Comments on: Supplementing My Kids’ Education http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/supplementing-my-kids-education/ Learning with the Read/Write Web Tue, 19 Jul 2011 20:36:16 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Weblogg-ed » From Scotland to Stockton, Learning Scratch http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/supplementing-my-kids-education/comment-page-1/#comment-36770 Weblogg-ed » From Scotland to Stockton, Learning Scratch Wed, 31 Oct 2007 00:46:19 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/supplementing-my-kids-education/#comment-36770 [...] So I wasn’t there to see it, but Tess and Tucker learned Scratch this afternoon from Andrew, an 11-year old from “across the pond” from Perth, Scotland, during their weekly Tuesday “supplementing school” class. I had to be on an airplane to somewhere, but the early reports are that Andrew did a stupendous job, using Yugma and Skype to show my kids how to start to program their own characters and get all sorts of sprites doing all sorts of things. Neil, Andrew’s dad, really gets to my own feelings about this (please read his post): The implications of being able to find what you want to know from someone who is willing to share… even if they are not present… turns our traditional model of education on its head… and even more so when you realise that the person with the knowledge you require might be the person you thought you ought to be teaching! [...] [...] So I wasn’t there to see it, but Tess and Tucker learned Scratch this afternoon from Andrew, an 11-year old from “across the pond” from Perth, Scotland, during their weekly Tuesday “supplementing school” class. I had to be on an airplane to somewhere, but the early reports are that Andrew did a stupendous job, using Yugma and Skype to show my kids how to start to program their own characters and get all sorts of sprites doing all sorts of things. Neil, Andrew’s dad, really gets to my own feelings about this (please read his post): The implications of being able to find what you want to know from someone who is willing to share… even if they are not present… turns our traditional model of education on its head… and even more so when you realise that the person with the knowledge you require might be the person you thought you ought to be teaching! [...]

]]> By: That Scratch Is Spreading! « Mr W’s Blogging Great Thing http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/supplementing-my-kids-education/comment-page-1/#comment-36766 That Scratch Is Spreading! « Mr W’s Blogging Great Thing Tue, 30 Oct 2007 23:38:47 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/supplementing-my-kids-education/#comment-36766 [...] My oldest boy, aged 10, leads a double life. By day he is a frighteningly good scrum-half, but by night he is a prodigious Scratcher. Because of this, I read Will Richardson’s recent post about supplementing his children’s education with great interest. In fact, after a quick chat with Andrew, I offered Andrew’s services to show Will’s kids how to use Scratch. The past couple of weeks have involved a handful of emails back and forwards as we made arrangements, and also a crash course in using Yugma until tonight it all came together. [...] [...] My oldest boy, aged 10, leads a double life. By day he is a frighteningly good scrum-half, but by night he is a prodigious Scratcher. Because of this, I read Will Richardson’s recent post about supplementing his children’s education with great interest. In fact, after a quick chat with Andrew, I offered Andrew’s services to show Will’s kids how to use Scratch. The past couple of weeks have involved a handful of emails back and forwards as we made arrangements, and also a crash course in using Yugma until tonight it all came together. [...]

]]> By: Online High Schools http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/supplementing-my-kids-education/comment-page-1/#comment-36732 Online High Schools Tue, 30 Oct 2007 11:59:58 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/supplementing-my-kids-education/#comment-36732 <strong>Online High Schools...</strong> I couldn't understand some parts of this article, but it sounds interesting... Online High Schools…

I couldn’t understand some parts of this article, but it sounds interesting…

]]> By: Julie Fenelon http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/supplementing-my-kids-education/comment-page-1/#comment-36285 Julie Fenelon Wed, 24 Oct 2007 04:34:13 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/supplementing-my-kids-education/#comment-36285 "As I’ve said numerous times, it feels like my children are being fairly well prepared for a world that is already past, not the much more “hyperconnected, hypertransparent” world that is their future." Although this statement is blatantly true, I had, surprisingly, never before considered it. If we do not teach our students to be interactive with technology, we are not adequately preparing them for the future. This is becoming more true, as time goes on and more technology, including "everyday use" technology becomes more advanced and widespread. It has come to the point where ignoring our responsibilities to employ in the classroom/teach ways to use technology might be comparable to ignoring our responsibilities to teach students math. Bravo to those encouraging the use of educational technology, and education in technology. “As I’ve said numerous times, it feels like my children are being fairly well prepared for a world that is already past, not the much more “hyperconnected, hypertransparent” world that is their future.”
Although this statement is blatantly true, I had, surprisingly, never before considered it. If we do not teach our students to be interactive with technology, we are not adequately preparing them for the future. This is becoming more true, as time goes on and more technology, including “everyday use” technology becomes more advanced and widespread. It has come to the point where ignoring our responsibilities to employ in the classroom/teach ways to use technology might be comparable to ignoring our responsibilities to teach students math. Bravo to those encouraging the use of educational technology, and education in technology.

]]> By: Johanna Sailor http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/supplementing-my-kids-education/comment-page-1/#comment-36209 Johanna Sailor Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:37:38 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/supplementing-my-kids-education/#comment-36209 I also fear for the students who are in schools that can't afford technology. I live in a state with next to no taxes, which means little revenue for public schools. Parents here are embroiled in a lawsuit over education funding, similar to other states. The fight is about adequacy, is the public education adequate? I see the education inadequate if you’re not giving students access to computers and teaching them how to properly use them. I say this because in our world being able to effectively using tools online are necessary. Not being taught the capabilities of technology will put the student dramatically behind their peers. I also fear for the students who are in schools that can’t afford technology. I live in a state with next to no taxes, which means little revenue for public schools. Parents here are embroiled in a lawsuit over education funding, similar to other states. The fight is about adequacy, is the public education adequate? I see the education inadequate if you’re not giving students access to computers and teaching them how to properly use them. I say this because in our world being able to effectively using tools online are necessary. Not being taught the capabilities of technology will put the student dramatically behind their peers.

]]> By: Becky205 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/supplementing-my-kids-education/comment-page-1/#comment-35868 Becky205 Wed, 17 Oct 2007 17:08:13 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/supplementing-my-kids-education/#comment-35868 As a soon to be student teacher I find the troubles you're having are something I think about a lot. I'm currently taking a class on using technology in my future classroom and I'm surprised by how much technology is NOT used in many classrooms. I guess I never really thought about the fact that while many educators and administrators use technology regularly in their private lives, it doesn't seem to translate into the classroom. It seems to me that to rely on parents to do much of this at home is a silly idea. While many schools are blessed enough to have the technology available, they aren't using to best of their advantage, for example online assignments and maybe online learning in addition to the everyday stuff like Skype and email. I wonder if people like yourself and your wife could think about starting community education programs or after school programs in areas where kids are getting what they need in the classroom... As a soon to be student teacher I find the troubles you’re having are something I think about a lot. I’m currently taking a class on using technology in my future classroom and I’m surprised by how much technology is NOT used in many classrooms. I guess I never really thought about the fact that while many educators and administrators use technology regularly in their private lives, it doesn’t seem to translate into the classroom. It seems to me that to rely on parents to do much of this at home is a silly idea.
While many schools are blessed enough to have the technology available, they aren’t using to best of their advantage, for example online assignments and maybe online learning in addition to the everyday stuff like Skype and email. I wonder if people like yourself and your wife could think about starting community education programs or after school programs in areas where kids are getting what they need in the classroom…

]]> By: Rebecca http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/supplementing-my-kids-education/comment-page-1/#comment-35856 Rebecca Wed, 17 Oct 2007 13:14:32 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/supplementing-my-kids-education/#comment-35856 Supplementing at home benefits students who come from homes like Will's, but it continues to feed into the inequity between the haves and have nots. I fear that grassroots home supplementing efforts will continue to add to the gap between students who have rich learning opportunities and those who do not. The question that needs to be looked at deeper is "Why are classrooms that have the technology, not moving in this direction? Why are teachers not providing the learning experiences that you have described?" Telling teachers that they need to be doing it is not enough. Giving teachers a couple of workshops on how to do it is not enough. I was also a teacher that learned how to use and integrate technology on my own because I knew how it important it was for my students. I was comfortable with not being the expert and learning from my students as we figured out how to use technology in meaningful learning contexts. But I have come to realize that many teachers are not like that and us complaining about that fact isn't going to make a difference for our students. We need to accept the fact that a majority of teachers are uncomfortable with technology and unless they are using it in their own lives, they do not understand the value for their students. Or they do understand the value but their own fear of technology and the role the teacher needs to take in order to implement it well keeps them from using it. We need to address how we can provide teachers with ongoing, just in time support while they are learning to use the technology in new ways. We need to provide the teachers with a huge amount of scaffolding and authentic experiences using the technology tools themselves so they experience success and see the benefits for their students. Supplementing at home benefits students who come from homes like Will’s, but it continues to feed into the inequity between the haves and have nots. I fear that grassroots home supplementing efforts will continue to add to the gap between students who have rich learning opportunities and those who do not. The question that needs to be looked at deeper is “Why are classrooms that have the technology, not moving in this direction? Why are teachers not providing the learning experiences that you have described?”
Telling teachers that they need to be doing it is not enough. Giving teachers a couple of workshops on how to do it is not enough. I was also a teacher that learned how to use and integrate technology on my own because I knew how it important it was for my students. I was comfortable with not being the expert and learning from my students as we figured out how to use technology in meaningful learning contexts. But I have come to realize that many teachers are not like that and us complaining about that fact isn’t going to make a difference for our students. We need to accept the fact that a majority of teachers are uncomfortable with technology and unless they are using it in their own lives, they do not understand the value for their students. Or they do understand the value but their own fear of technology and the role the teacher needs to take in order to implement it well keeps them from using it.
We need to address how we can provide teachers with ongoing, just in time support while they are learning to use the technology in new ways. We need to provide the teachers with a huge amount of scaffolding and authentic experiences using the technology tools themselves so they experience success and see the benefits for their students.

]]> By: chris http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/supplementing-my-kids-education/comment-page-1/#comment-35778 chris Tue, 16 Oct 2007 11:48:17 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/supplementing-my-kids-education/#comment-35778 I dropped in on Anne Davis' creative writing blogs last session - she used some of my photos as stimulus and I'd comment on their writing. I think I was a bit demanding - I'm used to 13-18 year olds - but it seemed to go down well on the whole. Currently I am struggling to persuade a clever but lazy 15 year old whom I tutor privately to write daily on his blog. I see him weekly for an hour, but have pointed out that writers have to write if they're going to progress - and he isn't. So it's not always the kids that are chafing at the bit - in this case it's me! I'd be happy to drop in, though - Ewan put me onto you. I dropped in on Anne Davis’ creative writing blogs last session – she used some of my photos as stimulus and I’d comment on their writing. I think I was a bit demanding – I’m used to 13-18 year olds – but it seemed to go down well on the whole.
Currently I am struggling to persuade a clever but lazy 15 year old whom I tutor privately to write daily on his blog. I see him weekly for an hour, but have pointed out that writers have to write if they’re going to progress – and he isn’t. So it’s not always the kids that are chafing at the bit – in this case it’s me!
I’d be happy to drop in, though – Ewan put me onto you.

]]> By: Brad Hicks http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/supplementing-my-kids-education/comment-page-1/#comment-35768 Brad Hicks Tue, 16 Oct 2007 04:25:41 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/supplementing-my-kids-education/#comment-35768 Hey Will, thought you might be interested in this article: http://www.theage.com.au/news/education-news/the-school-that-john-built/2006/02/03/1138958909988.html I'm guessing you might have heard of John Marsden. Perhaps this is the path for those of us frustrated with the existing system, starting our own schools. I know a number of my teacher friends here all talk about it as a group at times. Hey Will, thought you might be interested in this article:

http://www.theage.com.au/news/education-news/the-school-that-john-built/2006/02/03/1138958909988.html

I’m guessing you might have heard of John Marsden. Perhaps this is the path for those of us frustrated with the existing system, starting our own schools. I know a number of my teacher friends here all talk about it as a group at times.

]]> By: Michelle Eckstein http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/supplementing-my-kids-education/comment-page-1/#comment-35767 Michelle Eckstein Tue, 16 Oct 2007 03:59:09 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/supplementing-my-kids-education/#comment-35767 Will, Your comments hit so close to home. My kids are now in high school and we have been supplementing their education since elementary school. They are such sponges and will quickly incorporate all the 'tools' in their toolbox into their daily life. I am starting a new Enrichment program for gifted students using 21st Century technologies to address the issues you discuss. http://gtteacher.wikispaces.com/Enrichment2.0 Will, Your comments hit so close to home. My kids are now in high school and we have been supplementing their education since elementary school. They are such sponges and will quickly incorporate all the ‘tools’ in their toolbox into their daily life. I am starting a new Enrichment program for gifted students using 21st Century technologies to address the issues you discuss.
http://gtteacher.wikispaces.com/Enrichment2.0

]]> By: Gifted and Talented in the 21st Century » Blog Archive http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/supplementing-my-kids-education/comment-page-1/#comment-35765 Gifted and Talented in the 21st Century » Blog Archive Tue, 16 Oct 2007 03:54:29 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/supplementing-my-kids-education/#comment-35765 [...] Will Richardson blogged today on a topic very close to home, “supplementing my kids education”.  I have spent years supplementing my kids education, trying to keep them engaged in learning, even when school couldn’t.  Technology is one major aspect of that engagement in our house.  One of my initial blogs talked about my son’s first success in school, his first web site!  This week he is working on a high school science project with classmates using google docs.  Did they suggest this in school?  No, he was talking with me about the problems of sharing a document with 5 other people and the frustrations of one person changing something but not emailing to everyone … You get the picture.  Enter Mom, the technologist, as I’m now being called at home.  Google Docs is now his ‘best friend’.  If only schools would share the technology options with kids.  Productiving, engagement and learning would improve drastically.    [...] [...] Will Richardson blogged today on a topic very close to home, “supplementing my kids education”.  I have spent years supplementing my kids education, trying to keep them engaged in learning, even when school couldn’t.  Technology is one major aspect of that engagement in our house.  One of my initial blogs talked about my son’s first success in school, his first web site!  This week he is working on a high school science project with classmates using google docs.  Did they suggest this in school?  No, he was talking with me about the problems of sharing a document with 5 other people and the frustrations of one person changing something but not emailing to everyone … You get the picture.  Enter Mom, the technologist, as I’m now being called at home.  Google Docs is now his ‘best friend’.  If only schools would share the technology options with kids.  Productiving, engagement and learning would improve drastically.    [...]

]]> By: mrsdurff http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/supplementing-my-kids-education/comment-page-1/#comment-35758 mrsdurff Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:47:36 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/supplementing-my-kids-education/#comment-35758 You both keep on! I watched a 6th grader literally teach himself how to add a picture to his wiki today because he realised waiting for me would take too long - bravo! I have an 8th grader writing games...this generation impresses me! I think it is time for Tucker to start using an RSS aggregator. I facilitate Google Reader with my learners. Has Tess visited Allanah King's blog? Allanah is in NZ. You both keep on! I watched a 6th grader literally teach himself how to add a picture to his wiki today because he realised waiting for me would take too long – bravo! I have an 8th grader writing games…this generation impresses me!
I think it is time for Tucker to start using an RSS aggregator. I facilitate Google Reader with my learners.
Has Tess visited Allanah King’s blog? Allanah is in NZ.

]]> By: Curt Kennedy http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/supplementing-my-kids-education/comment-page-1/#comment-35753 Curt Kennedy Mon, 15 Oct 2007 22:24:11 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/supplementing-my-kids-education/#comment-35753 Will, The frustration you speak of is exactly the reason that the school I teach at exists today. We're a small, public charter school where students decide what they want to learn, how they will learn it, and how they will communicate the results of their learning. They are, in essence, building their own curriculum. We have no bell schedule. We have no formal classes. There are no worksheets and no tests. Students organize their day in a way that works best for them. All students have their own computer, filing cabinet and work station. Visitors frequently comment that our school looks more like a business than a school. Even now, during our sixth year, I am surprised and amazed by what happens when students are in control of their learning. They are engaged in relevant and meaningful work without the constraints that a formal curriculum imposes. They have the time to study areas of interest to them thoroughly and deeply. The time has long past since I considered myself to be only a teacher. I am a learner in a community of learners. That is a powerful thing to model for students. We do all was can to provide a learning model that fosters the development of the skills students will need to be successful in the 21st Century. Skills like the ability to collaborate with others, the ability to be tenacious as a learner, the ability to work independently, the ability to a creative problem solver and a critical thinker, and the ability to be flexible in this increasingly digital world in which we live. Our parents are among our biggest supporters. We also have a very forward thinking technology director who understands the need for students to have access to the tools that support the possibilities of what learning can be. I can't imagine teaching anywhere else. Best of luck. I'm sure we have students who would be more than happy to collaborate with your children. Will,

The frustration you speak of is exactly the reason that the school I teach at exists today. We’re a small, public charter school where students decide what they want to learn, how they will learn it, and how they will communicate the results of their learning. They are, in essence, building their own curriculum.

We have no bell schedule. We have no formal classes. There are no worksheets and no tests. Students organize their day in a way that works best for them. All students have their own computer, filing cabinet and work station. Visitors frequently comment that our school looks more like a business than a school.

Even now, during our sixth year, I am surprised and amazed by what happens when students are in control of their learning. They are engaged in relevant and meaningful work without the constraints that a formal curriculum imposes. They have the time to study areas of interest to them thoroughly and deeply. The time has long past since I considered myself to be only a teacher. I am a learner in a community of learners. That is a powerful thing to model for students.

We do all was can to provide a learning model that fosters the development of the skills students will need to be successful in the 21st Century. Skills like the ability to collaborate with others, the ability to be tenacious as a learner, the ability to work independently, the ability to a creative problem solver and a critical thinker, and the ability to be flexible in this increasingly digital world in which we live.

Our parents are among our biggest supporters. We also have a very forward thinking technology director who understands the need for students to have access to the tools that support the possibilities of what learning can be. I can’t imagine teaching anywhere else.

Best of luck. I’m sure we have students who would be more than happy to collaborate with your children.

]]> By: Tod Baker http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/supplementing-my-kids-education/comment-page-1/#comment-35749 Tod Baker Mon, 15 Oct 2007 21:25:05 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/supplementing-my-kids-education/#comment-35749 You can count on my students for connections too. We're in China but come from all parts of the world. All the different perspectives in the classroom create a desire for more. You can count on my students for connections too. We’re in China but come from all parts of the world. All the different perspectives in the classroom create a desire for more.

]]> By: Brad http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/supplementing-my-kids-education/comment-page-1/#comment-35748 Brad Mon, 15 Oct 2007 20:23:16 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/supplementing-my-kids-education/#comment-35748 I think it is great what you and your wife are doing for your children's "education." While some schools have already have already started started incorporating 21st Century technology into their classrooms, the amount is still in the great minority. As a future educator it is troubling to me why more schools are not furthering their students preparation for the real world and having them getting accustomed to the technology available, as you and your wife are doing for your children. I think it is great what you and your wife are doing for your children’s “education.” While some schools have already have already started started incorporating 21st Century technology into their classrooms, the amount is still in the great minority. As a future educator it is troubling to me why more schools are not furthering their students preparation for the real world and having them getting accustomed to the technology available, as you and your wife are doing for your children.

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