2020 Schools » Collaborative Work

WEB 2.0 Tools

steven3985 — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:57:48 +0000

Web 2.o tools are changing the world. If you didn’t believe that we live in a digital world the short video below will demonstrate that you may already be using Web 2.0 tools and not even know it. Many of the networking tools Wiki’s, Blogs social networking services such as Twitter and Second Life are connecting the world in ways never thought of 24/7. Time zones and location are no longer barriers for sharing digital media. Sites like De’lic’ous and Pageflake let you access your bookmarks for favorite sites wherever your are. GOOGLE Reader and RSS feeds let you be updated on news and information that you are interested in automatically 24/7. WEB 2.0 good or bad allows us to live our lives in real time. The video below reminds us that we are using our machines to make all this possible; or is the machine using us? You decide.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gmP4nk0EOE

2020 Schools, Active and Engaged Learning, Collaborative Work

steven3985 — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 16:52:21 +0000

A few weeks ago I told you about a project that is taking place at a school called IIT High School. It is one of the four schools that are located in what was once known as Edison Tech in Rochester, New York. Students there have been working on a project that will result in the publication of a book about two local historical figures, Frederick Douglas and Susan B. Anthony. The project has been able to garner support from the Mayor and our County Executive. There are many adults working in the background to run interference on the project but it has been been totally student driven. It has fostered collaboration and engagement with all the constituencies involved. Thus far it has had amazing results. At the most recent update students rolled out a draft of the text and illustrations. The students are now making decisions on how the book will be published. The collaboration between students, teachers, elected leaders and the public is amazing. Adults are getting ready to solicit donations to get the book published. If all goes well, the book will be distributed to all 3rd graders in Monroe County this spring. Plans are in the works to give the book a library code (ISBN) so it can become part of libraries across the country. After the initial publication there are plans to make the book available on demand on Amazon. This project has so much positive energy I hope it can be replicated by others.

The More Things Change The More They Stay The Same

steven3985 — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:06:57 +0000

Over 68 years ago educators were grappling with the same issues we are working on today. How to engage students in learning, make learning relevant, how to work collaboratively and be open to change. I’m sure that the video below was out on the edge for it’s time. You can easily substitute some of the issues we are grappling with today. The difference is the world is changing far more quickly due to the technologies available to us. We will need to harness those technologies to create the schools of the future. Our students are ready and we must rise to the challenge.We must not be afraid of change or new ideas, they are our future.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opXKmwg8VQM

WIKI’s What A Great Way to Collaborate and Discuss

steven3985 — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 16:42:41 +0000

Hey! I’m not the youngest kid on the block but this year I have learned the power of WIKI’s and how they can help to create dialog and collaboration between people. WIKI’s in our school district have helped to get input, energize projects and move agenda’s forward. It allows everyone to come to the table with their ideas. It is one of the many tools at our disposal in this digital age. I thought this short video clip would be helpful to explain the project to any neophytes out there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dnL00TdmLY&feature=related

Thinking Differently Is Okay. Collaborate

steven3985 — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 20:22:00 +0000

There are so many ways to learn and we all learn differently. That is the beauty of education. The key is to listen and learn from each other. The clip below demonstrates that collaboration does not always mean being right but to listen and process input from divergent views. There are so many different ways to look at a problem. The most important message is to keep thinking and listening. In the real world we all work collaboratively to solve complex problems, everyone needs to be heard and understood. Collaboration is a wonderful skill that we use throughout our instructional program. It is truly a skill that we all need to use in the 21st century. What do you think?

http://www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=93b89d8fbee5667d077f

60 Second Tech Moments

steven3985 — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 14:36:13 +0000

Download Video: Posted by BCSD2020 at TeacherTube.com.

Having technology is a blessing and a curse. Actually, more of a blessing. The curse is the equipment is capable of doing so many things for us yet we seldom have enough time to learn all of the nuances. For some ideas the learning curve is steep and will take time. But, there are many little quick tech secrets that we sometimes overlook or are not aware of. Phil O. has put together a number of 60 Sec Tech moments to share the little secrets behind the hardware and software that we sometimes miss. What do you think of the concept? Do you think it makes a difference? Click on the link below and see what you think.

:60 Sec Tech Tip: Importing Microsoft Word into Notebook

NYS Distance Learning and Video Conferencing Workshop

steven3985 — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:57:49 +0000

Was lucky enough to participate in a two day NYS Distance Learning Workshop at Monroe BOCES I. The event, people and technology were incredible. The power of collaborating with eight sites across the state was as comfortable as talking to people across the room. So many good ideas were presented and built upon. A real foundation was laid for work in the future. Students talking to students and educators talking to educators is powerful. We were able to see programs that connected students with countries around the world talking about common issues in real time. We witnessed an example of something called a “Poetry Slam” and went on a number of “Mystery Quests.” The real benefit of these two days was the energy and commitment at all the sites to use technology to further flatten the world to help students learn.

Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglas Publishing Project

steven3985 — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 16:39:37 +0000

Have been lucky to attend several meetings on a unique project taking place at Edison Tech. High School in Rochester, NY. Students at Elementary School 17 partnered with students at Edison Tech. High School to produce a book on Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglas two famous persons from local history. The project is engaging because of the level of student and community involvement with the project. Students at both schools are doing the bulk of the work. Very engaging. The collaboration on this project is exemplary. It involves all levels of the school community. The intent is to distribute a copy of the book to all 3rd graders in Monroe County. A great project that will touch many children and persons.