Anytime Learning

If we ever had to wonder if students are engaged in learning after school hours then this image says it all. I had to post this image (even with the names washed out) because I feel it is a concrete example of what students are doing after they leave the walls of the school. They are engaged in their own learning and the learning of the others in the class.
I think we should understand that our students are interested in learning, they just need it to be engaging and interesting. If we meet them where they want to be, we will see more of what is in this post; learning after school hours with the teacher as the facilitator.

Good stuff!

"I've got one computer...What can I do?"

It's a question I hear all the time. How can a teacher possibly be expected to integrate technology and reach students who want to use technology? The answer is not an easy one, but the possibilities are out there. Lets look at one case example:

In an elementary classroom the teacher has a computer at her desk and one older iMac sitting on the table. She also has 25 students. Not exactly the ratio we would like to have in order to make a go at using technology in the classroom. The thing is, there are lots of neat ideas that could be used in the classroom. Providing she has access to a multi media projector she could create a jeopardy game of math facts. Groups of students could be set up at a podcasting "center" to create a lesson of the day podcast. This could rotate daily so that each student will have a chance to participate in making the podcast. The teacher could use iTunes podcasts (video or audio) to enrich the curriculum.

The possibilities are there. Creativity is the key for the most part and students will enjoy the change of pace.

Enjoy!

Conferences and Stuff

I was just at the ACTEM conference in Augusta Maine a couple of weeks ago and I have to say it was probably the best conference for the money anywhere. The focus, of course, is on educational technology and the sessions were for the most part excellent.

I have to say that the session that intrigued me the most was presented by Jim Moulton on project based learning. He really brough it home that we are not teaching 21st Century skills, but skills for any century. He went on to show a myriad of areas where teachers can engage students. The projects could be for schools where 1:1 laptops exist to the "one-computer" classroom. I was impressed with his knowledge and understanding of what it is like to be an educator in the classroom.

ACTEM 2008...A must see!