SIG-IT Bio and NSC Application, 04/03/07

75 minutes of non-publishable writing

I am estimating on the timing because my SDS Time application is not working very effectively - something I'll need to work on next week (or later).

Today I worked on two non-publishable items.

First, I decided to apply for a national board position on AERA's SIG-IT Governing Board. Today was the last day to apply and I figured I had nothing to lose. All that was required was a 150 word biography. I prepared my biography and sent it off to the president of the SIG, Bill Kealy. He emailed me back within an hour and told me my nomination was accepted and that I would have an option of the secretary-treasurer or webmaster positions. I stated that I would be open to fill whichever position is most needed by the Board and he, again quickly, returned my email and stated he feels the webmaster position is most crucial at this point. I am very excited about the possibility of serving in AERA!

Second, I continued to work on the NSC cover letter. Dr. Grubaugh provided some useful comments on my previous draft and I added in the changes he recommended. His main concern was my lack of mention of my grant involvement. This is an area I will need to be sure to address on my vita. When finished with the edits, I sent in my application materials and am now officially in the application pool.

I'm very concerned that my recent writings have not been leading to publishable papers. I still have to prepare a poster for AERA next week and work on departmental service responsibilities so will have little time later this week to write. I'm depending on finding some time at AERA next week to write. I think I should schedule an hour a day next week for this process. I need to get the following works under review:

• SS ad Tech
• 21st Century Social Studies
• Tech Integration in Social Studies Methods

Each of these simply requires time, not much additional research. If I complete these, I will be able to dedicate my time upon returning to the NECC paper.

I also hope to work with Mark Horney next week to progress on the SPED Law paper. I would like him to accept first authorship and complete the article.

P.S. I did not meet with my writing circle this week because it is Spring Break in CCSD and I was with the boys. I will also miss next week because of AERA. I hope I will have plenty for them to review upon my return.

NSC Application, 04/01/07

120 minutes of non-publishable writing

I prepared the first draft of a cover letter for an application to Nevada State College. The letter includes sections from previously written cover letters as well as some new writing.

I must get this out within the next few days because I need to be preparing for AERA's poster session.

During AERA next week, I hope to revisit the SS and Tech paper and perhaps work on the 21st century social studies paper. The latter is probably due soon.

DEN Application, 03/27/07

75 minutes of writing

I completed editing my DEN application and emailed it off. I'm not very confident I will be selected for participation because I spoke with Jannita last night who stated that the Bahama's institute will focus on previous institute participants. I wish I were available to apply for the other institutes!

I would like to revise my RQ to include more technology components, or to explicit state they will be considered as part of the research project. The new working RQ is: "Beyond intended content, what pedagogical and technological skills do teachers gain during residential insitutes."

DEN Application, 03/26/07

15 minutes of writing

I spent time editing my DEN application before my research writing circle met. The members of the writing circle agree that this type of writing should count toward "writing" because the goal is to increase my writing time and skills. I'm not sure I agree. I believe my writing time should be focused on writing for publication. My goal, ultimately, is to increase my peer-reviewed publications.

DEN Application, 03/25/07

75 minutes of writing (pseudo)

I began preparing my application for the Discovery Education Network summer institute. I hope to be accepted because I would like to use this experience to collect research data to officially begin addressing the RQ: "Beyond intended content, what pedagogy knowledge do teachers gain when participating in residential institutes?"

I question whether this type of writing (basically a proposal rather than writing for publication) should count toward "writing" in my blog and with my research writing circle.

21st Century SS, 03/20/07

75 minutes of writing

I began writing a paper based on the CUE presentation on 21st Century Social Studies. I think I should finish the SS and Tech paper before I return to this one again.

Interestingly, I wrote most of it on my way to work using my iPod. This technique doesn't seem to work too well because I found that what I said and what I would write are completely different things. Also, it was time consuming to re-type what I wrote. In fact, I currently have 4 pages of the new manuscript, and I'm only half-way through re-typing.

SS and Tech, 3/15/07

12 minutes of writing

I know... this is a pathetic amount of time after such a long period of not writing. It's Spring Break and I'm trying to relax a bit in preparation for the remainder of the school year. I am also trying to keep up on grading this semester by returning papers to students within a week of their due dates.

My writing today consisted of reviewing the conclusion to the SS and Tech paper based on recommendations from the last writing circle meeting. I believe the only remaining changes in the paper are on the table. The table will need substantial work if I am to align it with the Moersch framework. This will be my next step.

Despite my lack of writing, I have spent time researching. I sent in the AERA paper and spent time in preparation for the NECC paper. I'm needing to learn much more on action research and begin to collect data from the previous SSM courses and student comments (audio and written). I think the paper has a lot of potential, but it is still in its conception stage. I need to really begin focusing on the paper.

I've also considered the possibility of writing up the paper from the CUE conference -- 21st century social studies. That might be a good practitioner piece for the Journal of Curriculum and Instruction's summer social studies issue. And, best of all, it probably wouldn't take too long to write. One major thing I need to do to make that into a possible paper is re-record the presentation. The CUE audio is extremely poor and I've not learned the audio enhancing skills to remove all the white noise. It will probably take less time to re-record it.

SS and Tech, 3/05/07

54 minutes of writing

I worked on editing the SS and Tech paper with a focus on aligning statements with Moersch's LoTi framework. Because I hear Moersch speak at CUE this last weekend, I have a better grasp of the LoTi framework and feel more comfortable writing about it. I'm still concerned about aligning his levels with the table at the end of this paper, but I will be able to have others look this section over to check my work.

TAH Grant, 02/26/07

60 minutes of writing

I edited the TAH grant. I will now be taking it to my writing circle for their review before I make final changes. My sections will be completed and sent to the co-directors and grant writers tonight.

TAH Grant, 02/25/07

276 minutes of writing

I worked on the pedagogical modules for the TAH grant. I completed the task, but need to edit my work. I plan to have it to the grant writers and co-directors no later than tomorrow.

What Works, 2/24/07

81 minutes of writing

I finished it! I finished the writing and editing of the "What Works" chapter. The only section about which I had serious concern was a paragraph I added today. Lynne was online and I was able to get her approval on the paragraph.

In addition to the final draft, I prepared a second document for the editors (and co-authors) identifying the changes (and justifications for lack of changes) between the reviewers' comments and the final draft. I sent both the final and edited versions to the editors and co-authors. It's now out of my hands and I hope the editors are pleased enough to truly make this the final draft.

I also spent a few minutes looking at the TAH grant. After speaking with Stephanie Hirsch last night, I learned that I need only elaborate of three of the modules in the grant. Though they plan to use all the modules, only three will appear in the grant application. I've promised Stephanie I'll have my modules to her by tomorrow night.

It's been very rewarding to get out this chapter and the WebQuest chapter over the last week. Once I finish the TAH grant, I'll be able to spend the rest of the week focusing on the CUE Conference (21st century social studies).

What Works, 2/22/07

33 mintues of writing

I contacted Jonathon for information about the CAST screenshots so I could add a section (per Lynne's recommendation) to describe the shots. He sent them immediately and I was able to begin writing.

In addition, I worked on devising a plan of how to best send our edits to the editors. I think I'll send three documents. The final cleanly edited version, a version showing the editorial changes, and the version with all our editorial comments. I'm not yet convinced this is the best plan.

What Works, 2/21/07

36 minutes of writing

I received Lynne's edits and began cleaning the final draft for the editors. Lynne added her changes to mine so the product I received includes many editorial remarks which may make it difficult for the editors.

Methods of SSM: WebQuest Lesson, 02/20/07

75 minutes of writing

I made final edits to the WebQuest Lesson Chapter and mailed it off to the text editor. I sure hope it is accepted!

I also communicated with the Teaching American History Grant writer, Tamra, who recommended I communicate with Drs. Green and Beachly regarding the content changes I made to the grant. I will do that this evening. When I complete adding my sections to the grant proposal, I will then share the remainder of my edits with them.

Tomorrow I need to work on grading (I need to return students' units plans ASAP) and then focus on the grant. As soon as the grant is done, I can switch my focus to the 21st century skills paper/presentation for CUE. CUE is only a week away.

TAH Grant, 02/19/07

186 minutes of writing

I began working on the Teaching American History (TAH) grant, "Inside American History." The works of Drs. Deanna Beachly and Michel Green make this process incredibly easy because of their clear writing and attention to detail. Though I've engaged in lots of copy editing, there's been very little content editing.

To this point, I've only reviewed the main text of the grant application (up to the individual module descriptions). Though there were substantive changes to the expectations in terms of content pedagogy, the only other major changes were in terms of the annual trip. I'm not certain the grant team will approve of my recommended changes because they require a lot more on the part of the attending teachers, but I feel there needs to be some responsibility during their excursion and upon their return. For example, I recommend an application process to attend and as part of that process I suggest they develop classroom materials ot engage in in-servicing upon their return. I also recommend journal writing during the field experience. This latter piece would definitely enhance the long-term benefits of the field experience and would certainly provide a rich data source for research. I hope the grant team agrees to these changes.

I hope, too, that Drs. Green and Beachly are not offended by my editing. They truly did a beautiful job with the initial draft. Because of my work with Lynne, my expectations for clarity are so high that I feel much more comfortable with the draft I've edited. I hope they will feel that way, too (as will the other grant team members).

My next step is to begin work on the modules. This is the section tht will require my true expertise.

Methods of SSM: WebQuest Lesson, 02/17/07 and 2/19/07

9 minutes of writing on 2/17/07
21 minutes of writing on 2/19/07

I continued editing the Methods chapter on WebQuests. I still am not pleased with the tone, but, because I'm approaching the deadline, I plan to send it off soon anyway. I've asked Mom to review the paper for her impression on tone.

I'm still awaiting Lynne's edits on the What Works chapter. She said I would have them by this morning so I'm rather concerned that the editing process was more cumbersome than anticipated.

Methods of SSM: WebQuest Lesson, 02/17/07

105 minutes of writing

I continued work on the methods/webquest chapter and completed the first draft. I'm still not pleased with the tone and know the chapter needs lots of work. Unfortunately, I'm not sure how to improve it. I will print it out and continue to edit it later today.

I also spoke with Lynne this morning about the What Works chapter. She will review my edits and make further editorial changes and will return the final draft to me no later than Monday morning.

I am very eager to complete both these chapters and get them to the editors. I need to begin focusing my attention on the Teaching American History (TAH) grant due in two weeks and begin preparing for the CUE conference.

Methods of SSM: WebQuest Lesson, 02/14/07

39 minutes of writing

I edited the webquest methods chapter based on the feedback of my writing circle colleagues and added a bit more text. I also did additional editing to the paper based on my own reading of the manuscript.

I'm concerned with the tone of the piece. It reads: "I do this, and then this, and then I..."

I received an email from Lynne this morning with concerns about the What Works Chapter. I hope to talk with her by phone this eveing to address her concerns.

Methods of SSM: WebQuest Lesson, 02/12/07

117 minutes of writing

I am so excited to announce that I completed the CITI Human Subjects course late last night. I am now eligible to submit human subjects protocols to UNLV's IRB (though I may not be able to be a principal investigator since I am in a visiting position -- I'll have to look into this).

Because March 1st is fast approaching, I decided I need to begin focusing on writing for the manuscripts due by 3/1. This revelation fortunately came at a time when there is a slight lull in my teaching and service responsilibities. I decided to begin by working on preparing a chapter for submission to the Methods of Teaching Social Studies Methods text. Though there are several chapters that interest me, I decided to begin with a chapter describing my lesson on web-based resources. This is a very unique lesson and I feel the students learn such critically important technology skills during the lesson while learning so much about web-based social studies resources. The chapters are very short (2000 words) and not research-based. My plan is to complete this chapter quickly, send it off to the text editor, and offer to write an additional chapter if she feels my work is suitable for the text.

I spent the morning preparing a first draft of the first half of the manuscript, and I spent part of the afternoon editing the first few pages. I finished in time to take those pages to my writing circle where I received very helpful feedback (as always!). I hope to revisit, revise, and continue writing on this manuscript tomorrow, and keep working on it until it is ready to send to the editor.

I also need to be thinking about a CUFA proposal (I really don't know what to submit at this point and am not sure I should submit anything given my questionable status as a social studies educator).

I also need to begin preparing a research protocol for my NECC research. I'm still not sure of my research questions and hope to edify those questions tomorrow. I have the privilege of meeting with Sandra Odell who can hopefully give me guidance in this area as well as help me identify directions for my research agenda.

Finally, CUE is just around the corner. I will presenting on 21st Century Social Studies and have LOTS of preparation to do. I'm hoping that part of the preparation will involve the writing of a paper I can submit for review.

Currently, the biggest problem I foresee with my research is the lack of scientific scrutiny. I have many suggestions and examples of social studies and technology integration at the K-12 and teacher education levels, but no data to support that these lead to greater student learning or enhanced use of technological tools. I must begin to address this issue - the NECC research is a great strting point for this problem.

What Works and SS and Tech, 2/09/07

81 minutes of writing

What Works:
I received word back from Jonathon that the manuscript is ready to send to the editors, but I'm still concerned that the CAST screenshots represent professional development courses instead of K-12 classes (the audience of and title for the book). I've emailed the remaining authors with a request for them to give their final approval on the chapter and respond to my concern about these screenshots. I stated that I will await sending the final draft to the editor until I receive approval from Mark and Lynne.
I'm really tired of this paper.

SS and Tech:
I spent time making the changes recommended by my writing group. There is one paragraph that still potentially needs work, but I'm not confident about their recommended suggestions. I'm considering asking Greg Levitt to read the paragraph to see if he thinks it should be changed.
This paper is definitely getting closer to having an updated draft, but still has a long was to go. I need to revisit the Moersch/SS connection and then relate items in the tables at the end to the framework. This will take substantial time.

SSM and Tech Research:
I met with Leora Baron at the TLC to discuss moving from scholarly teaching to scholarship of teaching and learning. She suggested some research questions I may wish to use to drive my NECC paper, but I'm not ready to commit to any specific question. She did convict me to complete the human subjects online course and begin communicating with one of the IRB members about whether this research would be exempt from review. I'm sure it will be, and since I don't have my RQs yet, I'll wait until I get further along in my proposal.

For next week:
It's critical I start thinking about my CUE presentation (and the paper I hope to write to go along with it). Also, the SSM book chapters are due 3/1. I'm thinking that revisiting literature on 21st century skills would be a good start for both works. I wish, though, that I could begin writing the first draft of the SSM chapter before Monday's writing circle.