The Wiki Way

Recently I prepared a short presentation for teachers that introduced the use of wikis. I wanted the teachers to experience a wiki so the mini-workshop is done using a wiki. Teacher will experience a wiki as they learn about them. I used wikispaces. It focuses on how wikis can be used for collaboration among teachers and administrators. It also covers basic wiki usage and many ideas for implementation in the class room. Additionally, links to sites that provide descriptions by teachers on how wikis have helped them facilitate learning are included. http://thewikiway-cummings.wikispaces.com/

Old Dogs Learning New Tricks?

In the article Adopt and Adapt: Shaping Tech for the Classroom, Marc Prensky describes the process of technology adoption in schools as a four step process:
1) Dabbling.
2) Doing old things in old ways.
3) Doing old things new ways.
4) Doing new things in new ways.
Prensky’s progression helps emphasize that using technology is not an end in and of itself, but rather a potential mode that can push the possibilities, to take our methods beyond what has been previously possible. As technology advances in our schools, we learn to use it in various ways, but does it change the process of learning? Do our methods change or do we incorporate the technology to do things as we always have? Do we use the technology to lighten our load, to jazz up our lectures, or limit our paper consumption? What are the new possibilities within the digital world?

The real question is “How do we understand/view the learning process and knowledge?” Are we traditionalists, believing that knowledge exist independently of any human experience and is passed from the teacher to the student? Or, are we constructivists, believing that individuals construct their own understanding of the world based on their prior experience (Learning to Teach with New Technology: Implications for Professional Development, Chrystalla Mouza, page 278, Journal of Research on Technology in Education, Winter 2002-2003:Volume 35 Number 2)?

Will we commit to incorporating technology in such a way that our students have rich opportunities for exploration, critical thinking, and collaboration to solve real world problems that involve the use of technology? Will we, as digital immigrants, the old dogs, learn new tricks, not only to use technological to do old things in new ways, but to do new things in new ways?

Texas STaR Chart

Check out this SlideShare Presentation. It show how the STaR Chart is used to provide information on the implementation of the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology:

Texas STaR Chart

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Unashamed Plug

My wife and I are so very excited! Her first book, Knights of Warsaw, is being released March 2, 2010 by Tate Publishing Co. It can be purchased on-line now. For more information go to http://www.knightsofwarsaw.com

Texas Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020: Teaching and Learning

Texas Long Range Plan for Technology (LRPT) defines a need for change in our schools. Technology permeates our society. It has become an essential part of the infrastructure of public and private institutions including business and government. Each year, the number of US graduates proficient in technology skills is less than that of other countries. This fact is the reason for the long range plan.

Our students are “digital natives.” They “interface” with their world through technology daily. Consequently, their minds are predisposed to acquiring information through technology. Educators knowing this will use technology to more effectively teach content while sharpening the student’s skills relative to technology. However, this predisposition does not insure that they develop the technology skills need for the 21st century.

There are many benefits of the implementation of technology in education. Technology should become an active and effective piece of instruction in all grades to aid students in being engaged in learning and prepared for real world experiences.

To promote and support academic excellence, the LRPT addresses four areas: Teaching and Learning; Educator Preparation and Development; Leadership, Administration and Instructional Support; and Infrastructure. Teaching and Learning is the final goal. It is a good place to begin understanding the LRPT and guide our understanding of the other areas.

Teaching and Learning in the LRPT is defined as environments were all learners: “have access to relevant technologies, tools, resources, and services for individualized instruction 24/7; use information and communication technologies to collaborate, construct knowledge and provide solutions to real-world problems; use research based strategies in all subject areas to improve academic achievement; and communicate effectively in a variety of formats for diverse audiences.” – (Long Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020, A Report to the 80th Texas Legislature from the Texas Education Agency, page 29)

Progress in the LRPT Teaching and Learning is often slow to come. The other three areas are foundational and experience a learning curve. Because education is a public institution, change often is slower than desired. Many forces contribute to this problem. One of the most complicated forces is the conservative nature of the public education system. Ethical concerns and legal liabilities frustrate the progress. Information of all types is readily available to all ages via the internet. Control technology used by most school districts is limited. Consequently, districts tend to be very conservative and error on the side of caution.

One trend that may help alleviant these concerns is the development of private technology companies that provide products that guarantee internet security. These companies are developing the tools to address these issues. Districts should seek opportunities to converse with these companies and seek to find the funding to purchase their products.

Accelerate Technology, TCEA 2009

Austin hosted the 29th Annual Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA) Convention and Exposition February 2-6, 2009. This was my first time to attend the convention. The convention provided over 200 sessions on a wide range of topics. As usual when attending educational conferences, the wealth of ideas exchanged created information overload but I'm excited about implementing some select ideas in my class this spring.

I previewed Camtasia Studio 6 by TechSmith, and plan to secure a copy to help in developing a wide range of media for use by my students. Camtasia does it all and is very easy to use delivering HD quality in small file sizes. Two existing production presets (blog and web) and three new presets (YouTube, HD display, and Screencast.com) which replaces FLV, make media delivery so easy. You can record your PC screen and create professional-looking videos that clearly demonstrate a process, a product, or an idea. Check it out at www.TechSmith.com/CamtasiaStudio.

Additionally I picked up some valuable tips to use with my SMARTboard that incorporates Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) methods to use with my ESL students. I know these will help them be more successful.

I learned of some free Podcast utilities. Check out Audacity, Podcast Generator, Photostory3 and CamStudio.

I discovered some excellent science education websites. Take a look at ScienceNetLinks.com and Edheads.org.

Also worth mentioning was a presentation by Patrick Crispen of California State University, Longbeach. Accessibility 101: Cutting Through the FUD presented how the content you and your students create and post to the web can be accessed by people with disabilities. See NetSquirrel.com for more information.

You can bet that I'll be back next year for the 30th annual TCEA Convention and Exposition. You should do your best to be there. It will certainly be worth your time and effort.

Common Craft: Uncommonly Good!

Recently while doing research for a graduate class, I found an excellent web-site that does a phenomenal job of making "complex ideas easy to understand using short and simple videos." I strongly recommend that teachers, principals, and instructional technologists view Common Craft's videos on wiki, blogs, pod casting, and RSS in Plain English. These videos will help teachers become familiar with Internet technologies and their importance. With the push toward integrating technology in the learning environment, it is imperative that become Internet savvy. Professional learning communities like school faculties will benefit not only by integrating these tools into their instruction but also by using them to collaborate.
Check it out!
http://www.commoncraft.com/