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People give me strange looks when I say I have homework or when I say I have reading. Their puzzled expression changes when I explain  that I’m working to complete my doctorate.

Typically, I am then presented with a question like, "Why would you want to do that?" or "What job will it create for you?" To be blunt:

A) I am doing this for myself and B) I do not know.

All I know is that this terminal degree program has kept me busy, and that I have neglected my posts here. This blog was intended to be a chronicle of my experience as a doctoral learner. And, I need to prioritize a few things such as this blog, my health, and quality time with my dogs. 

Since entering the program in late May, the focus on other aspects of my life has been tricky to manage. Yet, I'm still learning. Once I complete the program, I am positive that the job opportunities will present themselves...along with a new set of priorities.

So, I keep doing the work.

Plan the work. Work the plan.

Week 6 of 8. Also the wind-up (or is it wind-down?) of the first half of the Fall term. As my previous post noted, the end-goal of this 8 week session is to develop a framework. Specifically, the alignment between research interest, research question, theories, and a sample of literature. Sounds easy, right?

Finding that unifying these elements is no small task. I didn't anticipate that it would be. However, my research is proving to be the most problematic. There is little data, qualitative or quantitative, that supports my problem statement. At least, newer studies (within the last five years) are scant. 

However, I put this slideshow together. It's basic. It's riddled with errors and it needs clarification by way of refining sample literature. It's also missing the Voicethread narration, but it's a start.

*Once this Voicethread is complete, I will post it here for your critique. Feedback welcome!

Learning about frameworks: conceptual, practical, and theoretical. Framework(s) is a word that gets thrown around a lot in education circles. But, there are so many other considerations:

• alignment
• findings
• data
• rhetoric
• the air speed velocity of an unladen swallow

Wrapping up the third week of the first half of the Fall semester. Currently, learning about creativity, inquiry, & innovation. Also, researching instructional technologies. A lot. 

Finding that there are numerous studies that speak to the efficiencies in using tech in the classroom, but very few speaking to the enhancement of learning, or infusing higher-order thinking skills. I am working "to interpret, analyze, synthesize, and develop an argument for [my] research."

By the way, what ever happened to the Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy?

Every great cause begins as a movement, becomes a business, and eventually degenerates into a racket.

—Eric Hoffer

I had a one week break before the Fall semester began. It was nice having that week free of doctoral studies, as I prepared to return to the classroom full time. I am now a week into the Fall session, and two weeks into the middle school 2019-202 year.

It has been a struggle to balance classes and research, but not in ways I anticipated. Meaning, I feel guilty for retiring to my office to read or write when I could be spending that time in ways that benefit others and myself.

But, I keep telling myself that this is only for a short time. Labor Day weekend is coming, and I am working furiously to complete the assignments due Saturday so I can enjoy some time to play. #selfcareisnotselfish