Dispelling common myths and misunderstandings as we begin our semester together.

1. EDU120: Technology in Education
Common Myths and
Misunderstandings

2. Myth/Misunderstanding #1
All of the work can be
done in class.

3. Myth/Misunderstanding #1
All of the work can be
done in class.
Most of the “work” is done outside of class including digital
communication via discussion forums, blogs, and other web 2.0
apps. Also there are assignments and projects to be completed
outside of class. Class time is used to get a jump start on artifacts
of learning, share ideas, troubleshoot, and problem solve.

4. Myth/Misunderstanding #2
Step by step instructions will
be provided for all assignments
and projects.

5. Myth/Misunderstanding #2
Step by step instructions will
be provided for all assignments
and projects.
It would be impossible for me to provide step-by-step instructions for each
project and assignment because there are many different ways to accomplish
the same task AND so many different apps we’ll be using. That would be like
telling someone there is only one way to get dressed, travel to North Carolina
or teach a class. There are obvious starting points and best practice
suggestions which will be identified. Beyond that it’s vital to be able to use
technology to find answers. In addition, it’s essential we collaborate to help
each other reach milestones. You will know the destination (rubric) before
you set out. There are many paths to reach it. That sure makes it a lot less
boring and a lot more fun!

6. Myth/Misunderstanding #3
There’s too much dead
time in class.

7. Myth/Misunderstanding #3
There’s too much dead
time in class.
I hate dead time and plan purposefully hoping to optimize instructional time.
However, sometimes the best planned lessons don’t go as expected due to
technology gliches, the learning needs of others, and other unexpected
events. In the event of “dead” time, take the initiative to help someone who
may be having difficulty, troubleshoot the problem we’re experiencing or learn
more about the topic in which we are engaged. There is no such thing as
“dead time” when you’re sitting in front of an Internet connected computer.
(and this doesn’t mean updating your Facebook status)

8. Myth/Misunderstanding #4
The class is too hard.

9. Myth/Misunderstanding #4
The class is too hard.
It’s not nearly as hard as it will be planning differentiated lessons everyday,
creating authentic assessments and grading them, tending to the academic,
emotional, social and sometimes spiritual needs of your students and
colleagues. I acknowledge that my expectations are high. Education majors
have but one 2 credit hour course to be introduced, apply and begin to master
principles and applications of education technology.
Similar to ELA and mathematics, technology is a subject that transcends one’s
life and the classroom. Whether you’re a physician, lawyer, mechanic,
researcher, deputy sheriff, child advocate or salesman, technology will
influence your life. If EDU120 appears difficult, there’s a reason – it’s
important. Remember, I am here for you to make it easier, not more difficult.

10. Myth/Misunderstanding #5
Prof. Gardner will adjust projects
suited to fit my needs.

11. Myth/Misunderstanding #5
Prof. Gardner will adjust projects
suited to fit my needs.
Projects may be adjusted to suit your needs, but you need to do the adjusting!
I do not know the ins and outs of every profession and how and why an ed
tech class would be helpful. Please bring me your ideas for adapting
assignments and/or projects in order to make them useful and meaningful to
you. I’m all ears, willing and excited to hear about them.

12. Myth/Misunderstanding #6
I doubt I will get anything out of
this class.

13. Myth/Misunderstanding #6
I doubt I will get anything out of
this class.
“You get out of it what you put into it.” Nuff said.

14. Myth/Misunderstanding #7
There’s too much busy work in
discussion forums and blogging.

15. Myth/Misunderstanding #7
There’s too much busy work in
discussion forums and blogging.
I do not believe in busy work. If a task appears to be busy work, please ask
yourself first: “Have I read the assignment and reviewed the rubric
thoroughly.” Next ask yourself, “Am I beginning the task with the right
attitude?” - an attitude that either understands that you may be enlightened
or have the opportunity to enlighten others?
Finally if you cannot determine the purpose or value in an assignment or
project, ask me. There shouldn’t be any tricks or secrets in our class. Maybe it
needs to be tweeked. I am here to learn from you, too.

16. Myth/Misunderstanding #8
I have too many usernames and
passwords already.

17. Myth/Misunderstanding #8
I have too many usernames and
passwords already.
Having several usernames and passwords can be confusing, however, in this
class, more will be created. This is unavoidable since that is the direction ed
tech is moving. As cloud computing and Web 2.0 apps take hold and gain in
popularity, creating new usernames and passwords is inevitable. At last count
I had over 80 different platforms which required a username and password.
Write them down if you must (not ones like bank accounts, etc.) Try to
duplicate them as much as possible for low stakes environments. (not email,
financial or MU academics)

18. Myth/Misunderstanding #9
Night class.

19. Myth/Misunderstanding #9
Night class.
Yes, bummer. A night class. Believe me I’m spent at the end of the day too. As
difficult as it is to sit in class, how would you like to teach for 2.5 hours? I do
my best to mix it up using whole group instruction, hands on, peer
assessment, self assessment, video clips, podcasts, student presentations,
writing, brainstorming, formative assessments, etc. Still, it is a night class.
I get up at 4:00 am every day, check email accounts, Facebook, Google Reader,
Google News and pray. After my run, I try to hit up Mass and then begin my
day. By 8:00 pm I’m spent. I totally feel your pain and fatigue. 

20. Myth/Misunderstanding #10
There is not enough time to
complete assignments and
projects.

21. Myth/Misunderstanding #10
There is not enough time to
complete assignments and
projects.
Post secondary education is as much about learning adult life skills such as time
management, information processing, preparation, and communication skills as it
is learning about your content (well almost as much.) Here are some tips to help
you complete assignments on time.
1. Ensure you thoroughly understand the assignment and review the rubric
before you start.
2. Utilize the resources available (provided on Canvas, classmates, Google, me).
3. Begin work on the day it is assigned and work steadily toward your goal of
completion.
4. If you feel like you’re getting in trouble, get help immediately.

22. Myth/Misunderstanding #11
The pace is too fast.

23. Myth/Misunderstanding #11
The pace is too fast.
Yes the pace is fast. Please slow me down if you have a question or I’m unclear.
I’m passionate about education and only have 1 semester to prepare you. I
convey a sense of urgency because I really care about education and about
you. Plus I really love what I do (in case you can’t tell.) 

24. Myth/Misunderstanding #12
Prof. Gardner doesn’t care.

25. Myth/Misunderstanding #12
Prof. Gardner doesn’t care.
I care enough to:
• challenge you and hold you to high expectations
• thoroughly review your work and provide feedback
• communicate my own deficiencies in hopes you’ll learn from them
• speak on your behalf or write you a quality letter of recommendation (should
you ever need one)
• stay on top of my game by continuing to read, attend conferences, dialog with
teachers, observe classrooms and do whatever it takes to perfect both the art
AND science of teaching
• think about you every single day (and many times a day) lifting you up in prayer
if needed for any special intention or challenge you may have shared with me
• sacrifice time with my family, my friends or personal time in order to help you
prepare to be the best professional you can be.

26. Key to Dispelling Myths and Alleviating
Misunderstandings
Communicate

27. Key to Dispelling Myths and Alleviating
Misunderstandings
Communicate
Be an advocate for your learning. As teachers we want to create independent,
confident, capable students. Teachers are not always at their students’ side.
Students move on and that’s why I believe we need to teach students how to
be advocates for their learning and try instill in them a desire to learn and to
continue to ask profound questions that lead to meaningful answers.
This class is no different – be an advocate for your learning. Remember, you
get out of it what you put into it. Make it count.