I appreciated the opportunity to participate as an online panel member for Jamie Reaburn’s (@msjweir) class hosted discussion about Future Learning with: Dean Shareski, Donna Miller Fry, Brenda Sherry, Karen Beutler and Geoff Williams today.
A context for the discussion:
The class led planning for the day allowed for a wonderful opportunity to bring students and a variety of forward thinking educators together for an insightful live broadcast conversation. Hats of to Ms. Weir for facilitating a rich and deep learning experience for her class.
I look forward to further interactions with the class to learn more about their perspective on the event.
Live Twitter stream for #FutureLearning
Storify capture of session tweets by Donna Miller Fry.
Follow @CHCI3uu
Read Jamie’s blog.
Update to original post: This project has since been featured by the Ontario Ministry of Education as exemplary modelling of instructional practice, students voice and technology enabled learning.
~Mark
Over the fall I have enjoyed many conversations with educators across the province through my work at WRDSB and connections through OSAPAC, OSSEMOOC and ECCO. I note the themes in these conversations, which have led me to a personal wondering.
On one hand we have Dr. Fullan’s research backed and detailed go forward comments in A Rich Seam and other recent publications. We hear messaging about changing practice, improving student learning and quality assessment strategies. Digging a little deeper leads to technology enabled learning, innovation and innovative projects, student voice/choice, student generated content/learning artifacts, reflective practice, sharing of learning (blogging etc.) … even highlighting innovations and change of practice on special provincial days to highlight the importance of change.
Hold that thought!!!
In other conversations centred on student voice/choice, the topic of gathering student data floated into the discussion. Generally speaking, it seems that data collection appears to be anchored in very traditional practices that don’t really allow for voice, choice, leveraging technology, differentiation, collaboration, creating, … you get the picture.
From this vantage point, it would seem to me that there are competing interests: student voice/choice, innovation, change of practice VS standard traditional data collection strategies.
I can’t help but wonder: If changing personal practice and innovation are truly critical shifts to be achieved in education … is it time to remove the competing juggernaut and actually focus on changing practice as a first priority?
~Mark
Today’s post shares the Cameron Height CI staff and student prepared Remembrance Day Service recording of the livestreamed version.
I was impressed with the service because I thought it pushed the boundaries on the traditional service, was relevant to students and provided meaningful options for students to be involved in impacting people’s lives.
Well done CHCI !!!
~Mark
This year the WRDSB Education Centre staff will be connecting with Cameron Heights C. I. to view the Remembrance Day service planned by the staff and students.
The video stream will be active from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for the two assemblies which will run 8:20 – 9:15 and 9:20 – 10:15.
Click [here] to join the stream. (Note: free account needed for viewing.)
~Mark
Bring IT Together has been a great professional opportunity with great energy, sharing, networking and learning.
I want draw on a key word for my closing remarks: NEXT.
As a next, Sylvia Martinez challenged us to look beyond, engage with technology and not just use it, experience agency by design and contribute to a global web of ideas.
Steve Dotto suggested we not worry about missing the release date of a new app, but rather embrace a stance of curiosity to explore new possibilities.
This afternoon, Heidi Siwak challenged us to consider how to produce a different kind of student thinkers through an integrative thinking approach. Can you find the magic?
Simon Breakspear recently told Ontario Leaders that the entire world was waiting to find out what Ontario would do next to grow as professionals and to ensure that every Ontario student learns.
In his address to Microsoft employees on the 40th anniversary of the company, Bill Gates restated his views on the importance of making “the power of technology accessible to everyone, connect people to each other and make personal computing available everywhere.”
And then, there it was – a very powerful quote: “What matters most is what we do next” he wrote. Let that sink in: What matters most is what we do next.
Every moment has a next and I challenge you to make your #BIT15 experience more than personal. Put your learning into action. Influence thinking. Share your learning. Ignite the spark others.
How will you make a difference between now and BIT16? What is your next?
~Mark
~ Mark's Musings ~ blog.markwcarbone.ca 