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 am looking forward to MassCUE this week. The annual conference is undergoing a bit of a revival. It is co-sponsored with MASS (Massachusetts Associations of School Superintendents). It has a new location, Gillette Stadium, and it has sold out. A good sign. Wednesday’s Keynote, The Global Achievement Gap, is by Tony Wagner. Thursday’s Keynote, The Changing Face of Literacy and Learning In 1-1 Laptop Classrooms: The New Literacies of Online Reading Comprehension, is given by Donald Lue, j. Gregory…
I spent a wonderful 3 days at Sturbridge, MA. The pre-conference day of discovery was a fun event and Dennis Swain out did himself inspiring the teachers in attendance on how to use Discovery Education Streaming. He also brought with him some wonderful STAR educators to share their expertise. The next 2 days were devoted to the MassCUE annual conference. Our first keynote speaker was Wesley Fryer. He spoke to the differences in today’s students, the importance of 21st century…
Getting ready to attend MassCUE this week. Tuesday I’ll be going to the pre-conference Day of Discovery. There will be about 10 teachers from my district attending this event. Discovery always does a great job of inspiring teachers. I am really looking forward to what they have to offer. The main conference follows, Wesley Fryer will be the keynote speaker on Wednesday and Hall Davidson will be the keynote speaker on Thursday. I will be presenting on Wednesday. I never…
The last few weeks of school are overwhelming for me. It is as if everyone is racing for the finish line. Between work and home I am exhausted. At home I have a son ending his fifth grade career and a daughter ending 8th grade. There are final band concerts, award ceremonies and recognition (aka graduation) ceremonies. Not to mention the last Girl Scout, youth group, running club and skating club culminating events. It is far to much to really…