In this episode, Dr. Renee Jordan takes listeners on a journey through her experiences and insights from a significant conference presentation. The episode is anchored by a blog post she wrote on November 11, 2017, titled "I Told You So," which she shares in full. This post details her participation in the Association for Educational Communication and Technology's (AECT) 2017 Annual Meeting in Jacksonville, Florida. Dr. Jordan also delves into the importance of making connections with people and literature, sharing her experiences and lessons learned from her academic journey.

Key Highlights:

1. Conference Experience:

• Dr. Jordan's presentation on "I Told You So: Student Agency During the Pilot Test of a Middle School ICT Enrichment Program."
• Volunteering as a technology support person, highlighting the importance of technical assistance at conferences.

2. Making Connections:

• The value of networking with peers and mentors.
• The role of these connections in her academic and professional growth.

3. Tips for Conference Attendees:

• Volunteering at conferences to offset registration costs.
• Seeking out various funding sources for conference attendance, including departmental support, student organizations, and employer sponsorship.

4. Advice for Aspiring Scholars:

• Actively seeking advice and making the most of the guidance received from seasoned professionals.
• The importance of asking for help and offering support in return.

5. Value of Asking for Help:

• Dr. Jordan emphasizes the importance of valuing the advice and guidance from those who have the knowledge and experience you seek.
• She stresses the significance of diligently following up on the recommendations given by mentors and experts.

6. Learning from Ubuntu and Bumuntu:

• Dr. Jordan shares her journey of exploring the concepts of Ubuntu and its equivalent, Bumuntu, to frame her educational research.
• She highlights the importance of understanding the context and usage of concepts in literature and adapting them to fit one’s research needs.

7. Importance of Literature Review:

• The necessity of reading extensively to understand what others have contributed to your field.
• Using existing literature to support and frame your unique research perspective.

8. Networking and Conference Participation:

• The benefits of attending conferences, making meaningful connections, and engaging with peers and mentors.
• Tips on seeking financial support for conference attendance through volunteering, departmental funds, and travel scholarships.

9. Practical Advice for Scholars:

• The importance of having an elevator pitch to succinctly explain your research.
• Continuously talking about your work to refine your ideas and articulate them clearly.
• Seeking out and valuing counterarguments to strengthen your research.

Conclusion: Dr. Jordan wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to seize every opportunity to learn and grow, both professionally and personally. She stresses the importance of making meaningful connections and contributing to the academic community. Finally, Dr. Jordan emphasizes the importance of networking, reading, and following up on advice to enhance one’s academic and professional journey.

In this episode of the Black-Liberation.Tech podcast, Dr. Renee Jordan dives into the challenges and strategies for navigating the end of the semester and managing group projects effectively. Drawing from a reflective blog post written on November 4, 2017, Dr. Jordan shares personal experiences, practical tips, and valuable lessons for both students and educators. Additionally, this episode is packed with practical advice and personal anecdotes that highlight the complexities of group work and the growth that comes from navigating these challenges. Whether you're a student or a professional, the lessons shared in this episode are invaluable for anyone working in collaborative environments.

End-of-Semester Reflections: Dr. Jordan reads and discusses her blog post titled "It's the End of the Semester as We Know It," highlighting the busy and often stressful nature of the semester's end.

Writing Papers: Importance of reviewing assignment instructions and rubrics thoroughly.

Tips for Academic Success: Consistent revisiting of assignment instructions and rubrics to ensure no requirements are missed.

Group Project Management: Personal experience with a grant writing class group project, emphasizing the importance of clear task division and regular feedback.

Networking and Continuous Learning: Encouragement to participate in study groups, peer reviews, and academic networking.

Balancing Multiple Responsibilities: Dr. Jordan shares her personal strategies for balancing papers, proposals, and presentations during the hectic end-of-semester period.

Real-World Application: The benefits of working on real-world projects, such as grant proposals, that have tangible impacts beyond the classroom.

Effective Communication in Group Projects: Approach group members non-confrontationally when issues arise.

Learning from Mistakes: Dr. Jordan shares a past mistake of escalating a group conflict to a professor, leading to disappointment and the necessity for apologies.

Balancing Leadership Roles: Stepping back from formal leadership roles can still allow for impactful leadership from within the group.

Dealing with Group Conflict: Share an instance where a group member unilaterally changed the project submission, leading to a significant conflict.

Handling Emotional Responses: The emotional toll of group projects and the necessity to sometimes pause and seek external advice before reacting.

The Importance of Instructor Feedback: Leveraging instructor feedback to improve group projects and ensure alignment with course expectations.

Real-World Application of Group Work Skills: Group work skills are not only essential in academic settings but also in professional environments.

Closing: Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Black-Liberation.Tech podcast. I hope you found these tips and reflections helpful as you navigate the end of the semester and tackle group projects. Please like, subscribe, and share this podcast with others. Leave your comments and questions, and don't forget to rate and review the podcast to help it become more discoverable. See you next time! Take care and happy studying! Bye-bye.

Strategic Learning & Networking

Hello everyone and welcome to another episode of the Black Liberation.Tech Podcast! I am your host, Dr. Renee Jordan, and I'm here to talk about another side to the story. This episode is a reflection on a blog post I wrote back in October 2017. At that time, I had just completed my third conference presentation and was preparing for a fourth. I also had a chance to speak with my niece, who was a new assistant chef on a Norwegian Cruise Line in Hawaii. I'll be sharing a blog post from that time because it contains important information that I want to ensure I convey clearly. So, here I go!

Key Insights:

1. Empowering Students:

• Students can take control of their learning by understanding their learning styles and seeking resources that work best for them, beyond what instructors provide.
• Use different resources, including online tools and hands-on projects, to enhance learning.

2. Learning as a Professional:

• Continuous learning is essential for growth and staying updated in your field.
• Conferences are invaluable for networking and learning from peers.

3. Networking:

• Conferences offer opportunities to connect with potential colleagues, supervisors, and committee members for your academic work.
• Networking can provide new insights, validate your work, and challenge your perspectives.

4. Attending Conferences:

• Plan your day to avoid information overload: attend two sessions in the morning and two in the evening.
• Explore various topics, even outside your specific field, to broaden your knowledge base.

Personal Experience:

• I attended various prospectus and dissertation defenses at Georgia State University, learning from peers in different fields.
• An encounter with a peer’s work on Black women composers introduced me to the concept of daughtering, which I later incorporated into my own dissertation.

Conclusion:

Thank you for listening to another episode of the Black-Liberation.Tech Podcast. I am your host, Dr. Renee Jordan. Please like, subscribe, and share the podcast. Leave your comments and questions, and don’t forget to rate and review to help us become more discoverable. See you next time!

Mapping Out Your Semester - Read, Write & Rest

Host: Dr. Renee Jordan

Podcast: Black-liberation.tech

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Black-liberation.tech podcast, Dr. Renee Jordan delves into the importance of strategic planning for a successful semester. Dr. Jordan offers practical advice on how to effectively manage reading assignments, the significance of integrating due dates into your calendar, and the benefits of organized note-taking.

Key Points:

1. Creating a Comprehensive List:

- Incorporate all due dates for assignments and readings into your calendar.

- Understand the importance of adhering to the reading schedule set by your instructors.

2. Reading Strategies:

- Outline readings using titles, bold prints, and highlighted text.

- Utilize accessibility tools like Siri to read aloud texts, especially when pressed for time.

3. Note-Taking Techniques:

- Transition from handwritten notes to digital highlights and margin notes as the volume of reading increases.

- Engage actively with the text to prepare for class discussions and assignments.

4. Time Management:

- Allocate specific time blocks for reading and studying.

- Balance academic responsibilities with personal time and rest.

5. Balancing Home and School Life:

- Sometimes it's necessary to stay on campus to focus on academic work without distractions.

- Prioritize academic commitments over frequent home visits, if necessary.

6. The Importance of Rest:

- Schedule regular breaks and downtime to avoid burnout.

- Understand that rest is crucial for maintaining mental and physical health.

7. Managing Full-Time Work and Studies:

- Use strategic planning and time management to juggle work and academic responsibilities.

- Take advantage of opportunities like internships and conferences by planning ahead.

8. Organizing Workflow:

- Ensure that work responsibilities are managed efficiently to allow for academic commitments.

- Use email reminders and calendar invites to keep track of important deadlines and reports.

Tips for Success:

- Use a detailed calendar to visualize deadlines and manage your time effectively.

- Make use of digital tools and apps to streamline reading and note-taking.

- Prioritize your well-being by scheduling time for rest and relaxation.

- Be proactive in communicating and managing responsibilities at work and school.

Listener Engagement:

- Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share the podcast.

- Rate and review the podcast to help it reach a wider audience.

- Leave your questions, comments, and tips on mapping out your semester.

Closing:

Thank you for tuning in to the Black-liberation.tech podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Renee Jordan. Remember, planning your semester effectively is key to academic success. Take care and happy studying!

Getting Organized - Lists, Literature & Letters

Introduction:

• Welcome to the Black-Liberation.Tech podcast!
• Host: Dr. Renee Jordan.
• Topic: Importance of getting organized and practical steps to achieve it.

Personal Anecdote:

• Sharing a story about helping one of Dr. Jordan’s nieces at Morgan State University get organized.
• Emphasis on the importance of staying organized.

Making Lists:

• Create a comprehensive list based on course syllabi.
• Map out the entire semester, including due dates for assignments, projects, and tests.
• Use lists to transition into calendars and schedules.
• Allocate time according to the complexity of the subjects.

Detailed Breakdown:

• Include course names, assignments, chapters to read, due dates, and grade weights.
• Example: Lab assignments vs. other coursework.

Checking Off Tasks:

• Celebrate accomplishments, no matter how small.
• Suggestions for rewards: Breaks, favorite activities, treats, and self-care.

Application in Work Life:

• Use lists for full-time work and long-term projects.
• Example: Writing quarterly reports to simplify annual reports.

Personal Example - Doctoral Research:

• Dr. Jordan’s experience with a literature review in her doctoral program.
• Importance of aligning coursework with personal research interests.
• Benefits: Progress in PhD journey, coursework completion, and comprehensive exam preparation.

Comprehensive Exams:

• Approach exams as a demonstration of learned knowledge.
• Focus on showing connections and understanding rather than just correct answers.

Research for Marginalized Communities:

• Look beyond mainstream academic texts.
• Seek literature from experts within marginalized communities.
• Focus on asset-based narratives.

Getting Organized for Applications:

• Steps for organizing applications for programs or jobs.
• Importance of setting deadlines for others (e.g., recommendation letters).
• Drafting letters of recommendation and support.
• Example: Policy analysis project in a Master’s program.

Tips for Drafting Letters:

• Highlight specific experiences and strengths.
• Provide drafts to recommenders to make their task easier.
• Send more requests than needed to ensure adequate support.

Conclusion:

• Recap of key points: Comprehensive lists, aligning coursework with research, celebrating achievements, organizing applications.

Thank you for listening, and have a great day!

How to Turn GRA Data into Conference Proposals

Dr. Renee Jordan shares her journey of transforming GRA data into impactful conference proposals, emphasizing the importance of proactive engagement, hands-on learning, and continuous improvement in research. Tune in to learn how to navigate the research process and develop your scholarship!

Welcome and Introduction

• Host: Dr. Renee Jordan, Black-Liberation.Tech podcast.
• Topic: Turning graduate research assistantship (GRA) data into conference proposals.
• Introduction to the NSF-funded AMAYS project: Acquainting Metro Atlanta Youth with STEM.
• Role of Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs).

Joining the AMAYS Project

• Dr. Jordan's entry into the AMAYS project in June 2015.
• Discussion about preliminary doctoral seminar courses and advising conversations.
• Dr. Jordan's proactive approach to seeking opportunities and expressing interest in assisting with curriculum development.

Curriculum Development and Alpha Test

• Dr. Jordan's curriculum development work during the first year of the grant.
• Launch of the alpha test in summer 2016: Overview and activities involving MIT App Inventor.
• Importance of seeking and creating opportunities during doctoral programs.

Qualitative Research and Conference Proposals

• Role of qualitative research in the AMAYS project.
• Dr. Jordan's coursework in qualitative research and use of alpha test data for a research project.
• Emphasis on the importance of presenting during doctoral programs and engaging actively.

Data Collection and Analysis

• Participant observations and informal interviews.
• Importance of qualitative data in complementing quantitative data and informing project modifications.
• Use of qualitative data for providing updates to NSF.

Developing a Conference Proposal

• Using primary data collected during GRA for conference proposals.
• Integrating research interests and methodologies.
• Exploring Afrocentricity and Ubuntu philosophies and their impact on research approaches.

Permissions and Ethics

• Importance of obtaining permission from PI and Co-PIs for using data.
• Ethical considerations and ownership of data collected during research assistantships.

Crafting a Conference Proposal

• Process of developing a unique research focus within the AMAYS project.
• Example of exploring student interactions with technology beyond the program's scope.

Hands-On Learning and Feedback

• Benefits of working with primary data for hands-on research experience.
• Receiving feedback from professors, mentors, and colleagues.
• Practical application of research skills and enhancing learning experience.

Submission and Presentation

• Dr. Jordan's experience submitting and presenting her first single-author paper at AERA.
• Importance of family, friends, and academic community support during presentations.

Continuous Improvement and Growth

• Encouraging students to use research projects for scholarship development.
• Serving as a reviewer for conferences and journals.
• Reflecting on feedback for continuous improvement and growth as a researcher.

Closing Remarks

• Encouragement for students to engage in research actively.

In this episode of the Black-Liberation.Tech podcast, Dr. Renee Jordan takes you on a personal journey, sharing the motivations and experiences that led her to pursue and earn a PhD. As she reflects on her path, Dr. Jordan provides insights into the decisions and obstacles she faced, offering invaluable lessons for anyone considering advanced education or striving to achieve their academic and professional goals.

Key Points Covered:

1. Early Aspirations: Discover how Dr. Jordan’s initial dream of becoming a medical doctor shifted after a pivotal experience at Georgetown University's Lombardi Cancer Research Center.
2. Teaching Journey: Learn about Dr. Jordan’s alternative route to becoming a certified teacher through the Prince George’s County Resident Teacher Program and her commitment to improving education in her community.
3. Transition to Public Policy: Hear about the influence of Dr. Jordan’s friend and her decision to explore public policy at George Washington University and Georgia State University, leading her to a deeper understanding of education policy.
4. Pursuit of a PhD: Understand why Dr. Jordan chose to get a PhD in Instructional Technology, her experiences in the program, and the practical applications of her research and training.
5. Overcoming Challenges: Dr. Jordan shares personal anecdotes, including the story of her grandmother’s experience with educational policy changes and how it inspired her to achieve higher education.
6. Commitment to Community: Learn about Dr. Jordan’s dedication to social justice and helping others in her community through academic and career coaching.

Call to Action:

• Join Our Community: Visit patreon.com/BlackLiberationTech to become a member for as low as $5 per month and gain exclusive access to live recordings, impromptu coaching sessions, and a network of supportive individuals.
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#PhDJourney #BlackLiberationTech #AcademicInspiration #CareerCoaching #LatinasInSTEM #AfroLatinasInSTEM #BlackWomenInSTEM #EducationPolicy #InstructionalTechnology #CommunityEmpowerment #SocialJustice #AcademicSuccess #CareerSuccess #DrReneeJordan

Tune in, get inspired, and let’s embark on this journey together. Thank you for being a part of our community!