That's a Wrap!

December 11, 2013 Photo of the day:  "That's a Wrap!"

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." - William Arthur Ward

I've been wrapping my head around a lot of new ideas for technology integration and professional development these past two days at SLATE. Tomorrow, I will begin to unwrap all those gifts I received from my PLN and share them with my colleagues...but tonight, I'm wrapping more traditional presents.

Gamestorming

December 10, 2013 Photo of the day: 
"Turning Things Around"

Today's educators are pulled in so many directions...

Older teachers can feel like they are from another era,
clinging to their old lessons and instruction.
They fool themselves into thinking that, by using
technology to digitize what they've always done,
that they are being creative and  innovative.

Who could have predicted how technology 
could truly transform learning?
(...and if you are from my era, you must
remember Zoltar's special powers ;)

21st Century learning is 
Mobile (not static)
Networked (not isolated)
Individualized (not standardized)
Global (not local)
On demand (not on schedule)

Teachers may be "chicken" to try new things.

Technology may feel like a steep learning curve.

Some teachers don't take risks 
for fear that they will fall/fail.

Students, on the other hand, view technology as fun.
Games are engaging, motivating, and
may be used to demonstrate student proficiency.

Why not turn teacher technology 
professional development into a game too? 
If PD is fun and non-threatening, teachers may also
be more engaged and motivated.

Today I learned that 40% of Fortune 500 companies
use badges and levels as incentives.
Earning badges is rewarded with 
higher credentials and even compensation.

As Tech Coach, I also feel stretched.
There is never enough time and I feel like 
I have to be in several places at once. 
(#selfie = 2013 word of the year)

I fear being viewed as the Wicked Witch 
swooping in with her magic tech spells.
Yet I hope that my colleagues will summon 
the courage, the brains, and the hearts 
to follow me into this new world
of innovation, transformation, and authentic learning.

If we make learning fun 
for students and for teachers...

If we try something new that motivates 
people to truly engage in learning, 
we hit the jackpot!

Technology can enrich our learning and our lives!

Kalahari

December 9, 2013 Photo of the day: "Christmas at the Kalahari"

I'm back... Once again, I'm in the Wisconsin Dells at the Kalahari Resort for another EdTech conference. This week, it's SLATE (School Leaders Advancing Technology in Education). After yesterday's snowstorm, the temperatures have fallen to sub-zero wind chills so it's even harder to suspend disbelief and pretend I'm in the African wilderness. However, Eric came along this time so, rather than braving the Kalahari alone, it does feel a little more like a getaway. In the spirit of the season, I am eager to share ideas with my fellow educators at SLATE and to accept their gifts of innovation and creativity.

Snowy Sunday

December 8, 2013 Photo of the day: "Let It Snow!"

Fluffy white snow gently falling, a crackling fire in the fireplace, twinkling fairy lights on our beautiful Christmas tree, a Packers victory, a glass of red wine, "Love Actually" — What a lovely snowy Sunday!

Power

December 6, 2013 Photo of the day:  "Gratitude"

Today was a challenging day for me: end of term grading, curriculum meetings, philosophical discussions that left me feeling frustrated and frankly, powerless. Please don't send me your condolences; I'm not soliciting sympathy or pep-talks. Everyone has days like these. Yet, somehow, as if on cue, this lovely note appeared in my mailbox -- this heartfelt thank you from a students who was eager to share his great news and to sincerely express his gratitude. Notes like this (and these), remind me that I have the honor and responsibility of "having faith" in my students and of "guiding" them as they discover their own potential. Teaching isn't about imparting your own wisdom, but rather providing guidance, strategies, and honest feedback so that students truly learn to think, to take risks, to communicate, to create, and to find their own paths in life.

One of the world's most resilient, wisest, and honorable leaders passed away yesterday. Nelson Mandela was a man of vision and integrity, an activist who fought for human rights and a peacemaker who believe in the potential of all men and women. How extraordinary that on a day when I am feeling frustrated and powerless, I am reminded by both Ryan's thank you and by Madiba's wisdom that "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. Thank you!