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From Nat, A very good read looking at making IT a part of all learning.... methinks next term some changes will have to occur. hehehe

Great post

"How are we creating learning which is transformational? What role are ICT tools playing in achieving this? What Is 21st C Pedagogy? How Is It Different? These are all wonderful questions that are being asked. Understandings generated through such questions can only inform and improve our practice. "

How are we creating learning which is transformational? What role are ICT tools playing in achieving this? What Is 21st C Pedagogy? How Is It Different? These are all wonderful questions that are being asked. Understandings generated through such questions can only inform and improve our practice.

APPitic is a directory of apps for education by Apple Distinguished Educators (ADEs) to help you transform teaching and learning. These apps have been tested in a variety of different grade levels, instructional strategies and classroom settings.

Probably an excellent first stop in searching for apps.

"The question that now resonates is: How can we use iPads and other tablets to effectively generate a dynamic learning environment for maximum engagement in rigorous instruction? Rigor has traditionally been equated with a mastery of the content and was only available to a select few. But there must be a transformation of this definition to include applicable skills in conjunction with content knowledge in order to effectively and efficiently respond to the dynamic world and changing circumstances we face (Bellanca & Brandt, 2010). This translates into understanding that rigor requires us to challenge students beyond their comfort zone emotionally, intellectually and academically."

"Benefits for creating a classroom environment for student blogging begin with establishing a foundation for their success. Why is this important? Integrating blogs transforms a classroom into a learning community where students become self-directed learners and thinkers. This in turn, causes students to use higher order thinking skills as they create and post entries in their blogs, along with commenting on other student's blogs."

Another short list of amazing online sites to help you and your students get involved in using Tech to sup[port their creativity and learning.

Today I had my 3rd class of Pre-Kindergarteners. I decided today I would approach the whole lesson as a series of questions. Rather than explain to the students what they would be doing (my first approach) or model what they would be doing (my second approach), I tried to encourage them to explore the tools and when I noticed students who were not using different colours I asked them: "Do you know how to change the colour of the lines?" If the answer was yes, I let them get on with it assuming they would change colour if they wanted to. If the answer was no I asked, "Do you want to know how to change the colour of the lines?", if the answer was no I let them continue in their own way, if the answer was yes I showed them how to do it. In the same way if I noticed students who were drawing lots of similar shapes I simply asked, "Do you know any other shapes?"

"The Technology Integration Matrix (TIM) illustrates how teachers can use technology to enhance learning for K-12 students. The TIM incorporates five interdependent characteristics of meaningful learning environments: active, constructive, goal directed (i.e., reflective), authentic, and collaborative (Jonassen, Howland, Moore, & Marra, 2003). The TIM associates five levels of technology integration (i.e., entry, adoption, adaptation, infusion, and transformation) with each of the five characteristics of meaningful learning environments. Together, the five levels of technology integration and the five characteristics of meaningful learning environments create a matrix of 25 cells as illustrated below. "

Where do you see yourself? your class? More importantly where would you like to see yourself/class and what steps can we make to see this happen in 2011-12?

Excellent post about having our students develop their digital presence