Day 5 - July 17 - One week!!

One word to describe the week - OMG! Although this in not one word, but my first week here been an experience I will not forget....so many definitions to learn, theories, scholar articles to read, writing, writing, writing...oh yeah did I say I had to write! The weekend is coming up and it will be hot!!!

Bob

Day 5 - July 16, 2009 - Research Propose Statement

The purpose of my research is to analyze existing post-secondary school program structures, identify their educational barriers and what went well with respect to vocational trades and applied technology education.

My research question will focus on how higher education leadership and technology can bridge the gap between vocational trades and applied technology education.

Day 2 – July 14, 2009

I woke up eager to start the day and had a hot breakfast. Dr. Peggy Patterson introduced us to the IT distance education help support people (Sean and Isadora). The morning was an introduction Blackboard (medium used for online course delivery). We tested out Illuminate software.


Again, in the afternoon Dr. Michele Jacobsen facilitated the class on Educational Technology. The afternoon was focused on Philosophy, Research, and Education. We also talked about educational trends wiki, nd we ponder on the word “Knowledge”. The second part of the afternoon Dr. Gail Kopp talked about Second Life used for Virtual Patients. Such amazing topic and potential!!

The evening will be all about readings, looking for literature review articles, updating my blog, and correspond on the blackboard.

Day 1 – First day of classes on Campus (July 13, 2009)

Today was my first day of classes. WOW – so many brilliant students in my class! I guess I will have to call them my new family for the next 4 years. The wealth of knowledge was among the students and the faculty is amazing. I am privilege and fortunate to be part of this group.

Doctorate orientation begins with a continental breakfast and introductions. There were hands full of students in my class who have completed their masters at Royal Roads University. Everyone shared some typed of anxiety or uncertainty – which made me felt good.

Dr. Peggy Patterson facilitates the course in the morning starting with explaining the doctorate student’s requirements, administration, and schedules of classes, assignments and grades.

In the afternoon Dr. Michele Jacobsen facilitate the class on Educational Technology. We each stated with an introduction and I will have to concur with Michele’s observation of the vast of knowledge and passion in the class.

We begin with defining technology:

• … is defined both conceptually and as a field of practice.
• A conceptual definition:
– Educational technology is the study and ethical practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using, and managing appropriate technological processes and resources. (Januszewski & Molenda, 2008)

The concept of five domains which define educational technology as a field of research and practice were introduced.

Design: the process of specifying conditions for learning
Development: the process of translating design specifications into physical form
Utilization: the act of using processes and resources for learning
Management: involves controlling Instructional Technology through planning, organizing, coordinating, and supervising
Evaluation: the process of determining the adequacy of instruction and learning

We left the day overwhelm with new terms, definitions and a ton of reading. In addition to the course work, we had to develop this Blog! I want to use this blog as learning journal and a reflection of my experiences doing a doctorate degree.

April 15, 2009 - Doctorate Student

I have been officially accepted in to the Doctorate program at the University of Calgary!

Now I am officially a doctorate candidate in Education and no turning back now!

I had to start applying for my provincial scholarship, get department approval and support and make some life changes.

January 15, 2009 - Doctorate Application

I submitted my application to Graduate Division of Educational Research, Faculty of Education, and University of Calgary for enrolment for the Online Education Doctorate Degree Program – 2009 Year Intake

Why do I think I will be a suitable doctorate candidate?

I believe my extensive experience in all facets of engineering, technology, trades, leadership, and training, along with my credentials in education and demonstrated ability to be a dynamic leader and educator, uniquely qualify me to meet the demands of the doctorate program.

Throughout my career as a mechanical engineering technologist specializing in building mechanical technology, I have maintained the highest standards of excellence. After completing my MA research thesis and working in both educational and technical environments has accelerated my interest in research with a particular focus on education technology. As a building technology advisor for the Government of BC, Ministry of Labour and Citizens Services, Environmental Stewardship, and Technical Value, I became very interested in research focusing on education, leadership, and technology.

As a long time practitioner and learner of trades and technologies and with my background in mechanical technology, adult education, and leadership, it is my goal to apply all my skills to research opportunities in the education doctorate. As a product of both trades and technology, I believe it is important to bridge the gap between the two by empowering both learners and workers to be leaders in the industry, encouraging innovation, identifying challenges, embracing changes, setting goals, and applying sustainability. I am passionate about trades and technology education, as I have a unique set of skills and experiences that can connect:

• the trainer with the learner;
• the regulator with the tradesperson;
• the curriculum with the application;
• the technology with the designer; and
• the standards with the industry.

Although I believe the program will be demanding, I have the experience to meet both the time management and commitment requirements to work full time and pursue a graduate degree. Evidence of this is my completion of the Master of Arts in Leadership program at Royal Roads University in Victoria. In addition, I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Adult Education degree in a distance format while working full-time.

Now I have to wait….to hear back from the University of Calgary.

November 2008 - Doctorate Journey Begins

I completed my MA in Leadership started to work for the Government of BC. My abilities in applying my masters research strategies to act as a change agent within the workplace has open eyes for m to consider working towards a doctorate in education and focusing on technology.