Comments for Learning2.1

Comment on The IT in the Classroom Imperative by Jeff Nugent

Jeff Nugent — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 13:41:45 +0000

This resonates, Michael. I continue to think that PD around edtech needs to take place in a variety of ways and contexts. I have found that modeling the use of IT from the context of my own courses, and sharing with faculty I work with the rationale and impact on learning…the connection made to integration / practice seem much more appealing to them. I think this confirms the perspective you share here. At the same time…I have talked up one side and down about the learning research related to IT…and routinely get some dull stares. I’m at a little bit of a loss about understanding what impact this has had down the road on decision making to use IT in new ways…or not.

Comment on Shift and Change in School: The “7 Things” Theory by Chad

Chad — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:23:55 +0000

Hi Mike,

Hope all is well in Dubai…. different location same issues. Thai’s would say “same, same but different”. For me I reached some clarity when I stopped thinking about what needs to change, instead what are we trying to achieve. THE SCHOOL VISION. Now how does Technology support the vision. Take DAA’s core values: World citizenship, Universal Values, Leadership Qualities and Forward Thinking. If these truely are fundamental to the school, then teachers and the curriculum must be held accountable to promoting world citizenship, leadership qualities and forward thinking…..therefore the tech MUST be happening. Right?

If as I suspect DAA is like many other schools, where we develop a vision, then very loosely tie it to what is actually happening in the school. This is typical of the majority of schools and most have fantastic visions. But few are being held accountable to it. If it were, as Tech Coordinators, in the eyes of teachers we’d go from “Oh no what’s he going to try and get me to use now” to “Mike can you help me develop world citizenship, this is my teaching goal that I’ll be assessed on!”

Comment on Shift and Change in School: The “7 Things” Theory by Tony Mock

Tony Mock — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 04:09:01 +0000

The seven points pretty much sum-up the challenge, give or take another few. It seems like a shift in the direction you describe should come as a result of a strategic planning effort. There are potential obstacles in each one of the seven points, but none of these obstacles are unsurmountable. However, it would probably take several years to achieve the desired result. Off hand I look at “schedule” and it is apparent that in our current situation we need tech courses to fulfill our elective requirements. This can be changed, but again, it would take some time as it implies some fairly major changes to the existing program.

To me the most essential step is to provide the tech “guide” with the time and the plan to work with teachers and bring them along to where they are believers. The hardware, i.e., each student a computer, alterations to our system, etc., is a much easier problem to tackle. It is the introduction, convincing, and training of faculty that is the key. As far as curriculum, the use of technology should appear clearly in the maps teachers create for their courses. As long as the maps are current, alive, and changing, the technology most suitable for teaching particular pieces should appear in them and change as thinking evolves.

Comment on Shift and Change in School: The “7 Things” Theory by VooDoo

VooDoo — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 03:41:14 +0000

Until the schools that teach teachers actually makes technology a priority and not a class they have to take. Teachers will not not learn technology or how to use it. Teachers have enough on their books already learning a new “tool” takes too much time. Technology needs to be integral in their training so that it is not seen as a new tool but as an integral part of their planning. Also, teachers need to stop fearing technology, there are too many teachers that are afraid they don’t know what to do and don’t have time to learn it, so they don’t. In short we need a massive overhaul of the the teacher, admin mindset about what technology is, how to use it, and how to better afford it (freeware) and not get stuck using name brands. Anyway, I am rambling now so ta ta

Comment on Shift and Change in School: The “7 Things” Theory by mcglaysia

mcglaysia — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 19:15:18 +0000

Not outside the system…we are all part of the system! Wuwuhahahahah!

Comment on Shift and Change in School: The “7 Things” Theory by Christine McGlade

Christine McGlade — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:28:24 +0000

Mike,

the most insightful thing I have heard recently pertains to #5, perceptions of technology. It is that we are undergoing such a fundamental shift into a digital, networked culture: this is akin to the shift from, for example, an oral to a literate culture in its scope and implications. In other words, technology is not only not just another subject, it is in fact (for better or worse) a new paradigm. some thoughts from outside the system…

Comment on What is Web 2.0? by Literacies - digital and otherwise…or not. | Leading From The Heart

Literacies - digital and otherwise…or not. | Leading From The Heart — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 15:17:04 +0000

[...] Dennis has brought out this conversation in me, first on Learning 2.1 in response to the blog post: What is Web 2.0? and then on his own blog via Boy in the Bubble [...]

Comment on What is Web 2.0? by What is Web 2.0? by Mcglaysia | The Business Buddha Blog

What is Web 2.0? by Mcglaysia | The Business Buddha Blog — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:49:33 +0000

[...] For more great articles, please click here. [...]

Comment on Let the students drive? by An Old Prophecy Confirmed? On the Uses and Abuses of Laptop Learning | Triangle Tutors

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:43:22 +0000

[...] May 29, 2008, Let the students drive? « Learning2.1 [...]

Comment on What is Web 2.0? by An Old Prophecy Confirmed? On the Uses and Abuses of Laptop Learning | Triangle Tutors

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:40:45 +0000

[...] Michael McGlade (mcglaysia)s last blog post..What is Web 2.0? [...]