Saturday, February 19, 2011

Weekly Podcast: What Can We Learn From Egypt?



For the first time in their history Egyptians are pursuing their own liberty and we all watched as they took a great leap toward true freedom when their president for the past several decades, Hosni Mubarak, stepped down. This followed an uprising in Tunisia that led to the ouster of long-time dictator. Since the removal of Mubarak, uprisings have spread to Bahrain, Libya, Yemen and Iran. Across the Middle East citizens are publicly venting frustration over decades worth of neglect and injustice.

It remains to be seen over an extended period of time what will surface as a result of the revolution in Egypt and elsewhere. However, the short term impact is significant and demands attention. Specifically, what lessons can educators share with students about the revolution in Egypt?


Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Looking Forward to School


Oh to be in elementary school. As the parent of two second grade daughters, I get daily reminders of how much kids enjoy going to school. Just the other day one of the twins shared how she was looking forward to school because it was pottery day. She was actually worried that it might snow and would have to wait another week to be in pottery class. Her emotions were so genuine that it was hard no to feel for her if school was called because of inclement weather.

My daughter’s comment reminded me of a graduate school class I was in. The instructor was a former superintendent of schools. In the midst of a discussion, this former superintendent shared an observation. He claimed that there was a noticeable difference in the level of excitement and enthusiasm between elementary schools and high school. He commented on how elementary school kids sprinted off the bus in the morning wanting to get to school as fast as possible and that elementary students would greet him with a smile and warm hello. This was contrasted by high school students that apathetically lumbered into school. He asked why is this the case and what happens between elementary and high school to alter a love of school.

I understand that there are stark differences between the pressure and stress levels associated with a high school. I also understand that expecting anyone to skip off the bus at 7:20am is bit much. However, I wonder how my daughter’s love of pottery translates as she moves from elementary to middle to high school? Both of my second graders show an interest in the arts. They love to draw and paint. They, along with their four year old sister, will grab my iPad and spend time sketching on Doodle Buddy. One of the twins is passionate about shooting video and taking pictures. For her last birthday she received a camera. She often takes her camera along on family outings or can be found snapping picture of our dog.

The question to consider is how or even if schools are structured to nurture these interests? I could see that under a more traditional system that the appreciation for school my daughters currently exhibit could dissipate as their “unique” interests become marginalized under core curricular requirements.

Hopefully, school will be a place to nurture and privilege interests that develop when kids are commencing the K-12 journey. I believe the excitement exhibited by my kids over pottery, art, science and history stems from the positive feelings derived from learning something new. This is what school is about- the chance to learn something new, expand one’s horizons and be introduced to new ideas and perspectives. Above all, school should be a place where a student can follow their passions and interests.

For my kids sake I look to a future in which my daughter’s love of pottery or photography has a prominent place in our schools.


*Image- nydailynews.com

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

An Amazing Time



I had the good fortune of attending a panel discussion last night in New York City. The discussion, Disrupting Education Through Social Media and Technology, focused on how social media and new technologies are impacting the way we learn and shaking up traditional education as we know it. The event was held as part Social Media Week. Panelists shared their views regarding the transformative powers of social media as well as expressed opinions about how technology forces a change in educational paradigms.

At a point during the two hour conversation, one of the panel members, Will Richardson, said that it is an amazing time to be a learner. I have heard Mr. Richardson say this before. However, having heard it in person and in the context a session about shifting paradigms, the point resonated to where I have been reflecting upon its meaning since the discussion ended. Not to sound simple, but it is an amazing time to be a learner.

I am moved to compare what is was like when I went to school to the potential that exists in our schools and classrooms today. There really is no comparison. What students have access to and the various pathways in which understanding can be presented far surpasses the industrial model of education that governed schooling for my generation. Was there such a thing as a global classroom in a world where access and connectivity was compromised or nonexistent? Consider how free tools such as Skype can change the dyanmic of a learning engagement by directly streaming expertise into the classroom. The same holds true for students who can access streams of information through following or developing consistent exchanges with someone on Facebook or Twitter. What is true for students is also true for teachers. In the digital age we are all learners.

I just wonder why some may not see this as an amazing time to be a learner. As opposed to embracing possibility, there is apprehension towards rethinking about education in this country. To a certain extent, it is funny. There are pockets of progressive education. Some schools have successfully transformed the culture and climate to support new models of instruction. Within schools there are pockets of educators who are re-envisioning the classroom dynamic and what should be privileged. However, extending these ideas across a school, district or nationally becomes problematic.

I just wonder what it will take for people to see that this is an amazing time for learners?


I had the good fortune of attending a panel discussion last night in New York City. The discussion, Disrupting Education Through Social Media and Technology, focused on how social media and new technologies are impacting the way we learn and shaking up traditional education as we know it. The event was held as part Social Media Week. Panelists shared their views regarding the transformative powers of social media as well as expressed opinions about how technology forces a change in educational paradigms.

At a point during the two hour conversation, one of the panel members, Will Richardson, said that it is an amazing time to be a learner. I have heard Mr. Richardson say this before. However, having heard it in person and in the context a session about shifting paradigms, the point resonated to where I have been reflecting upon its meaning since the discussion ended. Not to sound simple, but it is an amazing time to be a learner.

I am moved to compare what is was like when I went to school to the potential that exists in our schools and classrooms today. There really is no comparison. What students have access to and the various pathways in which understanding can be presented far surpasses the industrial model of education that governed schooling for my generation. Was there such a thing as a global classroom in a world where access and connectivity was compromised or nonexistent? Consider how free tools such as Skype can change the dyanmic of a learning engagement by directly streaming expertise into the classroom. The same holds true for students who can access streams of information through following or developing consistent exchanges with someone on Facebook or Twitter. What is true for students is also true for teachers. In the digital age we are all learners.

I just wonder why some may not see this as an amazing time to be a learner. As opposed to embracing possibility, there is apprehension towards rethinking about education in this country. To a certain extent, it is funny. There are pockets of progressive education. Some schools have successfully transformed the culture and climate to support new models of instruction. Within schools there are pockets of educators who are re-envisioning the classroom dynamic and what should be privileged. However, extending these ideas across a school, district or nationally becomes problematic.

I just wonder what it will take for people to see that this is an amazing time for learners?

I had the good fortune of attending a panel discussion last night in New York City. The discussion, Disrupting Education Through Social Media and Technology, focused on how social media and new technologies are impacting the way we learn and shaking up traditional education as we know it. The event was held as part Social Media Week. Panelists shared their views regarding the transformative powers of social media as well as expressed opinions about how technology forces a change in educational paradigms.

At a point during the two hour conversation, one of the panel members, Will Richardson, said that it is an amazing time to be a learner. I have heard Mr. Richardson say this before. However, having heard it in person and in the context a session about shifting paradigms, the point resonated to where I have been reflecting upon its meaning since the discussion ended. Not to sound simple, but it is an amazing time to be a learner.

I am moved to compare what is was like when I went to school to the potential that exists in our schools and classrooms today. There really is no comparison. What students have access to and the various pathways in which understanding can be presented far surpasses the industrial model of education that governed schooling for my generation. Was there such a thing as a global classroom in a world where access and connectivity was compromised or nonexistent? Consider how free tools such as Skype can change the dyanmic of a learning engagement by directly streaming expertise into the classroom. The same holds true for students who can access streams of information through following or developing consistent exchanges with someone on Facebook or Twitter. What is true for students is also true for teachers. In the digital age we are all learners.

I just wonder why some may not see this as an amazing time to be a learner. As opposed to embracing possibility, there is apprehension towards rethinking about education in this country. To a certain extent, it is funny. There are pockets of progressive education. Some schools have successfully transformed the culture and climate to support new models of instruction. Within schools there are pockets of educators who are re-envisioning the classroom dynamic and what should be privileged. However, extending these ideas across a school, district or nationally becomes problematic.

I just wonder what it will take for people to see that this is an amazing time for learners?

Monday, February 7, 2011

The Expanding Role of Social Media- What are we doing about it?


How are classrooms responding to the expanding use of social media? Demonstrations in Egypt further highlights the significance of social media in disseminating and sharing information. An article posted by CNN, suggests the following:

Are we in the age of internet revolutions -- where Facebook, Twitter and text messages are essential ingredients in democratic change?

Or, as the ongoing protests in Egypt perhaps show, is the internet only one tool in this process -- nothing more than the modern version of the telephone?

As violent demonstrations continue on the streets of Egypt -- where many are upset with the results of Hosni Mubarak's 30 years in power -- tech pundits and bloggers are trying to sort out the internet's role in the situation.

What does a social media rich classroom look like? As always your thoughts are appreciated.






Sunday, February 6, 2011

Culture Change

Next installment of my close to weekly podcast series. Are we in the midst of changing some cultural norms? How do you move all stakeholders to a position to rethink about education and what it means to establish a rigorous and challenging academic environment.

Your thoughts are always appreciated.