Holy cow, I don't even know where to start! The last week... well, the last couple of days, really... have been an absolute frenzy. Because of the holiday last week, and several of us out of town with family, we have really become pinched for time. Since the last time I posted on the blog, Team ALIVe has administered and analyzed Alpha Test data, changed all four videos and re-uploaded, finished the content and graphic design of the three remaining modules, scripted the new videos for the scenarios, administered the Beta test, completed the Activity Log and Extension Proposal documents, altered the PowerPoint for the Showcase presentation, communicated with our SME and client several times, not to mention a long laundry list of last minute, nitpicky grammar fixes and tweaks to an otherwise complete program.
As far as what I did specifically, I just tried to manage the chaos the best I could. Getting everyone to talk with each other about where they were at with things over Thanksgiving was somewhat difficult (hence the panic at this point). I completed several of the documents, kept the emails flowing between IVHS students, Dr. Barbour, Jim Kinsella, and Team ALIVe, updated and rehearsed our presentation for tomorrow night, evaluated our end product, and combed through pages of feedback from Alpha testing. I also got in a few more service hours and updated my blog accordingly. I'm sure I forgot something I did. It was for the greater good, anyway.
Now to what's left. We are meeting tonight to complete the Evaluation Summary based on the surveys and pre/post test data coming out of our Alpha and Beta testings. We will also go through all aspects of the program one last time to ensure we're ready for tomorrow. I will continue rehearsing for tomorrow night. Finally, we will tie up any loose ends regarding functionality, grammar, overall look, etc.
I'm looking forward to tomorrow night and to the completion of this project and of the semester, in general. It has been a long, adventurous, and ultimately very rewarding past 16 weeks. I feel good about what our team was able to accomplish, given the circumstances, to ensure Project ALIVe is a success. I look forward to candidly passing our hard work off to Dr. Barbour. I'm sure he'll be pleased with what his original vision has now created.
Being that this is my last posting, I'd like to thank Joy, Jea, Eun Ju, Clayton, Jennifer, Audrea, Peggy, Erin, and Lenrose for all their hard work this semester. Without each of your individual efforts, Project ALIVe would not have ever been. Good luck to all of you.
Thanks!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Week 15 Project Manager 15/5 (14)
I'm posting this 15/5 early, as my wife and I will be heading up to Pennsylvania in the morning (Wednesday). Only a little more than a week to go, and there is still plenty to do! This week, Team ALIVe has been diligently working to complete the remaining videos, graphic design and content entry of the other three modules, Extension document, Activity Log document, and Alpha testing of the Risk-taking module (again, I'm sure I'm forgetting something). Joy and I are taking care of all of the incidentals, communications with others, and miscellaneous documents, while Jea and Eun Ju continue to plug away at actually building the orientation within IVHS. Although they've had a few minor problems with functionality within the learning management system, most everything has gone to plan so far. I think it looks great, and I can't wait to display all our hard work next Thursday!
Being that Thanksgiving is this week and there isn't much time until Showcase, we have our work cut out for us. Joy and I both won't be back in town until Sunday night. During our time away, though, we will be in constant contact with Jea and Eun Ju to assist their work in any way we can. I personally will be working to finish several of the documents mentioned above, and I'll be finishing up the changes to the PowerPoint presentation for next Thursday. Beta testing will start Monday and end on Wednesday. Dr. Barbour has been very helpful in getting that set up so we can quickly collect results. We will also be meeting on Wimba on Wednesday night to go over the data, finish the Evaluation Report document, and shore up any last minute details before the big day. It will be a busy week, no doubt!
Hopefully by the next (and final time) I post our team 15/5, we'll be completely ready to go! Does that ever really happen, though? :) Happy Thanksgiving and we'll see you next week!
Being that Thanksgiving is this week and there isn't much time until Showcase, we have our work cut out for us. Joy and I both won't be back in town until Sunday night. During our time away, though, we will be in constant contact with Jea and Eun Ju to assist their work in any way we can. I personally will be working to finish several of the documents mentioned above, and I'll be finishing up the changes to the PowerPoint presentation for next Thursday. Beta testing will start Monday and end on Wednesday. Dr. Barbour has been very helpful in getting that set up so we can quickly collect results. We will also be meeting on Wimba on Wednesday night to go over the data, finish the Evaluation Report document, and shore up any last minute details before the big day. It will be a busy week, no doubt!
Hopefully by the next (and final time) I post our team 15/5, we'll be completely ready to go! Does that ever really happen, though? :) Happy Thanksgiving and we'll see you next week!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Week 14 Project Manager 15/5 (13)
Project ALIVe continues to come together, little by little. This past week Jea and Eun Ju continued working on the Organization, Self-Regulation, and Responsibility modules, Joy worked with Clayton to finish up the first video (which looks great), and I worked on the PowerPoint for the Showcase as well as on coordinating efforts to complete the Alpha testing (which we will hopefully have in the 6200 Consultants' hands by tomorrow night). I read the Rowland article for this week's class. In addition, Joy and I worked together to retroactively complete the Flowchart for project documentation purposes.
After discussing the Rowland article tomorrow night, Team ALIVe will meet to hammer out the remaining days before Showcase. First, we'll need to make sure things are loaded to Moodle accordingly. Next, we'll cover what still needs to be done and who is doing what (since several of us are gone over part/all of the holiday week). Although I already have some ideas, we will also need to talk about what learning theory our project is based on (per Dr. Choi's request). We will need to make sure Alpha testing (usability) is ready for 6200 students. We'll need to shore up the remaining videos time frame with Clayton. In addition, we will need to leave the meeting with an understanding of when the project will be ready for Beta testing with IVHS students.
I am personally looking forward to wrapping things up in the coming weeks. It has been a long, yet very exciting and informative, semester. It's time to finish strong! In the coming week, I plan on finishing up changes to the PowerPoint, as well as emailing Dr. Barbour to get his IVHS students ready for our Beta test (late next week). I'm sure I'm missing something. Rest assured, we'll put our heads together and figure it out. Only 14 days to go!
After discussing the Rowland article tomorrow night, Team ALIVe will meet to hammer out the remaining days before Showcase. First, we'll need to make sure things are loaded to Moodle accordingly. Next, we'll cover what still needs to be done and who is doing what (since several of us are gone over part/all of the holiday week). Although I already have some ideas, we will also need to talk about what learning theory our project is based on (per Dr. Choi's request). We will need to make sure Alpha testing (usability) is ready for 6200 students. We'll need to shore up the remaining videos time frame with Clayton. In addition, we will need to leave the meeting with an understanding of when the project will be ready for Beta testing with IVHS students.
I am personally looking forward to wrapping things up in the coming weeks. It has been a long, yet very exciting and informative, semester. It's time to finish strong! In the coming week, I plan on finishing up changes to the PowerPoint, as well as emailing Dr. Barbour to get his IVHS students ready for our Beta test (late next week). I'm sure I'm missing something. Rest assured, we'll put our heads together and figure it out. Only 14 days to go!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Week 13 Project Manager 15/5 (12)
After another busy week preparing for this Thursday's Dress Rehearsal, I can honestly say I am beat! I have parent/teacher conferences this week, as well, so that doesn't help. This too shall pass, right?!? Anyway, while I'm sure everyone is a little tuckered out at this point, I feel good about the progress we've made in the last week... in the last three days, really. Between editing content, completing the PowerPoint presentation for tomorrow night, actually graphically building the first module, working with Clay to film video(s) for the modules, meeting on Wimba last night, and emailing Dr. Barbour several times (I'm sure I'm leaving several things out), it's been a crazy run over the last 72 hours. Hopefully the next day will be just as productive as we put the finishing touches on everything we've worked so hard on to this point.
My part of the last week revolved around the presentation itself. I spent much of my free time this past Sunday building the slideshow for the Dress Rehearsal. I wanted to put something together that was comprehensive, yet easy to talk through so that I'd stay under the 8-minute time limit. I used a past 6210 team's presentation as a guide to build what needed to be covered. Hopefully what I've put together will adequately and accurately describe what Project ALIVe is. In addition, I spent some time looking through the content one last time before forwarding it back to the group. Lastly, I completed my two remaining desk crits based on feedback given at the last Project Day.
Well, the upcoming weeks promise to be just as busy if not busier. During our meeting tomorrow night, Joy and I plan to hammer out a flow chart. We will also put together our storyboard if need be (hopefully we can just put things together from existing screenshots). Jea and Eun Ju will continue working on the design of the modules themselves, while Joy will work with Clayton to produce the remaining scenario videos. Alpha and beta testing are also right around the corner. December 4th will be here faster than we all think, especially with the Thanksgiving holiday coming up (both Joy and I will be gone for five days that week). Wish us luck again!
My part of the last week revolved around the presentation itself. I spent much of my free time this past Sunday building the slideshow for the Dress Rehearsal. I wanted to put something together that was comprehensive, yet easy to talk through so that I'd stay under the 8-minute time limit. I used a past 6210 team's presentation as a guide to build what needed to be covered. Hopefully what I've put together will adequately and accurately describe what Project ALIVe is. In addition, I spent some time looking through the content one last time before forwarding it back to the group. Lastly, I completed my two remaining desk crits based on feedback given at the last Project Day.
Well, the upcoming weeks promise to be just as busy if not busier. During our meeting tomorrow night, Joy and I plan to hammer out a flow chart. We will also put together our storyboard if need be (hopefully we can just put things together from existing screenshots). Jea and Eun Ju will continue working on the design of the modules themselves, while Joy will work with Clayton to produce the remaining scenario videos. Alpha and beta testing are also right around the corner. December 4th will be here faster than we all think, especially with the Thanksgiving holiday coming up (both Joy and I will be gone for five days that week). Wish us luck again!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Week 12 Project Manager 15/5 (11)
I'm posting a little early this week due to being in Atlanta for the GaETC Conference tomorrow (Wednesday).
With each passing week, it seems I keep making the same comment regarding how time just seems to continue to fly. Here we are... just a little more than a week away from Dress Rehearsal... from the evening where we're supposed to have the best rough version of our project up, running, and ready to present. Can I say we're there right now? No way. Will we be ready to share where we're at by next Thursday? Well, I assume so... with a lot of hard, last minute work. It's going to take a complete group effort to pull together what will end up being our first complete module (risk-taking). We will also have to come together on what exactly will be said and presented that night. I will need my team to be an active part in preparing for and delivering the eight minutes of information about all of our hard work to date.
This week Team ALIVe continued work on the actual content of each module. Several meetings ago we decided that each module would be set up in a similar way: First, the users would read a definition of the highlighted term (soft skill). He/she can listen to the definition, and they can also refer to a graphic referencing the topic. Next, the student will learn about the steps necessary to put this soft skill in their tool box, so to speak. Finally, they will read and watch (via embedded video, courtesy of 6200 consultant Clayton Shaw) a scenario further describing the soft skill. As mentioned before, we plan to at least have one scenario ready to share by next Thursday. We already have the definitions, steps, and scenarios written out and edited for each of the modules. Jea and Eun Ju will complete the actual graphic design of the module(s) once they return from the AECT conference in Orlando.
As far as what I specifically did this week, I looked up clipart for each of the modules. While it took me several hours to find copyright-free images, I think the ones I found will serve their intended purpose. I also spent some time combing back through what Joy had passed on regarding the actual content of each module. I then passed this document on to Lenrose for editing. I also arranged our video work with Clayton. He will begin work on this as soon as he can.
Like I mentioned before, we have a very busy week ahead... not to mention things going on outside of this class. For example, I have parent/teacher conferences next Wednesday and Thursday. This will consume much of my free time over the next week. I will just have to contribute where/when I can. Wish us luck as we press forward and prepare for the Dress Rehearsal!
With each passing week, it seems I keep making the same comment regarding how time just seems to continue to fly. Here we are... just a little more than a week away from Dress Rehearsal... from the evening where we're supposed to have the best rough version of our project up, running, and ready to present. Can I say we're there right now? No way. Will we be ready to share where we're at by next Thursday? Well, I assume so... with a lot of hard, last minute work. It's going to take a complete group effort to pull together what will end up being our first complete module (risk-taking). We will also have to come together on what exactly will be said and presented that night. I will need my team to be an active part in preparing for and delivering the eight minutes of information about all of our hard work to date.
This week Team ALIVe continued work on the actual content of each module. Several meetings ago we decided that each module would be set up in a similar way: First, the users would read a definition of the highlighted term (soft skill). He/she can listen to the definition, and they can also refer to a graphic referencing the topic. Next, the student will learn about the steps necessary to put this soft skill in their tool box, so to speak. Finally, they will read and watch (via embedded video, courtesy of 6200 consultant Clayton Shaw) a scenario further describing the soft skill. As mentioned before, we plan to at least have one scenario ready to share by next Thursday. We already have the definitions, steps, and scenarios written out and edited for each of the modules. Jea and Eun Ju will complete the actual graphic design of the module(s) once they return from the AECT conference in Orlando.
As far as what I specifically did this week, I looked up clipart for each of the modules. While it took me several hours to find copyright-free images, I think the ones I found will serve their intended purpose. I also spent some time combing back through what Joy had passed on regarding the actual content of each module. I then passed this document on to Lenrose for editing. I also arranged our video work with Clayton. He will begin work on this as soon as he can.
Like I mentioned before, we have a very busy week ahead... not to mention things going on outside of this class. For example, I have parent/teacher conferences next Wednesday and Thursday. This will consume much of my free time over the next week. I will just have to contribute where/when I can. Wish us luck as we press forward and prepare for the Dress Rehearsal!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Week 11 Project Manager 15/5 (10)
This week's 15/5 will be short and sweet for a couple of reasons. For one, I am writing this from school during my lunch break and need to do some last minute preparation for my Comprehensive Exams after school today. Secondly, there is not a whole lot of progress to report from Team ALIVe this week, due to, you guessed it- preparing for Comprehensive Exams. Our group was fully aware of where we would/would not be come this time this week due to the number of things on our plate prior to the next meeting. Although I have not spoken to Joy since Thursday, I do know that she was going to continue working on content this week since she was done with her exam (and we covered for her last week by contributing to content). Basically, after tonight, we all should be back on track and ready to go tomorrow night and beyond.
As far as specifically what I did this week to help out... I emailed Dr. Barbour the questions/clarifications that arose at our last meeting, and he got back with us with some good information/feedback. He is no longer confused about the purpose of Appendix D, he understands our thinking for the Alpha Test (we might be able to use some of his AP European History students for usability testing, or we might have to use 6200 Consultants), and he clarified the amount of teacher involvement that will eventually be a part of our IVHS course (none). We will have to think through some of the built-in interactivity we wanted to do at this week's meeting, since Dr. Barbour says that IVHS does not want to commit a faculty member to the course to check in on students, read journal entries, etc. So, we have some work to do.
It's a busy week ahead... and more to come. With only 2 weeks to Dress Rehearsal, we are really going to have to kick it into high gear post-Comprehensive Exams. I'm just hoping and praying that we all pass (including me!) so that we can turn our full attention back to our project. This week we have to produce a flowchart/storyboard, as we are now behind the schedule on this. We also need to seriously look into what exactly needs to be done in order for the group to be ready on November 13th. At this point, or goal is to have one of the four modules up and running in order to demonstrate what the whole project will look like eventually (i.e. three weeks later). Wish us luck tonight and over the coming weeks- we're going to need it!
As far as specifically what I did this week to help out... I emailed Dr. Barbour the questions/clarifications that arose at our last meeting, and he got back with us with some good information/feedback. He is no longer confused about the purpose of Appendix D, he understands our thinking for the Alpha Test (we might be able to use some of his AP European History students for usability testing, or we might have to use 6200 Consultants), and he clarified the amount of teacher involvement that will eventually be a part of our IVHS course (none). We will have to think through some of the built-in interactivity we wanted to do at this week's meeting, since Dr. Barbour says that IVHS does not want to commit a faculty member to the course to check in on students, read journal entries, etc. So, we have some work to do.
It's a busy week ahead... and more to come. With only 2 weeks to Dress Rehearsal, we are really going to have to kick it into high gear post-Comprehensive Exams. I'm just hoping and praying that we all pass (including me!) so that we can turn our full attention back to our project. This week we have to produce a flowchart/storyboard, as we are now behind the schedule on this. We also need to seriously look into what exactly needs to be done in order for the group to be ready on November 13th. At this point, or goal is to have one of the four modules up and running in order to demonstrate what the whole project will look like eventually (i.e. three weeks later). Wish us luck tonight and over the coming weeks- we're going to need it!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Week 10 Project Manager 15/5 (9)
As I write this week, I am finding it hard to believe that it's already October 22nd. With just three weeks to Dress Rehearsal and six weeks until the Showcase, I, like the other members of my group, are getting a little nervous about where we're at at this point. I also know that this is the time of the semester where everyone feels like this, and I guess that does provide some comfort. Personally, I just know that things outside of this class are not going to let up until December... meaning that I will continue to have to work through adversity... work issues, things going on at home, my other class, etc. With that said, though, I think, despite the work slowdown to prepare for the Comprehensive Exam, somehow we will make it through and will achieve most (and hopefully all) of our original goals. We are currently developing our content for the modules and will be building a flowchart/storyboard this week in class. Granted, with implementation and evaluation coming up shortly, we need to keep on our toes. Now that I've had a couple of months to work with this group, I have confidence that we'll problem solve our way out of any current and future binds.
I completed my two Desk Crits due this week (one for Clayton and one for Rebecca) as well as three of my service hours (two in studio last Thursday and one at school this week assisting another teacher gathering data from a testing database). I made contact with Dr. Barbour and received more feedback on the Evaluation Plan, which I forwarded to Eun Ju and Jea for revisions and posting to the blog. In Joy's partial "absence" as Instructional Designer this week (due to studying for the exam), I have also posted a good bit of information to the group for content gathering and compiling. Although I have gotten little response from my team, I assume they are busy gathering information themselves (and I've reminded them twice via email that they should be gathering info for this week's meeting). We just need to be ready tomorrow night so that we leave with solid plans for content for each of the four modules: Organization, Self-Regulation, Responsibility, and Risk-Taking. I know Eun Ju and Jea are anxiously awaiting what will be in each of the modules so that they can jump into the graphic design side of things. Any little bit of help from any group member helps, though, especially since this coming week Joy will be the only person at full strength, so to speak. Jea, Eun Ju, and I will all have to carve time out of what would be project work in order to get ready for our exams next Wednesday. There's just no way around that... unless you can magically make more hours appear in a day! You could patent that technology! :)
Anyway, I think I pretty much eluded to what's coming up this week. In addition to gathering, compiling, and finalizing content, we also need to develop a flowchart and/or storyboard to guide our further development graphically. IVHS students will need a path to follow through our course, and we need to lay that path out. After we get through Comprehensive Exams, our productivity should increase nicely. On to another week!
I completed my two Desk Crits due this week (one for Clayton and one for Rebecca) as well as three of my service hours (two in studio last Thursday and one at school this week assisting another teacher gathering data from a testing database). I made contact with Dr. Barbour and received more feedback on the Evaluation Plan, which I forwarded to Eun Ju and Jea for revisions and posting to the blog. In Joy's partial "absence" as Instructional Designer this week (due to studying for the exam), I have also posted a good bit of information to the group for content gathering and compiling. Although I have gotten little response from my team, I assume they are busy gathering information themselves (and I've reminded them twice via email that they should be gathering info for this week's meeting). We just need to be ready tomorrow night so that we leave with solid plans for content for each of the four modules: Organization, Self-Regulation, Responsibility, and Risk-Taking. I know Eun Ju and Jea are anxiously awaiting what will be in each of the modules so that they can jump into the graphic design side of things. Any little bit of help from any group member helps, though, especially since this coming week Joy will be the only person at full strength, so to speak. Jea, Eun Ju, and I will all have to carve time out of what would be project work in order to get ready for our exams next Wednesday. There's just no way around that... unless you can magically make more hours appear in a day! You could patent that technology! :)
Anyway, I think I pretty much eluded to what's coming up this week. In addition to gathering, compiling, and finalizing content, we also need to develop a flowchart and/or storyboard to guide our further development graphically. IVHS students will need a path to follow through our course, and we need to lay that path out. After we get through Comprehensive Exams, our productivity should increase nicely. On to another week!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Week 9 Project Manager 15/5 (8)
First of all, I apologize for this being late tonight. I had to stay at work a lot longer than originally planned. Anyway, this week we began moving forward on the development of Project ALIVe. We all began looking at exactly what content would go into each of the four modules. Joy found a few helpful articles and case studies on organization, responsibility, and study skills that gave us a starting point. Since Dr. Barbour's email indicated that filling in the content rests squarely on our shoulders (Jim at IVHS just wants us to follow the ESPRI as a guide), we plan to continue gathering and compiling information and sifting through it to find the right combination for our needs.
Dr. Barbour and I spoke via email a couple of times this week regarding the documents I sent to him last Thursday (Learner Profile, Treatment Rationale, and Hardware/Software Specifications). We got some good feedback on our Screen Design, so we'll be sure to incorporate that right away. We also got a chance to play around with our new "course" in IVHS. There are so many things we can do with our tutorial... so many interactive components to incorporate... it's almost overwhelming! In addition, I just sent our final version of the Evaluation Plan to Dr. Barbour for his review and sign off. I am currently looking deeper into the information Joy found so as to be ready for tomorrow night's meeting. The information gathering seems to be a tedious process. I know we all wish we had a little more direction from IVHS and our client... but we're pressing forward, nonetheless.
Coming up this next week is the Flowchart/Storyboard. I personally have never done one of these, since I completed an Implementation project for 6200, although I have a pretty good idea of what we need to do. I'll be sure to get on the same page with my group moving forward beyond tomorrow night. We will also be ready for tomorrow night's Project Day. Not only will we get a chance to do some service hours, but it will provide the perfect opportunity to do our first two Desk Crits, as well. So... another busy week ahead! See you tomorrow night!
Dr. Barbour and I spoke via email a couple of times this week regarding the documents I sent to him last Thursday (Learner Profile, Treatment Rationale, and Hardware/Software Specifications). We got some good feedback on our Screen Design, so we'll be sure to incorporate that right away. We also got a chance to play around with our new "course" in IVHS. There are so many things we can do with our tutorial... so many interactive components to incorporate... it's almost overwhelming! In addition, I just sent our final version of the Evaluation Plan to Dr. Barbour for his review and sign off. I am currently looking deeper into the information Joy found so as to be ready for tomorrow night's meeting. The information gathering seems to be a tedious process. I know we all wish we had a little more direction from IVHS and our client... but we're pressing forward, nonetheless.
Coming up this next week is the Flowchart/Storyboard. I personally have never done one of these, since I completed an Implementation project for 6200, although I have a pretty good idea of what we need to do. I'll be sure to get on the same page with my group moving forward beyond tomorrow night. We will also be ready for tomorrow night's Project Day. Not only will we get a chance to do some service hours, but it will provide the perfect opportunity to do our first two Desk Crits, as well. So... another busy week ahead! See you tomorrow night!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Week 8 Project Manager 15/5 (7)
Here we are... halfway through the semester. Can I honestly say we're halfway through our project? No. More importantly, do I feel good about where we're at right now with regards to the whole picture? Yes, and no. While I think we're in good shape when it comes to the documentation side of things (so far we've met each deadline and will be close again this week, with a few minor exceptions), we really need to get to developing as soon as possible. Unfortunately, there are more roadblocks ahead, though; the biggest being the Comprehensive Exams. Team ALIVe will have to set aside time to prepare for this eventually, meaning that development time will be lost and will have to be made up somehow. One way we could scale back on our workload so as to allow some study time would be to begin asking 6200 students for more involvement. So far, we really haven't utilized any of our consultants other than Lenrose, who has graciously chimed in on grammatical and formatting issues a couple of times. We'll need to do an even better job of managing our time in the coming weeks. Asking for more help would be one good way to do exactly that.
After briefly meeting on Wimba last Thursday night, our team set out and just about finished the Learner Profile, Treatment Rationale, Hardware/Software Requirements, and Screen Design. The Evaluation Plan is still a work in progress, therefore some of our time will be spent shoring this document up tomorrow night. We also quickly put a slideshow together for tomorrow night's presentation. That kind of caught all of us off guard... although I now see it is/was posted on the IT Studio website. Oops. So many things to keep up with! Jea and I were able to put something together, though, and we'll be ready to present where we're at.
This week was a busy one for me outside of this class. I was out of town for the weekend and then had things to complete for school and my other class once I returned. Last night I carved out some time to alter the Learner Profile according to Dr. Barbour's email which contained updated enrollment numbers and ethnicity break-downs for IVHS. I also added in Eun Ju's feedback from last week.
As far as this week is concerned, and as I've indicated above, we really need to get beyond all the documentation and actually start working on the project itself. We have a good start... we know where we're going. We even have an idea of how to get there. Jea has done a fabulous job laying out what she thinks the interface and therefore usability should look/feel like. This week we just need to make some decisions about which version we'd like to go with. I know we also have other studio time constraints approaching, as well, such as EDIT 6190 mentoring, etc. We'll just have to do our very best to stay above water over the next month or so while things are extremely crazy otherwise. I feel that once we finally make it past the documentation, Comprehensive Exam, and other distractions (maybe in November!?!), we'll be able to lock in on actually working on and completing this project. Good luck to us!
After briefly meeting on Wimba last Thursday night, our team set out and just about finished the Learner Profile, Treatment Rationale, Hardware/Software Requirements, and Screen Design. The Evaluation Plan is still a work in progress, therefore some of our time will be spent shoring this document up tomorrow night. We also quickly put a slideshow together for tomorrow night's presentation. That kind of caught all of us off guard... although I now see it is/was posted on the IT Studio website. Oops. So many things to keep up with! Jea and I were able to put something together, though, and we'll be ready to present where we're at.
This week was a busy one for me outside of this class. I was out of town for the weekend and then had things to complete for school and my other class once I returned. Last night I carved out some time to alter the Learner Profile according to Dr. Barbour's email which contained updated enrollment numbers and ethnicity break-downs for IVHS. I also added in Eun Ju's feedback from last week.
As far as this week is concerned, and as I've indicated above, we really need to get beyond all the documentation and actually start working on the project itself. We have a good start... we know where we're going. We even have an idea of how to get there. Jea has done a fabulous job laying out what she thinks the interface and therefore usability should look/feel like. This week we just need to make some decisions about which version we'd like to go with. I know we also have other studio time constraints approaching, as well, such as EDIT 6190 mentoring, etc. We'll just have to do our very best to stay above water over the next month or so while things are extremely crazy otherwise. I feel that once we finally make it past the documentation, Comprehensive Exam, and other distractions (maybe in November!?!), we'll be able to lock in on actually working on and completing this project. Good luck to us!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Week 7 Project Manager 15/5 (6)
Well, another week has passed and Team ALIVe continues to plug along. This week we set out to begin work on and inevitably complete the Learner Profile, Treatment Rationale, Hardware/Software Requirements, Screen Design, and Evaluation Plan by the October 9th deadline. We split up duties and devised a plan to stay on track over the next week (according to our timeline), and so far, we've stuck to it. With the exception of the Hardware/Software Requirements (which we finished in class), we made a plan to pull the jobs apart and reassemble everything prior to next Thursday. I took the Learner Profile, Jea took the Treatment Rationale, and Eun Ju took the Evaluation Plan. We will all look at the Screen Design in further detail during our meeting tomorrow night. Speaking of that meeting, and this is just a reminder, we will be meeting via Horizon Wimba in EDIT 6210 Room 2 tomorrow night at 5 PM. With Joy just getting back in town (welcome back, Joy!) and me leaving town tomorrow night, combined with the fact that it is not a "required" class, we all decided it would be sufficient to meet online this week. Also, since we left last week's meeting with a pretty good idea about what the next two weeks looked like, we felt confident that this would work just fine. We obviously checked with Dr. Clinton to clear this.
As far as what I've done this week, I've been in constant contact with Dr. Barbour in an attempt to get the necessary information I needed to complete the Learner Profile. After several interactions with Jim at IVHS, along with a lot of online research, I was able to combine data sources (including our survey results) and produce what I think is an effective document. I also coordinated things for our meeting this week.
Up this week... continued work on the above mentioned tasks. I will be out of town (going up to Pennsylvania to visit family) Friday through Monday and will check email daily. Once I get back, I will obviously jump back into everything head first. Joy just emailed us that she was back, so she will be assisting Eun Ju and Jea with the remaining tasks due the 9th. I just had to get mine knocked out this week due to being gone. According to our timeline, the Prototype, Storyboards, and Flow Chart are coming up shortly (due on the 23rd). We'll look at these in further detail tomorrow and next Thursday nights. Have a nice week!
As far as what I've done this week, I've been in constant contact with Dr. Barbour in an attempt to get the necessary information I needed to complete the Learner Profile. After several interactions with Jim at IVHS, along with a lot of online research, I was able to combine data sources (including our survey results) and produce what I think is an effective document. I also coordinated things for our meeting this week.
Up this week... continued work on the above mentioned tasks. I will be out of town (going up to Pennsylvania to visit family) Friday through Monday and will check email daily. Once I get back, I will obviously jump back into everything head first. Joy just emailed us that she was back, so she will be assisting Eun Ju and Jea with the remaining tasks due the 9th. I just had to get mine knocked out this week due to being gone. According to our timeline, the Prototype, Storyboards, and Flow Chart are coming up shortly (due on the 23rd). We'll look at these in further detail tomorrow and next Thursday nights. Have a nice week!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Week 6 Project Manager 15/5 (5)
This week we worked to finalize our Task Analysis and Objectives documents. After accomplishing this, we sent these documents to Dr. Barbour for review. We also revised and submitted our Needs Assessment to Michael, as well. He just got back with us with feedback on this document yesterday, so we'll be sure to make the necessary changes and send it back to him as soon as possible. In addition, Jea wrapped up the finishing touches on our Timeline, which is due tomorrow night. After we all decided on a format to use at last Thursday's meeting, Jea took the reigns to finish this up. She did a great job!
As far as what I did specifically this week, I contacted Dr. Barbour and couple of times and delegated Eun Ju to shore up a few more issues with the Task Analysis, Objectives, and Needs Assessment. While reviewing everything, most of the things I found (and Dr. Barbour later pointed out) in need of work were trivial in nature (grammar, spacing, wording, etc.). We also took the feedback we received from Dr. Clinton Thursday night to heart and made several adjustments on paper and in our overall thinking regarding all of this documentation. It was a busy week for me personally and in another class. I should be able to devote more attention back to the project this weekend... except during the Georgia vs. Alabama football game, of course! :)
This coming week will be very important for setting ourselves up for what is to come. Although nothing is due next week, the User Profile, Treatment Rationale, Hardware/Software, Screen Design, and Eval. Plan are all due the following Thursday, October 9th. This will once again prove problematic for our team, as Joy is gone this week to see her dad up in Michigan (we're pulling for you, Joy!), and I will be out of town next Friday the 3rd through Monday the 6th to visit family up in Pennsylvania. Somehow, someway, we will get all of this done, though, even if it means typing away on my laptop as we cruise down the interstate next weekend! I'm sure we'll find a way to pull it apart and put it back together in time, though. A WebCT meeting might be in order that next Tuesday or Wednesday night (the 7th or 8th) in order to pull things together in time. I will also begin studying for the Comprehensive Exam when I get a chance, as well.
Tomorrow night should be very informative and helpful. Our group will be attending Dr. Choi's lesson on Prototyping so that we can plan more of our project details accordingly. It should be interesting. Here's to another week of fun!
As far as what I did specifically this week, I contacted Dr. Barbour and couple of times and delegated Eun Ju to shore up a few more issues with the Task Analysis, Objectives, and Needs Assessment. While reviewing everything, most of the things I found (and Dr. Barbour later pointed out) in need of work were trivial in nature (grammar, spacing, wording, etc.). We also took the feedback we received from Dr. Clinton Thursday night to heart and made several adjustments on paper and in our overall thinking regarding all of this documentation. It was a busy week for me personally and in another class. I should be able to devote more attention back to the project this weekend... except during the Georgia vs. Alabama football game, of course! :)
This coming week will be very important for setting ourselves up for what is to come. Although nothing is due next week, the User Profile, Treatment Rationale, Hardware/Software, Screen Design, and Eval. Plan are all due the following Thursday, October 9th. This will once again prove problematic for our team, as Joy is gone this week to see her dad up in Michigan (we're pulling for you, Joy!), and I will be out of town next Friday the 3rd through Monday the 6th to visit family up in Pennsylvania. Somehow, someway, we will get all of this done, though, even if it means typing away on my laptop as we cruise down the interstate next weekend! I'm sure we'll find a way to pull it apart and put it back together in time, though. A WebCT meeting might be in order that next Tuesday or Wednesday night (the 7th or 8th) in order to pull things together in time. I will also begin studying for the Comprehensive Exam when I get a chance, as well.
Tomorrow night should be very informative and helpful. Our group will be attending Dr. Choi's lesson on Prototyping so that we can plan more of our project details accordingly. It should be interesting. Here's to another week of fun!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Week 5 Project Manager 15/5 (4)
We had another fairly productive week this week as a group. Although we've hit a few snags here and there, and confusion has lingered regarding goals, objectives, and tasks, we weathered the storm and accomplished what we set out to do. On the top of our list this week was the Task Analysis and Objectives. Each person in our group took an objective or two (thank you Jea and Joy) to further develop. Reaching back to our EDIT 6170 days, we developed Bloom-level tasks leading up to each of the objectives. Students at IVHS will be participating in many activities that will inevitably ensure they are successful in this (and other) virtual learning environments. We also focused our attention on rephrasing the Purpose Statement to match what we are doing as a group and our one goal to reflect what we want students to accomplish. We've all decided that one over-arching goal, "Students will develop a soft skill set that will enable them to be successful at the Illinois Virtual High School," will enable us to focus on the specifics of the online tutorial while keeping this overall vision in mind.
This week was another busy one for me, as usual, and this weekend looks to be even busier. I'm a little worried about the next week or so, as my wife has yet another surgery Friday (and will have to recover) and I have a large assignment due in EDIT 7500 on Tuesday. I just simply will not be able to devote much attention to this class Saturday or Sunday (which is normally when I get things done). I know that's a tough, but very real-world, thing to say as a Project Manager. I am a full time teacher, though, and I can only fit so many extra things into my week. I just hope my group understands that, while I won't be available much for a few days, they can still count on me to pick up where I left off when/where I can. Obviously, I still plan to do my part to ensure the Timeline is complete by next Thursday. I just might not be able to do much with it until next Tuesday and Wednesday night.
As mentioned, up for next week is the Timeline. I don't have an example from another group to gauge what's expected, so I'll need to do a little research. We also need to reestablish contact with Dr. Barbour, as we have not spoken in well over a week. I know he's very busy, and I'm sure he's not too concerned. We do still need to get him the Needs Assessment, though, along with the Task Analysis and Objectives sheet to sign off. I need to check in with Dr. Clinton to make sure everything looked fine on the Needs Assessment from last week so that we can email it to him. We all need to begin to prepare for the Comprehensive Exam, as well. I'm having a hard time wrapping my mind around the fact that this is little more than a month away! So... another busy week ahead for Team ALIVe. Lots of fun ahead!
This week was another busy one for me, as usual, and this weekend looks to be even busier. I'm a little worried about the next week or so, as my wife has yet another surgery Friday (and will have to recover) and I have a large assignment due in EDIT 7500 on Tuesday. I just simply will not be able to devote much attention to this class Saturday or Sunday (which is normally when I get things done). I know that's a tough, but very real-world, thing to say as a Project Manager. I am a full time teacher, though, and I can only fit so many extra things into my week. I just hope my group understands that, while I won't be available much for a few days, they can still count on me to pick up where I left off when/where I can. Obviously, I still plan to do my part to ensure the Timeline is complete by next Thursday. I just might not be able to do much with it until next Tuesday and Wednesday night.
As mentioned, up for next week is the Timeline. I don't have an example from another group to gauge what's expected, so I'll need to do a little research. We also need to reestablish contact with Dr. Barbour, as we have not spoken in well over a week. I know he's very busy, and I'm sure he's not too concerned. We do still need to get him the Needs Assessment, though, along with the Task Analysis and Objectives sheet to sign off. I need to check in with Dr. Clinton to make sure everything looked fine on the Needs Assessment from last week so that we can email it to him. We all need to begin to prepare for the Comprehensive Exam, as well. I'm having a hard time wrapping my mind around the fact that this is little more than a month away! So... another busy week ahead for Team ALIVe. Lots of fun ahead!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Week 4 Project Manager 15/5 (3)
This week was another busy one for Team ALIVe, as we finished up the survey, sent it to Dr. Barbour, fought through the confusion of bureaucratic red tape to use our research results, won approval to do the work we had already started, developed goals from the accumulated data, and put together the remaining parts of our Needs Assessment. I really feel we grew a lot as a group, as well. We now have gotten to know each other better and we're moving along a little more efficiently because of it. Confidence and moral are probably slightly up, as well, as we are now doing some of the actual work involved in developing this project (instead of just talking about it). All in all, it was a good, productive week. While there are still many kinks to work out regarding when it's best for everyone to do their best work (within the confines of work and commuting schedules), I feel like there's more of a mutual understanding and sense of responsibility among each team member, myself included.
As you have probably followed, Dr. Clinton, the confusion surrounding the survey began shortly after Michael promoted it last Friday. Although he was just doing his job, a member of the IVHS staff brought it to our attention that proper avenues had not been taken to properly administer and use the survey. Dr. Barbour was even caught off guard by the initial concern displayed, even though the other parties involved didn't fully understand what we were doing. As it turned out, because we aren't using any confidential information regarding the minors at the school, we were approved to continue. Not having the flexibility to use the data we had gathered would have meant falling back on presumptive pre-existing data that would not have given us as clear a picture moving forward (writing goals, objectives, etc.).
As far as what I specifically did this week as Project Manager, I kept the email lines open over the weekend, working closely with Dr. Barbour, teachers at IVHS, and other higher-ups in the state of Illinois in order to nail down what now appears to be an open path for future project development. I also arranged the meeting we had on Wimba last night. We needed to meet again to go through survey results, set goals, and develop a plan for the Performance Assessment. I feel like I delegated more this week, which kept my stress down a little bit, as well. Lastly, when I finish writing this, I plan to look over the work Eun Ju and Joy have put into finishing the last parts of the Needs Assessment for tomorrow. Eun Ju also asked me to help her with the Percentage of Discrepancy section, which I plan to tackle in a few minutes, as well.
This coming week we need to continue moving forward in our thinking and preparation for objective setting and the Task Analysis. Now that survey results seem to point to some specific discrepancies, we should be able to effectively set objectives for student achievement. Although the next step will once again be a challenge, I am confident that we can get the work done in a timely manner. I am also aware, though, that due to the delay in getting your (Dr. Clinton's) approval and Dr. Barbour's signature on the Needs Assessment, we will be a day or two back from where we should be. Our goal will obviously still be to finish what is due next week on time. If we don't meet the deadline, we will at least be close. With all that has happened this week, though, I'm sure we will all be ok with that. Tomorrow night needs to be as productive, if not even more so, than last week. We need to set ourselves up for another successful, dividing and conquering week! See you tomorrow night!
As you have probably followed, Dr. Clinton, the confusion surrounding the survey began shortly after Michael promoted it last Friday. Although he was just doing his job, a member of the IVHS staff brought it to our attention that proper avenues had not been taken to properly administer and use the survey. Dr. Barbour was even caught off guard by the initial concern displayed, even though the other parties involved didn't fully understand what we were doing. As it turned out, because we aren't using any confidential information regarding the minors at the school, we were approved to continue. Not having the flexibility to use the data we had gathered would have meant falling back on presumptive pre-existing data that would not have given us as clear a picture moving forward (writing goals, objectives, etc.).
As far as what I specifically did this week as Project Manager, I kept the email lines open over the weekend, working closely with Dr. Barbour, teachers at IVHS, and other higher-ups in the state of Illinois in order to nail down what now appears to be an open path for future project development. I also arranged the meeting we had on Wimba last night. We needed to meet again to go through survey results, set goals, and develop a plan for the Performance Assessment. I feel like I delegated more this week, which kept my stress down a little bit, as well. Lastly, when I finish writing this, I plan to look over the work Eun Ju and Joy have put into finishing the last parts of the Needs Assessment for tomorrow. Eun Ju also asked me to help her with the Percentage of Discrepancy section, which I plan to tackle in a few minutes, as well.
This coming week we need to continue moving forward in our thinking and preparation for objective setting and the Task Analysis. Now that survey results seem to point to some specific discrepancies, we should be able to effectively set objectives for student achievement. Although the next step will once again be a challenge, I am confident that we can get the work done in a timely manner. I am also aware, though, that due to the delay in getting your (Dr. Clinton's) approval and Dr. Barbour's signature on the Needs Assessment, we will be a day or two back from where we should be. Our goal will obviously still be to finish what is due next week on time. If we don't meet the deadline, we will at least be close. With all that has happened this week, though, I'm sure we will all be ok with that. Tomorrow night needs to be as productive, if not even more so, than last week. We need to set ourselves up for another successful, dividing and conquering week! See you tomorrow night!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Week 3 Project Manager 15/5 (2)
Well, here we are and another week has flown by... and I do emphasize the word flown. While I feel we accomplished many things this week, I feel a little behind and overwhelmed by what still needs to happen before next Thursday. Before I get to what is still to come in the next few days, I'll provide a short (well, it was meant to be short) recap of the past week. Friday after school I emailed Dr. Barbour a series of questions and a request to speak with him over the phone at some point over the long weekend. What should have been a fairly simple process turned out to be a scheduling nightmare (a lesson learned there), trying to bring everyone together at a common time. No fault to any one member of our group, but we will have to be more flexible on our weekends in the future (myself included). After several back and forth emails, though, we finally got things set for Monday evening at 5 PM. Dr. Barbour was nice enough to go ahead and preemptively answer several of our more pressing questions in order to give us a head start on things prior to actually speaking with him. Many of the questions answered opened doors to still more questions, though, and by Monday night's meeting, Team ALIVe was looking for some genuine clarity moving forward. In speaking with Dr. Clinton shortly before our meeting with Dr. Barbour, I knew there were several things that needed to be ironed out in that conversation. More than anything else, we needed to know what our group would actually be teaching to the Illinois Virtual High School students. We knew whatever that turned out to be (soft skill set, entry point type orientation teaching students the skills necessary to be successful in a virtual school environment), it needed to be measurable and assessable. I had two main goals going into that meeting with Dr. Barbour: 1. Establish an over-all feel for the entire project, and 2. Properly set ourselves up to complete the Needs Assessment by next Thursday. I feel we did very well with the first goal... not so well with the second. Yes, we now have clarity never before seen to this point. For the most part, we know what the end product will look like... feel like... what it will mean to the students who will use it... what it will mean to our client. We have a better definition of scope... of the tools we can use... who we'll be working with at the school (Dr. Barbour is gathering that team of teachers as we speak). Thanks to Joy, we have a skeleton template for the Needs Assessment. We even have a wealth of information from articles passed to us from our client. What we don't have at this point, though, is anything actually done for this project! As I write this, we have yet to even write goals for our project. Yes... goals. The survey that we'll be administering to the group of students (who are still being gathered by Dr. Barbour) has yet to be completed. With a 4-5 day turn around, Dr. Barbour is doing his best to gather these students. Still, he'll need at least until Monday or Tuesday of next week if we got him the survey tomorrow (which still might not happen, since we are all having problems finding and digging through the research to find valid questioning that will work for us). That is not enough time to do the Performance Gap Analysis, provide Recommended Delivery Options, put everything else together, and get the signed Needs Assessment into Dr. Clinton's hands by next Thursday. Time is beginning to be a problem... and it's something we're going to have to nip in the bud sooner rather than later if we expect to survive this semester successfully. We can do it... I really believe that. I just think the shear amount of information and size of what we're taking on has clouded our ability to complete lower level tasks. We're going to have to change that in a hurry.
As far as what I did specifically this week, I'm going to let what I've already said speak for itself. I know this 15/5 is already getting a little long. Personally, though, I have a lot going on at work and in my personal life right now. I'm trying to manage all of this and another EDIT class that took up most of my free time this past weekend. I'll make it somehow... just don't know how at this point. Maybe I should stop typing and get to work?!?
What do we need to accomplish this week? Well, as indicated before, my fear that we'd be meeting this Thursday with literally the same amount done on the Needs Assessment as the week before has come true. We will have to get just about everything done in one week's time. We also need to try to get on top of the Objectives and Task Analysis, which is already due the next week. So... a tall order. Tall, but doable if we all put our heads and what time we have together. We're going to have be more efficient this week... quicker with our email returns to each other... quicker reflexes once the data is gathered... more resourceful with each other's time (i.e. we all don't have the same amount of time available to work on this stuff, and those who do need to step up). We're going to have to stop assuming the Project Manager (who is actually just another student in the class) is going to think of everything, or is always going to know the what next step in the process is. Don't let all of this scare you... just know that I'm a realist and I see things for what they are... and right now, that's a group that has a lot of work to do that involves many people spread out over the country, for a client a thousand miles away, and in a time frame unforgiving of other things going on. If that's not real-world, I don't know what is! Sounds fun, huh? Time to divide and conquer! See you in class tomorrow. :)
As far as what I did specifically this week, I'm going to let what I've already said speak for itself. I know this 15/5 is already getting a little long. Personally, though, I have a lot going on at work and in my personal life right now. I'm trying to manage all of this and another EDIT class that took up most of my free time this past weekend. I'll make it somehow... just don't know how at this point. Maybe I should stop typing and get to work?!?
What do we need to accomplish this week? Well, as indicated before, my fear that we'd be meeting this Thursday with literally the same amount done on the Needs Assessment as the week before has come true. We will have to get just about everything done in one week's time. We also need to try to get on top of the Objectives and Task Analysis, which is already due the next week. So... a tall order. Tall, but doable if we all put our heads and what time we have together. We're going to have be more efficient this week... quicker with our email returns to each other... quicker reflexes once the data is gathered... more resourceful with each other's time (i.e. we all don't have the same amount of time available to work on this stuff, and those who do need to step up). We're going to have to stop assuming the Project Manager (who is actually just another student in the class) is going to think of everything, or is always going to know the what next step in the process is. Don't let all of this scare you... just know that I'm a realist and I see things for what they are... and right now, that's a group that has a lot of work to do that involves many people spread out over the country, for a client a thousand miles away, and in a time frame unforgiving of other things going on. If that's not real-world, I don't know what is! Sounds fun, huh? Time to divide and conquer! See you in class tomorrow. :)
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Week 2 Project Manager 15/5 (1)
As my first 15/5 posting for Team ALIVe, I'd just like to thank my teammates for all of their hard work and effort over the past week. I really feel like we've gone from nothing to at least something in a very short period of time. Granted, I know we still have much to do. In fact, things seem sort of insurmountable right now. I know if we just stick together and help each other through every step of this long journey, though, then we'll be just fine.
As far as what we've accomplished this week, I think what we've done we've done well so far. With the exception of direct contact via phone (which is out of our control at this point), we have had and continue to have a good line of communication set up with our client. Dr. Barbour was nice enough to get back with us last Friday and has since emailed again to clarify what he is looking for in a project of this magnitude. As a group, we have also begun to dig into the suggested reading Dr. Barbour provided in our first contact. The readings have been relevant and suggestive in nature. They seem to paint a picture and point out the path our project will take. With some verbal clarifications, we should be in good shape moving forward to the next step. Lastly, we've gotten some of the remedial, initial set-up type work out of the way this week. Joy set up our blog, Jea and Eun Ju worked on our graphic, and I've been busy writing and posting the project abstract/client info and preparing for the Job Fair. I'm pretty sure we know what jobs we'll need, but I am still waiting on group feedback before tomorrow night.
As Project Manager, I feel I am in the process of finding my exact role in relation to the other group members. I am also feeling out where each of my teammates are at this point to try to get a sense for timing, job placement, strengths, weaknesses, availability, etc. I know this process will continue, as will my very steep learning curve as PM. I'm quickly learning that there is so much to do; knowing when things need to be done, knowing what needs to be done in the first place, who is going to do get it done, and most importantly, where my limitations are as a very busy person. I just sincerely hope that I can be the leader my team needs to be successful over the next three months.
Next week will be as busy if not busier than this one was for Team ALIVe. Now that we have our client on board, we have a site, a logo (still needs to be finalized), and several 6200 students interested in working with us, it's time to dig deeper into the existing research provided by Dr. Barbour. We also need to gather the articles he mentioned but could not locate on the internet. In addition, we really do need to physically speak with him in order to gain perspective on the upcoming Initial Learner and Content Analyses, the Needs Assessment, and the project as a whole. In addition, we need to make sure we have a firm understanding of our short and long term goals, so as to line those goals up with a time frame in mind. So... we have a lot to think about in the coming days (and I'm sure I've just mentioned a few of those things). I'll be sure to update you in my future reflections in regards to anything that comes up that wasn't mentioned. Time to get to the real work- the fun has only begun!
As far as what we've accomplished this week, I think what we've done we've done well so far. With the exception of direct contact via phone (which is out of our control at this point), we have had and continue to have a good line of communication set up with our client. Dr. Barbour was nice enough to get back with us last Friday and has since emailed again to clarify what he is looking for in a project of this magnitude. As a group, we have also begun to dig into the suggested reading Dr. Barbour provided in our first contact. The readings have been relevant and suggestive in nature. They seem to paint a picture and point out the path our project will take. With some verbal clarifications, we should be in good shape moving forward to the next step. Lastly, we've gotten some of the remedial, initial set-up type work out of the way this week. Joy set up our blog, Jea and Eun Ju worked on our graphic, and I've been busy writing and posting the project abstract/client info and preparing for the Job Fair. I'm pretty sure we know what jobs we'll need, but I am still waiting on group feedback before tomorrow night.
As Project Manager, I feel I am in the process of finding my exact role in relation to the other group members. I am also feeling out where each of my teammates are at this point to try to get a sense for timing, job placement, strengths, weaknesses, availability, etc. I know this process will continue, as will my very steep learning curve as PM. I'm quickly learning that there is so much to do; knowing when things need to be done, knowing what needs to be done in the first place, who is going to do get it done, and most importantly, where my limitations are as a very busy person. I just sincerely hope that I can be the leader my team needs to be successful over the next three months.
Next week will be as busy if not busier than this one was for Team ALIVe. Now that we have our client on board, we have a site, a logo (still needs to be finalized), and several 6200 students interested in working with us, it's time to dig deeper into the existing research provided by Dr. Barbour. We also need to gather the articles he mentioned but could not locate on the internet. In addition, we really do need to physically speak with him in order to gain perspective on the upcoming Initial Learner and Content Analyses, the Needs Assessment, and the project as a whole. In addition, we need to make sure we have a firm understanding of our short and long term goals, so as to line those goals up with a time frame in mind. So... we have a lot to think about in the coming days (and I'm sure I've just mentioned a few of those things). I'll be sure to update you in my future reflections in regards to anything that comes up that wasn't mentioned. Time to get to the real work- the fun has only begun!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
15/5's
Per Dr. Clinton's request, I'll be posting our weekly group 15/5's to our blog on Wednesdays by 8 PM. It will be written from the Project Manager's perspective about the team as a whole. It will cover:
1. What our team accomplished this week
2. What I accomplished this week
3. What we need to do in the coming week
Check back tomorrow and don't forget to do your own 15/5!
1. What our team accomplished this week
2. What I accomplished this week
3. What we need to do in the coming week
Check back tomorrow and don't forget to do your own 15/5!
6200 jobs
Team ALIVe- The following is what I posted on the Job Fair site. Let me know if we need to make adjustments before Thursday.
6200 students- Feel free to go ahead and apply. Thanks!
Team ALIVe will need assistance in the following areas:
1st Evaluator- Audrea Bankston
2nd Evaluator- Jennifer Lortz
Content Entry- Erin Noh
Developer (helps with overall development)- Peggy Britt
Graphic Design/Media Editing- Clayton Shaw
Proofreader- Lenrose Fears
Take a look at the project description and our blog, and email us (or grab one of us in class) if you have any questions about what the available positions would entail. We look forward to working with you!
6200 students- Feel free to go ahead and apply. Thanks!
Team ALIVe will need assistance in the following areas:
1st Evaluator- Audrea Bankston
2nd Evaluator- Jennifer Lortz
Content Entry- Erin Noh
Developer (helps with overall development)- Peggy Britt
Graphic Design/Media Editing- Clayton Shaw
Proofreader- Lenrose Fears
Take a look at the project description and our blog, and email us (or grab one of us in class) if you have any questions about what the available positions would entail. We look forward to working with you!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
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