Education Evolution

This is a powerful video clip that illustrates that the status quo is unacceptable. Change is needed. 

Tech unConference

I attended a workshop at the University of Windsor that focused primarily on the use of technology in the classroom. What made it an "unconference" was the spontaneity with which to various session occurred....a very unique but informative experience. 

Where to Start with Technology

Too often teachers will try to introduce technology to students without a learning goal in mind. Educators must teach the use of tech tools in the context of curriculum expectations. Technology is only a tool and should not be an end unto itself. For example, trying to teach students how to use a speech to text product without a curriculum context may be amusing for the moment but students will not learn to generalize its use to other more appropriate tasks. This is a good article that describes how to approach the use of ipads in an English class.

http://edudemic.com/2012/10/students-ipad/

Presentation on Self Injurious Behavior

Great presentation by Mark Levesque today on the prevalence of self injurious behaviours. With his permission, I will post his presentation on the blog.

"Grit" or Resiliency

We have known for some time that those who work hard are able to overcome and achieve - although grit as this author calls it, may not be quantifiable, it is a determining factor in achievement. I have witnessed, many times, a student with numerous challenges out-perform a higher "ability" student because of grit. But how do you teach grit? I believe we need to look at Self Determination Theory where we develop resilience by addressing autonomy, purpose and mastery. These 3 elements of motivation will impact "grit".  Have a look at the article at http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2012/10/how-important-is-grit-in-student-achievement/

Reinforcement vs Motivation

This article got me thinking about how educators try to shape student behaviour. Incentives for mundane tasks do not improve self regulatory skills in the long term. We need to make sure that students are engaged and that tasks are meaningful.

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/edtechresearcher/2012/09/can_incentives_make_students_secretly_hate_us.html?cmp=SOC-SHR-FB

I really like Daniel Pink's insight into motivation. Have a look at an article on my website.

Teacher Characteristics

After reading this article http://edudemic.com/2012/09/the-3-characteristics-of-a-great-teacher/, I believe there is another quality or characteristic of a great teacher and that is resilience. I absolutely agree with the author about the other 3 characteristics - relevance, rigor and relationships - but without resilience, I do not believe that the other 3 can be sustained over time. Dr. Robert Brooks speaks of the importance of developing resiliency in children. In order for that to occur, teachers must demonstrate that quality themselves. The challenge for leadership is to develop resiliency in staff in order to embrace the changes necessary for education to continue to be relevant, rigorous and with productive in the cultivation of relationships

File Sharing

I think this update for google drive has many possibilities for the classroom. Students can use their mobile devices to edit a shared document. What an easy way to enhance collaboration.

I came across a great resource for teachers looking to embed technology into their classrooms. It's a simple list of software resources from Richard Byrne. Each tool listed has a brief description and addresses a different need within a classroom. Have a look.
12 Awesome EdTech Tools for 2012-2013

Student Blogging

This is what I love about using social media for professional development - teachers can share experiences and expertise and we can learn about what we feel is relevant and necessary for us at any point in time. I have been encouraging teachers for some time now to use blogging as a vehicle to increase student engagement in whatever topic you are studying. Here is an interesting article by a teacher from Wisconsin on blogging with students.

http://www.pernilleripp.com/2011/05/14-steps-to-meaningful-student-blogging.html

As teachers we must use relevant mechanisms to access the curriculum in order to increase student engagement and prepare students for their future. We are responsible to deliver the curriculum in a manner that is relevant in today's world. Student blogging is a step in the right direction.