Friday, December 15, 2006

Just Google It

From the article, “Google targets children with free programs for schools”, "I feel like I am on the edge of something really exciting and perhaps classroom-changing," Wojcicki said. "Using this as a teaching tool, I will be able to look at students' papers and make suggestions before they even turn it in."

Google’s word processor and spreadsheet is another venture into the collaborative world of Web 2.0 technology. Does new educator support have an obligation to “keep up” with technology? If time has been identified a diminishing resource, do we need to approach our work differently?

Sunday, December 10, 2006

In the not too distant future

There are quite a few connections when comparing standards-based instruction, Schlechty Center’s Working on the Work (W.O.W), and Teachscape's Classroom Walkthrough (CWT) to the development of Web 2.0. The following statements come from the article “Futurist: To fix education, think Web 2.0

Rather than treat pedagogy as the transfer of knowledge from teachers who are experts to students who are receptacles, educators should consider more hands-on and informal types of learning.

...he praised situations where students who are passionate about specific topics study in groups and participate in online communities.

… you have to change your teaching practices.

…"passion-based learning" that focuses on getting students more engaged with topic experts.

When planning your Orientation and monthly support meetings/ learning communities for New Educators at your school, do you prepare them for Yesterday or for Tomorrow?

How can you tap into the technological skills and experiences that New Educators bring to your school?

Friday, December 01, 2006

Freshman

Finishing the season at 11-1 and approaching the goal of a SEC Championship, most of the media coverage this past week focused not on the present but on the future of the Florida Gator team. Articles did not highlight the record breaking career of Chris Leak, but of the freshman class.

“Coach Urban Meyer has allowed most of the freshmen time to develop before placing them in the season's most competitive situations.

‘I hear it quite often from family members and staff members and the athletic director how exciting they are, and let's get these guys (freshman) going,’ Meyer said. ‘But the reality is the normal development ... is you learn how to play the game your freshman year.’”

Does your Principal allow most of the New Educators time to develop before placing them in the school’s most competitive situations? What support can be provided in the areas of scheduling, planning, or management?

UPDATE: It's going to be Florida-Ohio State for the national championship. Florida's win over Arkansas in the SEC title game was enough to leapfrog the Gators to No. 2 in the final BCS standings and into the National Championship Game in Glendale, Arizona