April Monthly Blog

Kyle Commented on Keith Cozart's Summary and Group 1 Summary
Kyle Owens Monthly             
            This semester was a real challenge for me as I am currently taking a total of three graduate courses. I feel though that this has forced me to stay focused on the classes and put forth more effort so that I don’t fall behind. While I never considered dropping the course I did find myself falling behind a few times.

            This past month was a challenge for me as I was in the Bahamas for the first week which forced me to complete an entire weeks’ worth of work the week before. Then when I got back I was already a little behind and had to play catch up. I feel like this month really allowed me to bring together everything that I had learned over the semester. I was surprised when I started working on my e-archive summary in how much I actually learned over the course of the semester. Like I said before, this semester was probably the most involved semester I have had and I was so focused on completing the courses that I never realized how much I was actually learning

            As the course comes to an end I have mixed emotions, this class has been one of the most influential classes I have taken and I am sad to see it end. On the other hand I am on step closer to graduation and have only one more class to complete this summer before I am able to graduate on July 18^th. As an educator I am excited to take the things that I have learned in this class and take it with me in the future. I am also very grateful for have such a great partner in Keith, his organization and dedication to his work really helped me.

            It has been a pleasure to work with each one of you and wish you the best in all of your future endeavors.

April Month Summary

Keith Cozart commented on Group 1 April Summery TWICE
 
Keith Cozart’s Summary

Midway through the semester, I was about three mouse clicks away from dropping the course.   I had too much on my plate and needed to find some peace.  At this point I’m glad to have continued. 

All flattery aside, my most enjoyable time this month was my interview with Bo.  She called me exactly when she said she would.- to the minute. We completed our conversation precisely in 60 minutes.  Knowing I have an end of semester reflection paper to write, I felt that most of my course reflection came out in the interview.  It was a good visit that required me to recall important aspects of the course that I would have otherwise taken for granted.  And to think, I almost did not agree to the interview.  It goes to show, it is worth it to step outside our comfort zones from time to time.

While April did have its challenges, I found the course work to be more creative.  I appreciated the video/audio options within weekly discussions and very much enjoyed putting together the eArchive.  I feel lucky to have had some creative energy to put forth.  Sometime I run short when most needed. 

As I look ahead I am not entirely convinced a Master’s Degree in Adult Education is what I’m looking for in my life.  Maybe?  I do know this, I learned a lot in this course, more than anything else to keep pushing ahead and to do good work.  I enjoyed working with my group partner Kyle Owens.  I hope for him all the best in his future course work.

In closing, I’ve taught online for the past 9 years.  This is the first full semester online class I’ve been a participating student.  My perspective has changed toward my students.   I now know more fully what they are dealing with on the other side of the computer screen.

Group 4 Survival Guide

Kyle Commented on Groups 1 and 2

Group 4 Survival Guide:

EDAC 631 was a fantastic class that has taught me so much information that I will take with me for the rest of my life. I have grown as both a life longer learner as well as an adult educator. I have gained knowledge that will help me educate both colleagues and students. Below you will find a few details on how to better understand the information and get through the course easier.

·         -Make sure you check the discussion board on a daily basis from Wednesday through Sunday.

·        - Keep in constant contact with Bo as she acts as a great resource for questions and clarifications.

·         Start assignments earlier. There are a lot of assignments in this class and they can easily creep up if you don’t  pay attention.

·        - Read as much as you can. Each week Bo provides additional readings…take advantage of this opportunity.

·         -Make sure that you work with your teammates and reach out if you haven’t heard from them. Everyone in  the group is probably taking multiple classes, so it’s easy for someone to forget items. (Myself included)

Week 16 Audio/Video Introduction

Keith Cozart commented on Group 1(Ben Ranfeld) Group 1 (Chris Cathcart) and Week 16 Audio/Video Introduction
Kyle Owens commented on Groups   Week 16 Audio/Video Introduction

Group 4s Week 16 Audio/Video Introduction

Adult/Community Education E Archive

Keith Cozart commented on Group 1 TWICE 

Kyle Owens commented on Groups 1 and 3

Division of roles:

Keith Cozart: Presentation eArchive

Kyle Owens: Paper Archive

Click HERE for a downloadable link to our eArchive

Adult/Community Education E-Archive

                  Over the course of the semester our group has grown as students of adult education and has explored different educators as well as education centers. As we have continued our education in adult education we have also grown to respect the field itself. To be able to see the struggles that adult education has faced when trying to gain ground and grow as a profession. Throughout the semester we have been able to learn about so many influential people who have made a difference and brought the field to where it is today.

Important Aspects of Adult Education as covered in our assignments

·       TED stands for technology, entertainment, and design, and has been bring influential people to the field of adult education for almost 20 years. What TED does for adult education is package learning in modern ways for modern audiences while using time-tested proven concepts and techniques of adult education. As we see technology and entertainment advance and become more advance, it is important to make adults aware of these changes. By being aware of advancements and new strategies then adults can prepare training programs and seek out education for them.

·       Chautauqua Institution provides an opportunity for adult learners to gain an education in an environment that supports their Christian beliefs. As an individual who has come from catholic schools it is obvious that education is more valued when it is studied in an environment that supports education and religious beliefs.

·       The Lumina foundation is an independent organization that strives to better the education that individuals get at all levels of education. They are well known for their goal to increase the percentage of Americans with “High Quality” Degrees by the year 2025. It is very important for organizations like to supported and recognized as they play such a large role in in advancements in education.

·       The Small Planet Institute is an organization that promotes the betterment of lives for those who are less fortunate. It is well known that a large majority of the world’s population lacks proper education and by having institutions like this, it allows those (including adults) to have the opportunity at gaining and education. While organizations like this Small Planet fight an uphill battle, it is important to support organizations that play such a crucial role.

·       Malcolm Knowles is often known as the “Father of Adult” education. As the Director of Adult Education for a YMCA, Malcolm focused on the importance of life long learner. Its individuals like Knowles that strive to improve the lives of adults by giving them opportunities to learn and grow.

Ideals of Adult Education:

When we were children and as we grew we were constantly told the importance of “Lifelong learning” and that we should never be satisfied with what we have learned. It is important that by pursing further education, one is helping those around them learn as well. It is important to understand that adult education just isn’t sitting in a classroom, but is learning about the world around you and understanding how you can make a difference. Adult education can take place anywhere as long as you as an individual are willing to learn.