Over the last two weeks I have had the opportunity to attend some workshops on the iPad in general and for use with those who have special needs. I have come away more solidified in my vision of the use of iPads in schools The iPad is a game changer when it comes to supporting differentiated instruction and universal design in learning. I know there are other devices out there but Apple made a commitment to accessibility a long time ago and continues to…
Social Media has enhanced my conference experiences and learning. It seems pretty clear that would be the case. Before social media I attended lots of educational conferences and even some fun conventions (Star Trek and Comic). I attended as an individual, read the program after arrival and tried my best to make the most of it. I left with a bag of notes and a few contacts; but those connections tended to fade away as snail mail and later e-mail were the only means…
We are at the end of April vacation in Massachusetts and Maine. April vacation always occurs the week of April 19th, Patriot’s Day around here. A remembrance of the battle of Lexington and Concord, the start of the war that set us firmly on the road to independence from England. I have always been fascinated by the time period 1600 -1820. There was a change in thinking which resulted in a change in governance, power and the world map. …
I have trying in vain to write a coherent piece about some things that have me thinking. Failing that I am sharing some ramblings. In education we often find ourselves trying to wrap our heads around and carry out new mandates and policies. Just when we think we are getting things settled it is out with the old in with the new. In Massachusetts MCAS tests and frameworks are becoming PARCC and the Common Core, the old ELL trainings will…
Next week I will be attending the MassCUE/METAA Technology Symposium. While there I will hear Angela Maiers‘ morning keynote. I have heard Angela speak before and am always inspired and encouraged. In the afternoon I will hear Robert Evans for the first time. I will be facilitating a session during the day on creating digital texts, the focus on developing a strategy for making it happen. There are a wide variety of sesssion on offer and I look forward to the day….
Liz Davis wrote a summary of her take away from EduCon, which I think reflects the elusive feeling I took away from the weekend. Before continuing please read her post. I left the following comment, which I continue below. Liz, I too have this odd, elusive feeling leaving EduCon. Seems more intense this year then in the past. I am not sure if it is frustration, annoyance, or what. I just know I leave unsettled. I have always thought that…
I finally have a chance to sum up my experiences from spending a few days in the ‘think tank’ that is EduCon. I have been to all four so far and always leave unsettled, with many more questions then I when I came. I just can’t quite sum up my feelings. It is like having something on the tip of my tongue, I just can’t grab that fleeting thought. It is most annoying and won’t go away. So knowing I…