Process, process, process paper

Whether I hit the mark or not, I learned a lot.

I have to admit, I really did work hard on my paper. Even though I wasn't quite sure what was expected, I think the process of creating (synthesizing as Bloom would say) was intense. As I started, I realized that I needed a process to follow and I wasn't quite sure what it was supposed to be. The framework for the paper helped a lot. Then, I just had to rely on my previous experience to figure out how to get to the end result. It was difficult!

I know that I am a process person. After I defined the process, I could work my way through. And that took some time. I mentioned in my paper that it felt like I wrote the paper at least three different times, each time with a different emphasis. The first time, I took notes during the interview, which I also recorded. The second time, I used the framework to "plug" the information from the interview into the form. This is when I listened to the interview again while looking at my notes and piecing it all together. Then, I took the research information that I had gathered and worked that into the significant parts of my paper. Afterwards, I looked at the entirety of what I had learned from Renee Jesness and my research to come to some conclusions about implications of using course management software.

I did a lot of research. Probably much more than was needed. But it reminded me of what I used to tell my students; it's much easier to take away information in your research than to go back and have to redo and add information. And, that's what I did when I "finished". I took away at least 2 pages of information to make the 5-7 pages. And that was OK, because I realized that to be clear is to be succinct sometimes.

This description of the process of writing my paper doesn't even include details. I haven't even told you what it was about. Understanding the research process, writing process and incorporating those into a new assignment is key to learning. I am thankful for the many years that I have had to build on this knowledge and process to become a more confident researcher and writer. I have often tried to explain to students in middle and high school that this confidence comes from doing, that they just need the experience and to put in the hard work.

I think that is what I did with the paper. I hope I hit the mark, but if not, I know I gave it my best and will have learned from the process at the very least.

QR Codes

I thought I would add a QR Code to my email signature for work since I don't have a website anymore. When you work in a school you usually have a website that you maintain (especially as a media specialist-- sometimes you maintain your website, the media center's website and the school website-- as was my case). This isn't the case now that I work with a team at the district level.

I originally thought I would include biographical information about myself, but I thought I would go with a simple connection to the MPS website and change the information later. I have the information I wanted to include on my other computer!

Here's the QR Code for the website:

I decided that I should make one for the location of the district headquarters as a graphic aid for the city that we serve.