in that course, attention to detail issues that costs me points, much like the Higher Education in the United States class. However, the feedback was outstanding, it was feedback not on my writing mechanics but on my writing depth and skills at the doctorial level. My mechanics appear to be dead on aside from the occasional attention to detail issues. In the depth and skill department, I have to improve my ability to turn a critical eye to things. I have to read, analyze what I read and THEN be able to draw conclusions using supported facts and concepts. It will take some work. Overall that, that sums up Fall term.

I learned that organization and planning are the key to survival. I have to develop and maintain and clear understanding of what is due and stay on top of it. Procrastination will not help the situation AT ALL! I need to break all those bad habits, quick. I have to watch out for those details. It really bothers me to loose ground because of attention to detail issues.

There’s no doubt that I’m busy, but there are a few things I have to squeeze into an already jam packed existence. My technical skills are slipping. I teach technology and I have to stay up on the new hotness. When I worked in the technology as my full time job there was incentive to research and look at new things. That incentive was because I had to. Now its considerably harder. I sat in on the classes of new instructors and it made me realize because I’m not active in network administration, I need to put in extra effort to know what is going on. The second thing is keeping up with the industry of community colleges, education and community college leadership. To make the transition to Dean or beyond I’m going to have to expand my knowledge and understanding of the system.

Part of the organization and planning is my daily routine, which includes working out every morning using P90X (I have to take care of the body as well as the mind) is reading every day. I suspect the reading will have to go from 30 minutes to at least an hour real soon if I want to expand my knowledge. I fall I read mostly academic stuff related to my classes. That will change for winter term.  Where to begin is going to be the biggest challenge, but nothing I can’t handle.

So that’s last term, what does winter term hold, more of the same. I’m teaching CIS 187I, CIS 225 & CIS 288M. I had 3 months to get fall term’s courses ready and one of them got cancelled. This time I’ve got 3 weeks and all three courses have enough students to run. So this week I have to hit the ground running. Getting my prep going. 187I & 288M are course I’ve never found my stride with.  I always feel like something is missing or the courses don’t flow. Here’s to hoping that changes this time around. Of my list of courses, 240M was my strongest. With all the part-timers in our dept I don’t teach that much any more. I hit my stride with 289M this term. Here’s to hoping 288M & 187I arrive in the zone this term. 225 is a fun class, not a lot of pressure. Having a solid text book helps with that.

I’m taking two courses in the next Dr Semester. Comprehensive Planning and Implementation & Introduction to Research Methods.

I’ll do a full update when things settle down.

For the EdD semester I have a few assignments left. Of course none of those assignments are easy. A dissertation critique, rounding out an annotated bibliography, writing a prospectus for my own dissertation and PowerPoint presentation for that prospectus. See just a few assignments left.

I started preparing for the annotate bibliography & dissertation critique last week. I found several dissertations that fell into the realm of my research topic. One dissertation covers the exact topic I plan to do my study on. This is the dissertation I will use for my dissertation critique. The topic is distance learning & this study was performed in Texas, while I plan to focus on Oregon community colleges.

The challenge, this dissertation is a 100 pages! I’ve been working on improving my reading, speed, comprehension and frequency. I read just about every day, some leisure, some academic. I’d like to mix in some professional/technical in there. But leisure and academic are already kicking my tail. Once I’ve finished this dissertation I’ll have to write up the critique.

The greatest feedback I’ve gotten so far on my writing skill is technically I am sound proficient writer. I can provide a detailed summary of what I have read. That is OK, in research you have to be able to “synthesize” what your read. You have to analyze and draw conclusions on the reading. You have to dig deeper than what is presented on the surface. THIS is proving more challenging that the reading aspect. Reading more dissertations and research studies should help me improve. It is a skill will have to work hard to develop.

I have signed up for my next two classes:

E7134 – Comprehensive Planning and Implementation

R7001-A – Introduction to Research Methods

They will run from January to April.

Onto the teaching term.

Things have gone rather well this term. I have a TA helping keep things moving along. As always course development is an issue. I can not seem to keep it under control! I have things I want to change, things I want to improve, it’s a never ending battle, which is not a bad thing. There are times where I wouldn’t mind being caught up. Maybe next term will be different – ha!

My students have been pretty good this term. No difficult or challenging students.

I have come to the conclusion that in order to survive the massive undertaking of an Ed.D.  I am going to have to be organized, efficient and effective, among a list of other attributes. But a head of all that comes the big question: “Why Bother?!”

What is my motivation? What is my overall goal?

From my recent readings, the degree is not the end goal, it’s a path and stepping stone.  I just finished reading  – “Notes On the PhD Degree” found here:  http://www.cs.purdue.edu/homes/dec/essay.phd.html

It revisited a lot of things I’d already heard since starting this program, but it’s good to see again.

I got laid off and move into academia. PCC is such a dynamic organization with plenty of opportunity to advance into a leadership role.  I decided having more credentials would be a good thing in my quest for leadership opportunities.

So what are my goals:
• Open doors to executive leadership within the community college system
• Become subject matter expert in distance learning.

A good start I would say.

I have completed 2 classes so far and I am in the middle of my third. I am keeping on.

We are already into November! Thanksgiving – Really!?!?!

The teaching term is over halfway done. As always, I am a bit behind on development.  Looks like I will have far less development in Winter Term which is a good thing considering how busy I am going to be. We get a fairly long winter break this year, and I am not mad!

Grammar and mechanics were alright, a few minor issues.

Organization – Writing is focused & consistent w/ formal tone.  However, you also need to address the larger purpose identified in the title: “individuals are connected to everyone but connecting to no one.”

Writing Style – Writing is clear & complete but lacks depth and complexity.  Give examples or anecdotes.  Longer paragraph development recommended.

I survived it, but I’m gonna have to do better if I want to survive this process.

This week has been an adjustment, Monday and Tuesday started early and ran long. Squeezed in a little school work. But there’s plenty more to be had. Ran into challenges with the assignment I scheduled to work on Wednesday night. I still have some class prep to do before the term officially starts on Monday. So, next week I’m back in the classroom, I have started to develop a structure to help me keep things under control.

It is going to be a challenging first term, without a doubt.