Comments on: 2007…So Now What? http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/2007so-now-what/ Learning with the Read/Write Web Tue, 19 Jul 2011 20:36:16 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: l lewis http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/2007so-now-what/comment-page-1/#comment-10418 l lewis Thu, 11 Jan 2007 20:07:02 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/2007so-now-what/#comment-10418 As a teacher fairly new to the world of blogging I agree change is slow but it will happen. As a teacher fairly new to the world of blogging I agree change is slow but it will happen.

]]> By: Harold Jarche http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/2007so-now-what/comment-page-1/#comment-10119 Harold Jarche Sat, 06 Jan 2007 13:23:25 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/2007so-now-what/#comment-10119 "I mean really, where are the examples of students blogging…and I mean blogging, not just using blogs…and building global networks of learners?" Arthus is an interesting blogger, who just happens to be in high school: http://myfla.ws/ Here's a post on schooling: http://myfla.ws/blog/2006/12/14/the-lesson-plan/ The network will come over time. “I mean really, where are the examples of students blogging…and I mean blogging, not just using blogs…and building global networks of learners?”

Arthus is an interesting blogger, who just happens to be in high school: http://myfla.ws/

Here’s a post on schooling:
http://myfla.ws/blog/2006/12/14/the-lesson-plan/

The network will come over time.

]]> By: Jennifer http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/2007so-now-what/comment-page-1/#comment-10086 Jennifer Fri, 05 Jan 2007 14:14:49 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/2007so-now-what/#comment-10086 Will- I am not going to have a well thought out comment here but just as Sue has implicated... there is change. I attended a NYSCATE small conference that you keynoted, then I attended your workshop. I have been blogging for less than a year but I am offering a Web 2.0 class soon for teachers. There are changes, but who are we to say they are too slow? Give time, time. Also, because of the shift in my own learning my students have become my greatest teachers! (high schoolers) They love that I am interested in their web 2.0 culture and any time there is a new development or a site they think would help educate me they run to tell me. Will-
I am not going to have a well thought out comment here but just as Sue has implicated… there is change.
I attended a NYSCATE small conference that you keynoted, then I attended your workshop. I have been blogging for less than a year but I am offering a Web 2.0 class soon for teachers.

There are changes, but who are we to say they are too slow? Give time, time.

Also, because of the shift in my own learning my students have become my greatest teachers! (high schoolers) They love that I am interested in their web 2.0 culture and any time there is a new development or a site they think would help educate me they run to tell me.

]]> By: Sue http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/2007so-now-what/comment-page-1/#comment-9986 Sue Thu, 04 Jan 2007 03:52:27 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/2007so-now-what/#comment-9986 About 2 years ago I began reading your blog. A little over a year ago I convinced our IT guy to load Moodle to a school server. I've attended several of your presentations over the past year. Last summer I wrote a Moodle online class based totally on your book and tonight was opening night for my, Virtual Tools on the Web and in Your Pocket class. 18 teachers from 6 districts are taking this class. They touch maybe 80 kids each, that's over 1000 kids. It feels like baby steps, but my heart is racing and I am so grateful to have you as MY teacher. Thank you for setting up the task. About 2 years ago I began reading your blog. A little over a year ago I convinced our IT guy to load Moodle to a school server. I’ve attended several of your presentations over the past year. Last summer I wrote a Moodle online class based totally on your book and tonight was opening night for my, Virtual Tools on the Web and in Your Pocket class. 18 teachers from 6 districts are taking this class. They touch maybe 80 kids each, that’s over 1000 kids. It feels like baby steps, but my heart is racing and I am so grateful to have you as MY teacher. Thank you for setting up the task.

]]> By: Pat Aroune http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/2007so-now-what/comment-page-1/#comment-9981 Pat Aroune Thu, 04 Jan 2007 02:33:30 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/2007so-now-what/#comment-9981 Will - Very interesting, though I have a different outlook of 2006. This is probably because I was only introduced to these educational ideas this past July. 2006 has been a water shed year for me personally. However, what I have witnessed in the district I teach, is the school-wide movement by the staff and administration within our high school, to investigate and begin to learn these technologies. Nor do I see adoption of these educational ideas as simply exponential, I believe it will be much larger. Example: I myself was exposed in July, by November, my exposure translated into 18 other educators within our building embracing these technologies. With appropriate staff development already in place in January 2007, our entire staff will have been exposed to this technology by the end of the month. It is anticipated that by June, 65% to 75% of the high school staff will have begun to implement these tools within their classrooms. That translates into 60 staff members utilizing these tools within the first year, all from one individual being exposed to these ideas. That is powerful, and that is a direct result of you. I have confidence that the school year 2007 - 2008 will be a tremendously revolutionary year in the district, that will see these ideas transcend to the other levels (Middle School, Intermediate, and Elementary levels). Although this may still be classified as a grass roots level movement, I believe that we will be on the door step of truly changing the classroom for our learners. Regarding the classroom examples, I believe that will also come in time, as more of the teachers begin to embrace and understand the potential. Once this occurs, educators will realize that the only way to effectively use these technologies is to re-engineer their individual role as a self-directed learner. What I do agree with most, is the need to move the discussion into the traditional media. There needs to be a concerted and organized effort to carry this message to traditional print and digital media. Being that these forms of media are most comfortable sources of information in America, we can use this platform to draw attention to the cause. Furthermore, we may want to look beyond the singular use of blogs or wikis to construct truly independent, self-direct, collaborative learners. The research tools available in the form of extensions, along with online tools of collaboration (skype, vyew, etc.)coupled with read/write technologies, will take both teachers and students to a much more dynamic educational experience. Will, I have previously expressed the tremendous impact you have had on me as a classroom educator, let me leave you with this simple advice, stay the course, it will happen. Oh by the way, I agree with Karl, sometimes life presents each of us with opportunities whether we are ready for them or not. My captain, my captain. Stay the course, have no fear, who knows, you may be looked upon in the future as one of education's Copernicus. Will – Very interesting, though I have a different outlook of 2006. This is probably because I was only introduced to these educational ideas this past July. 2006 has been a water shed year for me personally. However, what I have witnessed in the district I teach, is the school-wide movement by the staff and administration within our high school, to investigate and begin to learn these technologies. Nor do I see adoption of these educational ideas as simply exponential, I believe it will be much larger. Example: I myself was exposed in July, by November, my exposure translated into 18 other educators within our building embracing these technologies. With appropriate staff development already in place in January 2007, our entire staff will have been exposed to this technology by the end of the month. It is anticipated that by June, 65% to 75% of the high school staff will have begun to implement these tools within their classrooms. That translates into 60 staff members utilizing these tools within the first year, all from one individual being exposed to these ideas. That is powerful, and that is a direct result of you. I have confidence that the school year 2007 – 2008 will be a tremendously revolutionary year in the district, that will see these ideas transcend to the other levels (Middle School, Intermediate, and Elementary levels). Although this may still be classified as a grass roots level movement, I believe that we will be on the door step of truly changing the classroom for our learners.

Regarding the classroom examples, I believe that will also come in time, as more of the teachers begin to embrace and understand the potential. Once this occurs, educators will realize that the only way to effectively use these technologies is to re-engineer their individual role as a self-directed learner.

What I do agree with most, is the need to move the discussion into the traditional media. There needs to be a concerted and organized effort to carry this message to traditional print and digital media. Being that these forms of media are most comfortable sources of information in America, we can use this platform to draw attention to the cause.

Furthermore, we may want to look beyond the singular use of blogs or wikis to construct truly independent, self-direct, collaborative learners. The research tools available in the form of extensions, along with online tools of collaboration (skype, vyew, etc.)coupled with read/write technologies, will take both teachers and students to a much more dynamic educational experience.

Will, I have previously expressed the tremendous impact you have had on me as a classroom educator, let me leave you with this simple advice, stay the course, it will happen. Oh by the way, I agree with Karl, sometimes life presents each of us with opportunities whether we are ready for them or not. My captain, my captain. Stay the course, have no fear, who knows, you may be looked upon in the future as one of education’s Copernicus.

]]> By: Karl Fisch http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/2007so-now-what/comment-page-1/#comment-9977 Karl Fisch Thu, 04 Jan 2007 01:08:34 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/2007so-now-what/#comment-9977 You're right, of course (not that there was any doubt) about the lack of good examples of student uses of these tools at this point in time. But we do have quite a few folks who are making tremendous progress on that front with students(Clarence, Darren, Bud, Jeff Utecht, Anne Davis - just to name a few that I know of). And I'm just as impatient as everyone else (my staff would say more so), but I do think we need to give this a little time to develop. As I think Alan November says, it took 30 years for the overhead projector to move from the bowling alley to the classroom. Put in that perspective, we're actually moving incredibly fast. I think it's fairly natural to start with old wine in new bottles. But once the kids really see - and the teachers have time to get comfortable with - the new bottles, there will be no way to put the cork back in. Give me 24 to 36 months and I believe I'll have some really good examples for you from my school(maybe less if I can find a way to bring you to my district for some staff development!) - and there will be many other examples before and after that from others. I've also blogged about Kathy Sierra's "you can't cross a 20-foot chasm in two 10-foot jumps," but maybe we do need to build up those leg muscles before we make the leap. Let's plan to get together at, say, NECC 2009, and you can write a follow-up to this post. In regards to you being a leader, I know that's a touchy subject (witness the mini-controversary over the K12 Online Conference). But I'm not sure you have a choice, as the "wisdom of the crowds" has selected you. I think it's similar to Charles Barkley and other professional athletes claiming a few years ago that they never wanted to be a role model - it comes with the territory. You are the "round mound of the educational read/write web." I can see the t-shirts now . . . You’re right, of course (not that there was any doubt) about the lack of good examples of student uses of these tools at this point in time. But we do have quite a few folks who are making tremendous progress on that front with students(Clarence, Darren, Bud, Jeff Utecht, Anne Davis – just to name a few that I know of). And I’m just as impatient as everyone else (my staff would say more so), but I do think we need to give this a little time to develop. As I think Alan November says, it took 30 years for the overhead projector to move from the bowling alley to the classroom. Put in that perspective, we’re actually moving incredibly fast. I think it’s fairly natural to start with old wine in new bottles. But once the kids really see – and the teachers have time to get comfortable with – the new bottles, there will be no way to put the cork back in.

Give me 24 to 36 months and I believe I’ll have some really good examples for you from my school(maybe less if I can find a way to bring you to my district for some staff development!) – and there will be many other examples before and after that from others. I’ve also blogged about Kathy Sierra’s “you can’t cross a 20-foot chasm in two 10-foot jumps,” but maybe we do need to build up those leg muscles before we make the leap. Let’s plan to get together at, say, NECC 2009, and you can write a follow-up to this post.

In regards to you being a leader, I know that’s a touchy subject (witness the mini-controversary over the K12 Online Conference). But I’m not sure you have a choice, as the “wisdom of the crowds” has selected you. I think it’s similar to Charles Barkley and other professional athletes claiming a few years ago that they never wanted to be a role model – it comes with the territory. You are the “round mound of the educational read/write web.” I can see the t-shirts now . . .

]]> By: Don’t ask if you don’t want to know » Educational Discourse http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/2007so-now-what/comment-page-1/#comment-9973 Don’t ask if you don’t want to know » Educational Discourse Thu, 04 Jan 2007 00:30:30 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/2007so-now-what/#comment-9973 [...] Well, I wrote a blog about not being tagged, having no list of good posts and no real objectives for 2007. Now, two of the three can be crossed off. Dean Shareski tagged me and I have one HUGE objective after reading Will Richardson’s post So Now What? [...] [...] Well, I wrote a blog about not being tagged, having no list of good posts and no real objectives for 2007. Now, two of the three can be crossed off. Dean Shareski tagged me and I have one HUGE objective after reading Will Richardson’s post So Now What? [...]

]]> By: Kelly Christopherson http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/2007so-now-what/comment-page-1/#comment-9966 Kelly Christopherson Wed, 03 Jan 2007 23:30:28 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/2007so-now-what/#comment-9966 Will, As I read through the comments to your post, I recognized that there are many teachers who are very interested in using these tools but, due to time or other constraints, are looking for definitive examples of these tools being used in "appropriate" ways for learning. Your post also reflect that sentiment as you <i> but the numbers of examples of students on the K-12 level whose learning is being transformed by these technologies is amazingly small, at least to me. I mean really, where are the examples of students blogging…and I mean blogging, not just using blogs…and building global networks of learners? There are some, yes, but not enough to make the case that these tools can work in the current school environment.</i> As someone who a few short months ago was somewhat critical of what all these changes might mean and who would throw up several road blocks to using these tools, I am now convinced, more than ever, that these tools will change the landscape of education. My goal for 2007 is to bring my school, admin group and anyone else who wants to join into this new landscape. Like Atrus, the D'ni main character from Myst, we are looking at linking into a new world. We may have been the creators, via the technology, but now we must be ready to enter it where it is which may make us uncomfortable but we must go. As the momentum builds, so will the number of students doing authentic work using these tools. It may seem like things are moving slowly but, for educators like me who are just beginning, the pace is breathtaking, the scenery, fascinating and the companionship, beyond previous experience. As we struggle to fit and mold these tools to meet curriculum requirements, we see the potentional. Will, your lead is just beginning to pay off. There are many newbies whom will be looking for advice, insight and direction. Your blogroll was an invaluable resource for me back when I began two months ago. I allowed me to seek out and find places for answers to questions I had. I gave me resources to read, ideas to ponder and background that was necessary for me to overcome my resistance and boldly move ahead. I am excited about the possibilities for 2007 and, in large part to your continued persistence and insights, I am able to begin to bridge the gap between the world we are currently in and world we want to write - to steal an image from Myst. I am confident that we will see changes unlike any of those that have come before. We will need someone, like yourself, to continue to press us to move forward so that we don't get fat and complacent. I don't always agree with your take on things but I trust your view of the landscape and what is coming because you are out in front and we need that to continue our trek. Kelly Will,
As I read through the comments to your post, I recognized that there are many teachers who are very interested in using these tools but, due to time or other constraints, are looking for definitive examples of these tools being used in “appropriate” ways for learning. Your post also reflect that sentiment as you
but the numbers of examples of students on the K-12 level whose learning is being transformed by these technologies is amazingly small, at least to me. I mean really, where are the examples of students blogging…and I mean blogging, not just using blogs…and building global networks of learners? There are some, yes, but not enough to make the case that these tools can work in the current school environment. As someone who a few short months ago was somewhat critical of what all these changes might mean and who would throw up several road blocks to using these tools, I am now convinced, more than ever, that these tools will change the landscape of education. My goal for 2007 is to bring my school, admin group and anyone else who wants to join into this new landscape. Like Atrus, the D’ni main character from Myst, we are looking at linking into a new world. We may have been the creators, via the technology, but now we must be ready to enter it where it is which may make us uncomfortable but we must go. As the momentum builds, so will the number of students doing authentic work using these tools. It may seem like things are moving slowly but, for educators like me who are just beginning, the pace is breathtaking, the scenery, fascinating and the companionship, beyond previous experience. As we struggle to fit and mold these tools to meet curriculum requirements, we see the potentional. Will, your lead is just beginning to pay off. There are many newbies whom will be looking for advice, insight and direction. Your blogroll was an invaluable resource for me back when I began two months ago. I allowed me to seek out and find places for answers to questions I had. I gave me resources to read, ideas to ponder and background that was necessary for me to overcome my resistance and boldly move ahead. I am excited about the possibilities for 2007 and, in large part to your continued persistence and insights, I am able to begin to bridge the gap between the world we are currently in and world we want to write – to steal an image from Myst. I am confident that we will see changes unlike any of those that have come before. We will need someone, like yourself, to continue to press us to move forward so that we don’t get fat and complacent. I don’t always agree with your take on things but I trust your view of the landscape and what is coming because you are out in front and we need that to continue our trek.
Kelly

]]> By: ICT in my Classroom » Our Class Blog: Help or Hindrance http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/2007so-now-what/comment-page-1/#comment-9948 ICT in my Classroom » Our Class Blog: Help or Hindrance Wed, 03 Jan 2007 21:00:58 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/2007so-now-what/#comment-9948 [...] But this is about real change. Real difference. John and Will have been thinking about whether or not blogging is making a real difference. I think there is a long way to go. As I commented on John’s post: I would have to say that if we are just talking about writing, given that there are many more other aspects involved with blogging, it relies upon “audience” and “purpose”. My Google Reader is full of people who are dedicated to this great world of web 2.0, the read/write web – but it is much harder to actually attribute specific educational achievements and progress to blogging. This is generally because some time in May my class and thousands of other children will sit in a hall with a booklet and a pencil and will be tested. [...] [...] But this is about real change. Real difference. John and Will have been thinking about whether or not blogging is making a real difference. I think there is a long way to go. As I commented on John’s post: I would have to say that if we are just talking about writing, given that there are many more other aspects involved with blogging, it relies upon “audience” and “purpose”. My Google Reader is full of people who are dedicated to this great world of web 2.0, the read/write web – but it is much harder to actually attribute specific educational achievements and progress to blogging. This is generally because some time in May my class and thousands of other children will sit in a hall with a booklet and a pencil and will be tested. [...]

]]> By: Open Resource Centre http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/2007so-now-what/comment-page-1/#comment-9947 Open Resource Centre Wed, 03 Jan 2007 20:14:54 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/2007so-now-what/#comment-9947 <strong>Teenagers are not passive media consumers...</strong> The tools for cultural production and distribution are in the pockets of 14 year olds…The eager...... Teenagers are not passive media consumers…

The tools for cultural production and distribution are in the pockets of 14 year olds…The eager……

]]> By: Change Agency - Advocating a better education system for the 21st Century. » The Saber-Tooth Curriculum http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/2007so-now-what/comment-page-1/#comment-9946 Change Agency - Advocating a better education system for the 21st Century. » The Saber-Tooth Curriculum Wed, 03 Jan 2007 19:45:42 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/2007so-now-what/#comment-9946 [...] The Saber-Tooth Curriculum By Stephanie Some of the recent discussions we have had in the edublogosphere and elsewhere, bring to mind the following passage which is adapted from a book titled The Saber-Tooth Curriculum — a fictional story about societal changes and the need for curriculum to adapt and change as society changes: Fortunately for the tribe, however, there were men and women in it of the old New-Fist breed, people who had the ability to do and the daring to propose that the schools change to meet the demands of the new Neolithic Age and set aside the saber-tooth curriculum of fish-grabbing, horse-clubbing, and tiger-scaring if the tribespeople wanted to eat, keep warm, and have some measure of security from sudden death.” Fist-Change was one of these Neolithic thinkers. It was he who first tied a chard of fractured flint to an elongated horse club and created a formidable weapon tribespeople could use to not only kill the ferocious glacial bears but solve the skin and food problems with one telling thrust. Fist-Change went on to suggest that flint chard fracturing and bear-killing be added to the saber-tooth curriculum. [...] [...] The Saber-Tooth Curriculum By Stephanie Some of the recent discussions we have had in the edublogosphere and elsewhere, bring to mind the following passage which is adapted from a book titled The Saber-Tooth Curriculum — a fictional story about societal changes and the need for curriculum to adapt and change as society changes: Fortunately for the tribe, however, there were men and women in it of the old New-Fist breed, people who had the ability to do and the daring to propose that the schools change to meet the demands of the new Neolithic Age and set aside the saber-tooth curriculum of fish-grabbing, horse-clubbing, and tiger-scaring if the tribespeople wanted to eat, keep warm, and have some measure of security from sudden death.” Fist-Change was one of these Neolithic thinkers. It was he who first tied a chard of fractured flint to an elongated horse club and created a formidable weapon tribespeople could use to not only kill the ferocious glacial bears but solve the skin and food problems with one telling thrust. Fist-Change went on to suggest that flint chard fracturing and bear-killing be added to the saber-tooth curriculum. [...]

]]> By: Scott Keatley http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/2007so-now-what/comment-page-1/#comment-9945 Scott Keatley Wed, 03 Jan 2007 19:24:26 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/2007so-now-what/#comment-9945 Web 2.0 seems to be a very powerful tool. As I am new to it (no I do not have a blog, but because I don't feel like I have much to say), as an educator, I am looking for how to integrate this into the curriculum and find no good answers just people (bloggers) saying how great the potential is. Wikipedia-type sites seem to have the largest potential (for me) to be useful. I am looking for my students to create an on-line study guide for the Advanced Placement World History Exam. But, like most, I am running into the wall of access and time. Many students (10th-12th graders) come equipped to take on a task such as this but many do not have the skills to publish on-line. I know how crazy that sounds given that it's just a word processor on the web, but it's true and do I have the time to teach basic html or struggle with people whom do not know how to sign up for an account at Google? This is a completely new facet to the potential of education and it is just starting to be used in the classroom and studies by the Ph.d's, therefore the knowledge of how to use this technology effectively is so scarce I sometimes recoil about introducing it. On the positive side Admin. loves when even attempt to use it. Finally, I would love to see a consortium of teachers from around the world create a "Guide Book" on how to teach using Web 2.0 including examples that may have qualitative or quantitative data about the effectiveness of the lessons. This would be the bomb. Web 2.0 seems to be a very powerful tool. As I am new to it (no I do not have a blog, but because I don’t feel like I have much to say), as an educator, I am looking for how to integrate this into the curriculum and find no good answers just people (bloggers) saying how great the potential is.

Wikipedia-type sites seem to have the largest potential (for me) to be useful. I am looking for my students to create an on-line study guide for the Advanced Placement World History Exam. But, like most, I am running into the wall of access and time.

Many students (10th-12th graders) come equipped to take on a task such as this but many do not have the skills to publish on-line. I know how crazy that sounds given that it’s just a word processor on the web, but it’s true and do I have the time to teach basic html or struggle with people whom do not know how to sign up for an account at Google?

This is a completely new facet to the potential of education and it is just starting to be used in the classroom and studies by the Ph.d’s, therefore the knowledge of how to use this technology effectively is so scarce I sometimes recoil about introducing it.

On the positive side Admin. loves when even attempt to use it.

Finally, I would love to see a consortium of teachers from around the world create a “Guide Book” on how to teach using Web 2.0 including examples that may have qualitative or quantitative data about the effectiveness of the lessons. This would be the bomb.

]]> By: Brooke Preston http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/2007so-now-what/comment-page-1/#comment-9910 Brooke Preston Wed, 03 Jan 2007 04:49:23 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/2007so-now-what/#comment-9910 Will, Thank you for your interesting thoughts. I am a student teacher, and new to blogging. After having done it a couple of times now, I am getting more use out of it, as well as beginning to see more and more how it can fit into the classroom and the education world. As much as I would like to believe that we can get more schools involved with online communities, I believe that it will be a slow changing process. I believe that as much of an emphasis as there needs to be on literacy across the board at schools, there also needs to be an emphasis on technology. In a world that is becoming so technologically integrated, it seems as if we are doing a disservice to our students if we do not incorporate technology into our lessons. As much as we would hope for our students to follow in our footsteps, and become filled with passion for the subject that we have the passion for , it is in the best interest for the students to learn in ways that they will succeed. In order for the changes to occur, I would assume that there needs to be more written work that is not published only through the internet. Those of us that do look at the internet are the more computer saavy educators; those that are not up to par on the technology available to them in the education world need the hard copies to get them onto the internet. Good luck with your journey through 2007! Will,

Thank you for your interesting thoughts. I am a student teacher, and new to blogging. After having done it a couple of times now, I am getting more use out of it, as well as beginning to see more and more how it can fit into the classroom and the education world. As much as I would like to believe that we can get more schools involved with online communities, I believe that it will be a slow changing process.
I believe that as much of an emphasis as there needs to be on literacy across the board at schools, there also needs to be an emphasis on technology. In a world that is becoming so technologically integrated, it seems as if we are doing a disservice to our students if we do not incorporate technology into our lessons. As much as we would hope for our students to follow in our footsteps, and become filled with passion for the subject that we have the passion for , it is in the best interest for the students to learn in ways that they will succeed.

In order for the changes to occur, I would assume that there needs to be more written work that is not published only through the internet. Those of us that do look at the internet are the more computer saavy educators; those that are not up to par on the technology available to them in the education world need the hard copies to get them onto the internet. Good luck with your journey through 2007!

]]> By: Ideas and Thoughts from an EdTech » Will Richardson has got concerns http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/2007so-now-what/comment-page-1/#comment-9908 Ideas and Thoughts from an EdTech » Will Richardson has got concerns Wed, 03 Jan 2007 04:26:58 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/2007so-now-what/#comment-9908 [...] This is the second time in a short while that I’ve responded to a pessimistic post by Will Richardson. Certainly his thoughts are not foreign to me and most of our network. …the numbers of examples of students on the K-12 level whose learning is being transformed by these technologies is amazingly small, at least to me. I mean really, where are the examples of students blogging…and I mean blogging, not just using blogs…and building global networks of learners? There are some, yes, but not enough to make the case that these tools can work in the current school environment. [...] [...] This is the second time in a short while that I’ve responded to a pessimistic post by Will Richardson. Certainly his thoughts are not foreign to me and most of our network. …the numbers of examples of students on the K-12 level whose learning is being transformed by these technologies is amazingly small, at least to me. I mean really, where are the examples of students blogging…and I mean blogging, not just using blogs…and building global networks of learners? There are some, yes, but not enough to make the case that these tools can work in the current school environment. [...]

]]> By: S. Rice http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/2007so-now-what/comment-page-1/#comment-9902 S. Rice Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:42:18 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/2007so-now-what/#comment-9902 Will, I had a similar conversation with my boss today. I would love to buy every administrator, teacher, and school board member a copy of Time magazine's Person of the Year edition. It is a must read! Somehow we need to find the time and the expertise to teach our students how to live and work in the world that currently exists. When the YouTube videos of the war in Iraq are sometimes more accurate than the nightly news... it makes me pause. My entire district is struggling to meet their AYP goals for NCLB. And this is critical on many levels. But, when all is said and done, will it help students be better prepared for all of the arenas in which they will live and work? How do we, as teachers/administrators, move back into a leadership position. In my opinion, educators need to assume somewhat of a "parenting role". We need to know where our children "should" go, help them see a clear path and teach them the steps to get there. But right now, our students are the front runners. They are dragging us along, if we are even willing to come. My challenge for 2007 is to help my district not lose sight of the NCLB goal to ensure that every student graduate 8th grade being information technology literate and that students continue to build on these skills throughout high school. Don't lose hope. We are hoping to have you as a guest speaker for our distict next year! Will, I had a similar conversation with my boss today. I would love to buy every administrator, teacher, and school board member a copy of Time magazine’s Person of the Year edition. It is a must read! Somehow we need to find the time and the expertise to teach our students how to live and work in the world that currently exists. When the YouTube videos of the war in Iraq are sometimes more accurate than the nightly news… it makes me pause. My entire district is struggling to meet their AYP goals for NCLB. And this is critical on many levels. But, when all is said and done, will it help students be better prepared for all of the arenas in which they will live and work? How do we, as teachers/administrators, move back into a leadership position. In my opinion, educators need to assume somewhat of a “parenting role”. We need to know where our children “should” go, help them see a clear path and teach them the steps to get there. But right now, our students are the front runners. They are dragging us along, if we are even willing to come. My challenge for 2007 is to help my district not lose sight of the NCLB goal to ensure that every student graduate 8th grade being information technology literate and that students continue to build on these skills throughout high school. Don’t lose hope. We are hoping to have you as a guest speaker for our distict next year!

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