2009 K-12 Online Conference Video Podcast Channel

Inside the Global Collaborative Debate: Eracism by Vicki Davis, Bernajean Porter, Julie Lindsay, Kim Caise

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 06:03:00 -0600

This presentation will center around the Eracism Project (the newest Flat Classroom Project), which was proposed by students at the 2009 Conference and will be an international middle school debate project held in September – December 2009, planned and conducted entirely by students. This presentation will have two phases: 1) An enhanced podcast or full video presentation with Vicki Davis, Julie Lindsay, Bernajean Porter, and Peggy Sheehy discussing the practical pedagogy and outcomes of connecting students globally in a way that begins with the objective and ends with the selection of appropriate technology tools for the task, centering around this particular project as the example, but also including other projects planned by each presenter. This will be a 20 minute presentation. 2) The culmination of the Eracism project, which will have preliminary debates hosted on voicethread will provide K12 online participants a venue to observe students in their final virtual world debate competition, but with k12 online participants allowed to observe and reflect in real time using a private backchannel. This will be the culmination of the Eracism project. 3) Student voicethreads used as part of the debate will be provided for participant viewing.

Steal This Preso! Copyrights, Fair Use, and Pirates in the Classroom by Mathew Needleman

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 06:02:00 -0600

Myths and realities of copyrights as they relate to multimedia projects in the classroom with Mathew Needleman.

Googlios: A 21st – Century Approach to Teaching, Learning, & Assessment by G. Alex Ambrose

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 06:01:00 -0600

As the first decade of the 21st century comes to end and blogs, wikis, and podcasts have become more mainstream, it is important that educators step back to see how we, as professionals, are best using these tools to serve our students’ learning needs. If these modern technologies are going to be sustained in contemporary pedagogy, it is time that we “kick it up a notch” and tie these tools to both a higher theme and to learning theories. In other words, rather than using technology for technology’s sake, we need to rest on a new 21st-century foundation of teaching, learning, and assessment theory. Through a screencast, webcam, and Power Point video, “Googlios” offers not simply a “how to” but a “why to;” it introduces a model of how one educator has come to understand and organize these tools to support a 21st-century constructivist and connectivist approach to “bridge the divide” in educating our digital natives. More specifically, this presentation will shed light on a model that demonstrates relationships between emerging tools and learning theories and between Personal Learning Environments (PLEs), Personal Learning Networks (PLNs), and ePortfolios. By using Google Sites as a main dashboard that “mashes up” multiple Google Apps like Blogger, Youtube, Google Reader, Google Maps, Google Docs, and iGoogle into an ePortfolio, students can build and organize their own Personal Learning Environment (PLE) simultaneously with “building bridges” through their Personal Learning Network (PLN)–all while supporting e-portfolio authentic assessment. One last word of caution: “Googlios: A 21st-Century Approach to Teaching, Learning, and Assessment” seeks to ignite an educational renaissance.

Remixing History: The Cigar Box Project by Neil Stephenson

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 06:00:00 -0600

Neil Stephenson believes in the power of technology to bring the past into the future. Empowered with 21st century tools, Stephenson’s Grade 7 students reinterpret events from five periods that have shaped Canada’s current historical landscape. Called the Cigar Box Project, Stephenson’s students collect and analyze historical images and artifacts, and then use graphic design principles to digitally assemble new cigar panels, each one revealing a unique, visual perspective of an historical event or time from Canada’s past. At the end of the year, students physically build their wooden Cigar Boxes, creating their own historical artifact that pulls together the story of our country. Along the way, students encounter a variety of assessment practices, create mini-documentaries about their artifacts and meet a number of experts who support their historical learning.

Ways of Working by Chris Betcher

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 06:04:00 -0600

This presentation explores a range of ideas that teachers could use to make a real-world task richer and more meaningful for their students. Using a large public art event as the focus, it looks at a number of ideas for enriching student learning with technology… ideas that could be modified and applied to nearly any learning context.

Thinking Outside the Box – Skateboard by Keith Kelley

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 06:03:00 -0600

How do you build a hands on program that students like? I explain the process and steps to my skateboard program. I show actually video and pictures of students using the tools, designing, painting and building their skateboard.

Creative competitions In Plastica and Lenguajes visual of 4 ESO (16 years) by Josu Garro

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 06:02:00 -0600

Creative competitions In Plastica and Lenguajes visual of 4 ESO ( 16 years ) Competencias creativas de Plastica y Lenguaje visual con alumnos de 16 años, todo un proceso de aprendizaje/enseñanza utilizando una Wiki como esqueleto del curso. Buscar la implicación y creatividad del alumno y alumna de 16 años con problemas de autoestima y trabajo de aula.

Using computer games as a context for learning and social interaction by Ollie Bray

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 06:01:00 -0600

After a brief introduction Ollie Bray describes the use of commercially available computer games in the classroom. In particular he focuses on why the use of games are appropriate for learning and teaching. He then goes on to describe an innovative project that was piloted in is own schools learning community that uses the game Guitar Hero as a contextual hub for learning and to help children make the transition between primary school to secondary school (elementary school to high school). The project has now been adopted in various forms in schools all across Scotland and further afield.

Richard Beach's keynote presentation in the KICKING IT UP A NOTCH strand of the 2009 K-12 Online Conference

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 06:00:00 -0600

This presentation describes the use of a free video annotation tool, VideoAnt, for providing specific, targeted feedback to students’ video productions. It contains a tutorial on using VideoAnt and then illustrates the use of VideoAnt to make comments on some high school students’ video production, followed by a teacher and student discussing the value of receiving this feedback.

Alrededor del Mundo con Skype by Silvia Rosenthal Tolisano

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 06:06:00 -0600

¿Listos para empezar a usar Skype en las escuelas? – ¿Qué clase de hardware y software van a necesitar? Instrucciones, paso a paso, como preparar su primera llamada. ¿Cómo encontrar proyectos para participar, enlaces y recursos. ¿Cómo encontrar y conectar con más aulas? En esta presentación van a escuchar consejos en cómo preparar a sus estudiantes para una conexión de Skype exitosa, ayudarles a aprender, documentar y a reflexionar…

Around the World with Skype by Silvia Rosenthal Tolisano

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 06:05:00 -0600

Are you ready to get started with Skype? In this presentation you will see and hear what kind of hardware and software you will need, get step by step instructions to set up for your first call. Find out strategies and discover projects to join as well as links and resources how to find and contact more partners. You will hear advice from real teachers on how to prepare your class for successful Skype connections, help your students learn, document, reflect, and many more ideas how to open up your classroom to the world.

Living History – Authentic Learning Empowered By Digital Technology by Jane Ross

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 06:04:00 -0600

Jane Ross is an Apple Distinguished Educator and has recently graduated from a Masters in Education (Ed Tech) which she did entirely online from Australia. Jane is the Digital Technologies Specialist for Sinarmas World Academy in Indonesia. She is a regular presenter in Indonesia, often presenting in Indonesian which is her second language.

Nurturing the 21st Century History Teacher by Tom Daccord

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 06:03:00 -0600

Emerging technologies, a globalized world, and fiscal restraints demand innovative approaches to education. This session explores new research about 21st century teaching strategies and professional development and shares models, resources, and examples to help social studies teachers effectively integrate technology and address needed skills.

Parallel Play or Collaboration–Leveraging the Wiki Platform for High Quality Work by Paula White

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 06:02:00 -0600

This presentation will help participants think about the differences between a project that is a glorified drop box or parallel play and one that truly involves students in authentic work which is purposeful, personally meaningful and engaging and that meets a need in the world today.

Thriving in a Collaborative Web 2.0 Classroom: The “Great Debate” and “Student News Action Network” by Tom Daccord

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 06:01:00 -0600

This video highlights innovative educational uses of the “Read-Write” Web and shows how humanities teachers use Web 2.0 to empower students and facilitate creative and meaningful learning opportunities. The session includes a conceptual framework for “e-learning 2.0,” and showcases existing classroom projects that incorporate Web 2.0 in learning.

Engaging Our Youngest Minds by Angela Maiers

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 06:00:00 -0600

Do you recognize the “wow” of your students? Are we cultivating such passion? Angela shares a story of a young learner and the habits necessary to ignite such a wow in students.

Digital Writers’ Workshop by Jackie Gerstein

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 06:05:00 -0600

This K12 Online Conference presentation describes the writers’ workshop conducted with a group of upper elementary students. The focus was on the process of writing combining hands-on and technology activities with a special focus on the engagement of multiple intelligences.

Show and Tell: Exhibit, Reflect, Critique with Blogs by Sarah Sutter

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 06:04:00 -0600

Explore the evolution of blogs in a high school art program, from a class blog to individual blogs to working in a drupal environment with other students. Students used blogs to exhibit work, reflect on their creative process and engage in meaningful critique with their peers. What were the hurdles? How were they addressed? What worked well? What needed to change?Hear one school’s story and see what might work for you.

Blogging and Communicative competences in the EFL by Cristina Arnau Vilà

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 06:03:00 -0600

I am a foreign language teacher in a high school in Berga (Spain). We are using blogs as a tool to learn a foreign language. Here you will find three experiences I have used. I hope you enjoy it.

OpenSim - OpenLearning by Timothy Hart

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 06:02:00 -0600

Opensimulator is open source software for creating 3D virtual worlds. OpenLearning is learning without artificial restrictions. This presentation is about jumping on the open virtual worlds for learning bandwagon and about giving you a start on using them in your classroom. For more information, resources, classroom examples and links, check out my accompanying blog post at edutim.com.

Unlikely Coordinates? Geocaching Across the Curriculum by Beth Ritter-Guth

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 06:01:00 -0600

Can a worldwide scavenger hunt and a GPSr change the way we teach? ABSOLUTELY! This presentation will introduce geocaching and educaching and provide examples and resources to those interested in getting students out of the classroom!

The Heroic Journey Project by Kevin Hodgson

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 06:00:00 -0600

This presentation highlights the use of Google Maps and Google Earth (and Picasa photo)to create a fictional “Heroic Journey” story. The unit is tied to literature (The Odyssey, The Lightning Thief), writing (creating an original story with episodes of adventure) and technology (integrating online tools into the classroom). The presentation includes some sample student work from sixth graders but I encourage you to follow the links to the website where the student journeys are posted.

Comunicacion 2.0 en el aula por Pilar Soro

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 06:04:00 -0600

En el aula de segundo de primaria utilizamos algunos recursos de la web 2.0 para mejorar nuestra comunicación oral y escrita. El microblogging, mensajes con webcam y grabación de audios son alguno de los ejemplos que presento.

For Those Who Want to Rock, Don’t Suppose, Compose! by Carol Broos and Carol Vrotny

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 06:03:00 -0600

Carol Broos and Carol Vrotny, two music teachers discuss the creative process of composing music in the digital age. All links can be found at http://musictechie.pbworks.com

A Peek for a Week – Inside a Kiwi Junior Classroom by Rachel Boyd

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 06:02:00 -0600

Rachel Boyd’s keynote presentation for the “Week in the Classroom” strand of the K12 Online conference. A peek for a week inside a kiwi junior classroom of 6 year olds. Come and see what we get up to in our classroom learning during a week using a variety of online and web2 tools. Please note that due to this presentation also being visual it is best viewed with audio AND visuals in movie format.

Telling the World: Flat Classroom Student Summit by Julie Lindsay

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 06:01:00 -0600

The world is their audience, literally, when high school students embark on a Flat Classroom Project. As a culmination to the 12-14 week global collaborative project students have the opportunity to present their research and findings in real time through a virtual classroom. Guests internationally are invited to attend and ask questions and interact with the students. This experience goes beyond the usual classroom sharing model and promotes awareness of the scope of a global audience, confidence in public speaking and enhanced cultural exchange. This session shares highlights from recent Flat Classroom Student Summits and provides a pedagogical approach that allows safe collaboration and sharing and pushes the limits of classroom experience into a blended 21st century and Web 2.0 model. This session will showcase best student work from the Flat Classroom project and show how students present their research and learning to an international audience. Using a virtual classroom, students from around the world present to their peers and to educators and guests and field questions. The aim of this session is to show how powerful an online learning community is and how Web 2.0 tools can support and enhance the learning experience globally. Participants will be exposed to tools and methods for facilitating this style of online showcase.

BRINGing it OUT a notch by Diego Leal

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 06:00:00 -0600

The amazing innovation we are seeing in many classrooms around the world still has a small impact, when compared to the size of our educational systems. How do we bridge the divides to go bigger? This presentation will explore some divides, from a Colombian perspective, and will propose some ideas that could help in bridging them. La fabulosa innovación que vemos en muchos salones de clase alrededor del mundo todavía tiene un impacto pequeño, en comparación con el tamaño de nuestros sistemas educativos. ¿Cómo creamos puentes para cerrar las brechas y crecer más? Esta presentación explorará algunas brechas, desde una perspectiva colombiana, y propondrá algunas ideas que pueden ayudar a crear puentes para cerrarlas.

Probing the Prospects of Paperless Pedagogy by Jason Neiffer

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:06:04 -0600

After years of lobbying, my high school World Cultures course is now assigned to a computer lab each day during my school year. In this proto-one-to-one environment, I am attempting a largely paperless classroom. Using Moodle, Web 2.0 tools and a mix of liberal computer lab hours and checkout laptops, I have eliminated the paper shuffle from my World Cultures class. I am now three months into my project and ready to report the early results including its impact on my other courses.

21st Century Learning Plato’s Way by Gail Dyer

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 06:03:00 -0600

This presentation provides a snapshot of web 2.0 and games based learning which have been implemented in our school and how we have managed to achieve this across all grades Kindergarten to Year 6. We have been using these technologies for several years but it has only been in this last year that there has been a wholesale uptake of these learning resources. 96% of our students are from non English speaking backgrounds. Many of them arrive at school with impoverished language and life experiences. it is our mission to enrich their vocabulary, turn them on to reading and writing and engage them in the process of becoming critical and creative lifelong learners using technology as the tool.

Building a Web 2.0 Culture by Paul Curtis

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 06:02:00 -0600

Web 2.0 is more than a set of technology tools. It reflects the democratization of information, the power of collaboration and the personalization we hope to find in any school. Taking full advantage of Web 2.0 technology requires more than hardware and software, it requires adopting a Web 2.0 culture. In 1996, New Technology High School in Napa, California opened with a vision of reinventing high school for a new age. At the core of their approach was a culture, curriculum and technology foundation that empowered the student to take more control over their learning and the school. New Tech High is now a national model for school transformation with a network of over 40 21st Century schools based on those principals. Learn the specific strategies and technologies used by the New Technology Network to create a culture that is more student (user) centered in the classroom and encourage collaboration between students, teachers and schools.

Using Web 2.0 Tools to Teach The Outsiders by Drew Buddie

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 06:01:00 -0600

Having been asked to deliver truly cross-curricular ICT to support the Extra English lessons provided for a small group of students, I decioded to use a range of Web 2.0 tools to asist with this. Inspired by the work of Tom Barrett and ‘We Tell Stories’ I decided to create an immersive experience that would help the students have a better understanding of the book. Amongst the tools I used for this were Stupeflix, Google Maps and Google Streetview. The students were able to produce work that was far more involved and detailed than that which they had produced before. As teachers we can be inspired by each other and this presentation is my tribute to this.

Building on Analog Success with 2.0 Technology by Kelley Connolly & Jon Greenberg

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 06:00:00 -0600

This presentation will focus on an established successful 6th grade capstone project called “The Biggest Dig.” In the 5th year of this research project, myself and Jon Greenberg, the Humanities teacher, collaborated to modernize the project using web 2.0 technologies such as wikis and online note taking software. This video includes an overview of the project, review the tools used, how we decided to transition certain project components to web 2.0 tools, student feedback, and finally, a review of the final product and our assessments. The goal of this presentation is to demonstrate that teacher collaboration and sharing of ideas is a fundamental component to enhancing already established curriculum. The idea that you do not have to throw out everything you have done in the analog world to adapt to web 2.0 world is our central theme.

Embracing Web 2.0 for the Administrator by Bill Carozza

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:05:00 -0600

This workshop is part of the K12 Online Conference and is designed for the K-12 administrator looking to dip their toe into Web 2.0.

Moogpal in Action by Chris Fitzgerald Walsh

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:04:00 -0600

What do you get when you cross Moodle with Google Apps with Drupal? Moogpal! This presentation provides a preview of the development work currently underway by New Tech Network of high schools to integrate these free and open source tools to personalize learning, improve communication, and spur collaboration. The video includes an overview of why we chose these tools, their unique characteristics, and shows early mock-ups of how we plan to use them across our nationwide network of 40 high schools

Slippery Rocks & Hard Places: Twelve Bridges and Learning Matters by Dennis Richards

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:03:00 -0600

To begin, I want you to know I created a wiki that expands upon the notions I discuss in this presentation/video. If you find what I say worthy of further reflection, carry your learning beyond the boundaries of the .mov and visit tr.im/bridginggaps. If you wonder what a “well-educated” student will look like in our constantly shifting, interconnected, globalized society; if you want to know what teachers and administrators need to know about teaching and learning in the 21st Century; if you are ready to learn about newer, more effective ways of teaching that engage, challenge and inspire students; this is the session for you. In this video I will present a vision for teaching and learning in the 21st century that is evolving as I explore the intersection of pedagogy and the digital culture. There are twelve critical bridges that span competing conditions I have experienced that we must all acknowledge, experience and understand if we are to move toward the emerging new story of learning.

Bridging History Using Web 2.0 Tools by Robin Beaver and Jean Moore

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:02:00 -0600

This presentation is a joint venture between a classroom teacher, Jean Moore and instructional tech specialist, Robin Beaver. Jean’s 7th grade students study Asia as part of their Social Studies/Literature curriculum. Over the past several years Jean has developed a number of projects involving technology to enrich these units of study. These activities have evolved over time in order to take advantage of the capabilities of new technologies. In this video we share ways in which Web 2.0 tools have helped to transform this unit and the impact this had on student collaboration and learning. Supporting materials include links to resources and activities used by Jean as well as tutorials for two of the tools mentioned.

Keeping Literacy in 21st Century Literacy by Drew Schrader

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:01:00 -0600

In this session I outline the movement towards multiple literacies and 21st century literacies. Within this framework I present concrete strategies and methods for pursing the traditional notion of literacy – reading and writing fluency – in an online context. In particular I hope to show how “think alouds” and other literacy modeling strategies can be enhanced by Web 2.0 technologies like Diigo for social bookmarking and Screentoaster for easy screen capture and content delivery. Part of this enhancement comes from the ability to customize instruction to individual student needs and interests. This presentation is a relatively equal mix of teaching theory, literacy pedagogy, and technology integration.

Google SketchUp Unleashed by Joseph J. Bires

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:00:00 -0600

Learn how to empower students through the use of Google SketchUp.

Whither ePortfolios by Drew Buddie

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:09:00 -0600

A somewhat provocative viewpoint of what constitutes an ‘ePortfolio’ and a very brief cursory overview of the use of one ePortfolio tool that can be integrated within a VLE. The presentation will suggest that ePortfolios are ubiquitous, its just that they are not seen as such. How can non-traditional ePortfolio formats be formalised, accepted and given authority? In fact what IS an ePortfolio?

You Might Be a 21st Century Leader if… by David Wells

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:06:00 -0600

21st Century School Leaders are critical to the success of students and the advancement of technology integration in our schools. But would you know a 21st Century Leader if you saw one? My presentation describes how the standards for good leadership match up with the standards for being a 21st Century Leader.

Digiteens: Digital Citizenship by Digital Teenagers by Vicki Davis and Westwood Schools Students

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:05:00 -0600

Much of digital citizenship education focuses on adults compiling information to share with students, this method provides a framework for students to conduct authentic research with global partners on the aspects of digital citizenship and creation of action projects at their schools. This presentation’s goal is to: 1) demonstrate the efficacy of a project based approach to digital citizenship education, 2) provide insight into teen-mentoring of younger students, 3) effective coaching practices for teachers and educators wishing to encourage a project based learning approach to digital citizenship, 4) an overview of the aspects of digital citizenship salient to teenagers around the world and what they think the message of educators should be to their students, and 5) a concrete experience allowing students who have thoroughly researched this topic to share their thoughts with a global audience and engage in global discussion on this. This is a compilation of student views, research, and beliefs as it relates to digital topics and how these should be taught in schools.

Orientation in Second Life by Alan Hudson, Deborah Butler, Lawal Mohamed

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:03:00 -0600

New users of virtual worlds can find the interfaces and controls of 3D platforms difficult and confusing. Currently in Second life new users initially find their avatars in a space for orientation with other new users and possibly with helpers and guides to assist them. This video looks at different approaches to the design of these areas.

Options for Building Your Teacher Website and Why YOU Should by Cyndi Danner-Kuhn

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:02:00 -0600

Every educator needs to build and maintain his or her own teacher Website. Technology provides teachers with more effective ways to communicate with students, their families, and the community than ever before. This session will help you learn how to use technology to communicate with different audiences through your classroom website. There are endless benefits of a maintaining a classroom Website. A classroom website gives students Resources, Relevance, Connections, Access and Experience. This session will provide links and resources to simple tools that allow any teacher, regardless of technical know-how, to create a live Website for free. The best way is for schools to install and support a tool that allows teachers to create Websites easily, but since many schools are not at that point yet, teachers should given both the encouragement and the freedom to build their own sites. You can make use of some very good tools for building free, live classroom Websites. I may leave out your favorite, so please add yours to the list, or tell us know what tool your school is using and what you like and dislike about it!

If You Host It, They Will Come by Jennifer Wagner

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:01:00 -0600

A chat with Jen Wagner about Online Projects. Ideas of how to start planning your own project. Several projects will be highlighted as “examples” and “possibilities”.

Just a “touch” of leadership – Using the iPod Touch/IPhone in Administration by Andy Crozier & Mike Amante

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:05:00 -0600

Are you using your iPod Touch/iPhone to simply check your email or answer your phone? Did you know that there many other uses of the iPod Touch that can help with some of your professional responsibilities? This presentation will show you apps and success stories from administrators in the field that are using the iPod Touch/iPhone for data collection, organization, creating a mobile office, and personal professional development.

LAN: Learning Is Social by Bryan Hughes

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:04:00 -0600

Bored by status quo professional development and stale in service workshops? Why not throw a party! LAN: Learning Is Social is the story of how North Vancouver School District used the presentations of the K12 Online Conference to breathe new life into professional development. LAN parties can be a powerful vehicle for professional development and change. This presentation defines the concept and shares our experience with the hope that others will be inspired to find creative ways to share the message of the K-12 Online Conference.

Learning Confluence: Where Philosophy Meets Practice in the 21st Century by Julie Lindsay

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:03:00 -0600

Current accepted forms of professional development provide opportunities for small bites and quick-fix solutions but do not encourage immersion, ongoing conversations and collaborative sharing of experiences. Adoption of a learning confluence amongst educators can and will make a difference within a school and extend the learning beyond the immediate environment. Based on recent practice at an international school, a model of teacher engagement and improved pedagogical approach has been developed that leads the way into transformed learning in the classroom. Using a face-to-face meeting format, including expert advisers and a virtual component, educators extended their learning boundaries and embraced constructivism with the purpose of challenging themselves to ‘lean into the sharp edges’ of 21st century education.

Instructional Strategies That Work with Videoconferencing: Increasing Interactivity by Janine Lim

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:02:00 -0600

Videoconferencing can bring the world to your classroom. It allows educators to bridge the divide by bringing experiences to rural students; by engaging conversations and interactions between urban and rural students and by connecting students globally. Whether using desktop videoconferencing or room based videoconferencing, educators can bridge the divide between “dabbling” in videoconferencing to fully integrating with solid classroom instructional strategies.

Using E-Books to Motivate Pupils Writing by Colin Hill

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:01:00 -0600

Rather than sending all pupils work home at the end of the school year, E-books allow teachers to compile collections of work to be displayed on the WWW quite soon after it is completed. Colin Hill presents how he creates E-books, proving to eb a motivation for writing, as learners know that their work is going to be on display.

The iPod Touch in the Classroom by Kern Kelly

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:00:00 -0600

The iPod Touch can function as an important educational tool inside and outside the classroom. With the increased purchases of netbooks this last year, there seems to be a push for schools to put more machines into students hands. At a price point even lower than current netbooks the iPod Touch is a great compliment to any classroom. While many schools still do not allow cell phones, an iPod Touch bridges that gap. Wifi access provides a tremendous opportunity for students and teachers to browse the web, type a response, record audio or calculate a problem. The form factor makes many classroom tasks manageable while the design of the device requires far less technical support than most laptops. The main focus of this presentation is how teachers can accomplish common tasks in the classroom, but also includes how students can use the tool for their own studies. Most of the applications discussed are free or a few dollars. Viewers will learn concrete ways they can use their iPod Touch in the classroom the following day.

Organizational Learning and Technology Collide by Ben Grey

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 06:04:00 -0600

Using Chris Argyris’s theories of learning, this presentation describes how we can better understand the way we make decisions when planning student learning experiences and considering the use of technology. Using Argyris’s Theories of Action show us how we can evaluate our instructional decisions, and exploring Argyris’s theory of single and double loop learning establishes a strong framework that can guide our decisions of when and how to utilize technology in learning.

Self-driven and Classroom-based: Professional Development in the 21st Century by Konrad Glogowski

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 06:03:00 -0600

Based on Guy Claxton’s statement that “schools should become communities of practice where … the ‘elders’ of the community are themselves exemplary learners” (Claxton, 2002), this presentation explores the importance of Classroom-Based Teacher Development and Reflective Practice as essential professional development practices for the 21st century. It suggests that if students today are to benefit from schools where they can acquire the learning dispositions that will allow them to build and transform future societies and address global challenges, teacher professional development must be reconfigured to allow teachers to focus on examining and learning from their own professional contexts. The 21st century demands that teachers investigate their practices on a regular basis, learn to design new approaches, and quickly and effectively respond to the demands of the ever-changing knowledge society. Classrooms must therefore become sites of inquiry where teachers engage in practice that is perpetually experimental.

Little Kids, Big Possibilities by Kelly Hines

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 06:01:00 -0600

Learn about the what’s, how’s and why’s of using web 2.0 tools and social networking with elementary age students to enhance learning and student engagement.

The Wizard of Apps by Joyce Kasman Valenza

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 06:00:26 -0600

In this student-produced keynote, Joyce and the students of Springfield Township High School’s Theatre II class consider which apps are the most critical as they walk the road together.

Going Global: Culture Shock, Convergence and the Future of Education by Kim Cofino

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 06:00:33 -0600

Looking at daily life in foreign lands reveals a colorful spectrum of inspiring metaphors for the shifts we need to make in education. Often what we may find initially chaotic, disorienting and strange in other countries can actually spark new ways of thinking about teaching and learning. Through the voices of teachers and students from around the world, we’ll examine the unique aptitudes which allow successful expats to thrive in any environment. These are exactly the skills that future students and teachers will need to confidently enter the digital, global, converging, collaborative world of tomorrow – wherever they might be physically located.