Comments on: Overcoming Obstacles”Cultivating Digital Educators”

By: Notes from Millie D » Cultivating Digital Educators K12 Online Conference Reflection

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:44:52 +0000

[…] It was refreshing to listen to this vodcast from the Red Bank Elementary School as my final reflection session of the K12 Online Conference. Refreshing because I listened to people in the trenches who not only had the vision of how technology could change their teaching but actually put it together. One of the pieces that I thought that helped their project was the fact that the resources were well thought out and planned out. Issues were not dealt with in a knee jerk reaction and their impact went beyond their classroom to include their school, district, and now on a global stage. […]

By: Ideas and Thoughts from an EdTech » Just do it

Ideas and Thoughts from an EdTech » Just do it — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 06:07:17 +0000

[…] Tom Hoffman writes about the possibility of a low-cost laptop on the horizon. The Palms have provided a low-cost option as well. My concerns about lack of internet access still exists but they have begun to provide a learning environment that embraces much of what is right about digital learning. The point is we have to continue to find ways to get this in students hands. I’m reminded of the presentation from the K-12 Online Conference dealing with a 2-1 environment. I think of Pam Shoemaker’s involvement with having parents purchase the laptops. In any case, we have teachers and administrators commitmed to the idea of getting computers in students’ hands. With teachers this passionate about students and access, it’s not likely these types of efforts would fail. The failings of other initiatives come from mass roll outs when many teachers aren’t ready or able to make the adjustments in pedagogy. But when teachers are ready and want their students to have access, I say to administrators and central office decision makers, “just do it“. Find a way to get it done. […]

By: Marie Watson

Marie Watson — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 15:16:37 +0000

I agree with you that we are in the midst of a mammoth cultural evolution and revolution in technology. I think that as we become more sophisticated with technology, we also have more responsibility. The dichotomy that exists in society today is, at the present, amplified with technology. In schools, we have the opportunity to provide students with equalization through technology. It can narrow the gap between those who have access in the homes and those who do not.

At the same time, the values held by people can be amplified through technology. We can live longer, learn faster, ask more questions, go to places in our minds and bodies through technology more than ever before in history. Technolgy can also be utilized to stalk, terrorize, and abuse others.

This is where responsibility plays into the role of teaching and learning with technology. Students are exposed to events as they happen and view violence and tragedy in such ways that they are de-sensitized to humanness. So many of them are in homes where drug abuse, sexual abuse, harsh language, and crimes are a way of life.

For our students today, technology is nothing new, though it is ever new. The constant change, new technologies, and availability are ordinary. Our responsibility as educators is never more challenging than today, nor more exciting. Through technology, we can level the playing ground, open the eyes of students to the plight of others around the world, and teach them to think, to inquire, and to look inward and outward to make this a better world.

By: Thinking About Learning » Global Change

Thinking About Learning » Global Change — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 12:06:29 +0000

[…] The more I become immersed in Web 2.0, the more convinced I become that we are on the front edge (or perhaps even in the midst) of a cultural revolution of mammoth proportions that will affect every corner of the globe…both in the educational realm and in the lives of individuals. As I expressed in my last post, it can be a little discouraging to try to move forward when so few people in your immediate world share the vision. That’s one of the wondrous benefits of the ability to be involved in a world-wide learning community like the K12 Online Conference. That conference with its live discussion components was an effective demonstration of the quote by Roszak. I believe that Roszak fears this cultural change, but as an educator, I can see how the ability to interact with anyone on the planet opens the door to unlimited potential for learning, creativity, and bridge-building. I was so encouraged by Wes Fryer’s comments about our presentation, Cultivating Digital Educators. It’s very affirming to know that your voice has been heard and validated! Thanks, Wes! […]

By: Moving at the Speed of Creativity » Blog Archive » Feedback on “Cultivating Digital Educators”

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 19:05:55 +0000

[…] Frieda Foxworth, Ron Bosch, and John Geanangel collaborated to present the session on “Cultivating Digital Educators” for K-12 Online 2006 in the Overcoming Obstacles strand. I was able to watch and reflect on their excellent presentation this afternoon as I flew from Dallas to Los Angeles enroute to a conference, and I really enjoyed their presentation. I have uploaded some video feedback for them to YouTube as well. […]

By: Dean Shareski

Dean Shareski — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 05:58:35 +0000

Thank you for telling your story. Your panel conversation approach worked well and you also portray how an entire school can move towards effective classroom practice.

Freida, feel free to contact me about connecting with a grade 5 class….I can put you in touch with some classrooms that may be interested in collaboration.