Do No Harm! I think that is my big takeaway from my summer learning thus far. I have been focusing on how best to support teachers after the great influx of devices and tools over the last 2 years. Schools went from computer labs, carts, and shared devices, particularly at the elementary level to 1:1 in a matter of months. All the new tools: web conferencing, screen casting, LMS, digital curriculum, etc. The great shift happened, now what? I participated…
I am usually a pretty mellow person, tend to look for the positive in everyone, and assume the best of intentions in people. But I had an interaction on the vendor floor at ISTE that got my hackles up and I just lost it. The vendor was explaining their new STEM curriculum where everything is laid out step by step, the teacher could just “point and click” it was “foolproof.” WHAT!?! Are you saying teachers are fools! Teachers are learning…
Live face-to-face conferences are back!!!!! I can’t express enough how excited I was to attend FETC and ISTE this year. Sure I have been attending virtual conferences for the last two years but NOTHING beats the hallway conversations, the chats waiting in line, and just the shared energy of being in a space filled with people passionate about learning. Those conferences brought me back to my roots of why I am in education. I learned, was affirmed, and inspired. I…
It has been one heck of a roller coaster start to the school year. Lots of new tech to deploy, PD to develop not to mention new state standards to integrate and the likely hood of licensing changes. It is a lot to take in. But October is here and things tend to get into a rhythm and it is time to connect with others and indulge in some personal learning. I look forward to attending MassCUE our stated premier…
I am putting the finishing touches on presentation materials for the upcoming MassCUE 2013 conference. If you are in the area and able to attend it is a well run and worth your time. I always walk away having learned new skills and strategies to promote deep learning. I learn a lot and it keeps me thinking and reflecting on my instructional practice for months to come. This year I am co-presenting with Kristin Cannistraro at teacher of the visually…
As we are all well aware iOS 7 was released earlier this week. Change is inevitable; it is pure excitement and joy for some but not always easy for others. As any provider of tech support knows our focus is on the later. Apparently we know all the answers even though we are seeing the new iOS for the first time as well. Thankfully there are those excited to explore and test out the iOS and share their findings. Can’t…
I had an opportunity to attend BLC 2013 in Boston for a day. I always learn something while I am there, either in a session or conversations in the hall. Below is a summary of the notes I have from the event. Thursday Keynote Dr Weinberg Title of talk “Why hasn’t technology changed education?” Dr.Weinberg contents that is has not changed education but it has changed learning. What goes through my mind, then education and learning are not connected. The…