Web+Conference+Reflections+-+EDLD+5388


 * Web Conference May 24, 2010**

The web conference was held on May 24, 2010 by Dr. Kay Abernathy. She provided general information about the course. Students were allowed to ask questions, and she promptly answered them.One of the initial questions was in regard to graduation. Dr. Abernathy provided the information.

The audio was not working well during the web conference, so much of the conference was produced through the chat board. Although it took longer to read through and respond to questions, I really think it was more effective because I can go back through my notes for clarification of anything I may have forgotten.

We discussed the field based experience logs and how to submit them. Dr. Abernathy clarified how we are to handle field based activities, standards, and performance indicators. We must cover all eight standards and as many of the 33 indicators as possible. I am still confused about the exam. Even as I looked through my notes, I cannot tell whether it is a final exam or just a comprehensive paper. I will ask more about that during our next web conference.


 * Web Conference June 2, 2010**

Dr. Abernathy opened the meeting shortly after 6:00 p.m. Petra asked if we would be allowed to correct any previously submitted assignments Dr. Abernathy stated that we are allowed to correct any errors and update any assignments until June 28th. She also stated that we are not required to go back and put weekly log information on the monthly forms. We do, however, need to write a note to our Internship Coach explaining that the assignments were submitted based on information from the old Internship Handbook. Students are to use Internship Handbook version 3.0.from this point on.

Dr. Abernathy stated repeatedly that we //must// READ THE ASSIGNMENTS AND FOLLOW THE RUBRICS! She further advised that if we have further questions, we are to email her or our Coach for clarification. Dr. Abernathy will post all forms on the discussion board after the web conferences tonight. She will also post graduation information on the EDLD 5388 discussion board.

Students remarked that they have not had feedback on their assignments,weekly and monthly logs and plans.Dr Abernathy stated that the coaches are reading them carefully. We are to be patient.

A question was asked about the Internship Plan and Logs. Some students were under the impression that once the Plan was turned in and the Weekly and Monthly Logs were completed, we were finished. Such is not the case. Dr. Abernathy directed use the Summary Report and Validation forms located in the Internship Handbook version 3.0. Those forms are to be submitted after all activities are completed.

Dr. Abernathy encouraged us to collaborate. Since proximity is an issue, she suggested we collaborate online. Several students exchanged email addresses as other students suggest meeting at a common wiki site. The web conference ended at 7:04 p.m.


 * Web Conference June 8, 2010**

Dr. Abernathy opened the meeting at 6:00 p.m. She stated that students in Cohort 3 are to send their field-based activity logs and reflections to Dr. Mason. She also stated that we are allowed to revise and resubmit our assignments until we receive a grade of 80. She further stated that we are allowed to revise and resubmit our assignments even if our grade is above 80.

Dr. Abernathy provided the students with the web link to the Riverpoint Writer website. She suggested that students download the program and use it to write their Comprehensive Exam. She informed students that the Riverpoint Writer program will automatically apply the correct APA formatting. Sarah reported to Dr. Abernathy that many of the errors in student's papers were related to incorrect APA formatting. Hopefully this issue can be resolved if students use Riverpoint to create their papers.

Documents created in Microsoft Word should be saved in 97 - 2003 Document format in order to ensure access by coaches and professors.

Students were informed that attendance is taken each time we log in a web conference. Attendance is part of the documentation kept by the college.

Students continued to have specific questions about assignments. Dr. Abernathy answered the questions and reminded students to READ the assignments. Questions should be posted in the weekly discussion board. Dr. Abernathy monitors it daily and will reply to questions each morning and each evening.

The web conference ended at 6:58 p.m.


 * Web Conference June 16, 2010**

Dr Abernathy opened the meetings at 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. respectively. I attended both meetings just to be sure I hadn't missed anything.

Questions from these two web conferences mainly related to the APA formatting. She explained that we are to use the Sixth Edition APA Manual to complete our comprehensive examination. She also referred us to Google for APA information. We are to pay special attention to the Level I and Level II headings. She indicated that we will receive feedback in time to make corrections and that we will not "fall through the cracks." She told us to relax. She and the other coaches and professors will be contacting those who are making 90's at the end. Those making less than 80 will be contacted in plenty of time to update their assignments.

She reminded students in ET 8003 to submit field logs to Dr. Mason. Dr. Mason attended both web conferences and gave us her email address. We are to use the Google email address for her since her Lamar account is not working. Dr. Mason said she will evaluate our forms and will get back to us within 24 hours.

There was also discussion about the Internship Field-based Activities Summary and Validation Report and how it is to be submitted. Dr. Abernathy stated that we could submit all pages in a PDF Format and then scan and send the signature page along with it.

Dr. Abernathy stated several times during both web conferences that students are to READ WEEK FIVE ASSIGNMENT! It has been updated and will answer students' questions. Students were also reminded to use Internship Handbook, version 3.1. Both the new handbook and the updated Week 5 assignment will be placed on the Discussion Board later this evening.


 * Web Conference June 19, 2010**

Dr. Abernathy opened the meeting a couple of minutes before 11:00 a.m.

She recommended students use Riverpoint Writer for their Comprehensive Examination. It easily inserts the correct formatting for references and citations. It is used in conjuction with Microsoft Word 7.

A question was raised about the Web Design course. "How is it going? Hang in there."

Internship questions were also addressed. Dr.Abernathy will check with the Instructional Assistant to find out when Week 3 will be graded. She stated that a panel of three professors will read the entire contents of the e-portfolio and Comprehensive Examination before signing off for graduation.

From now on, logs are to be posted to the wiki. The same is true for the Internship Field-based Activities Summary Report and Validation.

Dr. Abernathy and the students discussed the next course, Research. She suggested students order books now so they will have them when the course begins. There was discussion about the Instructional Assistants. Students are to contact them with additional questions about the coursework.

Dr. Abernathy announced that Dr. Mason and Dr. Abshire will be hired full time with Lamar next semester. They will be working closely with Dr. Abernathy, as is Dr. Cindy Cummings.

The web conference concluded at 11:35 a.m.