Browsed by
Category: Education

Learning, Schools and a Great Big World

Learning, Schools and a Great Big World

Comments 2 comments

For those of you who have been regular readers you know I struggle with traditional schooling and how it confines and limits learning. I have raised two children who were interested in computers, gaming, digital art, ancient languages, ancient arts and mythologies, topics not part of most school curriculum.  A good deal of their learning took place outside of traditional schooling, some times instead of it.  I know schools can’t be all things to all people, nor should they.  But…

Read More Read More

Data and Innovation

Data and Innovation

Comments 2 comments

Repeatedly we hear the call to base everything on data driven research, not a bad idea in itself but when you live in the world of technology and innovation then it possess quite a stumbling block. How can you collect data on the future? It takes years to develop a good research plan, carry it out and draw any conclusion.  Somebody has to go first. Districts that will only make decisions based on what has gone on before will forever be…

Read More Read More

Change is Ahead

Change is Ahead

Comments 0 Comment

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) had just release new draft standards for Digital Literacy and Computer Science.   These, if adopted, will replace the current standards adopted in 2008.   ISTE is also undergoing a refresh in the standards draft standards should be released in Jan 2016. It will be interesting to see what changes will be made. I am excited to see the addition of computational thinking and computer science.  I strongly believe these are necessary for success in our…

Read More Read More

Expectations

Expectations

Comments 2 comments

My daughter’s birthday was yesterday and I spent a good portion of that day thinking about how far she has come.  It occurred to me that she has not lived up to the expectations set for her and I could not be more proud!!! She started life with a double knot in the umbilical cord, and multiple health related obstacles ever since. From the earliest days in school people held limited expectations for her success. As an educator I know…

Read More Read More

Everything Old is New Again

Everything Old is New Again

Comments 3 comments

I feel like I am stuck in an episode of the twilight zone doomed to repeat past mistakes. It is as if someone has put my professional life on a loop. I just can’t break out of the cyclical madness of educational programs and trends. Let’s take a walk down memory lane. There are many terms, phrases and programs that keep reappearing in education. Below are a list of some that have appeared in recent times, though likely they are…

Read More Read More

Getting Ready for the New School Year

Getting Ready for the New School Year

Comments 0 Comment

As soon as one school year ends it is time to get ready for the next.  For me that means that I start getting materials ready for new teacher orientation and set up new professional development for the teachers.  This year we are developing our self-serve PD using Schoology and will be adding badges to mark staff successful completion of the various topics. In prepping my material I review the old sites we recommend for teachers, as well as, look…

Read More Read More

Remembering The Team Who Taught Me So Much

Remembering The Team Who Taught Me So Much

Comments 7 comments

Once upon a time in a land far away I met an incredible group of people. We created, collaborated and learned together. Our time together changed me forever. From 2007 to 2011 I was part of a very effective and productive team, we met and worked virtually. At first only through text and later voice as technology and tools improved. We worked in a digital platform, created digital products and laid the groundwork to foster a growing community of learners….

Read More Read More