kBlog

Yesterday I attended a team leader session for an upcoming project facilitated by Kean University’s Center for Innovative Education. Representatives from the University, the State Dept. of Ed., K-12 districts, the NJPSA and some other “fellows”, were hosted by Will Richardson and Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach to discuss the upcoming PLP Project. Will tells it better, so I’ll direct you to his blog post.

The day left the entire room full of energy and optimism for education. It’s an honor to be part of this project.

I always enjoy trying out web 2.0 tools - there is certainly a host of designs and products out there….something for everyone. But which are best for teachers? It’s a matter of personal style and preference, so I usually show teachers my favorites and hopefully some of them stick. If groups begin to understand the implications for classroom learning and information sharing, they can move forward as a teaching and learning community.

As discussed by Brian Benzinger in Solution Watch, some specific services for educators include: organizers, gradebooks, research tools, document managers, diagrams, and more. Certain Wiki and blog products are finding a home in schools, organizers, and grade programs as well. One of my favorites that was shared with me lately by my daugher is “Remember the Milk” aka RTM. It’s a simple reminder tool (in beta), but very slick. Users can easily have their memory jolted by typing in a tag and being reminded certain details for a specific topic, meeting or person. The program carries the “to do” list up a level. It interacts with online calendars and added a task list to my gmail window (Firefox only).

First day’s keynote was presented by Will Richardson.  I had been at many conferences where Will presented, but just always happened to miss his particular sessions.  Purpose of keynote today is to “get the audience unsettled”,  cool -  that sounds promising   So, here’s some streaming comments/thoughts on his keynote:Important lens is through the eyes of children 20 years from now.  How are they being prepared for their future in schools?To see a well designed site for a web.0 classroom, visit Obama site.   Speaking of politics, web2.0 (youtube debates, candidates myspace page) is changing things.Edutopia Article http://www.edutopia.org/node/2824 Hell, read his blog, it’s all on there.  He was great, nice to finally hear him in person!

A recent EDTECH Article entitled What If Your Students Were in Charge of Tech Planning?, discussed results from a National Survey. Students reported they need 24/7 access to school networks and servers and offered the following list of tools on their wishlists:
1.Text messaging for note taking;
2.Podcasts of supplemental lessons or academic subject information that could not fit into the class period;
3.Instant messaging as a collaboration tool for group projects;
4.Digital technologies for presentations;
5.Online textbooks to ensure most current information on science discoveries and world news;

The same survey refers to teacher and parent wishlists. All the requests point to a dynamic learning atmosphere, and I know many schools where all of these things listed by the parents and teachers are already in place - so what is clogging the wheel of 21st century learning? Perhaps our students need to have a stronger voice in order make it all “work”.

Top Five List for Teachers:

1. Interactive whiteboards;
2. Wireless laptops for students to use at school;
3. Ways to communicate with parents;
4. Ways to use e-mail, IM, blogs with students and parents;
5. Digital cameras and video facilities/equipment.

Top Five List for Parents:

1. Computers in classrooms;
2. Software to support core academic subjects;
3. A useful school Web site;
4. Advanced computer classes;
5. Tools to help parents and teachers communicate.

SOURCE: Speak Up 2006 national data findings (SOURCE: (http://www.tomorrow.org/speakup/speakup_reports.html).

The Microsoft facilitator, Patrick, has asked us to reflect on the day and jot down what we have learned from today’s experience.

In list form:
teachers are eager to find a way to exercise 21st century skills and develop learning communities
communities should start small and grow from within - you can’t force it
students need to be brought into discussion about learning

Well, here we are in Redmond, Washington, at the Microsoft Corporate Campus. We have been teamed up with two middle school teams from Michigan, and Florida - will be going into Seattle for some project based activities. The focus so far seems to be on professional learning teaming and 21st century skills. Will keep you posted as the projects grow.

After visiting an amazing local theatre in Seattle, we are reflecting as a group on these essential questions:

What evidence of 21st century skills did you see during your teams’ journey?

How did you see 21st century skills demonstrated in your field experience?

Reflect on your experience with process, if you did this with your students what would your next steps be with their learning?

has this experience influenced or provided you with any new strategies, ideas for student learning.

The power of web tools never ceases to amaze me. Each day a wealth of communities exchange ideas and share insight across the globe. My students do this easily outside of school, so the question remains - how do we effectively establish a community of learning within the classroom. I suggest starting small and smart, and letting it grow from within. A community can perhaps be a group of 5 students or 2 teachers, however, once established, others will want to stop lurking and start learning.

If we look at technology in the Middle Ages or in our own communities, similarities exist - technology inventions and innovations are still driven by social and cultural climates. In the middle ages, a horse harness and plow made a dramatic impact on agriculture, an above ground furnace allowed for iron tool production, and fabric looms greatly changed the textile industry. In today’s fast paced high tech society, schools must provide the tools and environment that will best prepare students for an ever changing innovative society. This is not an easy task, but an imperative one.