Creating Successful Digital Learning Environments

March 2nd, 2010

I’m attending the Apple Leadership Conference in OKC. I’m hoping to post some of my thoughts on the Keynote Speaker - Dr. Milt Dougherty. He has been very engaging and informative on his thoughts on 21st Century Skills. Check back later for my notes on his presentation.

Kent Brooks OTA Session: Unplugging from the Commercial Software Grid: Software for Starving Students

February 10th, 2010

My Notes from Kent Brooks Session:

Disruptive Innovation

What is disruptive innovation?

Newspaper media is finding itself left behind the times and many papers are closing business. http://newspaperdeathwatch.com
What are the reasons for this?
*Not fast enough
*Not up to date
*Not dynamic

We need to think about true disruptive innovation.

Where do you go when you want to learn?
*Google
*PLN

What is free and what is open source? There is a difference.

Moodle is a great aggregator and a great place to start.

Not all free is open source:
*Google Apps for Education
*Google Video
*You Tube

What is Open Source?
A definition of software that includes freely available access to source code, redistribution, modification and derived works
http://opensource.org

What is the Cost on Open Source?
There are still the coast of training, support and maintenance.
Free of “Vendor churn” - must upgrade or pay for latest version to gain functionality.

What are the HAZARDS of open source?
No more hazard than a marketed product.

Have you ever purchased a pay product simply to call an unmanned or knowledgeable support system? (help desk)
Often Open Source has a pool of people that have used the product and will serve as an online help desk for that product.

Where and How do I begin?
http://free.wosc.edu

Unlike some of the other software programs you have, you are free to make copies of these programs, or even the whole disc, and give them away to anyone you like — in fact, we encourage you to share!

Foxit Reader vs. Adobe Acrobat
Open Office on your home computer
Open Content

Open Content http://www.oercommons.org/
OER Commons http://www.oercommons.org/
Distance Learning Portal http://www.open.ac.uk/
Curriki www.curriki.com
Wikibooks http://www.wikibooks.org

Keep thinking about “doing it different.”

Road Trip to Omaha

February 9th, 2010

I’m in Omaha Nebraska visiting Westside Public Schools. They are famous for their 1:1 model. I’ve been impressed with many aspects of their program most of all I’m in awe of their dynamic schedule. They have such a flexible school day that really supports differenciated instruction.

Students are NOT the Enemy!

November 7th, 2009

This is a conference session by a security software vendor to add fear in the hearts and minds of our education systems. Check out the blurb they submitted. http://nyscate.wikispaces.com/2009+1-Hour+Sessions It’s been all the buzz among the educational bloggers. Check out a few of those leaders and their responses to such a horrible statement.

Sylvia Martinez - Generation YES Blog
Scot McLoud’s Blog - Mind Dump
Posted responses on conference site

Great Technology Advancements

November 6th, 2009

I’m posting my first blog entry from my iPhone WordPress App. I’ve had my little app for quite some time but tonight is the first time to post. How can people ignore the amazing technology landscape? Imagine what our kids will do?

Guest Blogger

July 17th, 2009

I did a guest blogger spot for Wes Fryer’s blog Moving at the Speed of Creativity. Check out my post and don’t forget to post a comment. I love feedback.

1:1 Teaching & Learning Session, OK SDE Leadership Conference

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Drews’ Haircut

June 10th, 2009

Drew finally agreed to get his High School Musical shag hairdo cut at SportsClips.  The boy loves the MVP…check out the process and the new phohawk.

Why so long?

June 3rd, 2009

It’s been way to long since I posted that I’m sure some of you thought I was dead. I assure you, I’m not dead…however, for a few days this last month I was VERY SICK. Between the millions of things to do with at work and at home I wasn’t able to keep everyone updated. I can’t wait to get back into the groove.

Creativity and Collaboration

May 3rd, 2009

I have been thinking a lot about creativity and collaboration and how powerful those two elements can be when combined together.  I remember several months back when my kids, working alone, decided to recreate a very familiar story.  I totally recognize that it isn’t going to win an Academy Award but it goes to the heart of being creative and collaborating.  It wasn’t a long drawn out project but it was great to see them working on a common project.  They thought they were playing together…I recognize they were working on a common mission.   They planned the project, staged pictures, wrote scripts and assembled the product.  I think if we can encourage our kids to continue to be creative and work collaboratively, our kids will be so much more prepared for their future and the workforce.   

Check out their voicethread…Can you guess the story inspiration?

Drew’s Third Book Review V-Cast

April 2nd, 2009

Thanks for all the positive comments that everyone has provided Drew on his v-cast book reviews.  He spends lot of time thinking and planning his online communication and I can’t help but think of all the great skills he is aquiring. 

deadhouse-bookToday’s review covers one of his favorite series, Goosebumps by R L Stein.  The book he is reviewing is “Welcome to Dead House.”  A must read if you want to get really creeped out.   Andrew also takes the opportunity to let everyone know that I might not look like the smartest person in the world but I’m a fantastic mom.  Just my little guys quick witted way of saying I ROCK.  Where does that kid get his sense of humor?  *wink*