My Plan

This is My Plan, I hope you can read it!

Click on it, this will make it bigger.

It will take dedication and focus. I have a plan and in order to make it work sacrifice will be my best friend. I am looking forward to longevity. The now is important, but my future is what I am looking forward to. In order to make it happen, money has to be saved. Wants will be placed on hold. The only thing that I will spend money on the necessities. Working the after school and Saturday programs will give me more money. This will all come in handy. Looking forward to the new changes and financial freedom. I vow to have financial freedom by 2011. Making these subtle life changes will benefit me in the long run. I know the things I want and in order to achieve them things have to change. The time to change is now and it all starts with me.

Better Days

Regardless of how I feel the days keep on moving by. Whenever I think of where I should be, I have to remember to be thankful for all of the things I have accomplished throughout my life. There is so much that I want out of life that sometimes I get down and out. Something I have learned is that I can't make anyone happy, but myself. That is what I am striving to do. I have created my six year plan and like I always say sometimes I can't see the forest for the trees. In my life, I can give others all of the advice they need. For some reason I can't give myself sound advice. I know how I feel and what needs to be done, but I can't seem to do anything. It seems as if I get two steps ahead and fall one back. That may be the story of my life.

Making More Money
In order to make more money, I have started working the after school and Saturday programs. That will give me 16 hours more of my hourly rate a month. The money will be put to good use. Also, my financial aid was reinstated. Due to all of the financial issues I have been facing the past few months, I don't have a savings anymore. I will use this month to replenish the missing cash.

With all of the financial woes, I haven't purchased all of my books for one course. I spoke with the professor last week to inform him of my issue, he understood. I ordered the books the other day, hopefully, they will be here by the end of the week.

My plans for school this week

• Complete all articles for KAM I
• Send articles to Dr. Moller
• Complete all back assignments
• Complete all other assignments

October Debt

• T-Mobile 64.00
• Knology 75.00
• Mediacom 94.00
• braces 109.00
• US Dept of Education 25.00
• doctors bill 150.00
• Suntrust 579.00
• Bank of America 567.86
• mom 100.00
• First Premiere 100.00
• savings 850.00

Things Needed to Get Fixed to Move

• 3 ceiling fans
• 2 doors
• walls fixed
• paint for both rooms
• spray for house
• tree limbs cut off of roof
• shrubs cut from around house

Am I in Control?

Control has to be brought back to my life. Floating throughout life is not an option for me. I have big plans for the future. Six year plan is what I am looking forward to taking care of. There are so many things to life and I want them all.

What needs to be paid off in order to be able to move during the Summer of 2010.

• Tax Lien 4,999 (not exact)

Big Plans

Big plans for the future. What I see for my future is owning several properties, group homes, selling candles, and being an Instructional Technologist. How will I make all of these things happen? The plans are falling in place now. Take my time, save money, organize my thoughts and efforts, and continue to know that I can do all things.

Honestly, I don't Know

That is how I feel! There are many things that are occuring in my life. Truly, I don't know what is what and where I am going. Self analysis has been a major thing for this period in my life. I feel like I am moving and going nowhere fast. My first year teaching was August 2000, this is September 2009. Working at the same place for eight years, boy how time goes by fast. There are some parts of me that don't feel I am capable of doing anything else. Or am I scared of change. When I talk to people they give me positive feedback of the person that I am, but I just don't know that woman. I may be worth more than I feel.

Things I have done
Paid off my Portion of the Tax Lien
Updated Resume
Uploaded Resume to Monster.com
Cleaned out my Car
Started Washing Clothes
Got New Tires for Liam
Paid my Mother back $850

I have money, but don't know what to do with it. Again, honestly, I just don't know. Been working really hard to find out what will be as far as my financial aid. As I stated previously, there is a disconnect between academic advising and financial aid. I have met all criteria's and know that financial aid should be reinstated. Will call tomorrow to find out what is going on. They say it takes 24 to 72 hours, but in some instances it has been 2 weeks. All I need to know is yes, you will receive financial aid for this term and the next.

Things I Will Do
Apply for 20 different jobs
Write a philosophy of teaching
Turn in all homework on time
Complete my Depth component (10 article summaries)
Write a Will
Pay off Wachovia
Pay off other portion of Tax Lien
Prepare to move

My credit score has gone up. I have two 645, and 1 596. What can I do with that? I am tired of wallowing in self-pity. There has to be a change coming soon. No matter what goes on, there is always something else to counter act the positive. Tired of the flawness, things will get better. It has to start with me.

Things Take Time

Anything worth having is worth working for. There have been many things in my life that I wanted and it took some effort for them to come a reality. Time and time again, I think of what I should have and don't. The effort that is attached in achieving things does take time and effort. When it is all said and done the experience was needed. It also let's me know that I can do anything I put my mind to.

Working Toward Making it Happen
No financial aid for me. Yes, I am on academic probation. Totally my fault, I admit my wrong. Now, I should be eligible fo financial aid again. Talking with financial aid and academic advising for the past week has helped. There is a disconnect in communication. Tomorrow, I will contact academic advising to have them email a statement verifying that I have made my gpa and my rate of completion. Everything should be a go.

Paid off my portion of the tax lien, $956.35. I also had to give my mother her money back, $850. This shows me that I have money to pay bills, just managing and doing right by the money is what always tends to get me.

My Six Year Plan
Thinking about my life and realizing that there are six years before I am 40 years of age. What will be going on in my life at 40? This is why I came up with my six year plan. Sorting out each year with what I should have accomplished will help me accomplish my goals.

Year 1 September 2009-2010
KAMs 1, 2, 3 complete
Finished all classes
Tax Lien Paid Off
Moved from 617 Wilder Drive
Wachovia Paid Off
Spanish Class
Financial Aid (Got that)
Turned house into personal care home
Bought 1 four bedroom
Working on dissertation
Will
Saved $10,000
Online education

This is year one, I will post the next years later. I am proud of myself and the things I have done, that never seems enough.

I am Officially 34

At the Acupuncturist Soaking My Feet

Yesterday was my 34th birthday. At 5:29 pm, I turned 34 years old. Being home for 10 years and analyzing what I have done with my time. Have you ever done something for 10 years? Before I get in to that let me tell you about my birthday. I went to the acupuncturist and got a foot massage, had lunch at the Butler's Pantry. For lunch, a shrimp salad, and potato salad, the table was reserved. Movies The Land of the Lost was interesting. Got some Carlos Santana shoes and dinner at the new Houlihan's. My birthday was relaxing and fun and not over the top. I truly enjoyed my birthday! Thank you!

Reflexology Foot Massage

For the next four months I must continue to pay off the debts I have. Working the after-school and Saturday programs will bring in some extra cash. Just using what I have. Growing up and realizing that there is still more to come. Reading how people travel, live healthier, retire early, make money, and enjoy life, seems to be something that I want for myself. Knowing how to achieve it is half the problem. I know what to do to get the things that I want out of life, but I wonder if I have the focus to actually get it done. To be honest, I have done many things, but one thing I have been told I am afraid of is success. Sometimes I think that to be true. Still haven't gotten my passport. Have the application and taken the picture, but haven't had the money to send it off.

Reflexology Foot Massager

Things happen for a reason and you may never know what that reason is. Waste money for nothing! Why does it always end up that way? There is so much that I want for myself and a short time to get it. Ultimately, I am going to own 10 rental properties! Preferably, duplexes. While I am working, I will pay off Wachovia and the US Dept of Education. Once they are taken care of, I should be able to apply for Teacher Loan Forgiveness.

Shrimp with Potato Salad and Frosted Brown with Strawberries

I just want to live comfortably. Having the things that I want! A green home on 5-10 acres of land. The more houses, I have the cash I will generate. Teaching online is another option for me. What to do once I obtain the PhD? What are my next steps? I have told myself to start applying to a variety of online programs just to see what I can find. Working online would benefit me. The online learning environment is less intrusive. That would be perfect! No face to face interaction.

A Couple of Gifts

It never seems to be enough time, my mind is always thinking of the next best thing. Staying focused has really become an issue. On the Internet, watching tv, talking on the phone, and texting all at the same time. Slow down, think of the things that are important. Also want to get acupuncture and take yoga at least once a month. Not getting any younger. Just want to live better. Take all of the things I know and put them together to make this outstanding woman. Will that actually work? It would if I could just pull it together.

By the way, I am overdrawn in my account. Didn't see that coming. August was something financially for me, this will come to pass. Waiting to hear something back from Walden about my financial aid. My GPA is a 3.39 and my rate of completion is a 67.8%. All I need to know is yes, I will receive financial aid. This will save me $4,000 by the end of 2009, but that will be more money I'll owe back once I finish school. How can I make the money back that I have spent on school?

Looking at my finances overall, I am in a good place. It is frustrating when I want something and I can not get it. I have to put myself in a position where I am financially able to do the things that I want, when I want to. Paying cash for items instead of having them financed. That is the point that I am waiting for. Not living above my means, but living comfortably.

This is another random thoughts, not completely finished, but how I feel right now about what is going on in my life. Which is so much, the birthday weekend was wonderful and I am glad to have seen another year. Hopefully, it will be many more. What I can do is enjoy everyday like it is my last. Not worry and stress over things I can not control that is what I am striving to do. Also make a little money well I am at it. There is so much that I want to learn about life, money, happiness, and just being.

Thank you for this platform to post my feelings and view. I will achieve financial freedom and I will not be to old to enjoy my harvest. Continue to live life to the fullest and never do anything in excess. I didn't mean to rumble, I just needed to say what was on my mind.

I Think I am Getting Fed Up

Hello, it has been a long time coming. This school term is coming to an end. I don't have all of my grades, but in one class I have a 98.8. Hopefully all of my grades are good. Using this blog for my distance education course has been helpful, but it has taken away from my posting on the blog.

Things that have been Going On
Work started back the beginning of this month, this has been really tiring for me. As a matter of fact, I am tired right now. Just getting back into the swing of getting up at 6:00 am, taking a shower, to make it to work by 7:30 am, and be on duty by 7:40 am. Staying at work until 4:00 pm Monday through Friday for 180 days, does take a toll on the body. Not only that, dealing with middle school age children and co-workers can be stressful.

Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy my job and am proud to have one. Teaching for 9 years, the time has flown by. I have said time and time again, that I want another job. Thinking about it, going through the interview process can be more stressful then the actual job itself. To some degree I feel that I can't do anything else. I don't know, it is somewhat discouraging being in a position that you want to change, but don't have the motivation to change it.

Working for 9 years has given me money to do the things that I want. Truthfully, I am not where I want to be. Using My Financial Success has allowed me to organize my finances and be able to pay off my debts and get my bills to under $500 a month. That took time and dedication.

July and August have been very intense months financially for me. There have been some things that I was trying to do, that took away from my savings. Still recouping from that. Also, having to pay for school made a big change in my life. Mentally, I have gotten to a point that I am tired of being in school and really need to do what it takes to get it done. Today ends this term. Now, there are only 3 courses, 3 KAMs, 2 residencies, and 1 dissertation until I am done. So looking forward to that.

Currently, I had to go into my savings, which is fine. Reorganizing my finances has been something that I needed to do for the betterment of me. For the last few years I have been saying 40 retire. Well, that is 6 years from now. I also said that at the end of this school year I would not renew my contract. I don't see that. What will happen is work until school is done. I don't know how long it will be before I am able to receive financial aid. If I am unable to get it I will continue to pay for school. If I am able to get it, I will use it and that will be more money coming to me. That is a true catch twenty-two.

My Bill's
Wachovia $100.00 ($2,555.57)
US Dept of Edu $25.00 (13,402.56)
Knology $ $70.04
Mediacom $93.94
Braces $109.00
Geico
credit card $50.00
tax lien $990.00 ($5,500)

Plans for the Future
Of course, I have to pay for school that is a priority. I also had to borrow money from my mom that will be paid back at the end of this month. I still haven't paid anything on the tax lien. My portion will be paid at the end of this month too. Don't go to the beach this summer. I plan to go for Labor Day just need some type of relaxation.

Sometimes I can't see the forest for the trees. That's neither here nor there.
Walden University: $2,000 per month (October and November)
savings: $2,000 per month (September, December, and January)

Giving instructions is something that I enjoy, but I don't know what the future holds for education nor our youth. The teacher has been tasks with so many objectives that teaching really is the last thing that there is to do. I know I will not put in 25 years in the classroom. I am already tired and school just started. To me, my out is real estate. 10 properties by the time I am 40. There has to be a better way. There is it is just up to me to make it happen.

If this has seemed jumbled or just not fluid forgive me, this is how I feel right now. These are random thoughts that need to be put into action. In the words of Tim Gunn, I will make it work.

Video Presentation on Gender Issues in Distance Education

In my Principles of Distance Education course we had to do a video presentation. My presentation is on Gender Issues in Distance Education. Our objective is to introduce the keynote speaker at a conference in reference to our topic. Below is my video introducing Dr. Brandon Johnson.

Gender Issues in Distance Education

Turn on your Volume

Another 190 Days

Looking back over the summer, I really didn't do much of anything. Let's see I was unable to get financial aid due to not meeting the rate of completion. I did go horseback riding and I went to Surfside Water Park. Other then that, I have been in the house.

I have been thinking about my life and all it has to offer. Time is not slowing down, as a matter of fact, it seems to keep on moving forward. Another 190 days is around the corner. How will I manage my time? Work on my homework is much as possible. Right now this is a priority for me. Also, I need to maximus my profits by doing extra things at work if I can.

During August, there are many things that I will accomplish:

Walden University
Pass the three courses that I am taking. I have to pay for school too. The end of August I will pay $2,000. The term doesn't end until November, I have time to get this taken care of.

I have been in school since August 2005. I took a leave of absence and now I am in it to win it. My hold ups are writing these papers. They are called KAMs. I should have had them complete a long time ago. I have to write three of theme. At this moment, I only have 3 classes, 3 KAMs, 2 residencies, and 1 dissertation to complete my Phd. The courses and the residencies are the easy part. The KAMs and the dissertation is what is getting the best of me. I know it can be done. At the end of the month, I have to purchase the two books for the Breadth Component of KAM I. I will have it done by November. I can see what lies ahead, it is just a matter of focusing and doing what is needed to become Dr. Willetta Jackson.

August Bill's
Tag $70.00
Passport $90.00
T-Mobile $300.00
Braces $109.00
Wachovia $100.00
First Premier $100.00
US Dept of Edu $25.00
Tax Lien (Explorer) $956.35
Savings $1000.00

This is everything that I must pay for the month of August. Things are slowly getting taken care of. I am so proud of myself and my accomplishments. I have wasted time and money and now is the time to get it together. I am not getting any younger and I must use my resources to the fullest.

In the mean time, throughout the following school term, where there are ways to make extra money I will be there. The extra cash will help me pay off Wachovia, First Premier, and Walden. All things are possible, I must just believe.

Right now, I am about to complete my assignment for my Principles of Distance Education course. I am proud of myself and who I have become. I am capable of doing all things. All I have to do is believe.

Moving Toward Dynamic Technologies

Mindmap on Static and Dynamic Technologies

Where do I see myself on the Static-Dynamic Continuum.

As for now, I am on the Static end of the continuum, but after taken EDUC 8842, I am going to move toward the dynamic end. Static is where the technology is unable to be changing. On the Dynamic end, the learner is more involved on a deeper cognitive level. This is where you use Moller (2008), virtual simulations and gaming, multi-user environments, and mind tools.

Postulate on how you can begin to move toward the dynamic end of the “static-dynamic continuum” as a result of what you have learned in this course thus far.

In order for my class to move from a Static to a Dynamic classroom, I will have to let the students be more involved in the planning of the course. When deciding what standards I will cover the students will assist in determing what they actually want to learn from the course. While doing assignments, they can add things to the assignment that is not necessarily a requirement of the standard. Giving them a opportunity to explain or go in details on how they would create or do something better will move me in the Dynamic direction.

Moller, L. (2008). Static and dynamic technologies. Laureate Education, Inc.

The End Summer Break is Nearing

Summer break is right around the corner and I have made some major improvements. For instance, I took out a loan to pay for school. Actually, I did that just to see if I could get a loan with the tax lien and yes, I was able to. Since I did that school has been paid for for this term (June-August). Also, this will free up major cash at the end of the month. I started paying my bills when they come instead of paying them when I get paid at the end of every month. This has saved my money since I am not paying late fees. At the end of July, I will pay my portion of the tax lien off which totals $956.35. They don't take personal checks so I have to get a money order or cashiers check.

In not having to pay for school I will have a free $2,000 at the end of July and August. The loans monthly payment is $187.00. I took out a $5,000 loan. Thinking and organizing my future financial moves has been trying and I have things completely mapped out.

Walden University
This term has been paid for as I stated. The next term starts in September and lasts until November. Paying for this term is a thing that must be done. It will be done by the end of November. How? Ok, every month brings an extra $2,000. I will not start paying for the fall term until the end of September ($2,000). In October another $2,000 the term will be paid off then. Until I complete school every two months I will pay $2,000 for the term.

I know that financial aid is a good thing. On the other hand, it isn't because that is money that will have to be paid back once I complete school. I already owe about $55,000 in school debt, if I continued to receive financial aid by the time I graduate I will owe over $100,000. Not trying to have that much debt on my report. I am looking at things in a positive light. Yes, I was hoping I would get financial aid once I passed my courses, but I didn't. Truly, this was a blessing in disguise, honestly it was. So thanks for that!

Tax Lien
The total of the tax lien was almost $12,000. Now, it is $6,000 give or take a few. Those in between months that I am not paying for school I will pay off the tax lien. The lien is broken down by two vehicles. The Escalade and the Explorer. The Explorer is the cheaper debt and it will be paid off at the end of this month.

All I know is the lien will not be a factor by the end of 09. Leaving that in this year.

$5,000 Loan
Alright, I know I said I wouldn't get another loan, but I just had to try. Obtaining the loan has stopped much stress I had in having to pay for school. It threw my off when I was told I wouldn't get aid for school. That is A ok! The loan will be paid of in the next three months I believe. My plans are to pay off the loan before the end of the year. In doing this, it will benefit my credit score greatly. Once this loan is paid off I am going to get another one maybe for more money and have it paid off soon too. I have a plan just work with me on that. I am not going backward I promise.

Undergraduate Loans
Wachovia $2,580.57
US Dept of Education $13,000

Wachovia will be paid off by the end of the year. I have been paying $25.00 a month of the US Dept of Education loan. Slowly getting things taken care of. In my mind it is ashamed to have undergraduate debt and I have been out of school since 2000. Go figure. It will all work itself out.

My Savings Plan
I started saving a few months ago and have been dipping into my money. One thing I can say is I put it back. In my savings account I have about $100. When I get paid at the end of the month that will be $1,000. My goal is to have at least $5,000 by the end of the year.

Overall
Every other month will be a payment. Paying something toward my debts. School is a priority and I think I finally have it under control. Work with me. Eventhough, I have been paying things off, I still have been wasting money. At some point it has to come to a stop. I see what is going on and I contribute that to My Financial Success. Having to be accountable for my actions is a big thing. Not overdrawing in my account, doing what is right by my money, and learning from others has put a big push to pay off all of my debts. I have a plan and I know it will work all I have to do is stop wasting and do right by the money I receive.

Engaging Learners with New Strategies and Tools

Strategies and Tools in Distance Education

Determine which technological tools and strategies are best for involving learners in building content knowledge, engaging in communication with peers and instructors, and working on authentic, collaborative, problem-based tasks in the online environment.




One strategy that's best for students is that they, Durrington, Berryhill, & Swafford (2006) build interactive relationships among themselves and with the instructor also helps bridge the physical and psychological gap that occurs in online courses. Doing this will lessen the stress of not knowing anything (pg. 190). Being in an online environments can have one feeling isolated and alone. Building relationships will allow the student to have someone that is experiencing the same things to a certain extent.


Also, to support student interactivity in an online environment, Durrington, Berryhill & Swafford (2006) state, the learning environment must be supportive, open, and respectful. The instructor should in the beginning of the course give a detailed syllabus outlining the expectations for each assignment and how you should interact with your peers. There should also be a discussion area that allows for questions where the instructor and peers can respond to one another. All people should participate in this area, the instructor should answers question. The instructors presence should be known within the course.


The instructor as well as the students should ask questions related to their posts. If the instructor poses the question, the question should be in such a way Durrington, Berryhill & Swafford (2006) that all students feel comfortable in responding. The instructor should challenge the student to do more research. In this online environment we don't think to send a private email showing appreciation toward an in-depth response that was given to a post. This will support future participation and enhance the quality and depth of overall interactions within the course.


Overall, the instructors presences needs to be active in order for the students to feel comfortable in an online setting. This type of learning is different than the traditional setting and it offers the same type of results. The students need to interact with one another and need to be kind. The online classroom is different in that the learners are not at the same place at the same time. Regardless of that learning can be achieved if the students are given guidelines and standard to follow. They should know that their interaction with one another is a key part of the online standard.

Storyboard for Video Presentation

Gender Issues in Distance Education

In my Principals of Distance Education course I have to do a video presentation on gender issues. This is the story board, just a basic outline of what I will discuss within my presentation. I am introducing the topic for the keynote speaker at a seminar.

Collaboration in Online Learning

Module 3

How should participation in a collaborative learning community be assessed?

There should be a variety of assessments in the online learning community. Palloff & Pratt (2005) feel, evaluation of students in an online course can be challenging. Since you are not in a traditional setting your evaluation needs to assess what learning has been achieved. Eventhough learning is being done in the online classroom the assessments can still be the same. Paloff & Pratt (2005) provide several factors for online assessments.

• Design learner-centered assessments that include self-reflection
• Design and include grading rubrics to assess contribution to the discussion as for assignmnets, projects, and the collaboration itself
• Include collaborative assessments through publicly posting papers along with comments from student to student
• Encourage students to develop skills in providing feedback by providng guidelines to good feedback and by modeling what is expected
• Use assessment techniques that fit the context and align with learning objectives
• Design assessments that are clear, easy to understand, and likely to work in the onine environment
• Ask for and incorporate student input into how assessment should be conducted

These guidelines set a standard on how grading will be done within the course. Having a variety of assessments gives the student that doesn't work well in groups a opportunity to shine on their individual assignments. This levels the playing field because people are different.

How do the varying levels of skill and knowledge students bring to a course affect the instructor's "fair and equitable assessment" of learning?

There are several examples that come to mind. For instance, student A responses and turns in assignments first, but the contribution as for as responses to classmates and blog posts are minimal. On the other hand, student B turns assignments in late, but gives thoughtful feedback to others. The blog posts are detailed and provide useful information to all that read. The instructor should grade the individual on the contribution to the course and how well the assignments where done.

If a student does not want to network or collaborate in a learning community for an online course, what should the other members of the learning community do?

Communication is the key in making this work. If the student doesn't want to participate this needs to be discussed amongst the team. The team should reach out to the person and find out what is wrong and how they can assist. Once the students have reached out to the member and there is no cooperation. The instructor should be informed of the students lack of interaction with the group. Also, overall reminders to participate in the course should be given by the instructor. Palloff & Pratt (2005) state, the instructor can ease the degree of resistance in the group by simply explaining why the activity is occurring and how it contributes to learnin objectives for the course. Ultimately, it is up to the instructor on how they will assess that individual student.

What role should the instructor play?

The instructors role in this is the facilatator. The instructor gives the assignments and provides the assessments. He/She will leave comments within the course shell providing scholarly dialict amongst the students. The instructor should provide information to the class that will introduce students to new information and or technology. Overall, the instructor should be the backbone of the course.

What impact would this have on his or her assessment plan?

As I stated, the instructors role is to provide information, feedback, and introduce the students to new technologies. The instructor should assess the individual on what they provide to the course. People are individual and what one is good in another my be slacking. The assessment should be done on the quality of the work, how they interact with others, and if they do the work at all. The instructor knows when the student logs on and how long they stay within that shell.

Palloff, R. M., & Pratt, K. (2005). Collaborating online: Learning together in community. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.