I stopped at the Starbucks at King & University this morning on the way to see Carlo Fusco at Waterloo CI to consult regarding his library project. As I entered, I happened to notice the striking view change that (literally) just one step made.
One step, a small step, can strikingly change your perspective. Have a listen to Carlo’s perspective on library change.
~Mark
Using Google Apps for Education (GAFE) offers many opportunities to develop new ways to approach curriculum delivery, instructional design, providing feedback, assessment … well, you get the picture – OPPORTUNITY!
At 2:30 p.m. EDT (today, October 17th, 2015) Andrew Bieronski and I team up to deliver a session at the Ottawa GAFE Summit to dig into this topic from a WRDSB perspective.
If you would like to join us remotely, we will be sharing our session via @Livestream (free account needed to view)
Note: the stream will be activated approximately 15 minutes before the session.
Slide Deck:
Video recording of our presentation:
~Mark
This blog post kicks of a new component at Mark’s Musings. In recognition of the importance of creative thinking, tossing ideas around, and learning by doing it is equally important to allow forums for ideas to: germinate, build, be discussed, be modified, tested and challenged. As a personal ‘next‘ or next step, I have decided to add the Virtual Coffee Shop series within my blog to dedicate intentional time to capturing a conversation or two each month to share with a broader audience.
I am thrilled that Stephanie Rozek was able to join me for this first live streamed conversation in the Virtual Coffee Shop series to discuss the Year of Code Waterloo Region initiative.
Recording:
~Mark
A new school year brings new opportunities. Last Thursday I enjoyed attending the professional learning sessions at Huron Heights Secondary School and Sir John A. MacDonald Secondary School in preparation for our 1:1 chromebook launches this week. The energy was high and collaboration was benefitting all – awesome.
Image adapted from: http://schools.wrdsb.ca/jam/files/2015/07/chromebook1to1project.jpg
In conversations with principals Ed Doadt (HHSS) and Kathy Young (SJAM), I think we all agree that this project serves as a catalyst for visible change, new thinking, kicking the tires on ideas, exploring new practices and sharing our learning collectively and collaboratively. I am very excited to see what opportunity brings.
I thought I would share some of the excitement and conversation from my sites visits Thursday.
I look forward to phasing Jacob Hespeler Secondary School into the project in October.
Make it a great year – innovate, learn, collaborate and share.
Related Resources
Check out the twitter stream at #121wrdsb
Project Resource site: 121wrdsb
~Mark
During my ongoing curation of articles about learning, digital tools and social media, I recently came across this article exploring perspectives on social media in the lecture theatres. Although the article was primarily examining post secondary perspectives, I would argue the same discussions are relevant in K12. The discussion was centred around various viewpoints on whether or not students:
Two interviewees interviewed commented that “… because the students are most likely taking notes. Many don’t use pen and paper, and rely on their devices. She says students are old enough to decide if they are to learn or not.” and “My view is they are old enough to choose and multitask (and choose to fail too),“. Meanwhile, others choose to dictate “no access”.
Now, if I put a personal perspective on this and let you observe my learning mode, this is what you would see. Typically I use 2 devices … taking notes on my iPad using notability – not just for notes – adding audio recording, and insert photos for context for a more complete package. On the second device I organize lists, todos, ideas and share via social media, typically Twitter but this could easily be a Facebook group, G+ community, LinkedIn or open Google doc. I reiterate – this is MY style. This is how I learn best. Paper and pen doesn’t work for me.
Why not let students choose what works best for them – student voice. To me, letting students choose what tools they use and how they organize shows a strength based approach to student learning. What benefit is there in forcing students to function in a way that may not be self directed and self optimized?
Weigh in: Where do you stand?
~Mark
Year of {c0de} Waterloo Region launched today the Kitchener City Hall. The room was filled with energy and an amazing array of interesting demonstrations.
I had a great conversations with team members Susan Watt, Peter McAsh and campaign director Stephanie Rozek. I look forward to my meeting with her next week …. just think of the possibilities!
Here are a few of of the sights I enjoyed today.
Robot Video: 3683 in action!
checking out VR
3683 up close
programming ‘gizmos’
more robots
Additional Resources
Web: Year of {c0de} Waterloo Region
Follow campaign director Stephanie Rozek on Twitter: @srozek
Follow @yocwr
Follow the Twitter discussion at #yocwr
~Mark
Five years ago, we dared to dream – created our first teacher support role dedicated to focusing on in servicing and supporting elementary teachers to use educational technology in the most effective ways. It seemed like the right approach, at the right time to forge a new path forward, create interest, synergy, and impact the future. Susan Watt was the successful candidate for the position – and the journey began!
Standing now in 2015, and looking back, what a journey it has been. A new path was definitely forged. I look back fondly on all of the annual “system tours” as they were affectionately known – professional learning for staff at each school — using a dual boot Mac, what can I do with an iPad, we have wifi hotspots – now what, wifi in the classroom, GAFE, chromebooks, dropbox and more. Another important project was migrating our acceptable use procedure (AUP) to the responsible use procedure (RUP) where our initial thinking about staff as digital citizenship role models and use of social media for positive purposes was captured. I could of course, list many more highlights, but you have the idea of system impact.
In her retirement speech, Susan challenged her colleagues: “ So, I have some advice for our retiree supporters tonight: go off script, listen and respond to your students’ spontaneous questions and observations. Understand that every moment is teachable. Don’t settle for the status quo. If it doesn’t feel good for kids, challenge it. If it’s being done a certain way just because it’s always been done that way – question that rationale. Follow your heart and intuition. Explore new options. Take a risk. Embrace change.”
Susan, it has been a privilege to work with you. Thank you for your creativity, determination, enthusiasm, ability to see a big picture, having a huge positive impact, and, perhaps most of all, daring to dream.
I look forward to staying connected and following along your life journey via your new blog: Watts Up Next. Thank YOU!
~Mark
In the fall, we are initiating a 1:1 chromebooks for all grade nine students project in 3 of our secondary schools.
Our planning team would be interested in learning from your experiences. If you have a suggestion, tip or perhaps would have done something differently, please share via this [google doc].
Thanks in advance for sharing your ideas and learning.
When opportunity knocks, answer!
I was recently approached by Kristin Frizzell (@71frizzell) who is taking a course with Brenda Sherry (@brendasherry) to do an interview as a component of the course. This sounded like a great opportunity so we worked out a suitable time this week.
I was impressed with the set of questions the class collaboratively developed around the intersection of learning, instructional practice and edtech. Our Google Hangout on Air meeting was our first “official” face to face (F2F) — hmmm, make that virtual F2F — meeting and conversation. Awesome!
I hope our discussion around the question set stimulates your thinking and supports your learning.
I look forward to a continued connection with ongoing learning and sharing with Kristin.
~Mark
~ Mark's Musings ~ blog.markwcarbone.ca 