DSS diigo Site

Pixar University's Randy Nelson on Learning and Working in the Collaborative Age The Dean of Pixar University explains what schools must do to prepare students (and themselves) for new models in the workplace. This is a fascinating look at what the Pixar workplace is like, and the skills and experiences Randy Nelson sees as vital to develop in students. Some high points; Four main areas- Breadth of experience, Depth of knowledge, Communication, Collaboration. The core skill of innovators is error recovery, not failure avoidance. Employers would rather see the proof of a portfolio versus the promise of a resume. Employers need people who are more interested than interesting. See communication as a destination, not as a source - you aren't the judge of your communication skills - your audience is. Collaboration is amplification, not cooperation.

This would be a great article to share with resistant teachers to help them see the need in moving forward as 21st century educators.

This comprehensive set of resources will be extremely helpful in the development of an online learning community with an emphasis on virtual and blended modes of learning.

This organization is Advancing learning through videoconferencing and other collaborative technologies.

Shmoop is a research resource, learning guide and much more. It will engage students and provide teachers with quality material that can make learning fun.

This is an exciting new tool that secondary teachers will love. The creators of Shmoop have put together great information, resources, learning guides, and more. The writers have a sense of humor and the material is on target. Definitely a must share Web 2.0 tool. Check it out!!

The ePotential ICT Capabilities Rubric supports teachers developing their skills to integrate ICT into their classrooms.

My new favorite video! I have imbedded this video in all the Google sites I have created for my schools. Bravo to Pat Kyle, a teacher in Washington, DC.

Still looking for grant opportunities and found these lesson plans from grant winners on the teachers network site.

Using txting to respond to poetry seem to bring results...

Agenda, resources and work created during our April 29 workshop.

Free online math games from NCTM

Interesting opportunities to reach a global audience by joining projects that use media and technology.

Draft National Education Technology Policy available for public comment

Thanks for sharing this, Sue. Important reading for ALL!!!!

…there will never be such a thing as "riskless ICT"-young people need to be able to develop active ways to deal with both the benefits and the negative aspects of digital life.  

Sounds like the exercise has become about the tool, and the tool is meant to stand-in for someone who is putting the simplified/bulleted content in context.   Powerpoint is not the enemy, it's being misused as a replacement for rigorous critical thinking around complex issues.  It's a visual aide, not a complete platform for stand-alone communication.  

This is important reading for all DSS consultants as we have been named as an official partner in this grant. Our role will be to serve as Instructional Technology Coaches. This is a big opportunity for us to take our service offerings to the next level. What are your thoughts on our participation in this exciting grant?

We aren't dealing with home schoolers but, many of these Firefox add ons have applicability for teachers and students

This is a rich learning resource. I wonder if we could get our students to create this sort of thing.