Nocking the Arrow

The words people use, or don't use, can say a lot about their priorities. I am finding that one of the side-effects, or fringe benefits of connecting with other educators through social media is that I am becoming a better listener. Specifically, I am more in-tune to the words that educators are using to describe achievement and success in their school or classroom. I am also observing, with a critical eye, my own children as they move from one educational level to the next. What are they learning? Are they enthusiastic about school? What are they working on? Are they prepared for the next step? ISTE-2014  in Atlanta is right around the corner.  I am recalling the powerful experience that I had connecting with many influential educators at ISTE-2013 . The emphasis during last year's conference, in San Antonio, was on learning.  I am confident learning will remain at the forefront this conference season. I also hope that more educators will make the effort to become ...

Congratulations on considering student ePortfolios as part of your transformative learning package. Electronic Portfolios are, in my opinion, the most effective way for students to authentically document and share their learning with an authentic audience. My suggestion is that you recommend one of these three platforms to your students as they begin creating their positive digital footprints: Google Sites , Evernote , and my personal choice,  Blogger . Fresh off an outstanding ePortfolio workshop presented by Dr. Helen Barrett , I became motivated to share some thoughts, and a few resources on this topic. What, how, and why are certainly important questions to address new or improved learning opportunities. My hope is that your focus will be on the " WHY ", as the "what" and "how" can, and should, be left to student research and development. Although it may not be appropriate in some cases, I would let the students experiment, and then choose th...

Christmas comes in June for me this year as I get the privilege to talk about Schoology , one of my very favorite learning applications, at ISTE in San Antonio next week. Our students and teachers are thoroughly embracing this outstanding learning management system that enables online learning, social networking, and classroom management tools. In addition, we have also established some terrific learning connections with our Schoology friends; Kim, Cassandra, Dylan, Brad, and Ryan.  Just to name a few. A summary of my discussion points for ISTE... " Learn Together " - The logo, clean and easy. The motto, simple yet powerful!  The pronunciation is apparently a bit more challenging.  " SKUL -uh- G " (Ken at Lowes now has one of my Schoology t-shirts... long story, ask me anyway.) The Matrix - Schoology did my homework for me! Comparing learning management systems. ( My laziness led to a timely discovery! ) The Numbers Game - from 0 to 7500 student users in ...