Having just returned from iNACOL's Blended and Online Learning Symposium, I am confused by the term "Blended Learning." Not confused in my understanding, but I am confused how to explain this concept to executive administrators and boards of education. The current definition as illustrated above is too confusing and not specific enough. Right now the … Continue reading Blended Learning Taxonomy: Not Ready For Prime Time
Tag: social media
Technology Integration: Stuck in an Infinite Loop
Recently, the advertisement above appeared in a national educational technology magazine. I sent out a tweet, asking "Why would I want do this in my classroom?" One response was, "You're looking to create ICE in the classroom! Independence, Challenge, Engagement! Differentiated classroom with open objectives." I replied that I could do that with a book. This … Continue reading Technology Integration: Stuck in an Infinite Loop
A Different View of Digital Citizenship
Image Credit Many digital citizenship programs focus on digital citizenship with students with a list of "don'ts." The ideas below look at positive and proactive steps to consider citizenship issues with students. In recent years, many blue ribbon committees have called for changes in schools to prepare children for their futures. Globalization, competition, and new … Continue reading A Different View of Digital Citizenship
Where’s the Education Leadership on Technology in Schools?
Image Credit In 1988, Congress' Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) reported the "most promising current uses and demonstrations" (pp.12-13) for computers: Drill and practice to master basic skills. Development of writing skills. Problem solving Understanding abstract mathematics and science concepts. Simulation in science, mathematics and social studies. Manipulation of data. Acquisition of computer skills for general purposes, … Continue reading Where’s the Education Leadership on Technology in Schools?
Successful Online Courses
Image Credit The SLATE Conference is October 11-12, 2012 at the Northern Illinois University campus in Naperville, Illinois. The conference brings together conferees who are interested in non-traditional forms of learning, especially in electronically supplementing traditional courses or implementing online courses. My presentation is about factors for successful online courses. They include: issues of curriculum, … Continue reading Successful Online Courses
Innovation and Democracy
Image Credit Is innovation a democratic process? Innovate: to introduce something new; make changes in anything established. (reference) In Disrupting Class, author Clayton Christen informs school boards that introducing digital learning into schools may be hampered by purposeful democratic processes that are part of schools' cultures. Cooperative tools like "financial incentives, negotiations, vision statements, training, performance metrics, and even litigation . . … Continue reading Innovation and Democracy
Good Advice for School Technology Leaders
Image Credit In the May 21 issue of Forbes, the article “Thrifty Does It,” describes how Christian Gheorghe Hates started a billion dollar company with a shoestring budget. School leaders tell their communities that they must do more with less. Hates' strategies show how he cut costs nearly 90% while he was able to deliver … Continue reading Good Advice for School Technology Leaders
Normal is Revolutionary
Image Credit "What's revolutionary for adults is normal for kids," stated Jaime Casap of Google to technology leaders at a meeting of the Illinois Chief Technology Officers today. Casap implored school leaders to build great teachers, appeal to students' motivations, focus on the basics, and prepare students for more education after high school, although not necessarily a four year … Continue reading Normal is Revolutionary
Social Media In Schools
The fourth component of emerging issues in schools is social media. It's easy for technology directors to block all social media. Yet, it is more difficult to apply social media in the classroom. That means that students can blog, work on wikis, and use social media web sites for educational purposes. There's every reason to use social media for learning, school communication, and community service.