Dr.+Scott+McLeod+IASB's+Online+Conversation


 * 11/29/2011-Dr. Scott McLeod's online conversation**

I joined in on Dr. McLeod's online conversation tonight. I did take some notes but they are quickly written so excuse any short sentences or incomplete sentences. There was a chat rooom going along with conversation. There was also three other presenters that joined him, so you can only imagine how much information was thrown out there. There were also some websites that were posted throughout the chat room. I have not had a chance to go through all of them but copied them down to be able to go back and look. I have no idea what they are and some of them lead into some questions that other people had so some may be relevant and some may not. Here are the notes that I took (without any editing). :)

Scott McLeod-11/29/11 Theme-Learning What impacts do technology have in our classrooms. Teacher role becomes the pride of being a good facilator. http://www.apple.com/education/itunes-u/

Have you worked with districts that are using a hybrid or blended approach? Research is showing us that most districts are using it, it is just how deep you want to go.

I've seen article stating that four major text book publishers have signed tablet agreements with Apple. Beyond that it seems that decentralization of that model is happening as well with teachers creating their own tablet textbooks like this article describes: [] Ipad is the dominant tool these days but not as powerful as a laptop-easier to read textbook on tablet than a laptop. Ereader really engages the students. Kindle app on ipad is a great tool. Does Iowa need legislative changes? In the days of the ICN distance learning, a certified teacher was required to be in the classroom, even though the instructor was across the state. Still the law today? Online learning as options for kids –we are not doing what we should in Iowa-we need more, more, more. In Iowa it is putting the districts interests in place of the student and family interests. Iowa bases it on the money, districts are disallowing students to take online classes because of money. Iowa is way behind not only for students but instructor education. Iowa is WAY behind on online instruction and online teaching. From another person- We need to remember that what is best for students is what is important. It doesn't matter if the district does lose funding. If the district is looking for the best needs of the students they will do whatever it takes to get it done. We still have to meet the needs of all the students. So as we lose resources, we lose the ability to meet the needs of students who choose NOT to pursue an online education. PLUS there is a LOT of education that is not curriculum based that does not occur in an online classroom. We have to be careful that the one size fits all still works. It has never worked and teachers should never treat anything like that. We have a diversity of learning preferences among our student body-everything should be DIFFERENTIATED! We have to give more choices!

Professional Development for teachers-we have to go out and find the information, the training is so essential to do that. Teachers need to find their own resources to facilitate information. Teachers need to be giving the information to do the research and talk with each other, collaboration, discussions on how they are going to roll it out and dip their toe in the water. They have to have some mastery decisions on their own, it is NOT ABOUT THE TECHNOLOGY, IT IS ABOUT THE TEACHING PRACTICES. It is a 4 letter word-TIME-learning and training. They need to time to play. It is hard to find that time, but one of the major changes that needs to occur - Empowering teachers is important. Providing the tools they need to be successful. There are things districts can do-can set up teachers to be connected with other teachers to lead. [] We can set up local teachers that can be set up with other teachers around the world. You then have been connected globally and also locally. Then teachers can bring back and have PD sessions. It is really powerful learning. Teachers have no idea what they are missing. Professional Learning groups are then focusing on tools (technology). If you can afford a tech person to assist or share one with another district that is an awesome tool too. No leadership-you are dead in the water.

Cell phone use in schools- [] Cell phones are the real world. Schools are taking away the students primary communication device. Why ban it. Take it and use it for all it is worth. We also have to as teachers figure out how the students can use them. Are graduates of teaching programs coming to schools with knowledge about technology & how to facilitate its use? No!, but also yes. Research shows that the teachers have to learn how to implement in the classroom that they are in and they should be tech literate.

http://scottmcleod.net/workshops/pascd/ [] <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">A big thing that everyone has to realize is that 70 percent of the work in an online course is done before the first day of class.

<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Edutopia, Educare, Kolabora, Free Tech 4 Teachers are a few, Smart Brief, ELearning Mag, Edutopi, Elearning guild, Faculty Focus, Tech Learning, and Merlot <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> But as you see online education grow do you see actual staff numbers be reduced in local districts?

I think as a group we have an understanding that technology is a key tool in a 21st century classroom, but we have to learn how to teach and implement that technology. We also continously bring up the fact that we have to have professional development that will support a 21st century classroom. What do you feel is the most important step in getting the staff on board when it comes to implementing a successful 21st century classroom?

http://kpk12.com/

<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">You never have enough bandwidth. How much is enough- <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Planning that needs to happen before putting computers in the students hands? Build up policies to protect the children and also legal issues. There will be problems. Access needs to be there but the students have to have an understanding that consequences can be put in place. Teachers need to also be supervising the students-just like teachers do on the playground. If something pops up, address it immediately. There is no way to block all public domain or creative common licensed work. There is not a school member to board member that can promise their parent that their child will not be in a fight at school-things will still happen. You can’t promise everything. We want the kids to be safe and they have to learn their boundaries. We can’t lock it down so tight that students cannot get anywhere, but you just have to deal with those kinds of incidents. You need to have those kinds of conversations with parents. Administrators and boards cannot back down, they have to stand up for what they believe in. The more we lock it down, the harder they will work to find their way into inappropriate places. We have to set the policy that sets a series of consequences for doing what they KNOW is inappropriate. DON’T BE RULED BY FEAR! <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">*Teachers should have something in their hands about a year ahead of time before the students to learn them better and also get the training, collaboration, and play time they need. At some point though, you just have to GO! <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Here's a great book if you want a quick study of the students we teach. [] <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">[] <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">[] <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I completely understand the tool that we need in the classroom, I get that. I am still stuck on how to inform teachers on how to instruct in the 21st Century which also leads us down the same path of teaching in the Iowa core. What should the teaching look like???? Podcasts on the concepts, internet searches to find info on the concepts, what? Toshia: Soup to nuts. Teachers can start by looking for online resources that enriches their curriculum... and move forward from there. <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Scott McLeod <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Lou Ann Gvist (IASB) <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">BryanLakatos: bryan.lakatos@mvschool.com

<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Jason: jlafrance@georgiasouthern.edu
 * <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Next online conversation is Dec. 12! **