Tonight’s class

September 8, 2008 | Tagged dark room, wiki | Leave a Comment

This is one of those before I forget things. First of all, I was late. I HATE being late. I was late getting out of the office because the links didn’t work on the email I sent to 600 police employees so I had to recall the message AND field at least some of the calls . . . THEN I still had 30 minutes to get to class (which should have been plenty) but traffic was backed up on Chippenham Parkway so I zipped off at Belmont and wound my way up and down the side streets until I picked up Chip at Midlo. Ugh. Parking karma didn’t fail me, got a street spot outside Oliver Hall again but still didn’t get upstairs until 4:15. <sigh>

Walked into a dark room which wasn’t a big shock since Dr. Carter mentioned the dark room thing in her blog. It was ok – I wondered how I’d handle it since I like to keep busy during class taking notes and the old eyes aren’t what they used to be. She was fine with having me tap away on my laptop so I chose that option. Worked GREAT! I have a great set of notes from tonight’s class.

Observations on using the wiki. I like it. However, it seems that if you’re the first person to comment you have free reign. Of course, that’s not always a good thing. We dance around to see if we’re getting it right which of course still translates to, “does the professor agree with me? Am I offering anything significant to the dialogue?” This is not unlike posting on a message board in Blackboard. There has to be a better way. This is all a little contrary to the very core of being “authentic” as offered by Block. Just once I want to say something outrageous – just to see if anyone would take me on but then that, too, would be contrary to the very core of PC that we’re learning.

REALLY liking the class. Can’t believe I was skeptical of how I’d relate it to my daily work but it’s really pretty exciting. LOVE Block’s book. Still think Schein is a little tough — yes, yes, I’d better get used to the academic style of writing and reading. Like what he has to say. Just wish he’d say it and move on. Maybe I’ll try reading Block first this time and see if that helps. Sort of use Schein as a way to flesh out the concepts.

As for a project, hmmm this is tough. I don’t want to do something for CCPD. That’s too close to home. Maybe the Sheriff’s office. I’m also thinking about Embrace Richmond. I’m rather impressed with that organization and might be able to do something while Jason works on his Eagle project with them. Another option is to check with Chesterfield University. Kevin (Bruny) is a graduate of the VCU program and I’m sure he’d be happy to work with me. That wouldn’t hurt professionally and I like working with Kevin. Enough for now. I think I just might start my reading for next week (shocking!).