Lagniappe for Learning

It was one of those weeks…pretty ordinary with its share of highs and lows – and yet, worthy of reflection (isn’t everything really?)

• one of the high school students made me laugh when he said to me, “…you make me think!” in a light conversation after school – seems I habitually challenge him to engage those brain cells even though he is no longer in the classroom! What a concept – learning anytime, anywhere! And it led to further discussion about learning how to learn! smiles…

• our Principal, Jeanette Johnson, scheduled an early release day inservice with the theme of Personal Learning Networks and required ‘homework’ via a Google Doc (thereby necessitating Google accounts/gmail – a challenge for our limited wireless IP address with 40 some simultaneous account requests). She also demonstrated twitter and the power of her own PLN after a view and discussion of A Vision of Students Today. What an innovative Principal – we’ll keep her!

• considerable work was accomplished on launching our online programs this week – between the work with FATDEC (Florida Adult and Technical Distance Education Consortium) and piloting Angel, there’s a lot of learning going on…and much more to come!

• two web 2.0 sites are now educator-friendly with ‘no ads’! The social networking site, Ning, is now offering ad-free Ning sites when using for student-based projects. My request to remove advertising from the Mustang Book Club Ning (private at this point) was handled professionally, immediately, and with kindness! As Vicki Davis said on her CoolCatTeacher blog, “Companies who understand education know that the students will be creating their own spaces now or later and that they will benefit.” The wiki, Wet Paint, is also going ad-free for educators, according to Jason Welker on U Tech Tips ! I set up a Wet Paint wiki a couple of years ago (since abandoned), but ended up using other software – not necessarily because of the ads, but habit, I guess! Looks like Wet Paint might be worth another look! More importantly, it demonstrates the commitment of businesses (at least a few) to help educators impact 21st century learners – so educational institutions: are you up for the challenge, as well?

• today I was able to tune into a couple of Ustream presentations at the Tech Forum in Austin, Texas! The ability to not only chat, but tweet during Wes Fryer’s keynote was almost like being there! An extra special thanks to Carolyn Foote for keeping the pipeline open (especially during my early obstacles related to bandwidth and filtering system) via @technolibrary! Though I didn’t capture all, I was especially moved by Wes’ emphasis on becoming a catalyst – precipitating, accelerating change. Need to go back and review/rehash my thoughts on change theory, as that is a key!

Yes, just another ordinary week full of extraordinary experiences in my world of living and learning!

Photo credits to MisterBisson and bhermans on Flickr

Technorati Tags: TechForum07, wikis, social networking, twitter, innovation, PLN

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