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Read about the Leyden High School's Chromebook Initiative from the perspective of 4 students. Before reading them, you might want to check out the links to four other guest posts about the initiative: *Why 1:1?  Why Chromebooks? *The Logistics of Chromebooks at Leyden *What Can You Expect When You Move Learning to the Web? *Tech Support Internship:  Student-Led Support for Leyden's Chromebook Initiative

The fear of failure keeps us from moving forward in an age of rapid change. This quote below summarizes some of the feelings teachers have as they face this change: "As I read this morning's daily post from Seth Godin's blog,  the concerns of people who are anxious about the transition we will be undertaking as we move to becoming a 1:1 school are forefront in my mind.  One of the biggest fears I hear from some people is that they are concerned about losing control control due to the fact that they will not know how to best utilize all of the tools that they will have at their disposal.  They are afraid that their students may know more than they do in regards to using the new tools that they will be trying to implement." 

Important blog post of district looking @1:1 computing, and the cost/advantages/disadvantages of iPad/MacBooks/Netbooks in a school environment. I was reminded of Jim Klein's Linux image for netbooks that helps run a faster netbook and is LOADED with 60 educational apps, including Open Office. Installation of image is done with a USB key and takes 4min.20 seconds Lots to consider.

My response: Patrick, thanks for bringing the issue to us to consider. No matter how we see it, it is a discussion that is important to have. It does mean we have quite a responsibility to use the tools we have well. On a Classroom 2.0 Live webinar today, there was a discussion of the technology needing to be transformative, not just a substitute for paper/pencils/books, etc. or just an electronic version of the same curriculum. That brings us to the pedagogical approach of each teacher. If they just place their old methodology on top of the technology, nothing much different will occur. BUT...if they see their method of how students will interact with them and course material differently, the technology can be a tool both the teacher and student can enjoy and in the process they can become more creative, collaborative, and communicative.

"Throughout this series, I will focus on the Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition (SAMR) model highlighting different tasks that school-based administrators may face during the school year. These tasks will be broken down and explained using the SAMR model in the following order: Part 1: Staff Presentations Part 2: Community Interaction Part 3: File Management Part 4: Classroom Evaluations Part 5: Staff Input"

I would add, that these tips work for 1:1 coaching, as well.

High school math teacher, Brad Robb, has made available his course notes and instructional videos for Algebra 1(which he has posted on YouTube.

What is a PLN? Why is it important? In module 1, I go over how to build a PLN and where to find teachers and people to connect with. PLNs can be built with people you meet at networking events, online, blogs, social networks, and microblogs like Twitter. This is the first module of a ten module series."

A nice overview and challenge to consider building a PLN - professional/personal learning network. Answers the question, "Why a PLN?" and how to get started. 

"Research has shown that teaching quality is the strongest school-related factor that can improve student learning and achievement. In order to cultivate high-quality teaching, support for ongoing professional learning in schools is essential. " Five articles, including a comprehensive bibliography with links to all the studies and reports cited in these pages.  1. How effective leadership supports prof. learning 2. Key components for productive PD programs 3. PLC's 4. Recommendations for evidence-based programs

Socrative is a student response system that leverages the use of smartphones, laptops and tablets by having students respond to questions in various quiz and game formats. Almost instantaneously, student responses are populated and can be viewed by the entire class. No matter what format you use, Socrative is a fun and easy way for students to receive immediate feedback and for teachers to collect marks. Here is a nice tutorial:  http://youtu.be/EIn0FUzyDuE Here are some examples created by an English teacher you may want to import and try out:  SOC-256509 - Poetic Devices SOC-256496 - Types of Poems SOC-90777 - Short Story Terms #1 SOC-93415 - Short Story Terms #2 SOC-93503 - Short Story Terms #3

Thomas Guskey, noted researcher/writer on grading/grade reporting, uploaded his presentation and some of his writing for a conference. Great topic for us to review as we look at the role of grading/grade reporting in teaching/learning and the CCSS.

"What is a PLN? Why is it important? In module 1, I go over how to build a PLN and where to find teachers and people to connect with. PLNs can be built with people you meet at networking events, online, blogs, social networks, and microblogs like Twitter. This is the first module of a ten module series."

The most recent issue of the 21cif Information Fluency newsletter. Feel free to join! Low volume news letter dedicated to searching, evaluating and ethical use of digital information. Includes an invitation for free access to our new 3 hour self paced training course and online assessment: Information Fluency Investigator 3.1.

Google Drive cheat sheet - excellent resource 8-2-14

Hybrid pedagogy brings into focus the nature of eLearning spaces. Be sure to read Parts 2 & 3, where the meat of the discussion is.

Teaching Channel has some engaging videos covering a variety of topics that also support the Common Core.

There's one request for advice that I receive more than any other from coaches: How can I coach a resistant teacher? This article explores that by helping those who coach teachers to look at themselves as much as they do those they coach. Good read for instructional leaders.

10 Points to consider regarding blended learning - the use of online course components in various dimensions in high schools and K-8 schools

Planet Nutshell produces short animated videos to explain products, services, and concepts. One of their series of videos is all about the Internet and Internet safety for K-12 students. The series is called NetSafe and it has 17 episodes that were produced for the Utah Education Network. The videos are labeled with grade levels so that students in high school don't watch videos designed for K-3 students. (Via Free Tech for Teachers)