Comments on: Moving Schools Forward–A School 2.0 Project http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/moving-schools-forward-a-school-20-project/ Learning with the Read/Write Web Tue, 19 Jul 2011 20:36:16 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: EGHS Training BLOG » Roadmap for a 2.0 school http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/moving-schools-forward-a-school-20-project/comment-page-1/#comment-12534 EGHS Training BLOG » Roadmap for a 2.0 school Tue, 06 Feb 2007 17:10:46 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/moving-schools-forward-a-school-20-project/#comment-12534 [...] http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/moving-schools-forward-a-school-20-project/ [...] [...] http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/moving-schools-forward-a-school-20-project/ [...]

]]> By: Arthus Erea http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/moving-schools-forward-a-school-20-project/comment-page-1/#comment-12408 Arthus Erea Mon, 05 Feb 2007 04:12:21 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/moving-schools-forward-a-school-20-project/#comment-12408 This sounds like a great project - just remember to include students in the process too, we do think. This sounds like a great project – just remember to include students in the process too, we do think.

]]> By: Pat Aroune http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/moving-schools-forward-a-school-20-project/comment-page-1/#comment-12407 Pat Aroune Mon, 05 Feb 2007 04:09:37 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/moving-schools-forward-a-school-20-project/#comment-12407 Will - I am still of the opinion that grass roots movements, like the one within the district you are talking about, may create the greatest momentum. Experiencing the same shift within the high school I work, I could not help but notice several similarities. It is important there exist a proactive approach, coming from both administration as well as a group of core teachers. I also believe that there does not exist one individual framework that will be universal for all schools, as detailed by several technological obstacles such as access. It is important that those individuals leading educational change, recognize the need to connect traditional pedagogy with new technology. That being said, teachers will achieve a level of comfort with change, once they are able to adopt new technologies within the framework of pedagogy. The overarching structure needs to be extremely flexible, taking into account the many expertise within the teaching community within a district. Ownership of change must come from those who are on the front lines. I absolutely like the community approach of including business and those groups outside of the traditional realm of education. I also see the vehicle of future educational change focusing on redesigning the idea of staff development and professional communities within a district. What has traditionally been top-down initiatives may become a middle out momentum, that aligns with administration's objectives. In the end, change within a particular district, will inevitably depend upon the influence teachers have on the design of that districts framework for change. Great post! Will -

I am still of the opinion that grass roots movements, like the one within the district you are talking about, may create the greatest momentum. Experiencing the same shift within the high school I work, I could not help but notice several similarities. It is important there exist a proactive approach, coming from both administration as well as a group of core teachers. I also believe that there does not exist one individual framework that will be universal for all schools, as detailed by several technological obstacles such as access. It is important that those individuals leading educational change, recognize the need to connect traditional pedagogy with new technology. That being said, teachers will achieve a level of comfort with change, once they are able to adopt new technologies within the framework of pedagogy. The overarching structure needs to be extremely flexible, taking into account the many expertise within the teaching community within a district. Ownership of change must come from those who are on the front lines. I absolutely like the community approach of including business and those groups outside of the traditional realm of education. I also see the vehicle of future educational change focusing on redesigning the idea of staff development and professional communities within a district. What has traditionally been top-down initiatives may become a middle out momentum, that aligns with administration’s objectives. In the end, change within a particular district, will inevitably depend upon the influence teachers have on the design of that districts framework for change. Great post!

]]> By: Stephanie Sandifer http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/moving-schools-forward-a-school-20-project/comment-page-1/#comment-12386 Stephanie Sandifer Mon, 05 Feb 2007 00:20:06 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/moving-schools-forward-a-school-20-project/#comment-12386 Will -- From your description of this school system, it seems as though -- and this is an assumption on my part -- that the leadership feels that their test scores/student achievement afford them the luxury of exploring what 21st century learning can become. While this is encouraging, I still feel impatient with the lack of similar interest on the part of school systems that aren't "making AYP" -- school systems where leadership is opposed to this kind of thinking because they believe we can't focus on anything except getting the kids to pass the tests. That "get them to pass the test and then we can consider alternatives" mentality -- when maybe considering alternatives is EXACTLY what we really need to be doing for the students who are struggling. I'll be reading your posts on this with great interest. The conversations that you describe do seem encouraging. Stephanie Will –

From your description of this school system, it seems as though — and this is an assumption on my part — that the leadership feels that their test scores/student achievement afford them the luxury of exploring what 21st century learning can become.

While this is encouraging, I still feel impatient with the lack of similar interest on the part of school systems that aren’t “making AYP” — school systems where leadership is opposed to this kind of thinking because they believe we can’t focus on anything except getting the kids to pass the tests. That “get them to pass the test and then we can consider alternatives” mentality — when maybe considering alternatives is EXACTLY what we really need to be doing for the students who are struggling.

I’ll be reading your posts on this with great interest. The conversations that you describe do seem encouraging.

Stephanie

]]> By: Weekly Roundup (4 February 2007) at teaching.mrbelshaw.co.uk http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/moving-schools-forward-a-school-20-project/comment-page-1/#comment-12356 Weekly Roundup (4 February 2007) at teaching.mrbelshaw.co.uk Sun, 04 Feb 2007 21:40:00 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/moving-schools-forward-a-school-20-project/#comment-12356 [...] Will Richardson - Moving Schools Forward - a School 2.0 Project (introduces a new project that aims to answer the question, “How do you take a fairly “typical” school that is currently steeped in a 20th Century model of teaching and successfully move it forward in a systemic way toward a more relevant 21st Century, or, if you will, School 2.0 model that fully takes advantage of a more connected, collaborative, creative world?”) Popularity: 2% [?]Bookmark:These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages. [...] [...] Will Richardson – Moving Schools Forward – a School 2.0 Project (introduces a new project that aims to answer the question, “How do you take a fairly “typical” school that is currently steeped in a 20th Century model of teaching and successfully move it forward in a systemic way toward a more relevant 21st Century, or, if you will, School 2.0 model that fully takes advantage of a more connected, collaborative, creative world?”) Popularity: 2% [?]Bookmark:These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages. [...]

]]> By: Educational Thinking — Musings on systems and change » Closing the Digital Divide in Your Community http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/moving-schools-forward-a-school-20-project/comment-page-1/#comment-12353 Educational Thinking — Musings on systems and change » Closing the Digital Divide in Your Community Sun, 04 Feb 2007 21:07:51 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/moving-schools-forward-a-school-20-project/#comment-12353 [...] There are many high profile examples of communities that are doing this, such as the One Cleveland project, but I think it can be done on a much smaller scale as well. Will Richardson and I are part of a group that Will blogged about the other day that are working on this in a small community. I think the conversation will benefit the schools and communities involved in numerous ways. [...] [...] There are many high profile examples of communities that are doing this, such as the One Cleveland project, but I think it can be done on a much smaller scale as well. Will Richardson and I are part of a group that Will blogged about the other day that are working on this in a small community. I think the conversation will benefit the schools and communities involved in numerous ways. [...]

]]> By: Amy Perry-DelCorvo http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/moving-schools-forward-a-school-20-project/comment-page-1/#comment-12294 Amy Perry-DelCorvo Sun, 04 Feb 2007 04:32:25 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/moving-schools-forward-a-school-20-project/#comment-12294 What a joy in reading this post as well as the responses. To respond to Mike Curtin...the "carrot" that will make this school and community change is the desire to breed success. How can a community be successful without any access to the Internet for the children and the parents. In response to Sylvia...AMEN! Students will be involved every step of the way with this project, there is simply no other way. Even with the great minds around the table, we simply cannot plan for what the student mind can see, only guess and we need more at this point. This is going to be a long journey, but one that every school in America can benefit from. The lessons learned along the way will inform policies, legislation and municipal engagement as all schools move closer to the School 2.0 model. I look forward to continuing the journey! What a joy in reading this post as well as the responses. To respond to Mike Curtin…the “carrot” that will make this school and community change is the desire to breed success. How can a community be successful without any access to the Internet for the children and the parents. In response to Sylvia…AMEN! Students will be involved every step of the way with this project, there is simply no other way. Even with the great minds around the table, we simply cannot plan for what the student mind can see, only guess and we need more at this point. This is going to be a long journey, but one that every school in America can benefit from. The lessons learned along the way will inform policies, legislation and municipal engagement as all schools move closer to the School 2.0 model. I look forward to continuing the journey!

]]> By: Mike Curtin http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/moving-schools-forward-a-school-20-project/comment-page-1/#comment-12286 Mike Curtin Sat, 03 Feb 2007 23:21:23 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/moving-schools-forward-a-school-20-project/#comment-12286 Your first sentence captures what I see as a major roadblock to moving forward in our schools: the good is the enemy best. While politicians talk about "America's failing schools," most schools manage to get enough students over the testing hump to stay out of trouble and to avoid notice. Truly failing schools eventually do get noticed, get money, get shaken up, and maybe they even improve their scores. But the "fairly typical" suburban or rural school with a relatively low dropout rate and decent scores on state assessments has little incentive to change, even if the students it's graduating are ill-prepared for the world that will be theirs a few years down the road. What is the "carrot" that will get these "good enough" schools to change? Your first sentence captures what I see as a major roadblock to moving forward in our schools: the good is the enemy best. While politicians talk about “America’s failing schools,” most schools manage to get enough students over the testing hump to stay out of trouble and to avoid notice. Truly failing schools eventually do get noticed, get money, get shaken up, and maybe they even improve their scores. But the “fairly typical” suburban or rural school with a relatively low dropout rate and decent scores on state assessments has little incentive to change, even if the students it’s graduating are ill-prepared for the world that will be theirs a few years down the road. What is the “carrot” that will get these “good enough” schools to change?

]]> By: sylvia martinez http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/moving-schools-forward-a-school-20-project/comment-page-1/#comment-12275 sylvia martinez Sat, 03 Feb 2007 17:25:08 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/moving-schools-forward-a-school-20-project/#comment-12275 Will, Try to include some K-12 students in your stakeholder groups and planning teams. And not just the straight-A students that will be put forward by the adults. Find the ones who will not just say what they think the adults want to hear. You can visit our site for some resources on pracical how-tos of incorporating student voice into efforts like this. http://wwww.genyes.com It's crucial that the people you are most trying to impact be included in the discussion. Will,
Try to include some K-12 students in your stakeholder groups and planning teams. And not just the straight-A students that will be put forward by the adults. Find the ones who will not just say what they think the adults want to hear.

You can visit our site for some resources on pracical how-tos of incorporating student voice into efforts like this. http://wwww.genyes.com

It’s crucial that the people you are most trying to impact be included in the discussion.

]]> By: preilly http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/moving-schools-forward-a-school-20-project/comment-page-1/#comment-12269 preilly Sat, 03 Feb 2007 15:58:30 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/moving-schools-forward-a-school-20-project/#comment-12269 Will, I have been watching your mood shift over the last few months. It can be hopeful and excited, as it is here; or doubtful and resigned. You run up to the edge of calling for action and then back away. This is a credit to your authenticity and thoughtfulness. I am confident that your work you describe here will benefit us all. How do we lead so that our actions don't just produce insights; but real educational change? pete Will,
I have been watching your mood shift over the last few months. It can be hopeful and excited, as it is here; or doubtful and resigned. You run up to the edge of calling for action and then back away. This is a credit to your authenticity and thoughtfulness. I am confident that your work you describe here will benefit us all.

How do we lead so that our actions don’t just produce insights; but real educational change?

pete

]]> By: Diane http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/moving-schools-forward-a-school-20-project/comment-page-1/#comment-12209 Diane Fri, 02 Feb 2007 23:58:01 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/moving-schools-forward-a-school-20-project/#comment-12209 I am the school librarian in a small rural district. My schedule is very rigid and skills oriented, with little time for meaningful information literacy instruction. I've been given the chance to meet with our district administrators and present my ideas for introducing some 21st century content into the curriculum. My goal is to work with both students and staff in collaborative and cross-curricular projects. If I can assemble a portfolio of projects, plans, units of instruction (that involve no additional funding, at least to start) for them to consider, I think they'll permit some carefully-monitored innovation. I plan to visit your site often, as I prepare my case! I am the school librarian in a small rural district. My schedule is very rigid and skills oriented, with little time for meaningful information literacy instruction. I’ve been given the chance to meet with our district administrators and present my ideas for introducing some 21st century content into the curriculum. My goal is to work with both students and staff in collaborative and cross-curricular projects. If I can assemble a portfolio of projects, plans, units of instruction (that involve no additional funding, at least to start) for them to consider, I think they’ll permit some carefully-monitored innovation. I plan to visit your site often, as I prepare my case!

]]> By: Miranda Clemson http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/moving-schools-forward-a-school-20-project/comment-page-1/#comment-12208 Miranda Clemson Fri, 02 Feb 2007 23:50:19 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/moving-schools-forward-a-school-20-project/#comment-12208 As this sounds an awful lot like the township I live in (even to the six square miles) I'll be following your adventures with great interest. We are, as a town, trying to get covered with wireless broadband. At present broadband is available only to the schools and the library with some scattered wireless coverage to households. DSL and cable is not available here so wireless is our only option. However the conversation has, so far, been more about the access than about how to make it part of a broader plan to make us more of a community, both the town and the world. I'll be looking forward to more posts on the subject. As this sounds an awful lot like the township I live in (even to the six square miles) I’ll be following your adventures with great interest. We are, as a town, trying to get covered with wireless broadband. At present broadband is available only to the schools and the library with some scattered wireless coverage to households. DSL and cable is not available here so wireless is our only option.
However the conversation has, so far, been more about the access than about how to make it part of a broader plan to make us more of a community, both the town and the world. I’ll be looking forward to more posts on the subject.

]]> By: Teaching and Developing Online. http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/moving-schools-forward-a-school-20-project/comment-page-1/#comment-12197 Teaching and Developing Online. Fri, 02 Feb 2007 19:53:18 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/moving-schools-forward-a-school-20-project/#comment-12197 <strong>Moving Schools Forward–A School 2.0 Project...</strong> So here is one of the burning questions in my brain these days: How do you take a fairly “typical” school that is currently steeped in a 20th Century model of teaching and successfully move it forward in a systemic...... Moving Schools Forward–A School 2.0 Project…

So here is one of the burning questions in my brain these days: How do you take a fairly “typical” school that is currently steeped in a 20th Century model of teaching and successfully move it forward in a systemic……

]]> By: Dea Conrad-Curry http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/moving-schools-forward-a-school-20-project/comment-page-1/#comment-12193 Dea Conrad-Curry Fri, 02 Feb 2007 19:31:53 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/moving-schools-forward-a-school-20-project/#comment-12193 Coming from a small rural town about 30 miles from the nearest city, though without a stoplight, I wonder at how you were able to bring enough of a constituency together to converse about this kind of paradynamic shift! Many small towns see the school as the center of the community, but usually in terms of extracurricular activities...athletics as the focus of community spirit, loyalty and entertainment. In my fif...many years of experience with rural communities, being on the cutting edge is less important than the comfort of familiarity. And I've tried. I applaud your efforts and hope your plan joined with the community's enthusiasm and creativity becomes a working model other rural communities may eventually adapt and embrace. Coming from a small rural town about 30 miles from the nearest city, though without a stoplight, I wonder at how you were able to bring enough of a constituency together to converse about this kind of paradynamic shift! Many small towns see the school as the center of the community, but usually in terms of extracurricular activities…athletics as the focus of community spirit, loyalty and entertainment. In my fif…many years of experience with rural communities, being on the cutting edge is less important than the comfort of familiarity. And I’ve tried. I applaud your efforts and hope your plan joined with the community’s enthusiasm and creativity becomes a working model other rural communities may eventually adapt and embrace.

]]> By: Christian http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/moving-schools-forward-a-school-20-project/comment-page-1/#comment-12177 Christian Fri, 02 Feb 2007 16:09:45 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/moving-schools-forward-a-school-20-project/#comment-12177 Echo Mary W's comment. Great seeing you show the process of posting -- both sharing the technology you've formatted to make it easier over time and also the blogging mindset of how you select a title, what you tag, etc. Offered my own early-hour post about your session today, Will: http://thinklab.typepad.com/think_lab/2007/02/learning_has_no.html Favorite moment of the day (so far) was when you told the group: "Everyone that comes to my blog is a potential teacher of mine." Great to have met you live F2F today. Long overdue. Cheers, Christian Echo Mary W’s comment. Great seeing you show the process of posting — both sharing the technology you’ve formatted to make it easier over time and also the blogging mindset of how you select a title, what you tag, etc.

Offered my own early-hour post about your session today, Will: http://thinklab.typepad.com/think_lab/2007/02/learning_has_no.html

Favorite moment of the day (so far) was when you told the group: “Everyone that comes to my blog is a potential teacher of mine.”

Great to have met you live F2F today. Long overdue. Cheers, Christian

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