Nocking the Arrow

After three failed attempts at using Twitter for professional learning, I finally got the gist of it. Rather, I found a tweeting system that worked for me while supporting a growing professional learning network. Nearly five years ago, I was approached by a colleague who appreciated my growth in the microblogging realm of Twitter. He suggested that I try blogging to deepen my learning through writing, there are times when 140 characters just aren't enough. Two hundred posts later, me and " Nocking the Arrow " are still here! I have long believed in the heutagogical  powers of learning portfolios. I was helping students develop digital portfolios before the cloud became an ideal option as a repository of learning artifacts. Students created a file structure containing artifacts representing their learning journey, they burned their summative projects to compact disc. While colleagues were building their digital presence and professional portfolios using Google Sites...

This holiday season, and in particular, holiday shopping has me put me in a reflective whirlwind. I don't particularly enjoy shopping. The crowds, the noise, and the pressure can be a real downer. When I do stretch my shopping legs, I like to do so with creativity and purpose. My teaching interests bubble to the surface as I look for just the right game, toy, or kit for inspiring thinking while providing fun, interactive learning experiences. I can hear the kids in the background, " I just want to play. " What was your favorite toy or game while growing up? Why was it your favorite? Are some of your favorite toys the same ones that stretched your thinking and creativity?  Here are several memorable toys received as Christmas gifts while growing up. Legos Lite Brite Erector set Lincoln Logs String art kits Chemistry set Model car kits Poster art kits Etch-a-Sketch Jigsaw puzzles Wood burning set 150 in 1 Electronics set Hot Wheels track buil...

"I never teach my pupils; I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn." - Albert Einstein What do you get when you mix one part Carol Dweck , with one part Will Richardson , with another part George Couros ? You get a concept I call the learner's mindset . What is a learner's mindset? Not only is it an inner narrative describing personal growth and fulfillment, I believe possessing a learner's mindset is a crucial element in the true transformation of schools and education. "I am convinced that the best learning takes place when the learner takes charge."   -  Seymour Papert “Innovation is not reserved for the few; it is something we will all need to embrace if we are to move forward.” - George Couros ,   The Innovator's Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity “learning a passion for learning is more important for your practical success than learning any particular facts ...

Reinforcing suggestions from favored PLN ( personal learning network ) contributors, A.J. Juliani , Silvia Tolisano , and Jackie Gerstein , one challenge for the coming year becomes clear; learners regardless of age or status, should find ways to contribute to the worldwide classroom . The Internet, and the unlimited accessibility to information means that our traditional concept of classroom must change. Modern learning spaces are built upon networks sharing knowledge and experiences. Thriving in these new learning spaces means being able to connect, curate, communicate, create, and contribute. The value of a learning network depends upon contributions from its members. Today, educational thought leaders are those people making consistent and impacting contributions to their learning networks. " It is more blessed to give than to receive. " Now, more than any other time in the past 100 years, education seems on the verge of a paradigm shift. You see, for the past c...

Credit Dr. Jackie Gerstein with creating a chart that is getting a lot of attention in social media this week, particularly Twitter. There are some educators whom I follow for their interesting perspective and expression. There are other educators whom I follow because I am consistently learning from them. Jackie is at the top of my list of educators who help advance learning. Simple chart that says so much! via @jackiegerstein "21st Century Pedagogy; What's Hot, What's Not" #edchat pic.twitter.com/pIO6MIL1Dw — Robert Schuetz (@robert_schuetz) July 14, 2014 Related Reading Educators Need to be 21st Century Learners Too - Amy Heavin, Fractus Learning photo credit: the_junes via photopin cc