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…
For the last couple of years, I have primarily been dealing with devices; enrolling, managing, setting up apps and extensions and trying to keep track of ever-shifting inventory. I am afraid my people skills may have gotten a little rusty. I wanted to reconnect with my past self and get my head back in the game of supporting teachers and their students. So I enrolled in the Apple Learning Coach program. I think it is one of the best-run professional…
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…
As a brand new teacher I believed I could go thorough my scripted lesson plan, and point like a conductor to select students who I could guide through to the desired out comes. I believe that if they played along, paid attention and did the work I provided they would all learn and be successful on the tests. If we all just followed the lesson all would be well. But…. there was always the fidgety kids in the back who…
Summer is a time for relaxation and renewal for educators. It is the season where we recharge the batteries, reflect on our success and failure and rethink what we will do next year. During this “down time” many educators participated in curriculum writing and professional development. Tim Holt recently shared his thoughts on professional development are we preparing cooks or chefs? They echo some of my thinking. I dislike the term “training” I am often asked if I will be…
Welcome back to school! Those of us in the world of formal education are now deep into the process and our summers of relaxation, professional development and planning have morphed into the daily work of teaching and learning with our students. As we begin our new school year I would like to encourage you to watch a talk by Ken Robinson on How to Change Education from the Ground Up. Many of us are dealing with changes in curriculum as we…
I live on Cape Cod a summer tourists destination. Recently I struck up a conversation with a fellow beach goer. We chatted about many things. At one point she asked if I was a local. She said she was afraid to ask as she did not want to offend. First off what does she think of locals if she thinks I would be offended. But that said, why should any one be afraid to ask a question, are we so…