Blood, Sweat and Tears….

What an adventure I have encountered during the Spring 2008 semester in the COMET program at San Diego State University! I can't thank Terri and T. J. enough for working together, collaborating on assignments and our final project. Being able to work on our final project seamlessly from one class to the other afforded us a continuous learning experience with the expertise of two great teachers. I appreciated the continual feedback and that fact that T.J. and Terri took the time to conference with us individually, making sure that we were on track and showing consideration and concern for every member of the class. The continual feedback allowed us to truly work through every step of the "continuous improvement process".

The multiple technology lessons learned in both classes have proved to be so relevant and helpful in my job. PowerPoint, iMovie, blogs and introductions to miscellaneous useful technology tools and tips, not to mention all the incredible Google tools: Google Docs, Google Page Creator, Google Mail and Google Pages! The use of Google docs to share information and to collaborate with others on projects was challenging at time, but a great learning experience.

The opportunity I had to experience those tools has broadened my technology perspective and helped me improve my 21st century learning skills. I have used my newly discovered tools in my job and taught what I have learned to others, sharing in their exuberance as they discover the power of teaching and engagement using technology as a tool to deliver instruction.

The greatest lessons learned took place while working on the performance analysis and training package. Looking though the lens of a designer gave me a completely different perspective on instructional learning packages. My first "Ah-ha" was discovering the importance of audience input and consideration. I have always looked at issues from a narrow perspective, this project helped me changed that view. Matching assessment to our behavior objectives was another "light in the attic". I have discovered that many of my own formative assessments were not well aligned. Although it sounds like a rudimentary process, it is so important in the determination of objective and goal mastery.

And to wrap up a semester of "Wows" having to evaluate the performance analysis packages of our classmates was a true eye opener for me. I was very uncomfortable evaluating the work of others when I wasn't sure that I had done it correctly in my own project, after all, I was not qualified to critique anyone else's work! What I discovered was that during my evaluation of other's projects I saw all the errors and points for improvement in my own project… What a novel idea… letting us discover all our own mistakes and learn from others!

This program is extremely difficult for me, I have to work exceptionally hard every week to keep up with all the work but I have learned so much in the last two semesters it has been worth every drop of BLOOD, SWEAT and TEARS that I have shed!

Thank you Terri and T.J., I look forward to working with you again!