Teaching With Technology in APS

I’ll post more particulars about this conference when I get a little more time, there is so much more to talk about.  These audio clips should hold you over for a while.

The first MP3 is Bob Sprankle’s presentation that I attended during the conference.   He has some great ideas on how to purposefully  infuse podcasting into your classroom instruction.  The link to all of these MP3s are to a page on his blog.

The second is Ewan McIntosh’s keynote address on the first day.  Plenty more to come on him later.  Make sure you listen to it though.

The third was Dr. Pedro Noguera’s keynote on the last day.  All I can say is wow.  More details to come on that as well.  He preached his word for over an hour about what is working and not working in today’s educational world and got a standing ovation at the end of it.  He was amazing.  Rumor is that we’re trying to get him here to talk to our teachers.  That would be really cool.

There are a few more podcasts on the page here.  Check them all out.  It was such a great conference.  I’m sure you’re be able to tell by these audio clips.  Enjoy!

Either me or my wife walk our dog every morning. He needs the exercise so he doesn’t become a freak during the day. Don’t we all need exercise so we can keep from becoming freaks too?

Anyways, there is an APS elementary school near our house and it was time for the first year teachers to report to this particular building for the first time in their careers. I remember that feeling pretty well, it wasn’t that long ago. Every APS school is locked from the outside as well and these teachers were there before the office staff had reported to work, therefore there was no one to “buzz them in.” My wife walked by them, noticed their worry and confusion, and knew this was no way to begin a teaching career. My wife then suggested they try the side door where she had seen teachers enter and exit this building for many years. “There’s a side door?” they exclaimed as they appreciatively said thanks and went in to begin their process of changing the world one student at a time.

Just thought I’d share that story for a few reasons. First, it’s cute. Second, it’s hard to do your job if you can’t get into the building. That’s sort of the first step. And third, and most importantly, don’t be afraid to look for, and use the side door as you go through life. There’s nothing wrong with that and it might just save you some time and effort in the process.

Have a great school year everyone…

Just got this link from a colleague of mine and had to pass it on. This video displays the hows and the why’s of technology infusion in the classroom. If you watch really closely you can see him become a teacher right in front of your eyes. And I can’t agree more with his observation that it’s about a carefully selected image with a well planned out thought provoking question. If you still think it’s all about the technology you haven’t read enough of my or my hero’s and friend’s blogs! Get to work!

Click here and then press play on the video window, embedding/downloading this video has proven to be kind of a challenge. Just a few more clicks and you’ll be there!