Tuesday, March 6, 2012


Register at http://tinyurl.com/Flat-Classroom-Webinar
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Saturday, March 3, 2012

What's going on around the Flat Classroom® ?

Flat Classroom is now running SIX projects concurrently, with thousands of students and dozens of teachers involved in global collaboration right now! There is a lot of new activity on this NIng from the newest project, 'Building Bridges to Tomorrow', a pilot project for the K-2 level. For this project we welcome over 40 educators from all over the world who are joining together to show that connection and collaboration can take place at this level of education.

Right now we are about to launch Eracism, a global debate between classrooms. The deadline officially closed 3 days ago but we are keeping applications open for another few days as we have room to run TWO strands in this project if we get a few more classrooms signed up. So if you were thinking about joining us, please sign up NOW - http://tinyurl.com/eracism2012

CONFERENCE/WORKSHOP UPDATE
The Flat Classroom Workshop @ASB Unplugged Feb 23-25, 2012 was a great success! Julie was joined by Kim Cofino as the co-leader and 40 students and a dozen + educators worked together and in conjunction with the full conference cohort on a challenge-based project. You can review material via the wiki and Ning, and please consider voting for the top student video - details and videos on the wiki.
http://flatclassroomconference.ning.com/
http://asbunplugged2012.flatclassroomproject.org/
The NEXT Flat Classroom Conference venue will be announced very soon!

FLAT CLASSROOM BOOK UPDATE
Yes, the book is launched and we are excited to be starting our international Book Club on March 11. This is a free event open to anyone in the world! http://www.flatclassroombook.com/book-club.html
More details about how to purchase the book are on the website, there is hard copy and kindle versions, with an ePub version coming very soon!http://www.flatclassroombook.com/

FLAT CLASSROOM CERTIFIED TEACHER UPDATE
Right now we are finishing our FOURTH teacher course FCCT 11-3 and participants will be culminating their 12 weeks working through global project concepts and project design with presentations in our FLATs. See http://flats.flatclassroomproject.org/ for more details and come and join us. Congratulations to those who are finishing now and in the past. Many Flat Classroom Certified Teachers are now managing projects for us and many more are now designing and implementing their own projects involving many students and teachers.
The NEXT Flat Classroom Certified teacher course will commence March 15, why don't you consider joining us? All details linked from the wiki at http://fcpteacher.flatclassroomproject.org/

This announcement was brought to you by:
Flat Classroom Projects LLC and Flat Classroom Conference and Live Events Inc.
Directors: Julie Lindsay and Vicki Davis
Coordinator: Lisa Durff
Contact: fcp@flatclassroom.org, julie@flatclassroom.org, vicki@flatclassroom.org or lisa@flatclassroom.org

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Saturday, February 11, 2012

Engaging Games - EDUC 8842 Module 6





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Where I commented during Module 6
Marvin's blog http://fuller8842.blogspot.com/
Seane’s blog http://learningsquared.blogspot.com
Joshua’s blog http://shermansdistanceedblog.blogspot.com
Brandi’s blog http://ballinteach44-atl.blogspot.com
Candice’s blog http://crjoneswaldenu.blogspot.com/
Sue’s blog http://sue-educ7102.blogspot.com
Dan’s blog http://daoprish.blogspot.com
Lauramae’s blog http://wojoedtech.blogspot.com
Olufemi’s blog http://olufemigordons.blogspot.com

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Diigo Bookmarks of Note 11 February 2012

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Sunday, February 5, 2012

Concept Map: Static versus Dynamic Technologies EDUC 8842 Module 5


On the static---dynamic continuum, with static being the display of fixed content and dynamic being interaction with fixed content, I believe I am on the dynamic end of the spectrum. Like Mike Smart says, each tool listed in the map can be used in different ways, so where particular tools should be placed depends on how the tool is being used. For example, a wiki page can contain content allowing no interaction. The same wiki page could allow comments on the discussion tab. The same wiki page can allow edits by wiki members, who build the content collaboratively.
Static webpages can be useful-they are essentially an organization’s digital storefront and help people decide if they want to find out more. Dynamic web content on the other hand is current information meant to draw people into the static web content to find out more. Both technologies have symbiotic functions. Like the Ying and the Yang, they complement each other.
Kieran Healy does not agree. He views static tools to be equivalent to textbooks and lists many dynamic technology tools, lauding their benefits. As McGreal and Elliott remind us, using the tools available on the internet can "expand our classrooms beyond school grounds" (2008, p.158). The available tools include static and dynamic technologies.
Reference
McGreal, R.M.,&Elliott, M.(2008). Technologies of online learning (e-learning). In T. Anderson (Ed.), The theory and practice of online learning (pp.143-165).Edmonton, AB: Athabasca University Press.
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Where I commented:
Seane’s blog http://learningsquared.blogspot.com
Luke’s blog http://lukebilger.blogspot.com
Sue’s blog http://sue-educ7102.blogspot.com
Marvin’s blog http://fuller8842.blogspot.com
Candice’s blog http://crjoneswaldenu.blogspot.com
Daniel’s blog http://daoprish.blogspot.com
Brandi’s blog http://ballinteach44-atl.blogspot.com
Joshua’s blog http://shermansdistanceedblog.blogspot.com
Lauramae’s blog http://wojoedtech.blogspot.com

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Thursday, February 2, 2012

Shawn Achor: The happy secret to better work | Video on TED.com

Take a break and watch this short video. I challenge you to actually do the five things Shawn suggests to rewire your brain!


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Monday, January 23, 2012

Engaging Learners - EDUC 8842 Module 4

How do online educators maximize the educational experience occurring at the intersection of the social presence, the cognitive presence, and their teaching presence?  How do online educators engage and engross students in course material?  How do educators do what educators do?
There are multiple metaphors for educators.  Simpson, Jackson, and Aycock (2005) claim Dewey used several metaphors, among them, wise mother, navigator, gardener, pioneer, servant, social engineer, composer, physician, builder, and leader.  In addition, there are references by others to teachers as chefs, conductors, concierges, and artists.
Curtis Bonk has written about the online teacher as power concierge when he reflects, “hotels have got it right--they have someone helping their guest find what they need online when the person needs it.”
In addition, Clarken (1997) described teachers as prophets, physicians, oysters, and parents while Çoklar and Bağcı (2011) conducted research on the different metaphors educators use to describe their roles in education. 
"We derive our competence from forming connections” writes George Siemens's.  Teachers make connections for learners, and as John Dewey wrote, "learning is something that the pupil has to do himself...the teacher is a guide and director; he steers the boat but the energy that propels it must come from those who are learning" (Dewey, 1925-1953, Volume 8 page 140).
The metaphors for educators imply connection-making activities.  Concierges show possibilities, master artists introduce different points of view, composers bring notes together, and so forth.  Durrington, Berryhill, and Swafford (2006) said providing opportunities for interactions between students and the instructor builds positive attitudes and raised achievement. 
Meaning-making and forming connections between specialized communities are important activities.  Excellent educators connect students with students, students with instructor(s), and students with content.  They use the tools pictured in the mindmap to make these connections.  When the tools are used to connect students in these areas, a community of inquiry is formed.
John Dewey wrote, "learning is something that the pupil has to do himself...the teacher is a guide and director; he steers the boat but the energy that propels it must come from those who are learning" (Dewey, 1925-1953, Volume 8 page 140)

References:
Bonk, C. (2007, October 5). USA Today Leads to Tomorrow: Teachers as online concierges and can Facebook pioneer save face? [Web log comment]. Retrieved from http://travelinedman.blogspot.com/2007/10/usa-today-leads-to-tomorrow-teachers-as.html
Clarken, R. H. (1997). Five Metaphors for Educators.
Çoklar, A., & Bağcı, H. (2011). What are the roles of prospective teachers on the educational technology use: a metaphor study. World Journal on Educational Technology, 2(3), 186-195.
Durrington, V. A., Berryhill, A., & Swafford, J. (2006). Strategies for enhancing student interactivity in an online environment. College Teaching, 54(1), 190-193.
Simpson, D. J., Jackson, M. J. B., & Aycock, J. C. (2005). John Dewey and the art of teaching: Toward reflective and imaginative practice. Thousand Oaks, Calif: Sage Publications


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Where did I comment Module 4
Candice’s blog http://crjoneswaldenu.blogspot.com/
Marvin’s blog http://fuller8842.blogspot.com
Lauramae’s blog http://wojoedtech.blogspot.com
Shannon’s blog http://burns8842.blogspot.com
Sue’s blog http://sue-educ7102.blogspot.com


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Tuesday, January 17, 2012

You’re invited to the Flat Classroom Book Club!

Global collaboration starts with connecting yourself to the world. Students are the greatest textbook ever written for each other. The same is true for teachers. We are passionate about connecting and facilitating effective collaborations between classrooms because we’ve seen the power of how it can engage students and teach them the skills they need to be successful in the 21st century.
We want to bring in people who are nervous, who don’t know how, or who have tried to connect and were frustrated. We also want to bring back those teachers who tried it and got burned out. Now it is time to enlarge the circle of global collaborative excellence in a massive way.
It is our vision that if we can have enough educators linking together and learning about this at the same time, that a natural byproduct will be the creation of many new, exciting global collaborations. It is time to get past the cute stories of global collaboration into the nuts and bolts of the pedagogy that makes it happen. (Although there are a lot of powerful stories to tell.)
To help facilitate this conversation, we felt like that it would be best if we, the authors (Julie Lindsay and Vicki Davis), step aside, and invite our friends Ben Curran and Neil Wetherbee of @engaginged to facilitate the conversation. They’ve done book clubs before and this is another pedagogy that we want to work out: that of having a book club that is truly global. We’d like to do this to promote conversations that transcend borders. The easiest way to get this out of the box is to get out of the classroom and connect with other educators.
Every week for 10 weeks we will meet at an alternating time - 12 hours apart. (For the East Coast USA it is Sundays at 6 pm Eastern or Monday mornings at 8 am eastern - Visit our Book club calendar to convert these times to your Time Zone. Subscribe to this calendar via Google calendar to keep up with events.) This is Sunday evenings at 22:00GMT alternating with Monday mornings at 10:00GMT in our Blackboard Collaborate room http://tinyurl.com/BookClubRoom . It is free and everyone is welcome.

#flatclass Book Club Meeting Times

Date
Time
Topic of Conversation
Sunday March 11
22:00 GMT (6 pm EDT)
Chapter 1 - Flattening Classrooms through Global Collaboration (p 1-17)
Chapter 2 - Impact on Learning: Research in the Global Collaborative Classroom (p18-30)
Monday, March 19
10:00 GMT (6 am EDT)
Chapter 3 - Step 1: Connection (p 31-61)
Sunday, March 25
22:00 GMT (6 pm EDT)
Chapter 4 - Step 2: Communication (p 62-96)
Monday, April 2
10:00 GMT (6 am EDT)
Chapter 5 - Step 3: Citizenship (p 97-125)
Mo meeting 
Break

Sunday, April 15
22:00 GMT (6pm EDT)
Chapter 6 - Step 4: Contribution and Collaboration (p 126-157)
Monday, April 23
10:00 GMT (6 am EDT)
Chapter 7 - Step 5: Choice (p 158-196)
Sunday, April 29
22:00 GMT (6 pm EDT)
Chapter 8 - Step 6: Creation (p197-214)
Monday, May 7
10:00 GMT (6am EDT)
Chapter 9 - Step 7: Celebration (p 215-234)
Sunday, May 13
22:00 GMT (6pm EDT)
 Chapter 10 - Designing and Managing a Global Collaborative Project (p 235-267)
Monday, May 21
10:00 GMT (6 am EDT)
Chapter 11 - Challenge-Based Professional Development (p 268-293)
Chapter 12: Rock the World (p 293 - 304)
We’re also inviting the educators featured in each chapter to be with us for the conversations about “their” chapter. You’ll meet people from all over the world just like you who are doing wonderful, amazing things. This is a global story that transcends just one project, although we’re mighty proud of ours.
While you are welcome to just “drop in” you can register with the Book club mailing list  and we’ll remind you each week about the session, let you know who is coming, and we’ll mention any special events that we’ll be having as part of the launch. If you run your own book club, you’re welcome to come by the club anytime for ideas and discussion points.
The hashtag for our conversations is #flatclass and the book club is, of course, free. Anyone can join us. There’s no homework - just conversation and learning. We’ll all be there to discuss the future of education with each other. We hope global collaborators from around the world will join us and share their stories too. Conversations will hinge around our new book, Flattening Classrooms, Engaging Minds. The book will be available in ebook format, although we’re not sure yet which ebook formats.
So, to get ready:
  1. Order the book
  1. Amazon
  2. Barnes and Noble
  3. Pearson Publishing
  4.  ebook format
  1. Sign up for the book club - run by Ben Curran & Neil Wetherbee from @engaginged
  1. Mark your calendar with the dates and times
Thank you to everyone who has made this possible 
Ben Curran & Neil Wetherbee @engaginged
4th and 5th Grade teachers and Co-founders of Engaging Educators LLC

How will this global book club work? Will it really transform my teaching?
Have you ever read a book about teaching and thoroughly enjoyed it, only to get done and ask yourself "Now what?" Or maybe you've read something that was motivating, inspirational and chock-full of ideas, only to find after sharing it with colleagues that they "just aren't that into it?" If so, this book club is for you. We hope it will be a gathering of inspired, motivated, similarly driven friends from around the globe. 

Here's how it will work...each week we will focus on approximately one chapter.  Each meeting will be divided roughly into three parts. The first part will focus on implementation--how all of us have or can implement the main theme of the week. We'll also dive into and discuss the activities (Vicki and Julie refer to them as "challenges") that are embedded in the book. The second part will be more of an open forum for everyone to discuss other topics in the chapter or other issues pertaining to the subject. This will be a great time for making connections with other teachers for possible collaborations and getting answers to questions that you have. Finally, and perhaps what we are most excited about is that each week we hope to be joined by the friends mentioned in each chapter.  They will be able to share their firsthand insight on the weekly topic as well as stories from their own experiences.

On top of all this, Engaging Educators will be providing short, free “boot camp” style webinars along the way to help you master some of the topics that might be new to you.
What we hope to facilitate is a perfect companion to Julie and Vicki's book, an experience that goes beyond "just reading" and demonstrates what a network of connected educators can learn and accomplish.

Welcome to the club!

Ben Curran & Neil Wetherbee @engaginged
4th & 5th Grade teachers and Co-founders of Engaging Educators LLC
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