I’m Not a Techie
Technology Cow via http://goo.gl/XR2MYi In 1976 I went to the University of South Carolina to be a dual Math and Computer Science major. I got my math degree but gave up on computers after spending hours at the card punch machine at late hours on the university’s one computer (that also had to do research and […]
Post NTAC 13 Reflection
The New Tech Network Annual Conference (NTAC) is where I come to recharge my battery, eat a few brains, and fill my sea bag. And everyone looks like these folks to the left: When Day One arrives, each year, I am allowed to take a much-needed break from the hectic pace of teacher trainings and […]
The Ninth Essential Element of PBL
BIE.org I am about to work in my last co-facilitation with the Buck Institute for Education (BIE.org) doing what they call a PBL 101. A basic, 3-day, course in the planning, managing and assessing of a PBL project. Within a project most people can agree that there are certain items that make it successful and […]
A Chance of a Lifetime
Student Photo MNTHS The fact I got to see President Obama was not a given. I’m not teaching at Manor New Tech (MNTHS) any more. Yes, I do a lot with PBL in our district but the fact is I am not a teacher at the school being visited by the President. But Steve Zipkes, […]
Starting PBL at Decker Middle School
http://www.flickr.com/photos/peskylibrary/ This year all of our 6th grade (core) teachers will be teaching with PBL and will be under the New Technology Network (NTN) umbrella. In addition to teaching with PBL, the teachers will be grading with Learning Outcomes based upon “21st Century Skills.” The learning outcomes they will be using are Collaboration, Critical Thinking, […]
New Tech Conference Grand Rapids 2012: A Survival Guide
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ghostofgoldwater/ As we get ready to attend the annual New Tech Conference in Grand Rapids (NTAC 2012). Here are some tips to get ready for the conference and some of my favorite things to do in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This is an update to my New Tech Conference Planning Guide […]
You Want Me To Do What? Creating School Culture.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelkeen/ Last week I sat down and took a serious look at what I need to do between now and the first day of school and I had to pause and shake my head (while saying “holy crap!”) It was one of those days. So, this transition thing – how hard […]
It’s That Time of Year, Again
http://www.flickr.com/photos/us_army_rolling_along/ I had a conversation with a teacher today that was very refreshing and revealing. It seems I’m not alone in feeling like I am giving up on some of my students. The last few years I have really just gotten tired around the first of May and there are some students who […]
Why Are You Trying to be Like Us?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27594459@N04/4569339597/ Too often I hear “Can you teach me how to do PBL?” Or, “I would love to be in a school like your school.” But PBL is not the same in every school. It’s not even the same in every classroom in my school. PBL is a way of teaching that should, […]
Hiring Teachers in the Digital Age
http://www.flickr.com/photos/billselak/ Yesterday and today I was honored to be interviewing candidates for 2 positions at our school. Honored, yes, because in these trying economic times the candidates came to us with incredible resumes. Teacher positions are hard to come by and only the best (or luckiest) are getting hired. Add to that the […]