Technology Sandbox

Have you ever drooled over a library?  I just did and this saliva inducing hotbed of information exists a mere hour up the road at NC State University in Raleigh, NC.  The new Technology Sandbox is a place that should serve as a model for not only higher education but K-12 students, faculty and administrators.  I am truly excited about how this place of learning will impact not only North Carolina but the nation.  Take a look at the video and be amazed.

Week 4 - Publishing_Leadership Final Post

I have selected to submit my research to the North Carolina Technology In Education Society 2012 Conference.  My research details a program still in its infancy in North Carolina Public Schools so the timeliness of sharing my research in how Learning Management Systems increase test scores, engagement and collaboration is information that is beneficial to technology educators.

Thinking Out Loud #1
Thinking Out Loud #2
PowerPoint Presentation

Week 4 - Free Choice

“Technology is more than a tool, it’s an essential component of everyday life that frames their world view.”  Is there any wonder why our students dread some classes but look forward to the teachers using SmartBoards, Mobi, and Web 2.0 technologies?  Students are engaged when they are able to integrate tools used in their personal lives in the classroom.  The “gotcha” moment of my lesson plans are when I am able to connect the reasons behind learning a particular objective to students’ lives.  If this is the moment of connection, why aren’t more teachers welcoming cell phones, iPods, video cameras and more into the classroom?  We are teaching the digital generation but the bulk of educators do no more than turn on an overhead projector and lecture their students on the lesson of the day.  It’s time we start teaching in their world instead of the world we were raised in.

Week 4 - Publishing_Leadership Project part 2

The Moodle operating system is an open source software package similar to Blackboard, Schoology and FSO.  The program is still gaining popularity in North Carolina, especially in the public school system.  The North Carolina Technology in Education Society (NCTIES) appeals to North Carolina K-12 technology educators. As one of the aforementioned educators, Moodle has become a large part of my personal and professional life as I prepared for my Action Research project, attended the training, trained others and taught students how to utilize the Learning Management Software (LMS).  The 2012 conference theme is all about learning and teaching in the digital age.  LMS programs such as Moodle is one of the greatest vehicles for “Engaging Generation Now”. The ability to present my research findings on how to use Moodle to increase engagement and standardized test scores is the perfect workshop for the upcoming conference.  According the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, Moodle is not only being used to instruct students, but teachers are now using the LMS for professional development.  This development ensures that a presentation on Moodle is timely and very necessary as traditional classrooms move toward a blended/hybrid format.



Week 4 - Response to D. Thai

Dien states: Chapter 11. Creating Frameworks for Possibility: How do I take this flash of insight and make it into daily thing? And how do I share this with others? Good questions. I would agree with the book that vision is the key of creating framework for possibility. If I'm going to be a leader, I need to set up a clear vision not only for myself but for my team to vividly see the vision for our team goal and commitment. By establishing a vision, the team will be inspired to create more cool ideas and ways to accomplish the task. Not just being a leader, I think by having a vision of what I want to do in my daily life will help me to more a decisive maker and thinker.

My response: You are correct, it is important to establish a daily vision but sometimes the vision is tainted in education by the constant bombardment to increase test scores, maintain order in the classroom and constantly trying to deliver innovative lessons.  There was a time in education when teams planned together instead of meeting to discuss the latest academic dilemma.  I want to reestablish that vision beyond the confines of our cohort.  Perhaps sharing the Art of Possibility with my colleagues is a good start.