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"It seems paradoxical, but the most boring classrooms tend to be the ones that are full of technology..." "...the reason, in a nutshell, is that in the sorts of classrooms I've just described, the emphasis is on technology rather than learning."

"The Campus Technology Conference is for higher education professors, instructors, administrators, curriculum developers and IT professionals who are tasked with integrating emerging technology into their programs. Over 4 days, the conference delivers the most up-to-date information on new tools, applications and services-and how they work on real campuses."

While this is for "higher ed" it might be interesting to attend. Sometimes I think that there is too much of a disconnect between what happens in high school and what happens in college. They are not exclusive of one another, but a continuing process to a student's achievement of their goals. I believe that both (hs and colleges) need to figure out how we can integrate more pieces of our work.

"Sometimes you need to convince colleagues to think about using educational technology in their lessons, or to identify where in their scheme of work they could incorporate it. This list is a starting point: you may find one or two points that would "resonate" with your co-worker, and grab his or her attention."

"I teach in an inquiry, project-based, technology embedded classroom. A mouthful, I know. So what does that mean? To begin with, I don't lecture. My students don't take notes, at least not in the traditional sense, and we don't read a novel and simply answer the questions. It means my classroom is a place where my students spend time piecing together what they have learned, critically evaluating its larger purpose, and reflecting on their own learning. It also means my students don't acquire knowledge just for the sake of acquiring it. They need to do something with it - that's where "project-based" comes into play. Finally, technology is embedded into the structure of all we do. It's part of how we research, how we capture information, and how we display our learning. It's never an accessory tacked on at the end."

Sustainability meets technology and entrepreneurship: "Good Eggs is one of a handful of companies around the country that are tapping into the local food movement and making it more accessible with technology.

‎"There is no evidence that the pencil makes learning faster, easier or better." "I refuse to use pencils in my classroom until manufacturers figure out a way to limit what students can write with them." "If students become so heavily dependent upon pencils, they will never learn to boil berries to create their own medium."

Ode to #Pencilchat: Technology Integration in the Classroom http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/12783558/ode-to-pencilchat-technology-intergration-in-the-classroom

This excellent Horizon Report, generated by the New Media Consortium, sets a remarkable and aggressive timetable for significant changes in teaching and learning due to emerging technologies.

It's been a lot of fun to work on.

Thanks so much Jim for this post. It's a great piece with lots of very interesting links. The RF is investing directly in learning about the two technologies--cloud computing and mobile devices-- on the report's most immediate time horizon. These two, among the others, are poised to take education in new directions. They are transformative, in and of themselves, and it's exciting to think about how they can and will (and do) support the other many initiatives being worked on by RF Fellows.

What if we applied the psychology of what makes technology attractive to students...to our practices in the classroom? Using this idea, instead of using more technology in the classroom, why not design the traditional human / face-to-face classroom experience to be more like what makes technology so engrossing to modern students? Do these principles sound familiar... Deliver information in bite sized chunks, Create mental models, Use short stories to help process information, Learning happens and is remembered through repetition, People are motivated by Progress and Mastery, Sustained attention lasts 10 minutes, and the use of Progressive Disclosure. Progressive Disclosure an interaction design technique often used in human computer interaction to help maintain the focus of a user's attention by reducing clutter, confusion, and cognitive workload. This improves usability by presenting only the minimum data required for the task at hand. Here are 100 little articles that could have big implications in the classroom.

As school choice evolves in Vermont having a PR strategy and "brand" recognition will be a necessity. If a school doesn't define its brand...it will be defined for it. What is yours?

"While that sounds like a lot to manage, a good PR program can help you gain support for your district initiatives in some key ways: *Taxpayer support: ... *Demonstrate economic impact: ... *Ensure public engagement: ..."

Districts must manage their own PR and push out information through channels it can control, such as websites, direct mail, social media and email." "Social media has enabled anyone to become a 'citizen journalist' with the ability to sway public opinion - regardless of accuracy or intent," said Nichols. "Not only do we need to embrace these new technologies and opportunities, but we must master them to ensure that we can successfully operate our PR programs in all situations." Kleinz adds that today's mobile technology means that school districts must be prepared to respond immediately in a crisis to help manage the situation and ensure that the community receives accurate and timely information."

"...it is not about your skill set, but more importantly, your mindset, when trying new technologies."

"I don't remember playing basketball, shooting free throws one day, and then coming back and being able to dunk 4 months later. To get better, you have to practice."

Written by a classmate of mine at Bread Loaf. On how to use (and how not to use) technology in the classroom. Short and thoughtful.

Colin, great to meet you yesterday. Here is that article on cell phones and what kids pay attention to that we were talking about. I wonder if you could get the research done by Disney?

Colin, I'm not sure what direction your research is heading, but the idea of balancing technology with Mindfulness and being Present is an interesting one that I don't know has been really touched on. Here is a recent article from the NY Times that relates... http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/23/your-money/mindfulness-requires-practice-and-purpose.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 "...scans show mindfulness may change the way our brains function and help us improve attention..." Could be a way for students' brains to reset and refocus after using technology?

Colin, I would weigh in again on this topic by saying...can't wait to see all of your research! Enosburg may be a good test pool or a place that really will need your findings. As I have mentioned we are a 1-1 Ipad school grades 6 through 12. I also will be interested to see how the larger cultural conversation goes on this topic. I have noticed more cell phone jokes from comedians, more reference to texts in sitcoms and movies as well. AND, as you know, there is and will much more talk about digital addictions. Initial brain-scans connect the pattern to gambling addicts. Interesting stuff! See you soon-

Dr. Yong Zhao is an internationally known scholar, author, and speaker. His works focus on the implications of globalization and technology on education. He has designed schools that cultivate global competence ... and founded research and development institutions to explore innovative education models.

Dr. Yong Zhao is someone that each of us should learn more about and learn more from.He is also my recommendation for our 2013 conference keynote speaker.

"Technology and social media specifically have provided tools that enable educators to connect, communicate collaborate and create. That ability makes a difference in individuals. It enables reflection and relevance. It is also creating two groups of educators, the connected, and the unconnected. The discussions of the connected seem to be focused on the future and moving toward it. The discussions of the unconnected seem to be steeped in the past with little or very slow-moving forward movement."

Here is the link to a Pew Research survey about teachers and tech use. You can read the summary at this page, and/or download the pdf from there to read later. The document is pretty long, but has some interesting data, even given the fairly narrow survey sample.

I know we at Edudemic get excited (probably overly so) about new technology. We try to figure out how and if it belongs in the classroom or what else can be done with each new tool. So it's no surprise that we're over the moon about Google Glass and it's potential for education.

As Rowland Fellows our charge is to be "Disruptors" in our schools. "To be a disruptor you need to be: Not afraid to push into new technologies. Ready to take criticisms from all directions (including fellow teachers). Ready to be the lone wolf in your building or even your district. Ready to build your own PLN via Twitter, Google +, Edmodo, or Facebook. Be willing to travel to and attend conferences. Move forward without fear of failure. Ready to experience failure more than once. Most of all disrupt your students, teachers, school and district."

"By the end of this year, Android will be in more devices than the next four competitors combined (Windows, iOS, Mac OS, and BlackBerry). Before the end of this decade, Android will be in nearly as many devices as all other operating systems combined."

Makes me wonder about what #EdTech curriculum should look like. Are we teaching skillsets which have the diversity necessary to meet our students' future needs? How much of our teaching focuses on mobile applications? How is the mobile experience planned into what/how we teach...of using technology that is not based upon using it while sitting on our backsides.

Here is a challenge to my fellow fellows...let's continue to move our work forward by sharing it beyond the #VTed borders. "The 2013 WISE Awards Submission period now open until March 31, 2013 The 2013 WISE Awards will celebrate six innovative educational projects for their positive contribution within a community or society. WISE seeks to share best practices world over and inspire others to spark change in education. The WISE Awards thus highlight today's most innovative solutions and approaches that are addressing educational challenges confronting the world at large. Project holders from any region, educational sector or level are encouraged to submit applications which demonstrate the quality and impact of their activities in accordance with the criteria.  Whether you are involved in a project that provides access to quality education, creates new opportunities for lifelong learning or develops innovative educational technologies, WISE invites you to apply for the 2013 WISE Awards."