9/26/09 Session

Eliza started class by introducing herself and explaining our blog requirements/expectations. The students weren't fully attentive and were lectured for it. Tony invited the rest of the students to the Senior Capstone Google Spreadsheet. After all the students got access, they started writing their Capstone Project Proposals. Letara left at 2:00 when break started. Upon returning from break, they started to do review activities for certification tests. The students also worked on their resumes. They finished up the day with their end-of-the-day blog.

Williams' Resume

The class

Senior Capstone (Felipe's Room) 9-26-09

The first thing we did was talk about how important blogging is, both to individual students and to the ITA team. Then the students took some time to improve their blogs from last week. Then Felipe directed the students to create a Gmail task list for the day. Each student also looked at his or her portfolio folder on mywebspace to see what they have there and what they might need to update. After a short break, Eliza showed us how to download and use Dropbox. Then Felipe explained the process of writing the proposal and the students began working on their proposals.

Some of the students needed some brainstorming time, so instructors circulated and talked about projects that students could do while others worked on writing their proposal. Although some students seemed to be taking the project less seriously than others, most seemed interested in finding a project that would be motivating, engaging and useful.

During the certification period, students chose two software reviews to complete with the goal of having an artifact to upload to their blogs at the end of the class period.

Bacon is Good for Me...OR Senior Class 2010 (Ann and Ryan)

Ann and Ryan both have a diverse group of students in regards to their interests for their capstone projects. With the exception of a few students, most of the class already came with ideas at the ready, and were busy working on what to put on their proposals. Unfortunately, this being the first day, there is not a whole lot to reflect upon, except for their general attitude towards the capstone program. For the most part, the students seem very receptive to the idea of being able to take an independent interest and work it to the fullest.

ITA SENIOR YEAR CLASS OF 2010! First day of Senior Capstone Project (Felipe and Eliza’s room)

During the Education period, everyone went upstairs to hear a presentation about what the Capstone project is and what the requirements are. Ann did a great job presenting the requirements and the students asked a number of questions.

After our break, we met back in the lab and the students began working on their To Do list for the day. Everyone made sure they had a Gmail account, that their Wiscmail was forwarded to Gmail, and that they had established a blogger account. They also invited all the instructors to view their blog. Some students had forgotten how to access their Wiscmail accounts, and since the Help Desk was closed, they were not able to get in.

The last part of the day was spent in a review of Microsoft Word. Eliza showed the students a resume template and talked about how to create an effective resume. Then, the students worked on creating or updating their resumes. Some students seemed reluctant to work on their resume, but everyone at least looked at it and thought about it. April mailed hers to Eliza so that she could get help with grammar, spelling and wording.

Overall, the day went well and it seems that the students are prepared, if not overly enthusiastic, to complete their Capstone projects.