DIG-ging diigo...

There has been a lot of talk in the last 24 hours about Diigo....ok perhaps I did a little nudging...:) I have to admit, while I am one who is always willing to try something new, I prefer the old standbys...you know the type, the one who ALWAYS orders Thai Curry Chicken when out to eat...For me there really has to be a reason to "jump" to something as a replacement...People ask: why wikispaces....well wikispaces has all the features I need and I have tons of wikis, so why switch? Have you tried eevoo....is it different from Skype? I like my networks and once I have established a network somewhere, it is tough for me to switch. Let's face it...together we are much more powerful learners than we are as individuals. For a long time I have been a huge fan of del.icio.us for social bookmarking even thought I hated my nickname...I developed a huge network and was although I have been looking for a cleaner looking, more user friendly bookmarking site, I have been really reluctant to make changes.

Enter diigo..
The first time it was shared with me...it was shared as a way to share links like twitter...ok that sounded cool, but really not anything I needed. After all I had del.icio.us and twitter when I found a link I just copied and pasted into twitterific and went about doing my thing...But I recently read something, somewhere that diigo had a new improved tool bar and started to read up on the other Diigo features including the ablility for messaging, creating lists of bookmarks, the ability to turn bookmarks into slideshows, tagrolls and linkrolls, a Firefox sidebar, a Facebook application, blog integration .... not even an exhaustive list mind you I decided to give it a whirl....and what a whirl it has been!!!

How to describe diigo?
Diigo is not just a bookmarking tool, it is a bookmarking, sharing, discussing, and learning tool LParisi : posted on twitter..My quick take on Diigo..while I have not spent much time creating links, tags, etc, I see it as much more powerful a network than delicious. and I couldn't agree more.. I have presented del.icio.us at LEAST a dozen times to large audiences. One of the apple trainers for our state grant points folks to my del.icio.us bookmarks DAILY. I have a HUGE network and yet I get perhaps 1-2 links for me on a weekly basis. Yes Del.icio.us is GREAT for housing your own personal bookmarks, and providing a public link for others, but with Diigo you can keep in touch intellectually AND socially. Think of it as facebook or twitter without the distraction...ok the discussion feature adds SOME distraction but it is one of the things I think was missing from Del.icio.us. Diigo makes it easy to share your links and thoughts with friends and what I have found powerful, is that it doesn't take much time to go through and actually engage in conversations about some of the rich links that folks are sharing. Granted we are all just learning but I have had more great resources shared and talked more about great things in the past few days...on my OWN TIME...not as it pops up on twitter for me to catch or miss... although I am just learning, I can't say enough good things about the power of diigo already.

SO where did I start...
I started by downloading the diigo toolbar...and I think that was just about all it took :) The tool bar includes a sidebar, which can open like another bookmarking sidebar...nothing new here. The main diigo bar though has a TON of features
When you click on the diigo you get a drop down and you can use this with any url as you are surfing...to find out more information about it.

You can also use the diigo drop down to easily get to your
dashboard

bookmarks

Lists

Groups

Friends

Find out what is recommended for you
what is hot on the network

In addition you can easily Import your bookmarks from here or change your options for the site






In addition to the diigo drop down the toolbar includes a bookmark button...
THIS button gives you a similar pop up to delicious but with WAY more options

When you click on bookmark this is what you see
The url and title appear...nothing new about that right, but notice you can
1. Click twitter this ...when you save and send, it sends the link and description to your twitter acct (note you must log into twitter to do this)
2. Description...I am finding myself more apt to do this because I am sharing more...
3. Tags you still get the recommended tags...but a LOT less clutter with tags and diigo gives you a 10 tag limit (sorry Vicki time to go on the tag diet:)
4. and this is the part I LOVE you can add this bookmark to a LIST, share with friends (no for: tagging...just type your friends' names and viola) AND share with a group...no approval needed

THIS is what makes it different...
These are all hings I have been LOOKING FOR that Diigo offers and frankly, now that I know actually exist, I don't know that I can live without!

The network
The biggest for me, is being able to know who is a part of my network. Notice it calls them friends on Diigo? The relaunch has detailed user profiles, where you can add all of your profiles from facebook, flickr, blog, delicious, youtube, etc..You have the ability to identify users as friends as well as several search tools to find them and GROUP them...which is a huge when you are like me working with different groups of people that I might want to share out to. I thought it was nice that you can look for people whose bookmarks resemble your own, AND you can message folks even if they are not a part of your network. But THAT'S NOT ALL...you can great groups (public and private) communities where groups of users can combine to leave shared bookmarks. You’ll even find a comment wall on profiles. These features enable both group collaboration and socialization. There hasn't been on time in the past 2 days that I have gone and had less than 10 things shared with me...ok some I already had bookmarked, but some are really, really good...AND they are there when I have TIME to check them, I don't have to interrupt what I am doing because something pops up in twitter and I want to quick open the page and then never get back to it.

OK well there was a network, in delicious, why does this one work better for me?...well in del.icio.us I never knew who was joining my network or how they found me so I couldn't communicate with them directly if I had a question or comment about something they shared. As far as communities...in Del.icio.us we did this by creating a separate delicious account for the community and having folks share links FOR: this account. Yes, it works, but it requires that someone log in using THAT account to approve all links...kind of defeats the purpose. With diigo I can view what has been marked for the group, who marked it, and choose to add to my own account or send to my network...1 person, several, mailing lists...you get the jist
Here is the eduwiki group I am a part of on diigo. Admittedly groups is something they are still working on, but this is one area I think is going to become even more powerful.

Learning the tool
There is SO MUCH to explore on diigo, I knew I would never get to it all, so I started asking questions...in diigo and in twitter and talking to some users in skype and collaboratively, these were some of the things we learned...

Diigo Dashboard / Profiles
When you visit your own diigo page, you land on the dashboard. This to me resembles facebook and as aly so humorously put it ... Watching friends meet friends in diigo - like watching 12 year olds at a spin the bottle party. "Sue and Joe are now friends" Off they go...
Your dashboard is COMPLETELY customizable...so if you don't want to know who is friending who, you get rid of that box and leave more room for who is adding what sites and what they are saying about it. I do like how you can get quick info from the dashboard like who wants to connect with you, messages that are left, and bookmarks that are new. The public version of the dashboard is your profile (this is mine:) and again completely customizable down to what the public, vs diigo users, vs your friends will see. Now that I use google notifier for my calendar & gmail, my diigo page could almost replace igoogle as my generic homepage. Hmmm is it helping me to condense :)

Other Diigo Tabs
Across the top frame of Diigo is "MY" stuff..
My dashboard
My bookmarks
My links
My lists
My groups
All things that you set up personally

Above in the blue bar are community things...ways that you can search the community, people, tags, sites for things that are going to match what YOU are interested in (hmm similar to stumbleupon)

Diigo has RSS & Advanced Features
Thanks to Chris Champion who discovered that tags in diigo have RSS feed AND that they are embeddable

chrischampion: Just replace the text after the last / and you'll have an (embeddable?) RSS feed for any tag. about or more specifically: http://www.diigo.com/rss/tag/web2.0 (that's the actual RSS file) Or not. Hey, did you know that every TAG in Diigo has an RSS feed? http://www.diigo.com/tag/web2.0

Can I mass remove a tag from all my links?
Michelle asked
Yes, you can...click on my tags tab>then edit >and click on the individual tag to either edit it or delete it. I discovered this because ALL of my tags including the for:jgate513 came in to diigo. I wanted to remove some of the tags that I don't use and condense tags which I found difficult to do in delicious. In diigo, tags are alphabetized so you see them ALL neatly organize. This is different from delicious because in delicious you cant see it while you are editing it so if you have blog, blogs, and blogging, in diigo you can see all 3 and change them so they merge together. Whereas delicious shows a bunch of different ideas for tagging in groups...diigo shows one group of recommended tags, the one you have used before...will appear GREEN when you are tagging them

Michelle also discovered the cool webslide view of any list you create...
http://slides.diigo.com/list/khokanson/shakespeare

A FEW MORE FAVORITES

• Post to delicious: Go to Options: Bookmark & Highlight: Bookmark elsewhere and click on set up. This will open a new window where you can click elsewhere and set up your delicious account. Once you set this up, not only can you simulpost to diigo and delicious, but if tag the site with the for:delicioususer it will go into that user's links for you in delicious. OK so I don't have to abandon my del.icio.us followers just cause something new works for me...
  

FROM THIS SAME LOCATION IN OPTIONS...you can also:

• set up to post to your blog... diigo allows you to add your blog information and set up a "job" to ost daily links to your blog-while this CAN be done in delicious, there was all kind of urls and codes you needed to figure out (which I never could). When I put my blog info into diigo, it did it FOR me. I set it up to daily post, but you can set it to publish direct OR as a draft I am going to have it do this...then cut and paste once a week all my links into 1 post.
  
• IMPORT / EXPORT links from other online sites and from your browser...the links come in with all comments and tags which was pretty cool
  
• Send to twitter: while you are posting your link to your diigo account you send to your twitter network.

----THIS JUST IN: adding to post...for my own archive...I didn't realize that you don't have to FRIEND everyone in diigo, you can add people to a watchlist....might be a good way to manage your network if you are just starting-----

WE DISCOVERED SOME QUIRKS
Lucy Gray had some problems getting what she posted in diigo to actually show up in del.icious but contacted tech support and they put in
and Kate expressed some concerns that delicious links didn't initially import--stating server errors
I think these are all things that are result of a beta program, but from what folks say their support is quick and professional.

SOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
Ken asked some great questions throughout the day in twitter as he thought about the idea of adopting a new tool...

Is diigo the amazon.com approach to bookmarks? will reviews stop you from checking it out on your own? That could be dangerous.....
just thinking about this could it actually hurt research for some, too much group thinks perhaps? ....
add a skype piece 2 Diigo and I am 100% on board.....
Worried this makes "skimmers" vs. scholars easier. Suppose thats always been there too.

Jimbo asked
Can you bundle your Diigo tags?
Hmmm that is a good one, but I like being able to create "lists" of things for classes...better than bundles for now.

TO SUM IT UP...
Liz Davis wrote about diigo as well and created a great Getting to know Diigo screencast with Jing

Do you wanna know where I got all the links to their "stuff" ...why from their diigo profiles of course...no more hunting to link....Could it GET any better?

If still aren't YET convinced that Diigo is the way to go, check out the new YouTube video http://tinyurl.com/2h3ger

BY THE WAY Yesterday Maggie Tsai from Diigo was online at Classroom2.0 ... cclassroom2dot0 » LIVE Conversations (which I learned btw from twitter via www.diigo.com) if you go to this page http://www.classroom20wiki.com/LIVE+Conversations#diigo and click on Playback link you will see the recording from this session.

Please take some time to explore, ask questions, check out some great resources, join some groups and start learning together. Would love to hear your thoughts about diigo and please share your great sites with me.

Technorati Tags: diigo, bookmarking, delicious, networking, web2.0, tools

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Five on Five: A Dialogue on Profession Development

Those of you who read my blog know that I am passionate about treating technology as a tool and supporting teachers in learning how to best utilize this tool in their instruction. I am SO LUCKY to get to do this through my job as a coach for the Classrooms for the Future in PA
Recently Jim Gates passed my name along to Matt Villano of T.H.E Journal who asked if I would mind being interviewed about my thoughts about Professional Development and how we can best support teachers in learning about these new tools....

Would I mind? Heck I talk about it enough, absolutely. I spoke to Matt spoken some other "tech experts" and wanted to get us together to do a panel discussion podcast. Well it wasn't until I got on the "line" that I realized that the panel I would be speaking with not only included Jim Gates (instructional technology trainer for the Capital Area Intermediate Unit 21 & CFF Coach) , but Bob Keegan and Cathy Groller (executive director and assistant executive director, respectively, for Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit who manage PA Tech Integration Mentor Program) and Sylvia Martinez (founder of GenYes an organization where students learn to provide high-quality, curriculum-focused professional development support for teachers in their classrooms school wide.) WOW what a group to be asked to be a part of...

It was a great conversation which you can hear by going HERE and clicking on the podcast link at the bottom of the page...read the article HERE. Don't forget to subscribe to THE Journal for more integration ideas.
And please...leave me your thoughts about what is happening in Professional Development in your district

Technorati Tags: professionaldevelopment, jgates513, genyes, CLIU, sylvia_martinez

RE Social Network Sites-An Open Letter to the Superintendent

I want to start this post by saying that for the most part, I am very impressed with the communication I get from the district where my children go to school. If ever there is an incident that would lead parents to have concern, it is addressed right away by the administration. For example, all parents received notice when there was an incident of MRSA at the HS with information regarding the steps taken at all schools to prevent health outbreaks. This past Friday however, I received a somewhat distressing letter with regard to some new district policies regarding electronic devices and internet use. Distressing not because of what the letter said, but rather what it did not say.
The letter began:

I would like to make you aware of an emerging national concern regarding the inappropriate use of the Internet and other electronic communication devices by students. This problem has the potential to be harmful, and I ask your support as we work together to address this challenge. I also want to make you aware of a new policy the district has implemented to help protect students from such inappropriate uses

WOW, emerging national concern...I sent a link to the letter out on my twitter network and was AMAZED at the flurry of responses that I received



Please take some time to look at the contents of the letter sent home to all parents as well as the letter of response that I sent to the Superintendent below.
I WELCOME comments here... What is happening in your schools?

Dear Superintendent.

I understand that with stories like Growing Up Online - PBS Frontline it is no wonder parents have concerns about what their children are doing online. But I was a bit taken aback at the nature and tone of the letter I received in my son’s backpack on Friday regarding the district's electronics policy and internet use. Perhaps if there was an “incident” that I was aware of as the parent of an elementary that precipitated such scare tactics I might have been more understanding of the tone and nature of the letter. I agree that parents need to be more aware of what their children are doing on the internet however as a parent, if I didn't have some understanding of some of the benefits of social networks the letter would have scared me. I think parents are often too quick to judge their childrens' actions and this letter may have caused parents to react in a way that they may not had they had more information.

As an educator, I believe it is our responsibility to educate. The National School Boards Association has publicly stated that safety concerns over online social networking are overblown, and recommends that schools become more comfortable with social networks and seek educational uses for online social networking. Rather than pointing parents to the MySpace homepage, it would have been more informative to sent parents interested in learning more to the parent section of my space . I heard mention that iSafe was being implemented in the intermediate school, perhaps a link to their iparent portal to allow parents to become informed as to how to protect their children would have been more useful. Most of the incidents of kids bullying each other via cyber bullying happens outside school. If blocking these sites vs. educating the students and parents as to the reason these sites are being blocked is your only statement, well that to me is of grave concern.

Nowhere in the letter were the positive impacts of social networking mentioned. I think it is necessary for parents to understand WHY kids are involved in social networking.

For the most part, there are no ill intentions. As a matter of fact quite the opposite. I wrote after the tragedy at VA Tech about this facebook group which is still active to this day helping people through their grieving process. You may have been following the articles in the Philadelphia Inquirer regarding a student at my HS who has been struggling with depression and has been fighting back after a suicide attempt earlier this year. Being able to see the students' wishes of support through his facebook group has been extremely powerful. This Sunday’s article, in the Inquirer ended with a text message from Jordan’s best friend “I jus wanna let u no I nvr thought I wud ride that elevator up to ur apartment ever again…N I felt for the first time today I really got my boy back”. Am I advocating that there be no policy? Absolutely not, I just think that we need to recognize that there are positive implications of the use of these tools and work to educate everyone of all sides. When our district is worried about drug and alcohol use by students, we do not simply prohibit likenesses of drugs & alcohol in school and have punitive actions, we educate on the risks of drug and alcohol use outside of school. I would love to see this situation proactively handled. Perhaps the creation of a student group like SADD that can not only peer-educate students about appropriate uses of the Internet but provide information for parents as well would be a more positive step.

In the spirit of education, I wanted to share with you some information for parents regarding internet safety that I have collected.

http://theconnectedclassroom.wikispaces.com/Internet_Safety

I hope that you will take some time to share some of these resources within the district. I would be happy to offer some informational sessions for parents. I think that dialogue around this issue is so important

Thanks in advance for your time
Kristin Hokanson

------FOR MY READERS-------
if you have made it this far, PLEASE leave me some comments with your thoughts

Technorati Tags: myspace, facebook, socialnetworking, cellphone, AUP

Google Gets it...

So it is no big surprise that I am a BIG fan of the google aps...
I wanted to point out a few of the new features .. there are many more than I have listed, but here are a few that are REALLY fantastic.

Google forms...
Did you know in any google spreadsheet you can click on SHARE to create a form that you can invite people to fill it out. It is great because you don't need an account to fill out the form. There is no sign in, and the form can be completed directly from the email message or from an automatically generated web page. The answers will be automatically added to your spreadsheet which you as the creator can edit or publish...AND you can add the Google Docs Forms Gadget to your iGoogle page to keep an eye on form responses. This gadget lists your most recently active forms, with new responses highlighted. I used this recently to coordinate an online class, we have used it to collect student data, one of the teachers at my school has students in a chem class using it to track data...couldn't think of a more USEFUL addition.

Other useful features added to the spreadsheets include

• the ability hide (and unhide) rows and columns in your spreadsheets. Just highlight the range you'd like to hide, right-click, and choose the Hide Rows or Hide Columns option from the drop down menu.
• the ability to freeze columns which makes it easier to navigate a wide spreadsheet.
  
• and improved chart labels, with axis labels which are automatically formatted and rotated to fit.

Both google presentations and spreadsheets include embed code now although you can not seem to edit the embed code or use a standard iframe for embedding. I am still waiting for presentations to allow for an export other than pdf. I guess I will keep adding my suggestions, I know that google really does pay attention
Technorati Tags: google, googledocs

Classroom learning...without boundaries

I can tell you very little of what I learned during my school years...and the things I can remember are activities that were project based or relevant to me. I remember when Mr. Vernon turned us into paleontologists and we had to create "artifacts" based on our individual "cultures"...then we unearthed the artifacts and had to determine what kind of society the other group was based on their artifacts.

So when Will Richardson this week wrote about the idea of The Distributed University which asked some interesting questions about how we encourage learning that includes all kinds of experiences.

Once you put all this together, students can self-organize with teachers and fellow students to learn what they want how and where they want. My hope is that this could finally lead to the lifelong education we keep nattering about but do little to actually support. And why don’t we? Because it doesn’t fit into the degree structure. And because self-organizing classes and education could cut academic institutions out of the their exclusive role in education.

I couldn't stop but think about the futures of my 3 kids...and what I would to see for them...

Recently I got the opportunity to participate in a live blogging project with Anne Smith and Maura Moritz's 9th grade classes and if I had to define authentic learning, this would be it would be this project. Now I want to start off by saying that these are High School Freshman and the topic of this book as I reread it was quite profound. The first thing that struck me was the way these kids COMMUNICATED, both in writing when I worked with them in January and again in February as well as orally in their class discussions (which we were able to listen in on using mebo room) and with Mr. Pink today. I continued to read and keep up and it was so interesting to keep up with the kids writing, but also their awareness of the impact that this project had and their ability to reflect on their own learning through this project.

Their concluding activity was a video conference with Daniel Pink himself. I was impressed not only with the depth of the questions but how well they defended and articulated themselves both in writing (there was a group of students who were LIVE BLOGGING during the session) and orally. I loved listening in as the kids were asked to discuss a topic and they said things to one another like "does this idea sound smart" In the words of the kids....

8:32	AnneS asks: (of Dan Pink) Where are you with the ideas in this book now, several years after completing it?

8:32	[Comment From MorganT] I think that high school students are starting to think what they want to do with their lives. Like Kristinah, younger people are easier to influence, and to get these concepts into our heads is probably a good idea.

8:33	[Comment From LiaP] I think that we need to read it {A Whole New Mind} in high school so that we can be better prepared for our future and take classes that help to prepare us for the new future Mr. Pink describes

8:34	[Comment From amyw] Jordan---Also, since English deals with right-brain abilities, English teachers want to encourage us to develop them.

8:34	[Comment From Bud {a Teacher from CO who was listening in via UStream.tv}] Jordan, should high school students only read fiction in English classes? Or should non-fiction be there, too?

8:34	[Comment From Kristinah] To Jordan- I think that it is important to explore other forms of literature in English so that we can experience other things and think in other things which will make us a more rounded person.

8:35	[Comment From MorganT] Bud, I'm not Jordan, but I would like to answer. I think it is good to get a balance in reading literature. It is good to just not read fiction, again it is good to have a balance with literature.

8:35	[Comment From Jordan] Bud- I think that there should be good combination of fiction and non-fiction. Fiction teaches us about the real world througha story and a morale, but non-fiction is the cold-hard facts.

And this went on for almost 2 hours. These kids had a live audience who were participating both in the live blog as well as holding their own "back channel" chat in the ustream channel.

At the end of the day, was it about the technology...ABSOLUTELY NOT... the project itself wasn't about the technology...

At the end of these days these kids learned:

• How to read, reflect, analyze, evaluate and defend what they read.
• They learned how to write critical questions and conduct a conversation
  
• They learned how to work together.
• They learned how to use research to support an argument.
• They applied writing skills
• They learned how to express themselves clearly.
  

among other things...
Could these skills have been learned without computers...ABSOLUTELY

BUT, what the technology ADDED to this project

• Students showed proficiency in the use of technology...yes, but they also gained...
• the ability to see things from other perspectives...folks from around the world with many different experiences took time to work with these kids including the author himself
• an understanding of the ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology.
• an understanding of what it means to publish, and interact with peers, experts, and other audiences globally
• they were able to use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions and solve problems in the real world.

SO PLEASE
take time to read Karl's description of the project on his wiki
take time to read Ann & Maura's Blogs: there is SO MUCH beyond this project here :)
take time to watch the UStream of the final event
take time to read the live blog from the day of the event
take time to think ... are these kids engaged and are they LEARNING? Is this the type of authentic learning experience that will prepare them for their futures?

So in thinking about the futures of my 3 kids, and what I would to see for them in school...

I would like to see them have the types of learning experiences like the kids are having at Arapahoe. I want them to have thoughtful teachers like Anne who summarized this project

Overall, I am so impressed by my students from their willingness to try something new, for being put in the spotlight with a number of really intelligent people having to blog what they think of these senses as ninth graders, and for most of all, caring about the process and learning and education. They honestly want to change the way learning looks and I hope after this experience they realize the power resides in them to make the change.

I want this for them at all levels. Do I think this is possible? In the state of PA, where we have initiatives like Classrooms for the Future and the Keystones developing leaders in this area...Teachers who are asking kids to "think math" and make connections with kids around the world. Teachers who are asking students how they can make a difference and teachers who are charging their kids to take action and actually do so,

Thanks Karl, Anne & Maura for continuing our minds & eyes to what is possible the kids at Arapahoe are surely lucky!

Technorati Tags: karlfisch, AWNM, danpink, annesmith, mauramoritz,

Blogged with Flock

Support Technology Funding for our Childrens' Futures

As a CoSN member through my affiliation with PAECT I received an email asking people to take action in urging congress, to return the funding of EETT back to it’s FY2005 levels.
From the letter....

The President’s proposed FY09Budget again calls for the total elimination of critical education technology funding. Specifically, the President’s Budget would zero out the Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) program, cutting education technology funding by $267.4 million. Before the House and Senate put forth their budget proposals, we urge you to send a letter to your congressional representatives asking them to save EETT.

WELL...ETAN has made it really easy for you to voice your opinion on this important issue. I feel so strongly that I have added a widget to my tool bar that I found reading David Warlick's Blog. The letter is written and you can personalize it in any way...please take some time to voice your concerns for all of our futures for as well all know the key to our future is the kids.

Technorati Tags: etan, cosn, funding

Building School 2.0

I was lucky to get to have more conversation with the folks from SLA. Not only are they tackling the tough questions they are taking it on the road...modeling best practice by having CONVERSATIONS about change, rather than just giving a prescription to follow.
Marcie Hull who wears many hats at SLA reflected on the session but here are the notes from the day that we took during their presentation.



Zac Chase made an interesting point...

Aside from blocking the server, these are 20th Century problems. Replace server with "texts," "discoveries," "evolution," etc. and you've jumped in the Way-back Machine.

He made a challenge to his readers and I am going to make the same to mine...read through the list of challenges in our live notes and pick ONE...the one that would really make a difference in your school....start to draft a solution....and post it here.
Perhaps together we could draft a vision that would make change happen.
Thoughts?

Technorati Tags: pete08 peteandc PETE&C08 PETE&C2008 peteandc08 sla change mrchase ecram3

Connect to the Community: Eduwiki.us

I am proud to be a member of an AMAZING community of educators which started after the PA Keystone Summit this summer and has grown to a global community and that is Eduwiki.us.
This morning they presented at PETE & C check out the recording of the session and join our community.

Technorati Tags: pete08, pete08f04, eduwiki, collaboration,

Check out the Chickens

Tuesday 9:15 PETE & C Classroom Websites as a teaching tool

Cyber Chickens
5th grade class...
http://jabernethy.wikispaces.com/
Brought kids in via video skype...to talk about their class..

Student Emails
Gaggle.net $2.75 per student ad free email, chat room...SAFE an moderated


Podcasting
Kids posting podcasts everyday...use audacity and mic on ipod to create.
Teacher uploads when they are done. Embed code to see most recent ones and

Book Talks
http://jabernethy.blogspot.com/
Read series of unfortunate events abd created projects for book talks...all reading different books in the series kids were motivate.

Tuesday 9:15 PETE & C Classroom Websites as a teaching tool

Cyber Chickens
5th grade class...
http://jabernethy.wikispaces.com/
Brought kids in via video skype...to talk about their class..

Student Emails
Gaggle.net $2.75 per student ad free email, chat room...SAFE an moderated


Podcasting
Kids posting podcasts everyday...use audacity and mic on ipod to create.
Teacher uploads when they are done. Embed code to see most recent ones and

Book Talks
http://jabernethy.blogspot.com/
Read series of unfortunate events abd created projects for book talks...all reading different books in the series kids were motivate.

http://cyberchickens26.blogspot.com/
IN OUR OWN WORDS - What is Project S.C.A.T.?
Please read the following entries and comment below. Please tell us which passage explains the project best, and we will post it on the front page of our wiki. Thank you!
WOW what a project


QUESTIONS FROM THE ROOM....
What computer skills do your kids come with?
Kids think that they have the skills....start out small and build...take it for granted and make assumptions...there are no computer classes

How many computers in the classroom?
7...+ mobile lab of 30...live in the classroom if someone else isn't

What is policy for replacement?
DNK but they have had same cart for 7-8 years kids are very careful with them

Project Lemonade
Went to the HS for beginning video conference...got the kids pumped up that they can make a difference...and kids chose Project Trinity as their cause as a result...admins thought at first could be opening a can of worms...but Supt saw it as a learning experience

Math Connections
I am AMAZED by not only the connections that these kids can make, but the clarity in which they are able to express the ideas creatively. You can tell these kids are LEARNING

re PSSA had the kids prep...instead of doing worksheets to review parts of speech, had them do a project.. To Principal, I haven't really done any PSSA prep From Principal, Jan you do it ALL the time the way it is supposed to be done & I know this because your kids' scores show it!

I REALLY encourage any reader to check out this class's stuff

Technorati Tags: petec08, pete08f11, cyberchickens, authenticlearning, 21stcentury

PETE&C Tuesday Keynote: Steve Dembo

Steve Dembo graciously gave me permission to record his keynote at PETE & C. Here is the recording and the live chat that was occurring. It really is all about the network!!!
WORKING ON EMBED, but here is the URL link
http://ustream.tv/recorded/ORDq9xtRcZQ0adDkC98TDkMjjqQHMIxY


08:08 khokanson-1 : can someone verify that audio and video is good? I'm going to broadcast for on sec
08:12 khokanson-1 : steve is waiting in the wings
08:14 lorips : cell phone poll
08:14 khokanson-1 : txt 41411
08:14 lorips : poll everwhere, how cool
08:14 khokanson-1 : it isn't working :(
08:15 khokanson-1 : the network here
08:17 ustreamer|24529 : Good Morning Kristen
08:17 ustreamer|24529 : chris Harbeck here
08:18 ustreamer|31423 : morning Chris
08:18 ustreamer|31423 : streaming well there?
08:18 ustreamer|31423 : Speaking with an "accent"
08:19 ustreamer|24529 : loud and clear. Who is up
08:19 ustreamer|31423 : Steve Dembo @teach42
08:19 ustreamer|24529 : ah
08:19 ustreamer|24529 : love the storytelling
08:19 ustreamer|41570 : love that expression...cut off the tentacles
08:19 ustreamer|24529 : no notes just ..... on a roll
08:20 ustreamer|41570 : our learning environment different from theirs....
08:20 ustreamer|41570 : if you REALLY want to reach the kids the educators & kids need to change...JUST DO IT!
08:20 lorips : "just do it" love it, so true
08:20 ustreamer|41570 : Makes me think about the 6 year curriculum renewal cycle...6 years things are differnt in 6 MONTHS
08:21 ustreamer|41570 : Educators are getting better at speaking native fluently
08:21 ustreamer|41570 : Information Explosion
08:21 ustreamer|34656 : ?nick mrsdurff
08:22 ustreamer|24529 : Off to school and bball practice.... Thanks for the ustream. Congrats I think on your award??? or nominations
08:22 ustreamer|34656 : what was the name of that poll website?
08:22 ustreamer|24529 : I will check this out later
08:22 ustreamer|4840 : Thanks for streaming classes starting (njtechteacher)
08:22 mrsdurff|3326 : ok
08:22 mrsdurff|3326 : type /nick
08:22 mrsdurff|3326 : and desired name
08:22 mrsdurff|3326 : to change it
08:22 khokanson-1 : steve will upload his slides later
08:23 mrsdurff|3326 : thanks kriwsten now we now where all the internet went
08:23 mrsdurff|3326 : not flat
08:23 ustreamer|52893 : hi
08:23 ustreamer|47071 : hello K Hokanson
08:23 mrsdurff|3326 : it is wrinkled
08:23 ustreamer|47071 : it is Kim
08:23 ustreamer|80041 : My neighbor just said it would go to the sun and back 16 times!
08:23 mrsdurff|3326 : hi kim
08:23 ustreamer|80041 : Lisa, how do you change the name?
08:23 ustreamer|47071 : Jim sent me the link
08:24 fifer1863|1828 : hi
08:24 mrsdurff|3326 : type /nick
08:24 ustreamer|31423 : Hey kim better tham am tv right :)
08:24 mrsdurff|3326 : +desired namew
08:24 ustreamer|47071 : Hello Jim
08:24 fifer1863|1828 : hey
08:24 mrsdurff|3326 : i'm listening live
08:24 fifer1863|1828 : I'm surprised this is still streaming
08:24 mrsdurff|3326 : will this be recorded too?
08:25 fifer1863|1828 : @khokanson are you recording?
08:25 ustreamer|31423 : but of course
08:25 mrsdurff|3326 : yeah!!
08:25 ustreamer|31423 : will be posting it on my blog
08:25 ustreamer|47071 : Jim, I want to be an @ too
08:25 ustreamer|31423 : and the reporting back wikispace
08:25 mrsdurff|3326 : will's book?
08:25 loonyhiker : thanks for the link in twitter!
08:25 mrsdurff|3326 : hi loony
08:25 ustreamer|31423 : ha ha kim you can be fifer1864 :P
08:26 ustreamer|47071 : hahaha
08:26 mrsdurff|3326 : 21st century schools
08:26 mrsdurff|3326 : this is how conferences need to be done
08:26 mrsdurff|3326 : ustreams, backchannels
08:27 mrsdurff|3326 : this holds my interest
08:27 lorips : sooo much to blog about!
08:27 mrsdurff|3326 : thank you kristin
08:27 ustreamer|31423 : Durff not just conferences...but ALL professional development opportunities
08:27 mrsdurff|3326 : hyperlinks
08:27 Anne|5566 : I love that idea
08:27 ustreamer|31423 : recorded and shared
08:27 mrsdurff|3326 : yes ALL PD
08:27 mrsdurff|3326 : i soo agree
08:27 ustreamer|31423 : innovation is the idea of perpetual beta
08:28 mrsdurff|3326 : but my school isn't ready for it
08:28 mrsdurff|3326 : i scare them
08:28 ustreamer|31423 : people are releasing their rough drafts....but it out there to get feedback
08:28 mrsdurff|3326 : Lulu.com
08:28 fifer1863 : hello @kimbeeghley
08:28 mrsdurff|3326 : anyone ever publish there?
08:28 kimbeeghley : to funny
08:28 Anne|5566 : This is so different from the way I learned to write. I would have been so much happier
08:28 ustreamer|29982 : Does anyone know who's filiming and what kind of camera they are using?
08:29 fifer1863 : Hershey is filming
08:29 Anne|5566 : Nice idea, seal of final draft-dom
08:29 mrsdurff|3326 : kristin is
08:29 ustreamer|31423 : Jim the stream is coming from Chris's camera
08:29 ustreamer|29982 : Thanks , I'll ask Kristin
08:29 mrsdurff|3326 : too far away
08:29 khokanson-1 : jvc dv cam from woot.com
08:29 lorips : ah, Mrs. Fifer is in the house :)
08:29 fifer1863 : No, it's comign from @khokanson
08:29 mrsdurff|3326 : what kind of camera?
08:29 ustreamer|29982 : Thaks Kristin - how can you film and chat?
08:29 mrsdurff|3326 : i do it
08:30 mrsdurff|3326 : with camcorder
08:30 ustreamer|31423 : http://theconnectedclassroom.wikispaces.com/ConnectedTV
08:30 khokanson-1 : @chrischampion is filming...
08:30 mrsdurff|3326 : get an account at ustream
08:30 ustreamer|31423 : so It is all embedded in one place
08:30 mrsdurff|3326 : hi chris
08:30 khokanson-1 : hi durff
08:30 smeech : @teach42 That hurts... We are close man!
08:30 smeech : :)
08:31 mrsdurff|3326 : hi scott - you see where i am
08:31 lorips : Hello, smeech!
08:31 smeech : Hey everyone
08:31 khokanson-1 : <-- is chris this am
08:31 fifer1863 : YEAH Twitter!
08:32 Anne|5566 : God, I love (LOVE LOVE LOVE!) Twitter
08:32 kimbeeghley : Jim I want twitter now
08:32 mrsdurff|3326 : true
08:32 mrsdurff|3326 : i have never met Steve
08:32 mrsdurff|3326 : but I knew who Aiden was immediately
08:32 khokanson-1 : lol durff
08:32 smeech : Raise your hand if you are watching this because of Twitter!@
08:32 Anne|5566 : Except my tech director made fun of me for tweeting at 5:26am
08:32 smeech : That is the question
08:32 mrsdurff|3326 : that's how i got here
08:32 Anne|5566 : Yup
08:32 lorips : point well taken smeech!
08:32 ustreamer|29982 : i got here through twitter as well
08:32 smeech : Thanks @durff
08:32 Anne|5566 : Though I'm in the room too
08:32 kimbeeghley : Jim sent me the link
08:33 loonyhiker : i think i'm addicted to twitter
08:33 fifer1863 : he is showming my Tweet
08:33 mrsdurff|3326 : thank God for twitter
08:33 mrsdurff|3326 : the embodiment of my network
08:33 smeech : Jealouse Eye Darts at those in the room
08:33 lorips : addiction, absolutely!
08:33 smeech : Ok... school start!
08:33 mrsdurff|3326 : thanks scott
08:33 smeech : later for now
08:33 mrsdurff|3326 : we're closed
08:33 mrsdurff|3326 : bye scott
08:33 lorips : @fifer is on screen!
08:33 fifer1863 : On top of the screen!
08:34 smeech : @durff Get back to me about firestorm of emails we have had... :)
08:34 lorips : twitter = sharing
08:34 mrsdurff|3326 : ok later
08:34 smeech : @durff have a great day!
08:34 mrsdurff|3326 : you too scott
08:34 smeech : everyone ... learn ... learn ... share... learn... learn
08:34 kimbeeghley : bye have a great day everyone
08:34 smeech : shared
08:34 ustreamer|31423 : bye kim
08:34 khokanson-1 : bye kim
08:34 lorips : see you on twitter kbeeghley
08:35 kimbeeghley : Jim has to set me up
08:35 fifer1863 : need to set her up with Twitter :)
08:35 ustreamer|31423 : anyone using wiziq?
08:36 loonyhiker : i haven't used it yet but it looks great
08:37 ustreamer|31423 : having a good time and learning
08:37 scmorgan : It's fairly simple..wish it did desktop sharing
08:37 ustreamer|31423 : sothat we can create authenic learning opportunities for students
08:37 hbwenger : anyone using ning for upper elementary? How young is too young?
08:38 scmorgan : Kim cofino uses it with 4th and 5th
08:38 ustreamer|31230 : checking in
08:38 Anne|5566 : Should I be a bit more "forward"? I'm always a little intimidated by the people I find on Ning and Ed2.0
08:39 hbwenger : @scmorgan how is she using it? a specific content area?
08:39 ustreamer|41758 : woo hoo
08:39 ustreamer|34656 : I lost connection
08:39 ustreamer|34656 : and a name
08:39 scmorgan : I'm looking for the link...
08:39 ustreamer|34656 : there
08:39 ustreamer|34656 : nope
08:39 ustreamer|31423 : I think Kin's are private nings...
08:39 mrsdurff|7261 : there?
08:39 mrsdurff|9344 : arrg
08:39 mrsdurff|9344 : better
08:39 ustreamer|41758 : thursday
08:39 ustreamer|44439 : hey from California!!
08:40 Anne|5566 : Hey CA!
08:40 ustreamer|41758 : iste social is Thursday
08:40 ustreamer|41758 : DEN workshops are wednesday in SL
08:40 mrsdurff|9344 : i hope thq at doesn't happen again
08:40 hbwenger : most of the ning networks for elem are private, so it is hard to find examples
08:40 mrsdurff|9344 : learning by hqving fun
08:40 ustreamer|43727 : good morning
08:40 khokanson-1 : extremely social
08:40 mrsdurff|9344 : that is a key
08:40 hbwenger : @mrsduff what a concept!
08:41 ustreamer|43727 : <-- @diannekrause
08:41 khokanson-1 : that's what steve meant by "that one"
08:41 ustreamer|41570 : http://www.ustream.tv/channel/the-connected-classroom
08:41 ustreamer|41570 : if you want to log in
08:41 scmorgan : Yes, it's private...she uses it for the kids to discuss books ...they review, add videos...pretty cool
08:41 mrsdurff|9344 : there are laws in usa
08:41 mrsdurff|9344 : so that is why nings are private
08:41 scmorgan : http://xtremelearning.ning.com/
08:41 Anne|5566 : You know you are online too much when you have twitter open, skype, and are chatting here...
08:41 alytapp : thanks for link, KH
08:41 mrsdurff|9344 : but at home these ele kids....
08:41 fifer1863 : i'm guilty of that Anne
08:41 ustreamer|44439 : projectsbyjen.ning.com -- it is private but you can join -- k6 ning for teachers
08:41 lorips : pondering.... are our brains changing with all of the multitasking
08:42 fifer1863 : and iChat
08:42 Anne|5566 : ;-)
08:42 hbwenger : @scmorgan thanks for the link
08:42 ustreamer|41059 : can't wait to send some of my colleagues to this page for viewing the archive
08:42 scmorgan : @lorips...mine is spinning most of the time
08:42 fifer1863 : digitalnative.org
08:42 ustreamer|31423 : how many of you are in second life?
08:42 hbwenger : thanks ustreamer44439!
08:43 ustreamer|56473 : We're also working with Kim and other fourth grade classrooms on http://connectedclassroom.ning.com
08:43 ustreamer|41059 : (raised hand for being an older digital native)
08:43 hbwenger : I'm not in second life
08:43 alytapp : 59% seems low - wonder what definition is of "creating content"?
08:43 ustreamer|41059 : I was in second life, but then my little macbook couldn't handle the space it took
08:43 fifer1863 : yeah @khokanson
08:43 Anne|5566 : I am, but not deeply, just wandered around a bit
08:43 lorips : Kh is poster child for adult digital native!
08:44 ustreamer|44439 : @hbwenger -- you are very welcome -- please join the NING regardless of yoru grade level
08:44 Anne|5566 : My MacBook was pretty happy, but my kids' webkins have sucked up my Macbook
08:44 Anne|5566 : Kristin, how do you feel about being a poster child?? ;-)j
08:44 alytapp : I was in that session f2f that day. It was cool to watch.
08:44 fifer1863 : Anne, reminds me I need to do my Daily Kinz Care ;)
08:44 ustreamer|44439 : MacsMom Alcott in SL --
08:44 ustreamer|41059 : I've been able to get a 250HD for my Macbook and a RAM update! :-) Guess I should look back into SL.
08:45 hbwenger : I'm in the keynote f2f, but this is just as cool!
08:45 alytapp : there's always a block and there's always a way around.
08:45 hbwenger : teachertube blocked?
08:46 khokanson-1 : just ask a teenager
08:46 alytapp : exactly, KH
08:46 mrsdurff|9758 : back
08:46 fifer1863 : SSH proxy thru the network ;)
08:46 ustreamer|44439 : I wish my teachers would try to get around our filters -- that would show an interest :)
08:46 mrsdurff|9758 : i hate the internet here
08:46 fifer1863 : then they viotate the AUP
08:46 hbwenger : @khokanson does this back channel get archived somewhere?
08:47 kpruitt : why my tech dir and I don't get along
08:47 ustreamer|44439 : fifer -- then it would be time to rewrite the AUP -- :)
08:47 alytapp : what are we teaching when the game becomes "find a way around"? We are turning them into cheaters.
08:47 fifer1863 : I agree, but how many AUPs address Web 2.0?
08:47 fifer1863 : http://ustream.tv/channel/the-connected-classroom
08:47 alytapp : and we are resposible for that message. Sad.
08:47 ustreamer|44439 : all I mean is when my teachers see a site blocked -- they don't call to unblock and then don't think of finding an alternative
08:48 kpruitt : some AUPs are decades old (ahemm DuBois)
08:48 alytapp : Most teachers assume the answer will be no.
08:48 ustreamer|44439 : alytapp -- yes, at my school, for the last 10 years -- the answer was NO
08:48 ustreamer|41059 : yay!
08:48 alytapp : several backchannels
08:48 ustreamer|41059 : hello all!
08:48 ustreamer|44439 : but NOW -- grins, the answer is YES
08:48 ustreamer|8070 : Hey all!
08:48 fifer1863 : CoolCatTeacher recently blogged about somethign to the effect of allowng teachers to unblock at random
08:48 ustreamer|56473 : He's talking about us!
08:48 scmorgan : But sometimes the main url is open and the suburls are blocked so it gets even more compicated
08:49 hbwenger : he does want to know what we are saying!
08:49 alytapp : Big skype chat in the room
08:49 lorips : synthesize, connect!!!!
08:49 fifer1863 : how are they defining "backchannel"? this stream?
08:49 fifer1863 : or Skype?
08:49 Anne|5566 : This stream, twitter, skype
08:49 ustreamer|44439 : twitter
08:49 Anne|5566 : all going at once
08:50 ustreamer|44439 : google chat
08:50 scmorgan : all can be backchannels
08:50 alytapp : both?
08:50 ustreamer|44439 : ALL :)
08:50 hbwenger : @fifer1863 skype chat and ichat and twitter and ustream
08:50 fifer1863 : :)
08:50 khokanson-1 : "whispering" at the back of the room
08:50 fifer1863 : thanks
08:50 Anne|5566 : He was a kindergarten teacher, cool!
08:50 scmorgan : LOL @khokanson
08:50 khokanson-1 : (define:backchannel)
08:50 ustreamer|34656 : back
08:50 fifer1863 : :p
08:50 ustreamer|34656 : the backchannel = synthesizing
08:50 ustreamer|44439 : eavesdropping in on the conversation and then sharing it
08:50 alytapp : I learn a lot from the whispers
08:50 mrsdurff|9484 : define it?
08:50 lorips : backchannel enhances learning 4 m3
08:50 mrsdurff|9484 : wow
08:51 alytapp : backchannel is authorized eavesdropping
08:51 hbwenger : is that @blutz01's picture?
08:51 mrsdurff|9484 : metacognition
08:51 mrsdurff|9484 : yes
08:51 mrsdurff|9484 : i like that
08:51 lorips : @michaelbaker calls this chatbacking
08:51 kpruitt : @ durff did you find polleverywhere?
08:51 mrsdurff|9484 : authorized eavesdropping
08:52 ustreamer|44439 : encouraged eavesdropping
08:52 ustreamer|43727 : im trying to do too many things at once - and twitter people search is not working :P
08:52 ustreamer|41570 : have you all seen this image http://flickr.com/photos/courosa/344832591/
08:52 mrsdurff|9484 : will this chat be archived?
08:52 mrsdurff|9484 : no ken thanks
08:52 Anne|5566 : This hitchhiking I think worries people... afraid no one will spend $$ to be there irl
08:52 alytapp : Plus, it's a recorded conversation to go back to later
08:53 ustreamer|44439 : SNOW -- in PA -- ahhh say it isn't so
08:53 fifer1863 : Yup and freezing rain
08:53 khokanson-1 : The chat will be archived on my blog (http://khokanson.blogspot.com/ )
08:53 alytapp : in many cases
08:53 scmorgan : @anne maybe conferences won't take place f2f at all...only here?
08:53 Anne|5566 : Not enough real snow swhere I'm going
08:53 hbwenger : thanks @khokanson
08:53 ustreamer|44439 : I still enjoy F2F -- as an addition to this
08:53 ustreamer|44439 : but some of you -- I will never meet F2F
08:53 alytapp : f2f is crucial. We're still human. We need to meet and eat.
08:54 Anne|5566 : I think f2f is still valuable, but what is the object of a conference, for the presenters?
08:54 Anne|5566 : and DANCE! alytapp
08:54 scmorgan : yep, f2f at educon was so valuable
08:54 kpruitt : ask a ninja!!!
08:54 hbwenger : @ustreamer44439 are you on twitter?
08:54 ustreamer|44439 : @hbwenger -- I am JLWagner on twitter
08:55 ustreamer|44439 : and grins -- I am going to be soooo late for work today!!!
08:55 ustreamer|41570 : JEN I didn't realize you were here :) good to see you <<---khokanson
08:55 ustreamer|41570 : am recording the session
08:55 ustreamer|44439 : Hello KHokanson -- thanks for hosting this!!!
08:55 ustreamer|44439 : clapping
08:55 loonyhiker : great speaker!
[08:56] * RiptideFurse applauds
08:56 hbwenger : clapping for Steve
08:56 alytapp : that was fun. Thanks!
08:56 ustreamer|44439 : just LOVE the ability to do this kind of thing
08:56 fifer1863 : thanks @khokanon
08:56 hbwenger : Thanks all...great learning as usual!
08:56 scmorgan : thanks kristin
08:56 ustreamer|44439 : @hbwenger -- are you on Twitter??
08:56 RiptideFurse : @khokanon Thanks for streaming this
08:56 ustreamer|44439 : Ohhh -- a laptop!!!
08:56 hbwenger : yes...I'm hbwenger on twitter, too...I just added you :)
08:57 ustreamer|44439 : excellent --
08:57 kjarrett : I have on of those - it's an Asus Eee PC - it rocks!
08:57 ustreamer|44439 : do you have to be present to win the laptop??
08:57 ustreamer|44439 : one of the perks for being F2F I guess
08:57 scmorgan : @kjarrett We are about to order one to test...glad to hear you like it
08:58 kjarrett : @scmorgan Yes, I can fill you in via email, DM me...
08:58 khokanson-1 : can someone please copy this chat and email to Kristin
08:58 scmorgan : @kjarrett great, thanks
08:58 kjarrett : How many people were in the keynote?
08:59 ustreamer|44439 : can't wait to see who wins
08:59 kjarrett : Was this recorded?
08:59 ustreamer|44439 : APPLAUSE
08:59 ustreamer|41570 : kevin
08:59 khokanson-1 : This was recorded.
08:59 kjarrett : Barry's one happy camper!
09:00 ustreamer|44439 : have a great day everyone
09:00 ustreamer|44439 : thanks for posting this in twitter
09:00 kjarrett : Thanks Kristin!
09:00 hbwenger : have a great day!
09:00 khokanson-1 : You can find the address at http://khokanson.blogspot.com/ later today.
09:00 kjarrett : Ok all, gotta go teach! Kindergarteners here soon! WOOT! Bye, have a great conference!

Technorati Tags: DEN, keystone, pete08, tech42, dembo

PETE & C Keynote: David Pogue

Testing the tools: Coveritlive

I have started testing tools to see what would work best for live blogging in a classroom or doing a "fischbowl" as described in my earlier post.

Here are my thoughts about Coveritlive....covered in a test with some of my twitter friends just in case you weren't able to make it:) Click on reply session to see what we thought of this as a tool.
I like this as an option for "covering" a confernece session but not so much for having kids "uncover" information.
Your thoughts?

Technorati Tags: blog, blogging, coveritlive

Engaging Conversations by using the tools

I sat down the other week to watch Front line's special Growing Up Online
I quite disturbed as I watched this skewed views of what is happening online when a message popped up on my twitter feed...one of my colleagues in my twitter network had started a chatroom, and the conversation about this show was flying.  I was amazed at how quickly the conversation had gotten started, how heated the discussion, how engaged we all were and how much more I learned from this show by having the opportunity to "discuss" in this manner

Then I had the opportunity to "live blog" about A Whole New Mind with Anne Smith's class... Kids home sick deciding to "blog along" with the fischbowl. I was able to listen in to the inner circle via Skype (unfortunately their MeBeam room was blocked at my location) but to hear the kids talking and see the comments that were being written was absolutely fascinating from the outside.  The thread of comments is definitely worth a read...

Time passed...
and I found myself sitting in on a conversation in a classroom that  had to do with perceptions of the US, to answer the question "Can America based on past & current events  be defined as an imperial power?"   Kids who were born in other countries, describing their views of what they expected America to be...Side conversations happening...kids trying to find their voice...coming up to me at the end of the period to defend their ideas...a teacher wishing the period, the discussion could have gone further...28 kids, engaged, but many ideas left unarchived, many kids left frustrated that they couldn't be heard

...and I started to think about how powerful this medium of "chat" can be in relevant, authentic, well structured activities and I started to investigate some of the tools.  While I enjoyed  fishbowl with "live blogging" I started to experiment with some emerging chat rooms and tools for live blogging to make the experience more realtime and authentic for the students. 
Top on my list...chatzy and coverit live... which I will cover in my next post....but, before I do, let me paint a new picture....

Looking to the future...
there are 28 kids in a classroom, 2-3 students have prepared to lead the conversation with 8-10 of their peers.  Surrounding this group is a circle of 10-15  more students...."discussing" online their thoughts about what the "inner circle" is saying.  Perhaps this outer circle has an audience using ustream from another school, state, country...perhaps they have a participatory audience, where these folks have been invited into their chat room to engage and challenge.. and let's say this conversation was archived so the inner circle could go back and read and comment on how they were being challenged.  Let's say that this method of discussion continued so all kids had the opportunity to lead, to be in the inner circle, as well as the outer circle.  And let's say at the end they needed to reflect on the experience.... to defend a point, to support their ideas to persuade us to take some action. 

Is this a good use of these tools that are often blocked in schools?  Is this a lesson that is rigorous and causes kids to have to think, learn and participate at a higher level?  Does this activity hold ALL STUDENTS accountable and give them voice?  Is this responsible protected use that teaches kids to use technology appropriately and productively? 
Think....
Think about having an archived record of these ideas and thoughts upon which they can reflect further...
Think about whether or not the students would would be engaged in the learning process...
Think about the skills that would benefit them both in the real world AND for the test...
Just think....is it worth having these conversations at your school?

Technorati Tags: coverit, chatzy, fisch, liveblog, chat, mebeam

Blogged with Flock

Wikis get more WONDERFUL...

So it is not big secret that I am a HUGE fan of wikispaces. The one feature that has always bugged me is working in tables. Have no fear, they have added a new table editor which makes working in wikitables a snap.

1. From the “Edit This Page” mode, place your cursor in a cell of the table that you wish to change.
   
2. A table icon will appear at the corner of that cell.

From this dropdown you can edit a cell, row, column, or your entire table.

The BEST part is the ability to add rows and columns which could not be done before AND to change alignment

THANKS WIKISPACES

Not using a wiki you say, click here to get your own ad free wikispace for teachers.

Technorati Tags: wikispaces

The Jott Experiment

THE NEXT 3 POSTS REPRESENT AND EXPERIMENT USING THE TOOL JOTT...


I think I have just found the killer act ap to keep my blogging voice flowing and that is Jott. Jott enables speech to text capability all from the convenience of my cell phone. I have never considered podcasting because I am not a linear thinker. Often ideas come to my mind but I can't get them out orally in a clear concise manner. Too often I would be driving in the car when I have an idea or thought with no ability to write it down and then an another idea enters my brain and things begin to..... listen

Powered by Jott

And another thought...

...then another thought enters my brain and things begin rattling around with no resolution. Enter Jott. With a simple phone call I can Jott myself deep thoughts and ideas. Jott gives me the freedom to start to express myself and organize my ideas. Even in writing, I find myself jumping around not taking the time to organize my ideas and thoughts, but with Jott, can return to the Jott page or my gmail at any time to look at the ideas I had, and begin to organize the text and come up with a complete and concise post. listen

Powered by Jott

Jott also has the ability...

Jott also has the ability to connect other accounts like Twitter or Google calendars to easily post to those accounts or set up reminders. Although blogger(?) also has a plug in. I don't know that I will use it that often because my inability to speak, my thoughts linearly and concisely, but I'm sure I'm going to find myself with a very full inbox and a lot more blog post on the web. listen

Powered by Jott

ADDED LATER...Jott has only a 30 second time limit which is why this post was broken into 3 sections. It does enableyou to set up folders...I think my strategy will be to Jott 1 paragraph / thought at a time to a folder. When I get to my computer, I use my flock browser and drag & drop the individual jott paragraphs to a new post. Yes, multiple steps, but still very cool and will provide me a way to get "text" from my thinking time during my daily commute

The "conversations" before Educon

So I arrived at SLA this morning and although the "official" conversations have yet to begin, one of the most powerful experiences for me so far is to be able to engage in conversations...actual conversations...longer than 14o character conversations with the folks who I have been reading and interacting with since next. I have finally gotten the opportunity to sit face to face, over dinner with folks whose minds I know very well, but whose faces I know only as tiny icons. What is most exciting to me...is that tomorrow and Sunday, I will have the opportunity to talk in depth about some really deep issues AND have time to reflect on these ideas...perhaps change is possible... if it is, these are surely the folks that are going to make it happen

Technorati Tags: educon, SLA, Lehmann

The Greatest Things I've ever learned....

...I've learned from my network.

I am constantly amazed and impressed with how collaborative the folks with whom I have connected with are. Earlier this month I watched as a 15 year old persevered in setting up his own "broadcast of the New Hampshire Primary Election. While the first 14 minutes are him getting the sound set up just right, I was so impressed not only with the quality of the broadcast but the self directed-ness, and the perseverence...here it was 9:00 at night and a student was, with his peers, creating a learning environment...outside of school....and this is why these tools pique my interest so much. I have had some ideas rolling around in my head since I saw that "broadcast", so I was determined to learn how to do this myself. Although he had a set of directions on his blog, I was having difficulty getting the sound to work myself, so I was even more impressed (and GRATEFUL) that he was willing to spend time helping me set it up myself. Students teaching teachers, outside beyond the walls of the school outside of the 8-3 day...

Needless to say, it was not quite as easy as his directions made it appear. He spent quite a bit of time helping me to craft the skill of ustreaming a skype call...I wanted to do more...I wanted to add the element of desktop sharing...skype +yugma + ustream....was it possible?

As I stated in my last post, I learn by doing--so when Chris Harbeck sent out a twitter wondering if there was a way to record a yugma screen sharing session...I thought it would be a great opportunity to test out these tools together. Sunday afternoon, outside of the school week, continued opportunities for learning...

Since one of my goals was to create and archive of my learning...I couldn't let this opportunity go without writing about it (besides, I promised Chris some good written instructions;-) so here is my remedial "digital immigrant" version of directions from my teacher...digital native Arthus.

HOW TO SKYPE USTREAM
Sorry folks these directions are for a mac :-)

STEP 1:
GET THE STUFF YOU NEED...
There are several applications I downloaded for this demo
LineIn
LineIn is an application for OS X to enable the soft playthru of audio from input devices. In simpler terms, you can use LineIn to play sound through a microphone or any other device plugged in to your Sound In port.

SoundFlower
Soundflower is a MacOS X system extension that allows an application to pass audio to an other application. I used the 2 channel simple version apparently there is a more complex one that allows you to pass to multiple applications....not ready to go there yet ;-)
When you install soundflower it is important to remember to drag SoundFlowerBed into your applications directory. That is what is used later.

CamTwist
Since 90% of the time my learning happens at home in my pajamas;-) I LOVE this application, all I have to do is open in and I can cast what ever I want, a picture, slideshow, desktop...you can add special effects to video chats.

While you are at it...you should get a yugma account. You can download a plugin which allows you to invite contacts via skype, but I didn't use that as you lose the ability to have a chat in yugma...

If you are planning on ustreaming...you will need to create an account (and channel) there as well.

NOW, restart your computer as prompted and get ready to go....

SET YOUR PREFERENCES
Before you can start a call you need to set up some preferences....

SET MAC SOUND PREFERENCES

• Open system preferences and then sound preferences.
• Under the output tab, select Soundflower (2 ch).
• Under the input tab, select Internal microphone: built-in
• Close system prefs
  

SET LINE IN AP PREFERENCES

• Launch LineIn (Applications > LineIn.app).
• Set the Input to: From to Built-in Microphone: internal microphone (or whatever your input device is)
• Set the Output to: as Soundflower (2ch).
• Click: Pass Thru & then hide LineIn.

SET SKYPE SYSTEM PREFS

• open skype preferences
• Click on audio
  
• Set audio output to: soundflower(2ch)
• Set audio input to: Built in microphone: Internal microphone (or whatever mic you are using)
  

SET SOUNDFLOWERBED PREFERENCES
THIS MUST BE DONE LAST and probably best to test while in a skype call

• Launch Soundflowerbed (Applications > Soundflowerbed.app) - it was on the Soundflower disk.
• A flower icon will appear in your menu bar. Click it and a menu will appear.
• Under Soundflower (2ch) switch from NONE (like in the image) to Built-in Output. (Or whatever your chosen speaker device is)
• you may need to click it off and then back on again if you can't hear anything (this was the trickiest part of the set up I think)

YUGMA: http://yugma.com if you have an account, you can start a session. This will give you a session # which you can use to invite others to share desktops

START USTREAM: SET PREFS THERE TOO...
When you go to broadcast you need to be sure to set your audio to sound flower (2ch) as well

WHY DO ALL THIS....?
Well...take a listen as Chris Harbeck shares some of his thoughts about using these tools to push the limits on a partnership he has with a class in Alabama...think about how powerful it will be for kids half way across a continent to be able to work through problems together...in the same space and time and have an archive of their work on which they can reflect. I have been spending a lot of time thinking through some ways this can be used to connect classes...


And my motives... I am planning on using this method to broadcast my session "The Connected Classroom" at PETE&C

I will be talking about web2.0 tools and how they can impact students...but would really like to SHOW the folks in my PA audience using Yugma what folks around the world are doing...Please let me know if you are interested in sharing through yugma with my audience some of the things you are doing in your classrooms:
Are you doing great things with...

• wikis
• blogs
• skype
• yugma

Have you done a neat project using Web2.0 tools?

• voicethread
• gabcast

Please consider joining my session Monday, February 11th 3:15-4:15 EST. I have started a GOOGLE DOC for planning...please share some of the great things you are doing so I can inspire my audience the way you all continue to inspire me.

Stuck in a rut...

So it has been a LONG time since I last posted...
Am not sure HOW I got in this rut, but I know that it is one that I REALLY need to get out of...

Today, after reaching the peak of my frustration level with the new network settings in my district I decided I was going to sit, relax, eat my lunch and do some blog reading...and this post by Vicki Davis Stood out for me...It was titled: Why I blog and Perils of Perfection and several of Vicki's comments really resonated with me...

I must admit that I've been suffering from a bit of perfection paralysis in the past week. I see so many things to write and as I've read several books on good technical writing over break, I see so much more that I need to be. I fall so short of things. V. Davis

What I think is the greatest challenge I have right now is not how much I fall short (and believe me I feel sometimes like I do fall quite short) but how much further behind others are. If I am going to be a model for others to learn from then I feel like I have to be on the cutting edge...I am constantly trying new things...but not taking the time to reflect....I have tried starting a journal for my exercise to improve my healthy habits..Folks say to me...3 kids, full-time job, I don't know how you do it (and sometimes I don't either) but what I do know is that taking the time to reflect WILL make me a better person both personally and professionally.

The other tough thing is that my life is so busy that I'm never "in the know" on "what is happening" in the blogosphere. I don't have the time to check twitter but probably once a day. I check my reader quickly several times a week and I talk on Wow2, however, as I have spent most of my life "out," I remain "out." V. Davis

There are days where I walk through the doors of my school and don't get to my office to put my bag down until almost lunch time. I am constantly running from place to place putting out fires, wondering if I am challenging my teachers enough or pushing them too far out of their comfort zones. I LEARN so much every day from my professional learning network and yet to sit and reflect on it all... is the most challenging thing for me right now. I understand the power of reflection...but I have felt lately a bit like I am screaming into the echo chamber and not I am not even hearing the reply of my own voice echoing back...

SO I am going to do as Vicki did...and examine the reasons that I DO blog...

1. So that I can keep learning: Reflection is how I process information...and processing = learning
2. To keep a running record of my learning: I can't tell you the number of times I have had a great learning experience and because I didn't reflect, it is difficult to replicate. I need to take time to really LEARN new things before I can apply them in my district. Hopefully reconnecting with my blog will help me to do this.
   
3. Make connections: I can't tell you the number of folks with whom I have connected through blogs & commenting... and to build on that my final reason...
4. To be an ACTIVE participant in the conversation.
   

To my faithful readers...I apologize for all of the the posts that didn't get written...The skype banterings while watching the PA State Senate Hearings, Arthus's ustream of the political primaries in New Hampshire, new tools I have learned. I hope I didn't lose you... it is my resolution to do a better job...just have to remember, I don't have to be perfect.

Blogged with Flock