(Almost) all our content from 2006 to 2017 is archived and available online under a Creative Commons license. Please read this post from June 2018 for more background and updates about our conference and current status.

Category Archives: 2007

2007 Announcements

Congratulations to the Help Desk Committee!

Published by:

Without a doubt, the K12 Online Conference was an enormous success. Tens of thousands of educators from around the world came together to share, learn, and collaborate. As any conference organizer knows, an immense amount of work goes into making an event run smoothly, and the Help Desk committee truly did a phenomenal job of supporting those in need.

Whenever someone needed assistance, the members of the help desk stepped up and lent a hand. Whether it was sunrise in Shanghai or sunset in San Antonio, it seemed at times as though the members of the Help Desk were on call 24/7. From email to Skype, hanging out in the Meebo Chat room or supporting the Fireside Chats, these people dedicated their time to making sure that everyone else was able to enjoy a smooth, seamless conference.

When one of our volunteers had to step down for personal reasons, Jen Wagner was quick to step up. She was always ready to jump in and lend a hand whenever and wherever she was needed. I can’t thank her enough for volunteering her time and energy to make sure people had a positive conference experience.

John Evans and Susan Lister were truly the heart and soul of the Help Desk committee. In addition to the dozens of emails, and countless hours manning the live help desk chat window, the two of them combined for nearly 200 edits to the Help Desk Wiki! They truly went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that everything ran like a well oiled machine. Before the conference even began, John and Susan spent hour after hour brainstorming proactive solutions to problems people hadn’t even experienced, and thanks to their time and efforts, would never encounter. I wish to extend them my own personal thanks, for their dedication was truly inspiring and their efforts heroic.

Congrats to the entire Help Desk Committee on a wonderful conference!

One last note. I just want to also extend heartfelt thanks and congratulations to the conveners of this wonderful event. Darren, Wes, Sheryl and Lani have truly created something magical in the K12 Online Conference, that will keep growing year after year after year. This was truly a wonderful event, that participants won’t soon forget. If most of the attendees are like me, they’ve got enough professional development still queued up to last until 2008! Thanks for putting together one of the best professional development opportunities available, online OR offline.

Steve Dembo
Committee Chair
K12 Online Help Desk 2007

2007-Prof-Learning-Networks

Professional Learning Networks “Online Professional Development”

Published by:

Jeff Utecht
Shanghai, China
Blog: http://www.thethinkingstick.com/ and http://www.utechtips.com/

Bio
Jeff Utecht is an international educator currently working in Shanghai, China. Prior to Shanghai. Jeff has presented at both Administrative conferences and Teacher conferences around Asia and the Far East. Recently he helped to successfully organize the Learning 2.0 conference in Shanghai, China. The first technology conference of its kind in Asia aimed at bringing International schools together around technology.

Bio Page
https://k12online07presenters.wikispaces.com/Jeff+Utecht

Presentation Title
“Online Professional Development”

Description
In the past year we have seen a number of new free web tools used for online professional development. There are tools that can be used in the traditional sense as well as tools that are redefining how we learn in this connected network. In this presentation, we will take a look at some of the free tools that are now available to schools and educators to hold online professional development sessions. We will also push beyond Professional Development in the traditional sense and look at how these new network tools are being used by educators for “Just in Time Learning” and redefining how we learn from each other in a global network.

Presentation
iPod ready
http://k12online.wm.edu/juonlinepd.mp4
Original
http://k12online.wm.edu/juonlinepd_iPod.m4v
Alternate Original (Ed. Note: Same as above, larger file size.)
http://k12online.wm.edu/juonlinepd.mov
Audio only
http://k12online.wm.edu/juonlinepd.mp3

Supporting Links
http://thinkingstick.wikispaces.com/Online+PD

What is “Take My Hand”?
“Take My Hand”

Access Help Desk

[tags]k12online07pn09, k12online07[/tags]

2007-Obstacles-To-Opps

Obstacles to Opportunities “Starting From Scratch: Framing Change for All Stakeholders”

Published by:

Ben Wilkoff
Denver, Co, USA
Blog: http://yongesonne.edublogs.org

Bio
Ben Wilkoff is a 7th/8th grade Language Arts teacher at Cresthill Middle School in Colorado (a Denver suburb). He has been immersed in the world of school 2.0 ever since he started reading Will Richardson’s blog in 2004, and he was recently awarded the Totally Wired Teacher of 2007 award by Edutopia Magazine. Ben has also designed a school 2.0 within a school model called The Academy of Discovery.

Bio Page
https://k12online07presenters.wikispaces.com/Ben+Wilkoff

Presentation Title
“Starting From Scratch: Framing Change for All Stakeholders”

Description
Starting from Scratch tells the story of education transformation. Its point of view is the classroom, with all of its eccentricities and complications. The characters are students, teachers, administrators, and parents, with all of their hopes and fears vying for attention. Its plot shows measured steps down the path of real change. This presentation chronicles one educator’s experience with crafting a voice at the intersection of research, pedagogy, and technology. It outlines a way forward for teachers who recognize the obstacles to opportunity and still want to press on.

Presentation
iPod ready
http://k12online.wm.edu/StaringFromScratch.m4v
Original
http://k12online.wm.edu/StaringFromScratch.mp4
Audio only
http://k12online.wm.edu/StaringFromScratch.mp3

Supporting Links
Academy of Discovery Portal
http://academyofdiscovery.com

Discourse about Discourse Blog
http://yongesonne.edublogs.org

Discourse about Discourse Podcast
http://bhwilkoff.podomatic.com

A screencast on Framing Change for Students
http://tinyurl.com/3alt8a

A screencast on The Academy of Discovery Wiki
http://tinyurl.com/2nprgk

http://k12online.wm.edu/StartingFromScratchCompanion.pdf
http://k12online.wm.edu/AuthenticLearning.pdf
http://k12online.wm.edu/101Resourcesver2.pdf

What is “Take My Hand”?
“Take My Hand”

Access Help Desk

[tags]k12online07oo09, k12online07[/tags]

2007-Prof-Learning-Networks

Professional Learning Networks “EdTechTalk: A Network of Homegrown Webcasters”

Published by:

Alex Ragone
New York, NY, USA
Blog: http://www.learning-blog.org/

Bio
Alex Ragone is the Director of Technology at Collegiate School, a K-12 boys school in New York City. Arvind and Alex host a weekly web radio show at www.edtechtalk.com that explores the intersection of education and technology.

Bio Page
http://www.learning-blog.org/about/

Arvind Grover
New York, NY, USA
Blog: http://21apples.org/

Bio
Arvind S. Grover is the Director of Educational Technology for The Hewitt School, a K-12 girls school in New York City. Arvind and Alex host a weekly web radio show at www.edtechtalk.com that explores the intersection of education and technology.

Bio Page
http://21apples.org/pages/about_21apples

Presentation Title
“EdTechTalk: A Network of Homegrown Webcasters”

Description
We will present the history and development of the EdTechTalk Channel of the Worldbridges Network through screencasts and audio and video interviews of our show hosts. In little over 2 years, the channel has gone from one weekly webcast to eight weekly interactive webcasts using the newest and most interactive web based media. EdTechTalk is a professional learning community that is participatory and open. Goal: The goal of this session is to create a documentary view of the development of the EdTechTalk channel of the Worldbridges network. To share the vision of founders Jeff Lebow and Dave Cormier and the stories of the webcasters on the network. Through this documentation, we hope to inspire more participation and/or parallel learning community work.

Presentation
Audio only
http://k12online.wm.edu/EdTechTalk-K-12-Online.mp3

Supporting Links
http://www.edtechtalk.com/

What is “Take My Hand”?
“Take My Hand”

Access Help Desk

[tags]k12online07pn10, k12online07[/tags]

2007-Obstacles-To-Opps

Obstacles to Opportunities “Creating a Paradigm Shift in Technology”

Published by:

Shawn Nutting
Trussville, AL, USA
Blog: http://www.trussvillecityschools.com/Teachers/Shawn.Nutting/default.aspx

Bio
Shawn, Dir.of Tech. for Trussville City, IT for 20 years. Published in Business Week Online,T.H.E.Journal, AL Best Practice Center’s WorkingToward Excellence, Access Control&Security Systems. Presenter at AETC, T+L, NECC, and SITE. CNS degree from ITT tech. District V rep. to the AETA, state committee child Internet safety, member of SSA, ISTE, and IEEE. In 2007 awarded the Chiquita Marbury award.

Bio Page
https://k12online07presenters.wikispaces.com/Shawn+Nutting

Presentation Title
“Creating a Paradigm Shift in Technology”

Description
What if you worked for a dream system? With a Superintendent & BOE whose focus is technology and professional development. Would it be a utopian and collaborative environment with teachers and students engaged with Web 2.0 tools? Not necessarily. Having open Internet access and a 1:1 computer initiative is not necessarily the key to engagement. A core cultural change must take place where students, teachers, administration and the community support technology in the curriculum. This presentation will share how we overcame many obstacles, created opportunities, and our current obstacles.

Presentation
Original
http://k12online.wm.edu/k12online_2007.mov
Audio only
http://k12online.wm.edu/k1207.mp3

What is “Take My Hand”?
“Take My Hand”

Access Help Desk

[tags]k12online07oo10, k12online07[/tags]

2007-Prof-Learning-Networks

Professional Learning Networks “Changing a System: Network Centric Learning Communities”

Published by:

James Folkestad
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
Blog: http://switchspace.blogspot.com/

Bio
James Folkestad is an Associate Professor at Colorado State University (CSU). He earned his Ph.D. from Texas A&M in Educational Human Resource Development (EHRD) in 1996 and has taught at CSU since 1997. He is currently teaching a course on educational technology within the teacher licensure program and is conducting research on collaboration and collective action.

Bio Page
https://k12online07presenters.wikispaces.com/jamesfolkestad

Presentation Title
“Changing a System: Network Centric Learning Communities”

Description
This podcast will describe how students in a teacher preparation course at Colorado State University are learning to use Web2.0 tools to create and maintain distributed learning communities. The presentation describes how students are sharing knowledge and leveraging the power of collective decision making.

Presentation
Original
http://k12online.wm.edu/ChangingaSystem_Part1.wmv
http://k12online.wm.edu/ChangingaSystem_Part1.mov
http://k12online.wm.edu/ChangingaSystem_Part2.mov
http://k12online.wm.edu/ChangingaSystem_Part3.mov
Audio only
http://k12online.wm.edu/ChangingaSystem_Part1.mp3
http://k12online.wm.edu/ChangingaSystem_Part2.mp3
http://k12online.wm.edu/ChangingaSystem_Part3.mp3

What is “Take My Hand”?
“Take My Hand”

Access Help Desk

[tags]k12online07pn07, k12online07[/tags]

2007-Obstacles-To-Opps

Obstacles to Opportunities “Web 2.0 Share the Adventure”

Published by:

Sylvia Martinez
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Blog: http://blog.genyes.com/

Bio
Sylvia Martinez is president of Generation YES, working to empower students in K-12 schools through digital technology. Sylvia has designed educational games, curriculum, and online experiences for teachers and students. Sylvia speaks and writes on subjects such as the use of technology, simulations and games to enhance educational opportunities and enable youth voice.

Bio Page
https://k12online07presenters.wikispaces.com/Sylvia+Martinez

Presentation Title
“Web 2.0 Share the Adventure”

Description
For many teachers, Web 2.0 tools offer exciting opportunities for students to express themselves and take command of technology that stretches the mind and reaches outside school walls. For some teachers, these tools are like trying to take a drink of water from a fire hose – endlessly expanding into a bewildering array of choices. It’s a daunting task to figure out all the options with Web 2.0 tools and choose the “best” one to introduce to students. But why should you have all the fun!? Share your Learning Adventure 2.0 with your students and you will all benefit from the experience.

Presentation
iPod ready
http://k12online.wm.edu/k12web20withstudentssession2.m4v
Audio only
http://k12online.wm.edu/k12web20withstudents.mp3

What is “Take My Hand”?
“Take My Hand”

Access Help Desk

[tags]k12online07oo07, k12online07[/tags]

2007-Obstacles-To-Opps

Obstacles to Opportunities “Acceptable Use and the Web 2.0”

Published by:

Joseph Bires
Trenton, NJ USA
Blog: http://www.edtechleadership.com/wordpress2/

Bio
Joseph J. Bires is the Supervisor of Technology for the Marlboro Township School District. Prior to Marlboro, he was the technology coordinator for the Manville School District. He possesses over nine years experience as a technology leader and teacher in K-12 education. He earned a masters degree in computers in education with a concentration in technology leadership from Columbia University. He is currently a student in the doctorate program in educational leadership and technology at the University of Delaware.

Bio Page
https://k12online07presenters.wikispaces.com/Joe+Bires

Presentation Title
“Acceptable Use and the Web 2.0″

Description
In this presentation, the participants will discuss how the use of Web 2.0 technologies has challenged and changed the concept of acceptable use. The presenter will suggest ways to balance protecting students, teachers, and schools from the dangers of the Internet, while still integrating Web 2.0 technologies into the K-12 curriculum. Also, philosophical issues of acceptable use will be discussed such as identity and transparency. Finally, practical suggestions will be shared to help every teacher and administrator.

Presentation
Audio only
http://k12online.wm.edu/lbires.mp3

What is “Take My Hand”?
“Take My Hand”

Access Help Desk

[tags]k12online07oo08, k12online07[/tags]

2007-Prof-Learning-Networks

Professional Learning Networks “Expanding Horizons – Engaging the Adult Members of your Community (Teachers, Administrators, and Parents) through the Use of Personal/Professional Learning Networks”

Published by:

Vinnie Vrotny
Winnetka, IL, USA
Blog: http://vvrotny.edublogs.org/

Bio
Vinnie is the Director of Academic Technology at North Shore Country Day School, a JK through 12th grade independent school located north of Chicago, IL, US. As the school’s use of technology has grown, so has Vinnie’s role. Currently as a teacher, his “students” are not only in kindergarten through twelfth grade, but include the adult members of the school community as well.

Bio Page
https://k12online07presenters.wikispaces.com/Vinnie+Vrotny

Presentation Title
“Expanding Horizons – Engaging the Adult Members of your Community (Teachers, Administrators, and Parents) through the Use of Personal/Professional Learning Networks”

Description
This session is going to take participants on a journey consisting of four segments, which are: 1. Creating your own Personal Learning Network (PLN), 2. Motivating Faculty to expand their PLNs; 3. Mentoring Administrators about the value of PLNs and 4. Engaging Parents to construct PLNs. Upon completion, participant will be given the opportunity to begin to expand their own PLN. Keeping the conversation alive beyond the conference, participants will be encouraged to share what has been successful within their own learning networks so that all may benefit.

Presentation
iPod ready
http://k12online.wm.edu/twitter.m4v
http://k12online.wm.edu/connectingtoning.m4v
Original
http://k12online.wm.edu/twitter.wmv
http://k12online.wm.edu/connecttoning2.avi
Audio only
http://k12online.wm.edu/k12talk.mp3
http://k12online.wm.edu/twitter.mp3
http://k12online.wm.edu/connectingtoning.mp3

Supporting Links
http://k12online.wm.edu/Vinnie_Intro.mp3
http://k12online.wm.edu/personallearning.mp3
http://k12online.wm.edu/teachers.mp3
http://k12online.wm.edu/administrators.mp3
http://k12online.wm.edu/parents.mp3
http://k12online.wm.edu/challenge.mp3

What is “Take My Hand”?
“Take My Hand”

Access Help Desk

[tags]k12online07pn08, k12online07[/tags]

2007-Prof-Learning-Networks

Professional Learning Networks “Webcasting for Educators: Expanding the Conversation”

Published by:

Jen Wagner
Corona, CA USA
Blog: http://www.technospud.com/blog/

Bio
Jennifer Wagner: After 17 years as a TechCoordinator, Teacher, Webmaster, etc etc……Jennifer recently has moved into the wonderful world of being a part of the IT/Help Desk at a prviate school in Southern California. Jennifer hosts 7 Online Projects (at Technospud Projects.com) during each school year for the PreK-6th grade teacher.

Bio Page
https://k12online07presenters.wikispaces.com/JenWagner

Cheryl Oakes
Wells, ME USA
Blog: http://www.cheryloakes.com/

Bio
Cheryl Oakes is a Coach for Technology K-12 in the Wells Ogunquit CSD , a member of the Seedlings@bitbybit group, WoW2-Women of Web, a Webhead Class of 2005 and a Webcaster with the Worldbridges.net and Edtechtalk.com networks. Cheryl blogs @ TechLearning.com/blog. You can find her skiing in the snow or kayaking on any available waters in Maine.

Bio Page
https://k12online07presenters.wikispaces.com/Cheryl_Oakes

Vicki Davis
Camilla GA USA
Blog: http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/

Bio
Vicki Davis is an award winning teacher at Westwood Schools in Camilla, Georgia.

Bio Page
https://k12online07presenters.wikispaces.com/Vicki+Davis

Sharon Peters
Montreal, Quebec Canada
Blog: http://www.mtl-peters.net/blog/

Bio
Sharon Peters has been a middle and high school teacher for a variety of subjects and was recently given the position of pedagogical consultant (English Language Arts) with LEARN, a non-profit organization which creates educational resources for the English sector in conjunction with the ministry of education in Québec. Currently Sharon is working mainly with the development of online course curricula for ELA and web-based applications.

Bio Page
https://k12online07presenters.wikispaces.com/Sharon+Peters

Presentation Title
“Webcasting for Educators: Expanding the Conversation”

Description
The “women of web 2.0” have webcasted more than 40 shows covering many topics of relevance to the K-16 educational arena. Using screencasts and video, see how four “ordinary” teachers create a weekly webcast with special guests on topics of relevance to the educational community. We will include snippets of some of our favourite shows and demonstrate the technical and logistical aspects of webcasting. Webcasting has great potential not just for personal learning opportunities for educators, but also for students at almost all levels to broadcast their own shows.

Presentation
iPod ready
http://k12online.wm.edu/wow.mp4
http://k12online.wm.edu/wow_4iphone.3gp
Original
http://k12online.wm.edu/wow_MediumRES.mov
http://k12online.wm.edu/WOW_LowRes_mov.mov
Audio only
http://k12online.wm.edu/wow_finalvideo.mp3

Supporting Links
http://www.edtechtalk.com/
http://www.edtechtalk.com/WomenofWeb2.0
http://www.womenofweb2.com/

What is “Take My Hand”?
“Take My Hand”

Access Help Desk

[tags]k12online07pn05, k12online07[/tags]