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Threaded discussion is an old technology. It's inspiring to think of new ways we can talk together at a distance that allow integration of both synchronous and asynchronous technology. I often thing we'll look back on the course management systems we use today and think of them as something like a 300 baud modem. Eyes Front! What's over the horizon line?

"Please, No More Professional Development! By Peter DeWitt on April 17, 2015 8:10 AM Today's guest blog is written by Kristine Fox (Ed.D), Senior Field Specialist/Research Associate at Quaglia Institute for Student Aspirations (QISA). She is a former teacher and administrator who has passion for teacher learning and student voice. Kris works directly with teachers and leaders across the country to help all learners reach their fullest potential. Peter DeWitt recently outlined why "faculty meetings are a waste of time." Furthering on his idea, most professional development opportunities don't offer optimal learning experiences and the rare teacher is sitting in her classroom thinking "I can't wait until my district's next PD day." When I inform a fellow educator that I am a PD provider, I can read her thoughts - boring, painful, waste of time, useless, irrelevant - one would think my job is equal to going to the dentist (sorry to my dentist friends). According to the Quaglia Institute and Teacher Voice and Aspirations International Center's National Teacher Voice Report only 54% percent of teachers agree "Meaningful staff development exists in my school." I can't imagine any other profession being satisfied with that number when it comes to employee learning and growth. What sense does it make for the science teacher to spend a day learning about upcoming English assessments? Or, for the veteran teacher to learn for the hundredth time how to use conceptual conflict as a hook. Why does education insist everyone attend the same type of training regardless of specialization, experience, or need? As a nod to the upcoming political campaigns and the inevitable introduction of plans with lots of points, here is my 5 Point Plan for revamping professional development. 5 Point Plan Point I - Change the Term: Semantics Matter We cannot reclaim the term Professional Development for teachers. It has a long, baggage-laden history of conformity that does not

Part 1 Writing and Reading on the iPad http://www.joachim-scholz.com/academipad/2012/09/10/best-ipad-apps-college-academics/ Part 2 Conceptualizing and Presenting ideas http://www.joachim-scholz.com/academipad/2012/09/20/best-ipad-apps-university-students/

"The new Smart Strings section in GarageBand for iOS is a real gem, but its true power is easily missed. Learn how to use it effectively with this 7 minute tutorial video from Lynda.com. For the full 2.5 hour GarageBand course, head on over to Lynda.com."

"InfuseLearning.com is a free online assessment tool that is designed to let educators make fast and easy formative or summative assessments of their students. It is a relatively new service, but one that is gathering support quickly due to its versatility and ease of use."

I've just published the latest edition of my Edtech Newsletter which contains links to articles free tools and resources and a code to download a free ebook on infographics. I hope you find something useful in it. http://tinyletter.com/technogogy/letters/nik-peachey-s-edtech-elt-newsletter-13th-december-2016 If you like it you can subscribe at: https://tinyletter.com/technogogy/

"For the past two summers, I have gotten the marvelous opportunity to teach maker education camps to elementary level students, ages 5 to 12. Each week has a different theme and each theme meets for the five weekdays from 9:00 to 12:00 with a half hour break. Our first week's theme was on Toy Making and Hacking. Here are the webpages of resources I aggregated on these maker activities: DIY Science Toys - http://www.makereducation.com/diy-science-toys.html Toy Take Apart - http://www.makereducation.com/toy-take-apart.html Below is a list of activities completed with the students along with descriptions and my reflections on the degree of success with these activities."

"This is the presentation I gave at BETT 2014. The idea was to demonstrate how my students and I have used six, non subject-specific, iPad Apps in a variety of different contexts across the curriculum." http://prezi.com/asnlltmcowev/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share http://prezi.com/asnlltmcowev/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share"

"Boundless is making education more accessible and affordable. Boundless is building an innovative learning platform that curates the world's best open educational content in more than 20 subjects and delivers interactive learning tools to college students. Students at thousands of colleges are ditching expensive textbooks and discovering Boundless Learning Technologies that go way beyond traditional books. Boundless textbooks are available for free and premium across multiple channels, including mobile, website and iBooks. Learn more at www.boundless.com. Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/1442597#ixzz2dXlFPIUR "

"I will be teaching a free online master class via EducationCloset.com on WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13TH at 7 EST (which is 6pm for us in the Chicago area). I will be using only one free app: Sketchbook Express to quickly demonstrate how to make these 8 art lessons. Download the app and create along with me. Don't worry, it will be recorded so you can go back at your own pace and try them all again. Sign up for the class here: http://educationcloset.com/master-class/"

"The Makerspace Starter Kit includes: Makerspace Welcome Letter (pdf) Makerspace Starter Kit (pdf) Mini Maker Notebook (pdf) If the links above don't work , please try these alternate  Dropbox Download Links: Makerspace Welcome Letter, Makerspace Starter Kit, MiniMaker Notebook. Directions: Please read the Makerspace Welcome Letter then download and print the Makerspace Starter Kit (pdf) and the Mini Maker Notebook. The Makerspace Starter Kit (pdf) should be folded with a hamburger fold then a second hamburger fold so the words in bold are on the outside. Folding instructions for the Mini Maker Notebook can be found at http://www.pocketmod.com/howto. Find out more about the Mini Maker Notebook here. Why a Makerspace Starter Kit? I have spent much of the last year spreading the word about makerspaces in workshops, webinars, Twitter conversations and on this blog. Teachers and librarians often tell me that they are thinking about creating a makerspace. I leave these conversations wishing that I could help with the hardest part, getting started. In fact, one of my earliest blog posts was encouraging teachers to simply start MAKING in the classroom. The Makerspace Starter Kit is my solution.   Deluxe version of the Makerspace Starter Kit that includes designs for laser cutting and 3D printing a Makerspace sign is at http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:297759."

For more information check out his YouTube videos Using Technology and Collaboration to Engage Students Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_R_byY840T8 Part II http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wt5Hsc9WIAE&playnext=1&videos=UyVy7z-q1eo&feature=mfu_in_order