Wicked Problem Project

Here is my Wicked Problem Project.

Professional Learning Plan

My Professional Learning Plan:



To grow as a professional I realize I need to gain some new skills. I would like to improve in my ability to manage and track student information. My goal is to have students submit some of their assignments online. It would also be nice to have assignments available online so myself or my students can access them from home at any time.

I would also like to expand my personal learning network. I envision doing this through message boards and professional organizations like MACUL and ISTE. I have already learned so much working with other professional and hope to continue to branch out in the future.

Keeping informed on the latest information on technology and education is very important. I am just beginning and now in the future I will have to stay current on the latest technology. RSS feeds are a great way to keep on top of the latest news, blog posts and other online articles.

I am looking forward to taking what I learned so far through the MAET program at MSU and applying it to my teaching. I already have a good idea of how to use Web 2.0 tools to engage students in meaningful, creative ways. I enjoy using online videos, Webquests and social networking sites to have students buy into their learning.

Between now and next summer I would like to have an entire semester of learning totally accessible online. This would include information, assessments and additional resources. Just as it is important to create a "classroom feel" in your class, it is just as important to create that feeling online. Having all my lessons online would also make it easier for students to get makeup work and to track their learning.

This is obviously just a beginning. I am excited as to what is ahead in the future.

Group Presentation on ToonDoo

My CEP 812 group project was on an online cartoon maker called ToonDoo. It is a great program that gets students excited about learning. ToonDoo is the alternative to memorization and repetition. Instead of boring and often ineffective lessons, students get creative control and use higher-level thinking skills. They take what they learn in class and apply it in visual form.

ToonDoo is free and easy to use. Not convinced? Watch our video below:



My group chose to use ToonDoo because of the cost, ease of use and educational value. Students have fun when they get a say in their learning. This tool gives them a "buy in" and allows for creative expression. Not everybody learns the same way. This program lets students express their knowledge in a way that is as fun and unique as they are.

I learned a lot while creating this final product. The first thing I obviously learned is how to use ToonDoo. I started out not knowing what ToonDoo is and by the end I now feel comfortable teaching a lesson with ToonDoo. It is one of those programs that is easy to use but packed with features. The only limit is your own creativity.

I also learned more about Camtasia and how to produce quality videos. Even though we did not use it, I made the first draft of our presentation. I have used Camtasia once but did not really get into the more advanced features until this time. I also learned about the difficulty of sharing very large files (100mb+).

There are a few things I would do differently. First of all, I would be more involved. I missed the first group meeting and since that point I was struggling to contribute what I felt was my fair share. Thankfully I worked with three excellent ladies who took charge and did great work. I contributed when I could, meeting a few times, sharing my opinions, and creating a rough draft. Overall I am very happy with the final product and feel good about working with such talented educators.