A Shallow Collective?

As I begin my summer reading binge, I’ve been trying to balance my consumption of pro-technology materials to include anything that offers alternative and/or critical views of the new (e.g. tech.-focused) directions in education. Much like I’ve argued with questions of the value of foreign language…, I think it’s healthy to face and even embrace criticism, since it helps us to build a fuller understand of why we do certain things in certain ways through reflection, lest our ideas become dogmatic or myopic. Continue reading

DownUp (No Ratings Yet)
Loading ... Loading ...

Learning is not the same as Education (Unfortunately)

What is the point of education reform?  I feel like many people have jumped on the bandwagon in recent years, with myself included.  I have begun to rethink my interest in this “reform”.  I’ve been asking myself questions like, “Can education be reformed at all within the current system?” and “SHOULD education even be reformed?”.…

Continue reading

DownUp (No Ratings Yet)
Loading ... Loading ...

On Social Intelligence (SI) and Emotional Intelligence(EQ) Curriculum in Schools

 “People don’t leave companies- They leave bad bosses”- D. Goleman

My ah ha moment during our staff meeting today when we were discussing the pros and cons of promoting Google hangouts was: “If I force a child to come to me they will never come, if I flex and meet them where they are at they can be drawn”.…

Continue reading

DownUp (No Ratings Yet)
Loading ... Loading ...

Music a Way of Connecting Souls Together.. and other reasons I can’t give up band camp

Image

When I was 12 I was really a bit lost… no longer a kid but not quite fitting into the preppy world I needed to find a place where I belonged.

Then along came DCI- Drum Corp International and my life changed for the better.…

Continue reading

DownUp (No Ratings Yet)
Loading ... Loading ...

Emotions are Contagious

Image

Emotional Contagiousness: + Social Collective Emotion creates the positive energy found in THE WAVE, FLASH MOBS or even LIP DUBES

With the trend in schools towards text messaging, e-mails home and blogs there is still a need for a little face to face interaction in order to solidify the relationship between team members.…

Continue reading

DownUp (No Ratings Yet)
Loading ... Loading ...

Where are the Computer Teaching Jobs

Today, …I blog with a purpose.  With 21st century education being on top of the educational hit list, I find myself utterly shocked at the lack of postings for Computer Technology Teaching Positions.  Even the computer integrator positions have gone down drastically. Continue reading

DownUp (No Ratings Yet)
Loading ... Loading ...

Square Peg in a Black Hole – Why Massive Online Courses are Giving Universities a Run for Their Money

mooc-connections1

Having done a considerable amount of research on student learning and digital learning tools to build my capstone experience for my graduate work, during and prior to my edTech MOOC experience, has solidified the idea of open education for me. I can imagine what Buckminster Fuller, a strong influencer in my thinking and work, might say about all this connectivist methodology.

Continue reading

DownUp (No Ratings Yet)
Loading ... Loading ...

Connected from the Start

hand up

hand up by flickr user L.Bo via CC

Raise your hand if any of the following applies to you:

a) you hear people talking about using Skype or blogging in their classrooms, but really aren’t sure what they’re talking about or why they might want to do that;

b) you would LOVE to do some connecting with other classrooms around the world, but just aren’t sure how to take the first steps;

c) you have your class blogging, but would like to find some ways to take it “up a notch”, and find an authentic audience for your class;

d) you sometimes have an urge to pound your head against the wall, as you try to explain to people that meaningful, real tech integration is possible in their classrooms – even primary classrooms?…

Continue reading

DownUp (No Ratings Yet)
Loading ... Loading ...