May 30, 2007 07:24 PM

REAL Done

real.jpgWe completed our last deliverable early, but submitted our final invoice to end our work on REAL. In all we did not meet all the specific details of the REAL contract, but because of contract language ambiguity, and confusion, ODE altered the contract so that what we delivered, met their requirements.

I think it was a great learning experience. I worked with primarily three people at ODE as staff shifted and changed, this was a bit difficult. However, everyone at ODE was patient and workable. This project amounted to about one-fifth of my workload this year.

Posted by jena on May 30, 2007 at 07:24 PM| Permalink | Comments (0)

March 12, 2007 09:07 PM

REAL

Prior to ITSC I was informed by ODE that the quality of the lessons we linked to was not up to the level required, thus making it so we did not have the correct number of deliverables. In addition, there was miscommunication with the contract and my understanding of the deliverable, so much of the work we did in writing was not what they had wanted. So I met with ODE to clarify the situation and come up with a solution.

I am really sick about this and for the last month have been mulling it over. At the meeting we were able to see what the mis communications were. ODE took responsibility and kindly altered the deliverables and we changed some. We will have a second meeting to walk through the details. Hind sight is 20/20, if I knew then, what I know now, the project would have gone so much smoother. I am disappointed in mysefl for lnot meeting exceptional the requirements set before me.

Posted by jena on March 12, 2007 at 09:07 PM| Permalink | Comments (0)

October 2, 2006 06:16 PM

Deliverable

Presented to ODE on the first REAL Deliverable which was Content Background for English/Language Arts. I had four meetings in a row. I was disappointed that each meeting the participants showed up late. However, we accomplished our first deliverable beyond the requirements.

(Working on ITSC this week to open up registration).

Posted by jena on October 2, 2006 at 06:16 PM| Permalink | Comments (0)

August 18, 2006 10:34 PM

REALly?

This week started out as one of my least favorite experiences ever. Training contractors in on entering rigorous and relevant, high quality lessons into the REAL website. Let's have four contractors work four hours entering in lesson plans only to have the system time out and erase all their work. Yep, that was just one of the special events that I had to put up with working from ODE (because we are not allowed to enter in data offsite, security). I was not the only frustrated person, but this contract has been very difficult, not only the learning curve, but the red tape.

Overall, I think the lessons will be pretty good.

Sadly, this was not a great week. I was informed at an Intel meeting that they will not give us the rest of the funding for the Intel grant. A great part is OETCs lack of success in filling and offering Intel Workshops. We have had some, more in Montana, but we have not met our goal. In addition, Intel is no longer using RTAs for training's of the future. So I will be letting Thomas go and this project will be coming to an end.

I am thankful not all weeks are like htis one.

Posted by jena on August 18, 2006 at 10:34 PM| Permalink | Comments (0)

August 4, 2006 10:19 PM

Really REAL

Much of this week was spent on REAL.

  • Getting ready for presenting at Mapleton School District about REAL with Drew Hinds of ODE. This will meet a deliverable for the REAL ODE contract.

  • Met with Carla for Oregon Cadre leadership team planning.

  • Met with contractor who is working on high school deliverables for REAL.

  • Visited NWRESD to see if it will be a usable space for the cadre.

Posted by jena on August 4, 2006 at 10:19 PM| Permalink | Comments (0)

July 28, 2006 11:15 PM

More Networking

Much of this week was devoted to preparing for REAL. The learning curve is huge.

I also made a connection with a Jim Carrol from University of Portland who is involved in the OTEN project. The goal was to see if there were any projects to partner on, as he has the voice of higher ed. It was a difficult meeting, we both found it hard to make connections. He wondered even if we offered things for higher ed, like a strand at ITSC, why would they come? Higher ed has there set events and conferences.... he did give me some contact names of good presenters in the higher ed field though.

Lastly I worked on my board report for the upcoming board retreat.

Posted by jena on July 28, 2006 at 11:15 PM| Permalink | Comments (0)

July 4, 2006 11:42 PM

Ending July

Started the week off by cheating with Claire and John on the scavenger hunt. I thought that was quite fun.

Worked on REAL most of the week.

Carla Wade and I met for a day of planning the Oregon EdTech Cadre for 2007-08. We have added a leadership cadre which will help with the presentations and Carla and I planned their fall planning retreat.

Posted by jena on July 4, 2006 at 11:42 PM| Permalink | Comments (0)

June 20, 2006 11:08 PM

REAL Contractor

I hired my first contractor to work on REAL. Sue will help train and enter lessons in writing, math and science. She will work the duration of the project on a contract basis. I will hire a team of educators to enter in REAL lessons as we get closer to August.

Posted by jena on June 20, 2006 at 11:08 PM| Permalink | Comments (0)

June 19, 2006 11:11 PM

REAL Planning

I met with Drew Hinds, Sarah Martin of ODE and Jon Hunter the web contractor for the REAL project. We outlined the scope and sequence of the $75,000 grant I was awarded for adding content and marketing REAL around Oregon.

My goal is to use the monies to award mini grants to cadre participants who want to create regional cadres. These regional cadres would then share the REAL website and resources and pass it on down to the teachers.

Posted by jena on June 19, 2006 at 11:11 PM| Permalink | Comments (0)