Adding a Technology project to your course

Adding a Technology project to your course

In some ways this may be tied to the conversation around “digital natives”, because of the fact that some teachers tend to think two things when it comes to technology. One, that I should probably add some technology to my class to spice it up and two, the students already know what to do, they are just waiting for me. Most of you that have been teaching for some time realize that both of the above claims are false and…

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Tenure in education

Tenure in education

First off, let me just state that I have always worked in higher education. Here tenure is a big deal and I think it is in k-12 as well. My question is – should we still have tenure at any level? I spent the last few days researching this topic and have read some good articles on both sides of the argument. I went in with the notion that this is not a good thing and is in fact doing…

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Generational Differences

Generational Differences

This is post that has been in draft form for a couple of weeks. I keep coming back to it and rewording items. First off, let me say that I really like the Reeves article on generational differences in instructional design (I will actually use this article in my class along with the Prensky article). I would be lumped into the Generation X group based on being born in the 1960’s. I can remember buying my first computer for grad…

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Video Conferencing & Education

Video Conferencing & Education

This is an area that I have struggled with as both an IT person and a AV person over the years. The industry has changed so much over just the past 10 years. In 2007 everything was H323 or the new coming H264 standard. Video giants like Polycom and Tandberg ruled the hardware space. Installing a video conferencing system was a major undertaking for many schools in terms of knowledge and monetary investment. Then the iPhone hit, YouTube went huge…

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Homework in Grade school

Homework in Grade school

Ok, so a hot topic. Is homework actually helping our students in the learning process or not. After spending some quick time on the internet it looks like you can really validate your thoughts either way. Here are some resources to check into: Time magazine:  Is Homework Good for Kids? Here’s What the Research Says. Great Schools: The Great Homework Debate CNN: The Great Homework Debate: Too much, too little or busy work? NEA: Research Spotlight on Homework ABC News:…

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Games and the gaming myth

Games and the gaming myth

A number of years ago I saw Jane McGonigal speak at a conference. I came away with some new notions and thoughts. This in turn lead me to want to know more. I purchased her book “Reality is Broken” and read it, and while I still have some reservations I now look at games in a new light. Games are changing the way kids interact and think. As a parent I have often bemoaned the hours spent in front of…

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The Sandbox – developing a new type of classroom

The Sandbox – developing a new type of classroom

Six years ago I had an idea for a new collaborative type of classroom. I had spent the previous 5 years getting AV equipment installed in all of our existing classrooms and was looking for an opportunity to do something different. Problem is I didn’t quite know exactly what I wanted to do. At the same time a donor wanted to do something new and innovative in the library. I pitched this not fully fleshed out idea and it peaked…

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Garage Flowers for 26 years

Garage Flowers for 26 years

So, last weekend I spent out in the middle of Montana near White Sulfur Springs at the annual Red Ants Pants Music Festival. I was there enjoying the music, the vibe, some good brews and was part of the recycling crew for the weekend, so doing my small part to help out. I had a amazing time and feel in love with two new bands that I had not heard of. One out of Ireland, was I Draw Slow. The other out…

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4 Things to do before starting a 1:1 initiative

4 Things to do before starting a 1:1 initiative

The rapid proliferation of digital learning tools has outpaced our ability to properly evaluate them. There is great temptation for faculty of modern colleges and universities to embark on expensive, time-consuming, and pedagogically dubious technology initiatives for the sake of a “21st-century learning” label on student recruitment, institutional reporting, and tenure evaluation materials. In 2014, Carroll College stood on the precipice of such an initiative after administrators visited Apple representatives in Cupertino, CA. Naturally, Carroll faculty were reticent to get on board…

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Full Disclosure – Setting the stage

Full Disclosure – Setting the stage

So, just kind of tiptoeing into this new world of blogging. While I am excited about the opportunity to share some information with others I do realize that in this day and age a full disclosure is a good thing (plus it is required of my class). Here is my attempt at a full disclosure. While I am sure that I won’t cover everything this might give you a nice starting point about who I am, some interests, some background…

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