Although it has nothing to do with technology in education, I saw Robert Marzano speak last night at the 2008 Solution Tree Summit - Ahead of the Curve. He presented a solid rationale for moving away from the traditional 100 point scale and provided solid methods to move towards a true rubric scale along with conversions to both letter and percent grades. Several educators expressed how difficult it would be to convert to this new method of grading though with the information Marzano presented, I feel it's a feasible and viable alternative. Marzano presented a simple and easy to apply to a variety of topics rubric and demonstrated how mastery could be tracked in 3 different ways: single assessment, trend over time, and final evaluation.
Today Doug Reeves, Thomas Guskey, and Stephen White are presenting regarding grading, assessments, and the use of data.
30 October 2008
26 October 2008
Entry 8 - Wireless Devices
A major hurdle of wireless devices, such as cell phones, in the K-12 educational sector is district policy. Administration needs to understand the potential of data devices for the classroom, moving away from the view that students will use these inappropriately. Let's face it, many punishable behaviors in a school are not necessarily bad; they are simply misplaced. In the working world, an adult would not be "in trouble" if he or she were texting at their work place. It may be frowned upon as the timing may be bad, but it's generally considered acceptable adult behavior. Perhaps if administration understood the benefits of data devices and saw these outweighing the negatives then cell phone use would be more prevalent.
CTIA - The Wireless Association found that 4 out of 5 teen agers, about 17 million, have cellular devices (http://www.ctia.org/media/press/body.cfm/prid/1774). With the infrastructure already in place, it's an easy connection to make. If we are put off by this technology simply from the fear of misuse, then it is our duty to teach students responsible and acceptable use of these devices.
CTIA - The Wireless Association found that 4 out of 5 teen agers, about 17 million, have cellular devices (http://www.ctia.org/media/press/body.cfm/prid/1774). With the infrastructure already in place, it's an easy connection to make. If we are put off by this technology simply from the fear of misuse, then it is our duty to teach students responsible and acceptable use of these devices.
25 October 2008
Entry 7 - Use of Synchonous Tools
Steve Wexler of The eLearning Guild Research in his 20 June 2007 states:
This brings up a good question as new technologies are emerging, along with the prevalence of Web 2.0 tools. We assume that as time progresses many of the available tools along with emerging technologies will replace the "standard", PowerPoint. Of course, technology is making PowerPoint presentations more accessible via the web. Sites such as authorSTREAM allow one to upload presentations, sync them with audio, and make them more interactive. How long will PowerPoint be the standard for presenting information? Are there tools that will replace the ubiquitous digital presentation tool?
It may be difficult for the educational sector to break away from PowerPoint as the Microsoft Office products are deeply embedded in education. Of course, as long as it proves to be a useful tool, why would we move away from it? If it ain't broke, don't fit it.
The full article can be viewed at: http://www.elearningguild.net/research/?cat=4
PowerPoint presentations to a virtual audience is the MOST frequently used feature, and ranks the highest for Ease of Use within SLS among The eLearning Guild’s members. This will be an interesting data point to watch in the future. 20 years of trainers and educators creating PowerPoint presentations builds quite a large library of content. So, are we delivering the same PowerPoint presentations virtually that we used to deliver in the classroom? Will instructional designers begin to design courses utilizing different tools and modalities leaving out the need for PowerPoint presentations?
This brings up a good question as new technologies are emerging, along with the prevalence of Web 2.0 tools. We assume that as time progresses many of the available tools along with emerging technologies will replace the "standard", PowerPoint. Of course, technology is making PowerPoint presentations more accessible via the web. Sites such as authorSTREAM allow one to upload presentations, sync them with audio, and make them more interactive. How long will PowerPoint be the standard for presenting information? Are there tools that will replace the ubiquitous digital presentation tool?
It may be difficult for the educational sector to break away from PowerPoint as the Microsoft Office products are deeply embedded in education. Of course, as long as it proves to be a useful tool, why would we move away from it? If it ain't broke, don't fit it.
The full article can be viewed at: http://www.elearningguild.net/research/?cat=4
19 October 2008
Entry 4 - Bloggin about wikis
A wiki is a website that allows multiple users to create, add, or modify it's contents. Wikis are an excellent way of creating a collaborative knowledge base for a class or group. Students assist each other gain a better understanding of the material and become more involved in their educational process.
Wikis lend themselves to some awesome group projects. Being a blend of both asynchronous and synchronous collaboration, as wikis allow students to work on a project at the same time or on their own from anywhere in the world.
Jessica Merrit from Smartteaching.org provides some excellent ideas for using wikis in the classroom (link). My biggest hesitation is the lack of control though a course management system such as Moodle would alleviate my issues with accessibility.
My students: Beware - watch for a wiki assignment headed your way!
Wikis lend themselves to some awesome group projects. Being a blend of both asynchronous and synchronous collaboration, as wikis allow students to work on a project at the same time or on their own from anywhere in the world.
Jessica Merrit from Smartteaching.org provides some excellent ideas for using wikis in the classroom (link). My biggest hesitation is the lack of control though a course management system such as Moodle would alleviate my issues with accessibility.
My students: Beware - watch for a wiki assignment headed your way!
Entry 5 - Beware of Sarcasm
I've recently been introduced to a tool called Twitter that allows you to submit information regarding what is occurring at any given moment, either by internet or by text message. This allows you to instantly be more connected to anyone that might care.
Suppose you are watching NCIS as you might find me doing Tuesday nights, 8 PM, CBS. You could instantly let your contacts know that you are enjoying the show or even are frustrated about the incessant election commercials. Now the use is beyond me as my private life is well, PRIVATE. Yes, there is a point to being connected but there is also, in my opinion, a ceiling - obviously mine is a little lower than some. So if you want everyone to know what you are doing, Twitter is for you and thus, you are a Twit. Check out http://www.toprankblog.com/2008/05/five-new-twitter-tools-you-should-know/ to enhance your twitter experience.
Suppose you are watching NCIS as you might find me doing Tuesday nights, 8 PM, CBS. You could instantly let your contacts know that you are enjoying the show or even are frustrated about the incessant election commercials. Now the use is beyond me as my private life is well, PRIVATE. Yes, there is a point to being connected but there is also, in my opinion, a ceiling - obviously mine is a little lower than some. So if you want everyone to know what you are doing, Twitter is for you and thus, you are a Twit. Check out http://www.toprankblog.com/2008/05/five-new-twitter-tools-you-should-know/ to enhance your twitter experience.
Slacker
Yes - I've been a total slacker. Actually, I've been an injured slacker as I ended up in the hospital emergency room back injury. I'm back up and running now though!
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