I'm getting a wonderful response from teachers so far. Here is a list so far of topics and I am sure this list will get bigger.
Topics
Classical Languages
College Preparatory
Discipline
Assessment
Various literacies (writing, reading, speaking, listening)
Faculty Support
Dealing with Parents
Working with students with various fluency levels
Garnering student interests
Making target language practical
Perception of parents
Pedagogical training specific to school's education philosophy
Friday, March 26, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Whew! Phase 1 almost complete
So I have sent out probably quite a few sets of emails (4 mass, possibly 7 individuals) all attached with surveys. I am anticipating quite a few 'nos' but I know that there were be some 'yeses'. I heard from two teachers in the Memphis private school sector. One of which threw an idea that I haven't even considered. He is a teacher whose focus is in classical languages.
When I first created this project, I think I took for granted that classical languages are foreign languages that are no longer used in general conversation but they are still foreign languages that can be used in areas outside of law or medicine like art history, archeology, religious/spiritual studies, linguistics, etc. This is making me rethink some recording ideas (in a good way).
When I first created this project, I think I took for granted that classical languages are foreign languages that are no longer used in general conversation but they are still foreign languages that can be used in areas outside of law or medicine like art history, archeology, religious/spiritual studies, linguistics, etc. This is making me rethink some recording ideas (in a good way).
Monday, March 22, 2010
NEW DIRECTION
I think I just had an A HA! moment. As I have been working towards making a podcast program possible, I had to come to a realization that I may need to start off with paper or ezine route. My laptop has kicked the proverbial bucket. So now my next step is to look up teachers that work in foreign languages/ ESL for the purpose of sending a brief survey in creating topics that teachers/ students are interested in discussing.
The next step afterwords, will be to set up a meeting for volunteers and continue to do research. The more I move with this, I am learning so much and am grateful for this experience. I can't wait for the end results regardless if we actually start the podcast this summer or if we just have to have a website or proboards forum first.
So,here is a general breakdown of the plan as of now
I. Search grants/ find funding
II.Survey teachers/college students via email or in person
III. Advertise for Volunteers
IV. Prepare for Interest Meeting (prepare survey for Volunteers)
V. Interest Meeting
VI. Staff Volunteers according to interest
VII. First meeting
The next step afterwords, will be to set up a meeting for volunteers and continue to do research. The more I move with this, I am learning so much and am grateful for this experience. I can't wait for the end results regardless if we actually start the podcast this summer or if we just have to have a website or proboards forum first.
So,here is a general breakdown of the plan as of now
I. Search grants/ find funding
II.Survey teachers/college students via email or in person
III. Advertise for Volunteers
IV. Prepare for Interest Meeting (prepare survey for Volunteers)
V. Interest Meeting
VI. Staff Volunteers according to interest
VII. First meeting
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Moving Along
I just finished the Pepsi Grant challenge. The deadline is April 1st. That gives me room to edit and think things through. I would have turned it in this month but I realize that I have been unrealistic in some of the goals I had as far as the show's progress.
I still intend to get students from schools in Memphis and Jackson. I realize that having a smaller base would be in the best interest of a start up.
In the original plan, I had 49 episodes. Then I knocked it down to 36. Again, I do realize that room for error must be made so I have elected for 24 episodes. In this way, if there is something that needs to be corrected, then there is not a need to rush. These things take time and I want this to go swimmingly.
I still intend to get students from schools in Memphis and Jackson. I realize that having a smaller base would be in the best interest of a start up.
In the original plan, I had 49 episodes. Then I knocked it down to 36. Again, I do realize that room for error must be made so I have elected for 24 episodes. In this way, if there is something that needs to be corrected, then there is not a need to rush. These things take time and I want this to go swimmingly.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Grant preparation and Reconsiderations
I am still working on the Refresh grant. As I am working though this project, there are many thoughts that go through my mind. I must admit that a very bad habit of is biting off more than I can chew.
I pulled the original plan that was created in the Curriculum Development course to see what I was feeling that could be off. The more I looked at what I am proposing for Refresh Everything and what I created in the class, its time to look at reality in the face.
As a result, this is what I have decided for right now:
- As nice as it would be for high school students to be able to get involved in such a project there are many things that I must consider. The first year of operation should not include high school students. Since the first year will be spent developing the program, it is important that there is a structure already in place, even if it is a flexible structure before students on the high school are involved.
-I am going to rework the original project to cater to 24 episodes. While working on the grant, it asked for deliverables. I believe I can get away with 48 but I have to be honest about a few things. I may not mind making that many episodes, even if that means shooting two at a time. However, this is the first year of the program. I see it is only fair to not create hectic schedule, especially since we haven't got to the staffing of volunteer stage. 24 episodes is a happy medium. In this way, there will be no pressure to create 48 episodes and burn ourselves out in the process.
Well, my thoughts are running low for the night so we will continue this conversation later.
I pulled the original plan that was created in the Curriculum Development course to see what I was feeling that could be off. The more I looked at what I am proposing for Refresh Everything and what I created in the class, its time to look at reality in the face.
As a result, this is what I have decided for right now:
- As nice as it would be for high school students to be able to get involved in such a project there are many things that I must consider. The first year of operation should not include high school students. Since the first year will be spent developing the program, it is important that there is a structure already in place, even if it is a flexible structure before students on the high school are involved.
-I am going to rework the original project to cater to 24 episodes. While working on the grant, it asked for deliverables. I believe I can get away with 48 but I have to be honest about a few things. I may not mind making that many episodes, even if that means shooting two at a time. However, this is the first year of the program. I see it is only fair to not create hectic schedule, especially since we haven't got to the staffing of volunteer stage. 24 episodes is a happy medium. In this way, there will be no pressure to create 48 episodes and burn ourselves out in the process.
Well, my thoughts are running low for the night so we will continue this conversation later.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Media Galore
I have to say to anyone who is a grant writer, you have my undying respect. Pepsi has the Refresh Everything grant in which they give out 10 awards a month. For more information, you can go to www.refresheverything.com.
As I have been filling out the form, I have been extremely excited for the possibility of Language Today become more and more of a reality but at the same time shocked. I am getting a crash course in grant writing.
I have also created a forum on proboards. It will more than likely be a month before I can start inviting participants.
In the event, that I am not able to find funding for the project, I have looked into free hosting. The wonderful engine, Google has free hosting and websites. Once I am able to get the website up, it will be the languagetodayproject.org.
As I have been filling out the form, I have been extremely excited for the possibility of Language Today become more and more of a reality but at the same time shocked. I am getting a crash course in grant writing.
I have also created a forum on proboards. It will more than likely be a month before I can start inviting participants.
In the event, that I am not able to find funding for the project, I have looked into free hosting. The wonderful engine, Google has free hosting and websites. Once I am able to get the website up, it will be the languagetodayproject.org.
Friday, January 15, 2010
THOUGHTS ON SPACE
The last post focused on staffing and equipment needed for developing this podcast program. There are some things that I haven't given thought to. I planned for there to be a total of two meeting spots: one in Jackson and one in Memphis. Then I realized that it may be difficult. If I involve high school students in the process or working students, location is key. Not everyone that has interest in participating in this project in Memphis or Jackson will be able to travel.
I know I could probably use skype as a way to bring interested persons in contact without having to travel. However, I feel that it's best to have these meetings with everyone in person while assigning positions and creating shows. Once volunteer positions are set, then I can communicate with volunteers via email, internet forums, and in person.
I haven't considered meeting places up until lately. Meeting rooms on school campuses and coffeeshops are possibilities. However, many libraries with meeting rooms used for study are small and the meeting rooms at the libraries cost. The college campuses offer less costly options. I could use rooms that are not in use for at least an hour. The rooms are available for larger size groups.
As far as coming up with a times, I realize that if there are high school volunteers involved, it would have to be late afternoons during weekdays or mid-mornings on Saturdays. Which makes me realize why meeting at libraries would not work: limited amount of meeting spaces and hours of operation.
In order to find meeting rooms, I would classroom schedules at certain buildings. In Memphis, I realize that there are many Universities such as University of Memphis, Lemoyne Owen, Rhodes, Christian Brothers, and Union University. Because of its central location, I prefer to the facilities at the University of Memphis. For meetings in Jackson, I prefer to have meetings at Union because of their facilities and its easy access off the interstate.
Of course, after finding out what rooms are available for use, I will contact the hall that the room is located and see if there are any special protocols for reserving the rooms.
That is all I have for today. It will probably a month or two before you hear from me. I am having major surgery on Monday and will need time to heal up before being able to type.
I know I could probably use skype as a way to bring interested persons in contact without having to travel. However, I feel that it's best to have these meetings with everyone in person while assigning positions and creating shows. Once volunteer positions are set, then I can communicate with volunteers via email, internet forums, and in person.
I haven't considered meeting places up until lately. Meeting rooms on school campuses and coffeeshops are possibilities. However, many libraries with meeting rooms used for study are small and the meeting rooms at the libraries cost. The college campuses offer less costly options. I could use rooms that are not in use for at least an hour. The rooms are available for larger size groups.
As far as coming up with a times, I realize that if there are high school volunteers involved, it would have to be late afternoons during weekdays or mid-mornings on Saturdays. Which makes me realize why meeting at libraries would not work: limited amount of meeting spaces and hours of operation.
In order to find meeting rooms, I would classroom schedules at certain buildings. In Memphis, I realize that there are many Universities such as University of Memphis, Lemoyne Owen, Rhodes, Christian Brothers, and Union University. Because of its central location, I prefer to the facilities at the University of Memphis. For meetings in Jackson, I prefer to have meetings at Union because of their facilities and its easy access off the interstate.
Of course, after finding out what rooms are available for use, I will contact the hall that the room is located and see if there are any special protocols for reserving the rooms.
That is all I have for today. It will probably a month or two before you hear from me. I am having major surgery on Monday and will need time to heal up before being able to type.
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