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
Monday, March 23, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
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.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
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!
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!
Friday, March 6, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Slideshare
Here is a technology presentation I made in another class. It shows how technology has been integrated by a teacher in our school.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
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">
alt="Wordle: Team work"
style="padding:4px;border:1px solid #ddd">
title="Wordle: Team work">
alt="Wordle: Team work"
style="padding:4px;border:1px solid #ddd">
Monday, March 2, 2009
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!
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