The purpose of this report is to reflect on the value of the CE site visit for your own professional practice and project, and to share general insights gained with the larger PT3 community.
Expectations
Briefly describe the expectations you had for the CE site visit prior to attending.
I expected to have opportunities to not only learn in depth about the site visit host (TCC) PT3 program, but also the PT3 programs of the other site visitors. I expected to interact with partner representatives of the TCC grant, and faculty as well as student participants.
Impacts
Briefly describe the impact you anticipate the site visit having on your personal
practice as well as on your own PT3 project. Also describe the impact of this
visit on the development of a community of practice within your Exchange Team.
I really benefited from discussions with Carla Thompson about her grant evaluation strategies. These discussions may lead me to seek more of an evaluation focus in my own doctoral studies. She also provided me with a good framework for considering grant evaluation strategies, in terms of using existing instruments for learning styles, self esteem, etc. for pre and post testing. I really liked the way TCC has been able to put together a collaborative team of K-12 educators, local businesses, other higher ed institutions, and the Chamber of Commerce to work toward common goals. Our students would REALLY benefit from the types of interactions and insights gained from the internship program offered by TCC's PT3 project. Our educators at all levels would benefit from greater awareness of the technology needs of real-world businesses, and the type of collaboration present in the TCC project is just extraordinary.
Lessons Learned
Briefly describe the general lessons learned that are important to share with
the larger PT3 community. Please describe general issues or lessons rather than
specific models or resources. Specific items are documented in the Summary Report.
Great things can be done when various partners from different community groups
get together for shared goals. It IS possible for community colleges, 4 year
universities, businesses, and pre-service teachers to get together an collaborate
for mutual benefit.
The future is wireless, and educational organizations at all levels need to
provide wireless access capabilities for laptops and PDAs.
Colleges need to address student access to technology challenges by offering
24/7 checkout of wireless capable, laptop computers for an entire semester or
an entire year. Students need this type of flexible, portable computer access
on a continuting basis to become truly computer literate and integrate computer
use into all aspects of their educational preparation program.