Those educators among us who are familiar with constructivist and constructionist models of learning understand the impact that social learning theory has had on the field. Likewise those of us who are familiar with the application of new technology in learning understand that customization (or "the user") is what drives every structure, every program, and every software function.
It seems, then, that as educators we have a struggle between emphasizing the social nature of learning while maximizing the benefits of each learner becoming more clearly identified in the process. New technology, of course, can help in both aspects, but it is the teaching method that is challenged. I hope that eventually teaching methods will have morphed into a flexible model of instructional design and delivery that I will call "Customized Learner Networks": networks that are both socially constructed and individually driven.
David Warlick and teachers in Qatar gather to talk about being a Master Learner and teacher in the 21st Century.
More info at http://elearning.qataracade...
Web 2.0 is not just for the classroom. The use of Web 2.0 tools can increase and improve communication, collaboration, and cooperation across all levels of a school or education organization.
This wiki, which is the companion wiki to the new book Wikified Schools: Using Wikis to Improve Collaboration and Communication in Education, was developed to explore the use of a wiki as a highly effective communication and collaboration tool that enhances the effectiveness of school or district leadership teams.
PD for the QA SS on February 18 and 19 will focus on making the shift into online learning modes using mobile computing and Web 2.0. Kim Cofino will drive this shift along with QA curriculum leaders and educational technology leaders. A combination of plenary and breakout sessions will provide all SS teachers a chance to hear about and develop skills in 21st century learning modes.
TechLearning blog post from Terry Freedman
Two important new reports, and associated consultations, are now available. These are the eagerly-anticipated interim report from the Rose review of the primary curriculum in England and Wales, and the government's ideas on what a world-class education comprises and the associated school report card.
The good thing about the interim report is that it emphasises the importance of ICT in the primary curriculum. I'm not so sure about the 21st century school document.
The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is engaged in a Proof of Concept for a Virtual Learning Magnet (VLM) for Space Science and Mathematics with support from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). CCSSO's strategic plan calls for setting the education context for a new century, and the Proof of Concept for the VLM supports this by exploring how states can bring together teachers and subject matter experts to support learners with targeted interests in areas of global importance. The VLM is designed to supplement, and not duplicate, the offerings of state-led virtual schools.
lrNING 21 is an online community of educators learning to leverage current technologies to transform learning.
Created for teachers at ISB, Beijing and beyond!