Monday, June 28, 2004
Final Reflections:
Well this ARP turned out to be a lot more work than what I bargained for but Paul cautioned me on that. It has been a great success though as it has become a living breathing thing that will move on long after this OMET journey is finished.
I changed by learning that actions are really an investment in people. Some investments pay-off quickly and others are like stocks that never yield any returns at all. Some will actually decline in value and decrease the strength of the overall portfolio. Others mature over time and will bring rewards for the future. I can hear Booker's voice saying: "What goes around, comes around."
I also learned that collecting too much data will overwhelm you during analysis. ;-)
I started with Dr. Polin's essential question:
“Situated learning is an idea that all learning is embedded in context- even school learning. The issue becomes, if that is true, then how is it that some contexts do a better job of supporting learning than others do?”
I constructed my personal answer to that question by discovering that in order for effective learning to take place, people need to be provided with rich learning experiences that are socially constructed and relevant to their personal lives or practice. I learned that people and segments in my CoP are a viable resource which I have to help make that occur, but not as easy as one would think.
Some "talk the talk, and others walk the walk".
Education is like that too isn't it?
Well this ARP turned out to be a lot more work than what I bargained for but Paul cautioned me on that. It has been a great success though as it has become a living breathing thing that will move on long after this OMET journey is finished.
I changed by learning that actions are really an investment in people. Some investments pay-off quickly and others are like stocks that never yield any returns at all. Some will actually decline in value and decrease the strength of the overall portfolio. Others mature over time and will bring rewards for the future. I can hear Booker's voice saying: "What goes around, comes around."
I also learned that collecting too much data will overwhelm you during analysis. ;-)
I started with Dr. Polin's essential question:
“Situated learning is an idea that all learning is embedded in context- even school learning. The issue becomes, if that is true, then how is it that some contexts do a better job of supporting learning than others do?”
I constructed my personal answer to that question by discovering that in order for effective learning to take place, people need to be provided with rich learning experiences that are socially constructed and relevant to their personal lives or practice. I learned that people and segments in my CoP are a viable resource which I have to help make that occur, but not as easy as one would think.
Some "talk the talk, and others walk the walk".
Education is like that too isn't it?
Sunday, June 27, 2004
Today was the Nationals event at UCSB. I received an e-mail early in the morning from Shirley with the schedule from A team. I arrived at the old campus pool at 8:30 and joined the A-team for their engineering review. I was greeted by Bob who had his usual grand smile and heir of optimism for the kids and the project. Greg was there as well as Shirley. Shirley presented me with a laminated schedule for the weekend. It was good to see everyone again after working so hard these past few weeks.
Greg shared with me CHS plans to expand the ROV program into 4 construction classes next year with 120 students. Aaaaah Access...... I smiled to myself thinking of ARP data and the significance of this to the project goals.
I thought the engineering review went great. There was a judge from NASA and Jim the retired engineer who was at the regional event,were evaluating. The kids took turns answering questions and totally ran the presentation as a true team. The prepared well and had a nice posterboard display that gave an overview of "Vanessa". They were nervous at first, but soon settled into a cordial and conversational presentation. I was very proud of them. The CHS curriculum had prepared them well.
After the review I went to the pool and met up with the skunkworks team. I saw Brian's brother Matthew who had the Flea and was demonstrating it to a young girl his age any anyone else who came by. What a kick this kid is. Skunkworks had lots of support from parents and family there and were dressed neatly in new blue shirts and hats with the Skunkworks logo for the event.
At 2pm Skunkworks flew their ROV in the competition project. They scored 20 out of 100 points on the underwater portion. We all observed from the bleachers. The pressure of the event finally got to the team as the 25 minute clock was winding down and the tasks were just not unfolding this time for them this time. The crowd could hear the team exchanging frantic yelling amongst each other. I noticed that the judges were picking up on this and saw one privately giving some advice on this to Brian after the time had expired. Some of the media reporters picked up on this and swarmed the kids and parents afterward looking for an angle on what happened.
They had experienced what every industrial ROV team has seen countless times before in the field and I wondered if they really learned anything from this part. I thought back to 1982 and a job we did for Tennessee Gas pipeline in Viosca Knoll where 3 knots of current pushed me and the Mantis inside the platform, fouling me for several hours as weather deteriorated. High strung emotions do not fare to well in real operations when there are people relying on each other.
At 5pm the A team flew and had a totally different experience. They had a much more laid back attitude toward the event and ended up scoring 30 points. I think they knew that none of this on the "competition end" was really that important. They had put that into perspective long ago. This was not about competing to them at all. There was no yelling and they truly seemed to enjoy having the machine function well. The underwater reef turned out to be smaller than what was listed and they were not able to complete as many tasks as they had in the practice run I was at.
When they were done, you could see a bit of disappointment in the score, but everyone knew going in that this was a longshot. The media picked up on the contrast in conduct between the teams and conducted post operation interviews.
One thing is for sure, A-team understands and lives by Rule #6- and that's what made them stand out in a positive way to the CoP.
I got to see one of my students Monica G who was a safety diver in the pool. We talked about SBCC student Bill's passing, and I asked if the class was doing ok. She said they were just angry now. She told me that the students had established a memorial fund and are calling it "The sand-dollar foundation" this left an incredible impact on me that the sand dollar lesson I did with them months ago in the ocean has become a meaningful metaphor for the class. She said they are still going to be a great class and I replied that they already are.
I ran into Eric Hessel UCSB DSO and SBCC grad who was filling tanks for the divers. He was as good as always.
Mark and Julie Bursek stopped by. Julie is 8 months along now and both were beaming. I am so happy for them. Mark's new position with Hammerhead industries is working out great after leaving DECA after many years. Julie and I chatted about the NOAA meeting with CHS and SBCC and she is excited about working together next year.
I walked around a bit and videotaped some of the machines from all over the country. There were some interesting designs and ideas from all over the country. They were all learning by doing in a social setting and that what is significant.
Ana Davison from the News Press talked to me for a while before I left. I thanked her for her interest in covering the CHS ROV project.
Greg shared with me CHS plans to expand the ROV program into 4 construction classes next year with 120 students. Aaaaah Access...... I smiled to myself thinking of ARP data and the significance of this to the project goals.
I thought the engineering review went great. There was a judge from NASA and Jim the retired engineer who was at the regional event,were evaluating. The kids took turns answering questions and totally ran the presentation as a true team. The prepared well and had a nice posterboard display that gave an overview of "Vanessa". They were nervous at first, but soon settled into a cordial and conversational presentation. I was very proud of them. The CHS curriculum had prepared them well.
After the review I went to the pool and met up with the skunkworks team. I saw Brian's brother Matthew who had the Flea and was demonstrating it to a young girl his age any anyone else who came by. What a kick this kid is. Skunkworks had lots of support from parents and family there and were dressed neatly in new blue shirts and hats with the Skunkworks logo for the event.
At 2pm Skunkworks flew their ROV in the competition project. They scored 20 out of 100 points on the underwater portion. We all observed from the bleachers. The pressure of the event finally got to the team as the 25 minute clock was winding down and the tasks were just not unfolding this time for them this time. The crowd could hear the team exchanging frantic yelling amongst each other. I noticed that the judges were picking up on this and saw one privately giving some advice on this to Brian after the time had expired. Some of the media reporters picked up on this and swarmed the kids and parents afterward looking for an angle on what happened.
They had experienced what every industrial ROV team has seen countless times before in the field and I wondered if they really learned anything from this part. I thought back to 1982 and a job we did for Tennessee Gas pipeline in Viosca Knoll where 3 knots of current pushed me and the Mantis inside the platform, fouling me for several hours as weather deteriorated. High strung emotions do not fare to well in real operations when there are people relying on each other.
At 5pm the A team flew and had a totally different experience. They had a much more laid back attitude toward the event and ended up scoring 30 points. I think they knew that none of this on the "competition end" was really that important. They had put that into perspective long ago. This was not about competing to them at all. There was no yelling and they truly seemed to enjoy having the machine function well. The underwater reef turned out to be smaller than what was listed and they were not able to complete as many tasks as they had in the practice run I was at.
When they were done, you could see a bit of disappointment in the score, but everyone knew going in that this was a longshot. The media picked up on the contrast in conduct between the teams and conducted post operation interviews.
One thing is for sure, A-team understands and lives by Rule #6- and that's what made them stand out in a positive way to the CoP.
I got to see one of my students Monica G who was a safety diver in the pool. We talked about SBCC student Bill's passing, and I asked if the class was doing ok. She said they were just angry now. She told me that the students had established a memorial fund and are calling it "The sand-dollar foundation" this left an incredible impact on me that the sand dollar lesson I did with them months ago in the ocean has become a meaningful metaphor for the class. She said they are still going to be a great class and I replied that they already are.
I ran into Eric Hessel UCSB DSO and SBCC grad who was filling tanks for the divers. He was as good as always.
Mark and Julie Bursek stopped by. Julie is 8 months along now and both were beaming. I am so happy for them. Mark's new position with Hammerhead industries is working out great after leaving DECA after many years. Julie and I chatted about the NOAA meeting with CHS and SBCC and she is excited about working together next year.
I walked around a bit and videotaped some of the machines from all over the country. There were some interesting designs and ideas from all over the country. They were all learning by doing in a social setting and that what is significant.
Ana Davison from the News Press talked to me for a while before I left. I thanked her for her interest in covering the CHS ROV project.
Wednesday, June 02, 2004
Received this from Julie B. today the NOAA educational coordinator.
This is evidence of a change in my CoP.
Hi Dave, Dan, and Don,
On June 21, 2004 myself and Kate Thompson, Education Liason with NMS
program, would like to schedule a meeting/tour of both of your
facilities with you (and Greg Eisen too?). Kate is the lead from
National Marine Sanctuaries for the ROV minigrant program.
The purpose of the visits are to learn more about your program/facility
and how ROV technology is being integrated into your curriculum. This
is something that sanctuaries are very interested in. Dave for your
program, is there a summary of the Marine Technology Institute program
that highlights integrated curriculum approach?
Please let me know if June 21 works or not for a site visit. We'd
probably want to start with SBCC in the morning and then head up to
Cabrillo HS late morning/after lunch.
Thanks a bunch!
Julie
This is evidence of a change in my CoP.
Hi Dave, Dan, and Don,
On June 21, 2004 myself and Kate Thompson, Education Liason with NMS
program, would like to schedule a meeting/tour of both of your
facilities with you (and Greg Eisen too?). Kate is the lead from
National Marine Sanctuaries for the ROV minigrant program.
The purpose of the visits are to learn more about your program/facility
and how ROV technology is being integrated into your curriculum. This
is something that sanctuaries are very interested in. Dave for your
program, is there a summary of the Marine Technology Institute program
that highlights integrated curriculum approach?
Please let me know if June 21 works or not for a site visit. We'd
probably want to start with SBCC in the morning and then head up to
Cabrillo HS late morning/after lunch.
Thanks a bunch!
Julie
Friday, May 28, 2004
Spoke to Julie B at length today regarding the past six months and the future of ROVs in the schools in our local community. We are on the same page.
Got a call from Dave asking if I would come up to CHS tonite for the Mock up testing for the nationals with A team. I readjusted schedule and drove up at 4:30. Took some dive gear and my new ikelite housing to test it out.
Bob had built a to scale mock up of the U boat and reef with help from Shirley and her parents who I met at the school. Dave and Elaine were there as well as Greg. The students flew great and Bob had all the projects just as they were on the MATE website. He has really put some effort into this for the kids. I got some good U/W photos with the coolpix. Was in the water for over 1.5 hrs. Helped Bob setup the Uboat and reef in the pool.
Chatted with Dave, Greg and everyone about the project and the future. I can sense the year coming to a close.
Bob and Shirley presented Dave and Elaine with a cool plaque of an iceberg with a very meaniful inscription:
"What we can easilty see is only a small percentage of what is possible. Imagination is having the vision to see what is just below the surface; to picture that what is essential, but invisible to the eye." That is such an accurate reflection of the legacy of Dave and Elaine. Kudo's to Bob and Shirley for doing this.
Home at 10pm and pretty tired.
Got a call from Dave asking if I would come up to CHS tonite for the Mock up testing for the nationals with A team. I readjusted schedule and drove up at 4:30. Took some dive gear and my new ikelite housing to test it out.
Bob had built a to scale mock up of the U boat and reef with help from Shirley and her parents who I met at the school. Dave and Elaine were there as well as Greg. The students flew great and Bob had all the projects just as they were on the MATE website. He has really put some effort into this for the kids. I got some good U/W photos with the coolpix. Was in the water for over 1.5 hrs. Helped Bob setup the Uboat and reef in the pool.
Chatted with Dave, Greg and everyone about the project and the future. I can sense the year coming to a close.
Bob and Shirley presented Dave and Elaine with a cool plaque of an iceberg with a very meaniful inscription:
"What we can easilty see is only a small percentage of what is possible. Imagination is having the vision to see what is just below the surface; to picture that what is essential, but invisible to the eye." That is such an accurate reflection of the legacy of Dave and Elaine. Kudo's to Bob and Shirley for doing this.
Home at 10pm and pretty tired.
Wednesday, May 26, 2004
Drove to CHS today to meet with Dave, Greg and Bob. Tariq gave me an updated DVD and saved his Quicktime movie into a webformat.
I finished the electronic student survey and explained the importance of the students completing it. I emailed a draft copy to Greg and Dave for approval which I received. I launched the survey as well as had 3 immediate replies.
I stopped by Brian's house on the way home to see him and his Dad. We had a nice visit and Mike and I talked alot about education and the growth of the kids. I found out that Mike was doing home schooling with Brian a few years back and is interested in education.
Matt was there too and it was nice to see his energy and interest in what was happening with the ROV project. I fondly recalled a big revelation for me when he showed up at the pool with "the Flea" ROV that him and his Dad built. Brian shared some great news about team dynamics. He said that the teams get along and talk so much more now than they ever did. This was good news for me as he again acknowledged how social learning existed in this project and that each of them had come to appreciate others in the process.
I mentioned to Mike and Brian that the Skunkworks team will be critical in leading students next year as the ROV program is developed. Brian gave me a tape of him and his Dad Sturgeon fishing on the Columbia from 2001 which I watched when I got home. This is more evidence of his learning in social settings and context. It is important that he understands that these learning environments are very good for him.
I finished the electronic student survey and explained the importance of the students completing it. I emailed a draft copy to Greg and Dave for approval which I received. I launched the survey as well as had 3 immediate replies.
I stopped by Brian's house on the way home to see him and his Dad. We had a nice visit and Mike and I talked alot about education and the growth of the kids. I found out that Mike was doing home schooling with Brian a few years back and is interested in education.
Matt was there too and it was nice to see his energy and interest in what was happening with the ROV project. I fondly recalled a big revelation for me when he showed up at the pool with "the Flea" ROV that him and his Dad built. Brian shared some great news about team dynamics. He said that the teams get along and talk so much more now than they ever did. This was good news for me as he again acknowledged how social learning existed in this project and that each of them had come to appreciate others in the process.
I mentioned to Mike and Brian that the Skunkworks team will be critical in leading students next year as the ROV program is developed. Brian gave me a tape of him and his Dad Sturgeon fishing on the Columbia from 2001 which I watched when I got home. This is more evidence of his learning in social settings and context. It is important that he understands that these learning environments are very good for him.
Saturday, May 08, 2004
Had a morning beach dive to finish of the UCSB class and get them certified. It was a great day. We started at 7am and were done by 11:30. I told the students that the "candidates" they were working with were no longer candidates- they were now NAUI Instructors.
I spent the rest of the day getting things ready for the ITC graduation social at Harry's tonight. Dan came and we had the back room at Harry's. I passed out their certs and diplomas which I had framed for them. Ed was in Mexico, but I pre recorded a tape of him saying farewell and offering good advice to each. I played it at the restaurant and could see the reflective and positive effect that it had on them.
It was a good time. Curt totally spaced and when I called him he nearly died. At the end of the evening the manager came in and told me that Mr. Wiessner was buying dinner for all 10 of us!!
They are officially finsihed and certified as Instructors under the National Association of Underwater Instructors. The NAI ITC criteria is the most rigorous and intense in the diving industry.
In hindsight, I am now happy that I decided to overload myself yet again and do this ITC. I could have taken the easy way out and said "no" Im too busy with Pepperdine.. But this project gave me the chance to really apply more and more of the technology and constructivist tools I have learned. Use it or lose it. Better yet, My Cop is better off as there are six new strong instructors in it.
Welcome to the CoP folks.
I spent the rest of the day getting things ready for the ITC graduation social at Harry's tonight. Dan came and we had the back room at Harry's. I passed out their certs and diplomas which I had framed for them. Ed was in Mexico, but I pre recorded a tape of him saying farewell and offering good advice to each. I played it at the restaurant and could see the reflective and positive effect that it had on them.
It was a good time. Curt totally spaced and when I called him he nearly died. At the end of the evening the manager came in and told me that Mr. Wiessner was buying dinner for all 10 of us!!
They are officially finsihed and certified as Instructors under the National Association of Underwater Instructors. The NAI ITC criteria is the most rigorous and intense in the diving industry.
In hindsight, I am now happy that I decided to overload myself yet again and do this ITC. I could have taken the easy way out and said "no" Im too busy with Pepperdine.. But this project gave me the chance to really apply more and more of the technology and constructivist tools I have learned. Use it or lose it. Better yet, My Cop is better off as there are six new strong instructors in it.
Welcome to the CoP folks.
Friday, April 30, 2004
Had a boat trip with UCSB Basic students and our candidates. The ITC gand is all over this after the Catalina trip and working with these students all month. They know them well.
The day was flawless and I re-affirmed my change of format of the ITC to constructivist socail learning. I could tell from the performance and student reactions that this worked well. I love working with Ed. He is efficient with large groups.
See the images as evidence by clicking here.
I doubt I will ever go back to role playing in an ITC again. I probably should write on this at somepoint for my CoP. Everyone has commented on how effective this method is.
The day was flawless and I re-affirmed my change of format of the ITC to constructivist socail learning. I could tell from the performance and student reactions that this worked well. I love working with Ed. He is efficient with large groups.
See the images as evidence by clicking here.
I doubt I will ever go back to role playing in an ITC again. I probably should write on this at somepoint for my CoP. Everyone has commented on how effective this method is.
