EDLD 5352 Week 5: Web Conference Reflection

I was able to connect to the live web conference hosted by Dr. Jenkins on August 7, 2013. The discussion focused on the beneficial aspects of Problem-based Learning and Web 2.0 technology in the classroom. One key point of discussion, introduced by Vicky Penny, was that teachers must be retrained to make the experience effective for them and the students. Most participants agreed that veteran teacher were leery of relinquishing face-to-face control of instructional presentation. It was also mentioned that technology in the classroom does open up the scary aspects of ethical used of the Internet. With numerous students using multiple devices instructors must be vigilant in monitoring proper use. I was intrigued by Manor ISD Alternative High School that has a curriculum that is totally Project-based. The school is located just outside of the Texas state capital of Austin. They have pushed the technological envelope and implemented a mixture of web-centered and student-lead lessons that has resulted in a 98% graduation rate. The web conference overall was better than past sessions. I had been locked out of past sessions and continuously lost connectivity on others. Dr. Jenkins demonstrated his professionalism by hosted the conference while attending the National Council of Professors of Educational Administration (NCPEA). Some others in his position may have opted to postpone or cancel the session.