Group items tagged

Random Share: In addition to providing free wireless for the entire neighborhood of Chelsea, here is another (unrelated) contribution from a company with which we work very closely and support in our schools

Strategic integration plan for rolling out a Google Apps for Education initiative in a learning community.

In preparation for our upcoming Google workshop. This is a very helpful resource.

google, tech support, funny

Blended Model Must Have: 1) Development of Cohesive Learning Communities - early & recurring face-to-face must occur - Initial meetings must emphasize "reflective dialogues" and "interactive activities" for bonding & buy-in. - participants must effective use early sessions for "curriculum planning" and "new pedagogical techniques." - Large Video Conferencing Does Not Work! (- but a webinar can engaged many people with buddy groups.) 2) Project Portal Must be Reliable and Simple - video conferencing is OK 3) Administrative Support is Crucial. 4) Facilitators are Essential. 5) Critical Component is the Ongoing Monitoring of Participant's Needs. - through surveys, evaluations, informal feedback, etc... 6) Successful Practices Structure Opportunities to Share and Discuss Teaching Practices. 7) Teacher "Risk-Taking" can be Increased - - for trying new technologies in the context of curriculum writing, 8) Effective Initiatives Build a A Critical Mass 9) True Transformation Requires Time

"Forest Lake principal Kappy Cannon didn't leave it up to teachers to decide whether they would join the digital revolution. As long as you provide adequate support, she reasons, you can demand that it be done. This mandate from the boss gave the school's tech-integration team a major boost. Also helpful: instructional-technology specialist Paulette Williams's sweet but insistent approach. When the school got interactive whiteboards, she gave teachers six months to relinquish their old overhead projectors. Then she said, "You can give me the projectors peacefully, or I'm going to take them." "

This article and video explores how one elementary school in Columbia, South Carolina transformed itself into a 21st century teaching and learning community.

I just added this as a Digi Discussion on the CCL for our next Digi Discussion:

The Rise of K-12 Blended Learning discusses what supports are needed to make blended learning successful...

I enjoyed this article about virtual book clubs. It supports student engagement using technology.

Loads of Google Site(s) for education example.

Some good ideas and examples for bringing Google Docs into the classroom.

Excellent list of edublogers/classroom smples.

Very interesting site devoted to supporting development of PLCs... serach for digital and find variety of articles available. Site maintained by Solution Tree - no advertising

Check out what Pearson intends to create.