Start spreading the news

Recently I was part of a group that developed a wiki regarding PLCs and the sharing of information and increasing collaboration. The project is in its initial phase and already experiencing growth. Many teachers that I have spoken to are excited about the potential of the wiki and are wanting to add to the wiki themselves. We need to get the word out to more teachers in our division to use this wiki to full potential. I am searching for input on how to spread the news. Any suggestions would be great. In the meantime check out the wiki:

http://nwsd-plcs.wikispaces.com

23 Things

Many of my classmates reviewed "23 Things." as their online PD. Out of interest and class evaluation, I reviewed their findings. The main concept of this online PD is a "map" or "outline" of how to help people learn Web 2.0 tools and use them in their teaching. This has prompted me to work with my TIL in helping the entire school staff become proficient in the use of online tools. My next step is to communicate group decisons and planning through Google documents. Each year, in the Spring, we plan for the upcoming year. This usually involves a series of meetings. This can be difficult for the teachers with young families. By working on this task through Google docs, people can complete tasks when they have "free" time. Also, everyone has a voice and doesn't have to worry about not having their chance to be heard.

Online PD

Today I had an interesting conversation with some colleagues. The topic was where and how to spend PD money? It was interesting to hear how other individuals know to go online to look for PD opportunities but have no idea where to go from there. I now realize how I can go to California for PD or stay in the comfort of my home for PD. Even the person who feels there is no PD for them can find something of interest online. My practice before would be to look in the Bulletin and use opportuunities to promote advertised PD with staff members. I have moved from that to looking online for places to go. With the goal of using technology to promote student learning there is a multitude of resources and PD available for teachers without them having to actually go anywhere.
The TIL I worked with last year truly promoted online PD. She would often look at Smart Board PD and then show the rest of the staff. The cost was minimal but the payoff was huge.
My feelings regarding PD are quite simple now. Teachers should continue to learn and because of the accessibility of online tools there is no reason for a teacher not to grow professionally. We should take advantage of online opportunities and share them with teachers, parents, and students.

Laptops!

I just read a post by Karl Fisch regarding the use of laptops for students in a pilot project to improve writing. He posed some interesting questions:

Here are some questions we have:

How does having a laptop computer help students write better?

What happens in your classroom now that you have laptops that could not happen before?

Now that you have had laptops in your classroom, how would you feel if you didn’t have them next year?

What do next year’s 5th grade students coming to your classroom have to look forward to?

In our school we have had a mobile lab for onr month. I see the laptops being used but my only feedback so far has been from observation and informal talk with staff and students. I am going to use the above questions for reflection on the use of our mobile lab and how we might be able to improve.

Presentation

I had the opportunity of exploring Online Professional development. The following presentation includes my thoughts on K-12 Online PD. There are numerous opportunities but I focused on the topic Leading the Change.

On Line PD

Wow! I couldn't have had asked for better luck in selecting the online PD I found. The information was relevant, helpful and interesting. This PD will help me a great deal with my class project.
The main message of the online PD is that when using Web 2.0 it is about student learning! We selecet tools, try them, experience what students experience and we as educators play an active role in learning. Wendy Drexler outlines the abundance of tools, gives examples, see what others are doing, get new ideas and encourage contribution. She made this look so easy and inviting. Wendy outlines how safe it is to play with a wiki and how new users do not have to worry about "messing" things up. The message of "ideas for the classroom" is loud and clear.
How does this help me with my project? First of all it excites me. Secondly, my group is trying to develop a wiki school division use to help teachers. Wendy outlines points to consider when trying to encourage others to be involved.
1. Start with a few teachers at a time. (We may be looking too big!)
2. Non threatening environment. (We need to keep it safe)
3. Regular hands on meetings. (How? something to consider)
4. Encourage experimentation.
5. Not required to use in class.
6. Hold outs are your best critics. (Should be no shortage)

I also viewed a presentation by Tanya Gray and Aimee Stoffel. They showed a pilot project preparing students for the 21st century in using technology having a personal laptop. The presentation showed actual student work. I liked how they shared what they did but would have liked to know more "how" they were able to do this.

Copyright Continued

As a follow up to my earlier post I want to discuss the importance of crediting the people that do the initial work. After watching the copyright video using Disney animation, the credits seemed to go on forever. The people who initially did the work were getting their recognition. Our school is trying to teach the importance of giving credit to the sources students use. Grade 9-12 students are expected to use APA format when listing resources for all papers. Our TIL has instructed students to have references or "credits" for all video productions. Recently, during one of our pep rallies, the SRC made a video. At the end of the video they credited sources, "actors", etc. This action has become part of their educational lives. These students are much further ahead in understanding copyright than when I was a high school student.
I believe there has been a shift in the thinking in terms of copyright. Students may have been worried about being penalized for plagairism, now, they understand the importance of giving credit. Students continue to grow and impress me!

Why copy?

My latest adventure allowed me to look at the topic of copyright. I was overwhelmed at the amount of information but began to break the information into parts and it seemed less intimidating. My adventure began with a video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJn_jC4FNDo that explained copyright, duration and fair use. The information was helpful and gave me my first clear thought about copyright. If we use common sense and our intentions are well suited, there should be little fear in regards to copyright information. Lessig ridicules copyright as it inhibits creativity. Since copyright is largely about the financial gain I understand the desire to be paid for your work. However, if the intention is to use pictures, videos,etc to further learning and not gain financialy, it should be embraced.
After viewing the many articles and videos about copyright, I believe a person could make a case for material being copyright in almost any instance. Intention of doing what is ethically right is the key. You may have noticed I have repeatred myself using the term intention, that is my intention.
The term copyleft allows for freedom of use. I would like to think my blog is an example of copyleft. Feel free to use any information. I am impressed with how many sites offer free use of their material. Sharing of information without seeking financial gain, what a novel idea. An example would be www.public-domain-image.com This site allows for the public to use images without a cost. There are numerous places to find free music, images, etc., you just have to be willing to take that extra time to search.
In schools we most often see the misuse of copyright in terms of plagairism. Each year, we continuously teach students about plagairism but we now also have parent nights to teach parents about plagairism. As parents are helping their children with reports it is beneficial to educate them as well. I am sure it is not the parents intention (there's that word again) to plagiarize but they may not fully understand what can or can not be done.
Finding information for reports is very easy to do. One right click of the mouse and work is done for us. My advice: carefully examine what and how you use information from others, give credit to others for the work they did, and make sure your intentions are morally strong.

New Poll

Ask500 helps to poll people about questions you may have.

Slideshare

Here is a technology presentation I made in another class. It shows how technology has been integrated by a teacher in our school.

Technology Integration Presentation

View more presentations from dhauk. (tags: technology integration)

Team Building

I am thinking of using wordle as part of a team building process for the SaskFirst team I am coaching. My plan is for the players to send words that describe themselves and have them put it together to show how it all fits into our team. Here is an example.


title="Wordle: Team work"> src="http://www.wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/607329/Team_work"
alt="Wordle: Team work"
style="padding:4px;border:1px solid #ddd">

Always Connected

I now realize that my interest in technology has now turned into an addiction. I purchased a Blackberry and have the web at my fingertips. I have a shortcut to Facebook and receive email instantly. I no longer have to search for a destination when driving in a new city. In a few seconds I have directions. This phone is amazing. I haven't used it to the full potential but I already know I would be lost without it.

On a Personal note ...

Recently I was in Humboldt, Saskatchewan for a Provincial Hockey game. I help coach a the Midget Midwest Redwings. Humboldt is a finalist for recogintion of Hockeyville 2009 and as part of the celebration CBC televised the promotion of the town. Cassie Campbell (Olympic gold medalist) and Glenn Hall (Hockey Hall of Famer) were the special guests on behalf of CBC. They actually came into the dressing room and met the boys and encouraged them to do their best. It was a highlight for the team and the coaches. I have attached a video from that eveneing that was on CBC. Enjoy!

Conference in the Fischbowl

Did anyone else look at the video conference by Karl Fisch? This looks amazing. I have to admit I am overwhelmed with the magnitude of the set up. There were computers connected to Skype, students had laptops for blogging, other computers for blogging, parents were emailed so they could see their children using these tools. This activity looks like a total team effort in order to pull it off. For me, the problem is that I get excited about these big activities and want to do them as well. To be realistic, I do not have the know how or time to do something this exciting. Should this be something we work with our school TILs to bring to our school. On a similar note, our school is going to connect to a worldwide Math initiative and have scheduled times for the entire school to participate. This accomplishes the use of technology and improving math skills as two of our school goals.
Has anyone tried an activity similar to Fisch but to a lesser degree? Please share.

Connectivism

I just found this video about student learning in connectivism. It simplifies things. The video also explains the role of the teacher.

Playing in the Sand

I am having a blast trying new tools in technology. I still worry somewhat about trying a new tool that does essentially the same as a tool I just learned. To date I feel comfortable with the following:

Blogging - getting hooked. I check my blog and blogs in our class many times a day.
Google - Awesome. Google Earth is fantastic and the tools within igoogle and google reader are great.
Skype - Hired a teacher using skype for the first time. That certainly opens the door to a large pool of candidates.
Bubbleshare - By far the quickest tool I have laerned. It was so easy to upload pictures and have them ready to share.
Wiki - I just started my own wiki for my project. It is in the infant stage but ready to grow.
Delicious - I am overwhelmed with the amount of information in this site.
Google Docs - This has been helpful for sharing documents but I wish it would work to share files as well. This could be the fault of the user not the program.

I remember a prof telling me that technology is great but it has to be user friendly or the trade off for time spent doesn't make sense. By sharing what works well can help us all.

Google Earth - Explore the Ocean

Check this out. Awesome.

Learning!

Remember the Seinfeld episode when George convinces Jerry they should write a show about nothing? It made sense but failed to pinpoint or explain what it was about. Through alot of reading and discussions I am taking a similar approach about learning. Students learn from EVERYTHING! We can't possibly measure everything that students learn or how exactly they learn. I learned from my parents, brother, sisters, aunts, uncles, teachers, friends, cousins, grandparents, opposition, people I didn't know, etc. We learn when reading, watching, daydreaming, doing, etc.

My point is that I believe our role as educators is to continue to learn ourselves and be open to many opportunities for students to learn. We need to look at ways we most enjoy to learn. We need to take a look at EVERYTHING and sift through what we want to use and what is most useful to us. In terms of technology, not all advances are wonderful for us to use. For example, while driving home on the weekend I listened to a program regarding Google Latitude. You can locate people through their cell phones and know exactly where they are. At first I thought Cool, this would lead to social interaction in person, but now I am skeptical about the misuse of this program. Even though I may not use this technology, I learned something new. We are constantly learning.

Comments...

I thought I would comment on the comments from my previous postings.

First Bubbleshare. Jim, this is awesome. In a few easy steps you can download pictures from your computer and share with others. You can search pictures in numerous categories. Adding captions to your pictures is just a click away.

Second, Godin's list about education. This provided an excellent opportunity to bring out the passion of what is important in education. I believe we do not take the time to think about all the extras educators do to help students. Teachers should be appreciated for their efforts. Godin is obviously having fun with this list or ... (I will let you fill in your opinion). He is clever enough to include some valuable points on his list but also includes points for further discussion.

Thank all of you for your input and passion for education.

In The Fischbowl

The Purpose of School

After reading the “Fischbowl”, I found it interesting to think about the purpose of education. I know, at times, I get caught up in the moment. We all may focus on what is currently happening and trying to look at change for the better. Along the way we tend to forget the “little” things that are also important for the students.

“The purpose of education is to appropriately prepare our children for their future.” – David Warlick

I believe this quote is an accurate statement about the purpose of education. However, upon further reading I like how his quote changed to "The purpose of education is to make the world a better place!" We concern ourselves with academic scores and then turn our attention to antibullying progams, to virtues programs, to PLCs, to AFL scores, to attendance issues,etc, etc…

The purpose of education is the well being of all students, teachers, parents in achieving success and the pursuit of happiness. We need to focus on everything to help our students become contibuting members of society. Schools need to be a place where students feel safe and view as a positive place to be. It is the combination of everything we do to make school (education) a positive experience while preparing students for life outside of school. I am including a list created by Seth Godin that seems to cover what the purpose of education is. Feel free to add to the list.

Become an informed citizen
Be able to read for pleasure
Be trained in the rudimentary skills necessary for employment
Do well on standardized tests
Homogenize society, at least a bit
Pasteurize out the dangerous ideas
Give kids something to do while parents work
Teach future citizens how to conform
Teach future consumers how to desire
Build a social fabric
Create leaders who help us compete on a world stage
Generate future scientists who will advance medicine and technology
Learn for the sake of learning
Help people become interesting and productive
Defang the proletariat
Establish a floor below which a typical person is unlikely to fall
Find and celebrate prodigies, geniuses and the gifted
Make sure kids learn to exercise, eat right and avoid common health problems
Teach future citizens to obey authority
Teach future employees to do the same
Increase appreciation for art and culture
Teach creativity and problem solving
Minimize public spelling mistakes
Increase emotional intelligence
Decrease crime by teaching civics and ethics
Increase understanding of a life well lived
Make sure the sports teams have enough players

Hawaii Vacation...Using Bubbleshare

BubbleShare: Share photos - Easy Photo Sharing


You can click on the photos for full size viewing. The captions were fun to play with but do not completely show up in this screen.

Technology and Administration

Yesterday I experienced the highs and lows of technology as an administrator. For the first time, I interviewed a teacher from Ontario for a job opening using skype. This was really neat. I never put much thought into this before but I realized the number of possible candidates now that we can interview using technology. We are in a global community.
My other experience was not quite as rewarding. Our school was set to hand out report cards and once again we were let down by the program we use. The teachers did everything correct as far as their limited training allowed. This is a prime example of using technology but not being trained for potential problems. It seemed like we took one step forward and now two back. Many of our teachers would like to go back to a different program or even calculate marks themselves.

Constructivism...

I recently read information about the theory of constructivism. The theory is based on our own understandings of the world through experiences and reflection. In the most basic sense, it encourages students to be active in creating their own knowledge and the nanalyze what is happening and why. I have many thoughts and questions after reviewing this theory.

If a teacher is not a constructivist, will his/her students have the opportunity to try this type of learning?
Will teachers do the pretesting to find the present knowledge base of each student?
Teachers and students are supposed to talk about what they learned, yet through classroom observations, the last 5-10 minutes of many classes are rarely used to review what was learned.
Many of the students seen as behaviour problems are students that are curious about something but rarely get the opportunity to explore. Wouldn't this theory help?
Are universities training our new teachers to teach this way? Many new teachers I have observed are in survival mode.
Assessment appears to be key to this theory. Do all teachers understand the difference between assessment and evaluation?

My new experiences with constructism has been interesting. This year I taught two new classes. Law 30 and Construction 20. I encouraged students to explore different ways of doing things, appreciate the views of others for further learning and to challenge themselves to take chances in learning for the sake of learning as opposed to what may be on the exam. The students were extremely uncomfortable. My perception is that many of our students do not learn this way in our schools yet we see the benefit of this theory. As teachers, we need to get out of our own comfort zones.

Technlogy in Saskatchewan Education

I couldn't help but put this on. The irony of moving forward and using technology for learning to help our students and the province no longer continuing technology assisted learning.

http://www.education.gov.sk.ca/TSL

Contact me

There are no shortage of ways to connect with me. You can find me on google. Just search my name or go through google accounts. Also I am registered with delicious as dhauk19. Through the use of technology you can contact me through my email, google, delicious, this blog and soon a wiki. Are there really any excuses not to connect?

On the horizon...

Recently I have been exploring the numerous ways of using technology to improve teaching and learning. Because I do not teach many classes, the use of technology is more of a vision for the entire school. I was interested in where my staff was in terms of technology and their experiences range from very little to "must have". We now sign out all school equipment through our school website. Imagine, using technology to sign out technological equipment!

I asked teachers if they would be interested in participating in a blog to promote reading as a professional. We have tried other attempts but have not been successful. When I explained the reading could be done at any time in the comfort of their home people seemed interested. My worry is that I am asking for one more thing to do.