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Author: Beth Knittle

Ben Franklin, Education and the 21st Century, Part 3

Ben Franklin, Education and the 21st Century, Part 3

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Continuing from part 2 Franklin continues in his proposal for the education of youth; But if HISTORY be made a constant Part of their Reading, such as the Translations of the Greek and Roman Historians, and the modern Histories of antient Greece and Rome, &c. may not almost all Kinds of useful Knowledge be that Way introduc’d to Advantage, and with Pleasure to the Student? That old adage ‘those that do not know history are condemned to repeat it’ comes to mine. …

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Post NECC Thoughts

Post NECC Thoughts

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I did not have an opportunity to attend NECC this year. I did support the DEN in SL‘s session, watched a good deal online and followed posts on twitter and plurk.  Though I learned some new things and been given ideas to ponder it just is not the same.  I am a proponent of distance learning and love that I could ‘attend’ after a fashion, I do not think anything beats the face to face interaction.  Learning and inspiration are…

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Welcoming Educators New to Second Life

Welcoming Educators New to Second Life

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I enjoy helping educators discover Second Life. This summer I again have this wonderful opportunity. I will be assisting some staff at Westfield State College explore this environment for collaboration, instruction and learning. I also look forward to the educators who take inspiration from NECC and time off in the summer to explore Second Life.  I highly recommend educators join the DEN in SL to find the support they need to really give Second Life a try.  I love learning…

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Summer is Coming

Summer is Coming

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I have 5 more working days of school left this year. I keep thinking that June 23 will be my first day to relax. In my dreams!!!! I accepted the opportunity to share second life with some college educators. We are developing curriculum for 3 new Information and technology literacy class and I will support that effort. I need to develop materials for next falls professional development sessions. I plan to continue my research and writing on the history of…

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Random Thoughts

Random Thoughts

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I am writing down some of the random thoughts swirling around in my head. I hope to get back to them and take a closer look. Thought 1: We keep seeking change in education and complain that it stays the same, but I do not think learning changes. Learning still takes place within the learner, the learner must interact with content to build meaning and understanding for themselves. Schools were designed to provide the greatest number of people an opportunity…

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Ben Franklin, Education and the 21st Century, Part 2

Ben Franklin, Education and the 21st Century, Part 2

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Continuing From Part 1 Franklin continues in his proposal for the education of youth that they should study; Arithmetick, Accounts, and some of the first Principles of Geometry and Astronomy. In this test driven society we are certainly emphasis Math, since it is easy to test.  In my neck of the woods we are leaving out ‘accounts’. We no longer teach business math, it is not viewed as college prep.  Honestly I would love a good class on basic accounting…

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New Media Literacies Conference

New Media Literacies Conference

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I attended the New Media Literacies Conference at MIT. During the day they reported on the development of Teaching Strategies and the Learning Library which was rolled out the same day. The learning library is a place for people collect and share media and create challenges (activities). I am only just beginning to explore these tools. As always I found the conversation before and after the sessions rich and deep. My thinking is always stretch at such events. I have…

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