Today was an interesting day for me. I started off early this AM trying to get our site and RSS set up to rock and roll and watching the snow come down, thinking virtual would be the only way I would be able to attend.
I started off tweeting and following the peeps, like a proud papa, watching our hashtag enter into the top trending topics in twitter, despite the low attendance, internet issues, and other hiccups. The online presence that was created made me so happy and excited about the crew that's been compiled. I was able to feel like part of the discussion, despite the fact that I was in PJ's chilling and drinking hot cocoa with my wife and family. It wasn't direct, but I felt connected, similarly to online courses, I think.
Around 10:00, I finally tapped into a buddy of mine and talked him into picking me up and rolling down there with me, the light rail was running, so I was mobile and on my way. The sessions I attended were okay, nothing like the great ones others went to, but nonetheless, they were productive and I had internet access. I enjoyed some great discussion, and got to chat with Alison and Dan Watkins a couple times, so that was nice.
I left looking forward to the virtual experience again, the tweets from Tami in particular were awesome, the rest of the crew rocked, but knowing Tami, and her sense of humor and similar distaste for time wasting presentations, I loved the tweets.
I reflect tonight with a feeling that I hope most of you came away with from today; this is a rocking awesome district, and while it seems we move slowly, we are moving forward! I also think that we have a great group of tech leaders in this group and in the ed tech office, Dan's passion is tremendous and energizing, I so appreciate him!
And finally, before we spend time, and money looking at what other districts are doing and trying to emulate; let's look at what we have. We have a powerful LMS (Blackboard) that eventually will filter down to Elementary. We have a tremendously powerful open source/free/web 2.0 tool that is secure and supported, (Google Apps) and we have leadership and specialists that know what it's like to be in the field and understand design, pedagogy, and safety. I only say that because our most powerful and rewarding resource is not money or technology, but our people.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Wave "Hello" to the Education Community
I've caught the wave, or rather it's caught me. Not sure what I've gotten myself into, but as I jumped head first into the wave this week I found myself engaged in conversations with over 200 people at a time...it was a little odd. I can say that it wasn't the most productive time that I've spent on the web, but rummaging through conversations and discussions from people that I have a lot of respect for was enjoyable. If you are just starting off here's a great tip that a friend of mine showed me you can search for public waves by typing in with:public and then any search terms you want.
I have to say though that having "invites" to pass out is a bit odd for me, I am not comfortable with the cliquishness of that, but I understand that it is in beta and may not be ready for mass consumption, which it will have soon.
The other pretty cool thing is that I feel like I have tapped into the educator portal or backchannel of thinkers and learners. Very cool, I will post more as I continue my learning.
Great links around the wave:
Complete Guide
Google Wave Video EpipheoStudios.com
15 features of Google Wave
Google Wave 5 ways it could change the web
Google Wave-Mashable
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Course Development
What should online curriculum look like to you? What should a hybrid environment look like? In developing courses to be used in a variety of settings I find myself asking these questions and getting different answers from different people. There are the obvious features necessary in online design, multimedia, rich content, collaborative opportunities, but what else is missing? And if it's missing form the course, is that something that an instructor can and should adapt and adjust. The art of teaching is alive and well in online environments, we are able to see and do things outside the traditional brick and mortar environment, but many are hampered by the same perceived limitations of their online courses, or own limited expectations of an online environment.
Most courses I took online for my Master's were traditional online courses (is there even such a thing), but what I mean is that they had two discussion boards, some readings, a powerpoint or two, and an assignment each week. The discussion boards were okay, there was decent conversation, but they were so structured and over managed, that they just felt like journals, there was an authentic piece missing. And, when you are missing that authentic piece, what you have are people posting for the rubric, not the discussion; so the conversations die quickly.
I want my course developers t develop courses that if printed off and taken into a classroom would have no way of standing on its own. I want curriculum that utilizes the power of collaborative writing, and thinking, that asks the questions that provoke thoughtful discussion and debate, and that require multiple skills, offer differentiated instruction and assessment and engage students in powerful ways.
U.S. Department of Education Study Finds that Good Teaching can be Enhanced with New Technology
Most courses I took online for my Master's were traditional online courses (is there even such a thing), but what I mean is that they had two discussion boards, some readings, a powerpoint or two, and an assignment each week. The discussion boards were okay, there was decent conversation, but they were so structured and over managed, that they just felt like journals, there was an authentic piece missing. And, when you are missing that authentic piece, what you have are people posting for the rubric, not the discussion; so the conversations die quickly.
I want my course developers t develop courses that if printed off and taken into a classroom would have no way of standing on its own. I want curriculum that utilizes the power of collaborative writing, and thinking, that asks the questions that provoke thoughtful discussion and debate, and that require multiple skills, offer differentiated instruction and assessment and engage students in powerful ways.
U.S. Department of Education Study Finds that Good Teaching can be Enhanced with New Technology
Teacher Training Videos Free on-line training in using technology in teaching
Free Online MIT Course Materials for High School | High School Courses ...
eLearn: Best Practices
Friday, October 16, 2009
Moving forward ....and trust
I'm excited! I am excited because it seems that the necessity of screaming out the relevance and usefulness of web based collaborative tools and environments in schools is becoming less important.I am starting to see a shift at my workplace and in talking with other educators many are seeing the same thing. If you are frustrated and feel like you are screaming and no one is listening,m I would stress be patient, but don't stop; your passion will ignite and fuel others and you may be on the verge of seeing your passions become fruitful and productive.
This shift I'm seeing may be a forthcoming adoption of web base collaborative cloud tools, that depends and relies upon teacher and student responsibility, not rules and provisions. More and more, I'm hearing that other people see the relevance and need for these tools in the classroom...finally I think to myself, but really 3 years isn't that long in the grand scheme of things and when you look at some districts 3 years is a blip compared to the time that it takes others to enact change.
So, I'm excited, and loving my job! Is it because I'm surrounding myself with like minded educators, I don't think so, I feel intellectually challenged in a good ways often. I think that my peers are brilliant, and to a person they are all phenomenal teachers. I can't underestimate the importance of surrounding yourself with great thinkers and questioners.
This shift I'm seeing may be a forthcoming adoption of web base collaborative cloud tools, that depends and relies upon teacher and student responsibility, not rules and provisions. More and more, I'm hearing that other people see the relevance and need for these tools in the classroom...finally I think to myself, but really 3 years isn't that long in the grand scheme of things and when you look at some districts 3 years is a blip compared to the time that it takes others to enact change.
So, I'm excited, and loving my job! Is it because I'm surrounding myself with like minded educators, I don't think so, I feel intellectually challenged in a good ways often. I think that my peers are brilliant, and to a person they are all phenomenal teachers. I can't underestimate the importance of surrounding yourself with great thinkers and questioners.
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