Responsible Technology

We need to teach students to be responsible citizens when it comes to the use of technology. Students need to understand courtesy, respect and responsibility. If a teacher asks a student to close his laptop or turn off his calculator, then he should do so out of courtesy and respect. There may be several reasons why a teacher asks a student to follow these directions that may or may not be explained. The teacher needs to be respectful and firm. If a teacher asks a student to create a pseudonym for a classroom blog, then a student should do so. The teacher should explain issues of privacy and respect. I have started another student blog about Shakespeare with my ELA 9 class, and we have spent some time discussing respect and privacy. We have created “user names” and we are working on our fist trial posts. Today I asked my students to comment on the postings of other students. We discussed what and how. One of the students asked if they should point out spelling/grammar errors to their fellow classmates. There were several suggestions, and we have decided that the best way to correct our peers is through modeling. For example if one student notices that every possessive apostrophe is missing in a post. Rather than focusing on this, it was best to model the appropriate use through a reflective comment. All of the students agreed that this might be the best method. We are going to experiment with this. I am currently teaching one class about the use of wikis. They have not “joined” my space, but I have provided the website. Almost immediately we had an issue with names being erased as we tried out the editing. At first I thought that the names were being erased on purpose, but this was not completely the case. There was one name erased on purpose, but the kids are willing to help me solve this issue. This is an example of bullying, and it is an issue that surfaces once in awhile with this group of students. I would like to say that things are now all rosy, but it is an ongoing issue. I feel less confident with some of the younger students with regards to security and respect with regards to some of the technological applications including blogging. This must become a priority.

Gardner and Technology

I plan to heed the advice of Howard Gardner (2000). He states that educators need to focus on two broad goals at all times, including the discourse on technology integration. The first goal should focus on students becoming certain kinds of adults. For example if we want our children to become civil then we need to develop their interpersonal skills. Video simulations and chats can create virtual reality situations. The second goal, according to Gardner (2000) is to get students to understand the major ways of thinking. Using technology, children can understand theory development, test hypotheses. If students are studying the causes of World War I, they can use newspapers, photos and models. Technology can become a viable and efficient medium to teach these goals. Materials are easy to access, they are vivid and fun. They address the multiple ways of knowing. Technology also provides speed and traverses great distances.

Gardner (2000) cautions educators:
Clearly, a marriage of education and technology could be consummated. But it will only be a happy marriage if those charged with education remain clear on what they want to achieve for our children and vigilant that the technology serves these ends. Otherwise like other technologies, the new ones could end up spawning apathy, alienation, or yet another phalanx of consumers. (p.35)

A Bit of a Break

I have taken a bit of a "blogging" break, and I'm not really too sure why I have done this. I don't feel refreshed, and I don't think that I needed to be refreshed. Anyway, I have been busy since I finished my University course and next week I start my final class to finish off my Master's Degree. It will be hectic because I have to drive to the city (2 hours away) twice a week for 6 weeks!

One thing that has been weighing heavily on my mind is a doctoral degree. One of the University professors suggested to me that I set up an appointment to discuss applying for the program. Apparently applications have to be submitted by February 2008 to begin studies in the fall of '08. I am a bit confused. I think that I have always wanted to do this, but I realize what a huge commitment this would be. My oldest child will be graduating next fall, so he would be gone from home when I begin my studies. I'm not sure if this is good or bad. My youngest child will be entering grade eight... I am started my new position as principal this fall, so I'm sure that many new challenges are awaiting me. I love learning, and the possibility excites me.

One other very important factor is my husband. He has always been there to encourage and support me in all of my endeavors. Maybe it is my turn to try to just have a more "normal" marital relationship. A relationship without the long hours of me ignoring him so I can get my homework done....

School is so busy right now with working on staffing for the fall, spring fever, maintenance issues, fundraisers for student exchange and graduation. Traditionally our grad has always been the first Saturday in May, which means that our grad is this Saturday. The kids have been very good, but there is one issue that has always plagued me since I have been at my present school: truancy. The problem really isn't habitual or extensive, but rather parental support of his/her child's truancy. I would say that a small portion of our population has this issue. I have spent several hours thinking about how to address this problem, and I think that the most realistic method is simply to state that if a student is 16 or over, then the school will be responsible to report the student absence to the parents, end of issue. I'm going to continue to contemplate this issue, and I plan to include other stakeholders.

Vancouver Sun Run

The Sun Run was fantastic! I wasn't sure how I would enjoy running shoulder to shoulder with almost 55 000 strangers, but it was amazing!

I starter under the green and it took me 58 minutes and some seconds to finish the 10K route. I didn't break any records, actually not even close. I was placed at 11 000 something or other, so technicially I finished in the top half - even the top quarter, not bad for a first time. If I decide to do it again, or another run of this type, I think I might do a little serious training - trying it three times before hardly qualifies as training...

I went with two of my sisters and we stayed with our first cousin who works as an air traffic controller. It was my fist time in Vancouver and it was great! Anyway, I'm exhausted - pathetic eh?

Leader Talk

I wrote my second post today for Leader Talk regarding professional development and technology. I feel so strongly about this issue because I believe that there is such unlimited potential for student empowerment. Please take some time to peruse Leader Talk; there is some great stuff happening.

Today, I spend the majority of the day cleaning up my office, and I found that I was feeling a little sad thinking about the past six years which I have spent as Vice-Principal. I thought about beginning my to-do list for the fall, and then I thought that at present I have so many things on the go that I would wait until I can fully concentrate on my new job.

I have been missing my son who is still in Kelowna golfing with a couple of golf coaches. They take 16 boys for 8 days for a golf camp. Today they were golfing at Vintage Hills, so I hope they had a good day. Tomorrow they are golfing at the Harvest.

HATS

I would just like a little input regarding the issue of “HATS”. Over the past couple of years, my staff has had a tough time agreeing on the issue of students wearing hats in school. The main problem is the hallways. None of the students wear their hats in class, but in the hallway they put them on their heads as soon as a teacher walks away. I have been of the opinion that this is such a non-issue. There are days that I wish I didn’t feel this way, because it is such an important issue to some of my staff members. I empathize with them, because it is important to feel supported. I want to be supportive, but I just don’t get it. I really could care less if kids wear hats, shorts or halter tops. It just doesn’t matter to me; what does this say about me? I’m still reflecting on this; I’m not sure. Also, our SRC has decided to hold every Friday as a “Hat Day” which in my opinion is contradictory to the hat rule! I have expressed this opinion to the staff, but I think this is an issue which they need to work out. Each student has to pay a dollar to wear their hat for the day (teachers wear jeans and pay the same) and all of the money is donated to Telemiracle. I think this is fantastic; we have worked hard at our contributions to Telemiracle! I think that my noncommittal attitude may be contributing to the issue.

I do feel strongly that kids do not wear clothing with inappropriate messages, but I don’t usually notice these unless someone points it out to me. I think that I am very observant when it comes to personalities and personality conflicts among students, so I’m really not walking around with my head in my papers all day. Any suggestions?

Second Life

For those who are interested – I’m still on Orientation Island. I can’t seem to drive, even though I can fly! I’ll get off of the island sometime, but I only have a couple of days before I go to Vancouver for the Sun Run. My name is Camadali Ducatillo if anyone is interested.

My Daughter's Blog who is in Sixth Grade:

Maddi

NEW JOB

I have had a stressful couple of weeks, but I’m beginning to feel the anticipation and excitement. I have to hold off though, because there is MUCH to do before then!

I was offered the position of Principal at my school beginning this fall, and I accepted! But before I can begin planning and work I have to get through the next couple of months. I have just finished my second last University class, and I have one more to do which begins in May. It will be a tough one because I am required to drive to Regina twice a week for six weeks – the hard part is the distance (two hours one way). We also have our graduation coming up the first weekend in May, but I really don’t have to do too much – everyone at my school really pitches in and helps. I am organizing a fundraiser for our Grade 11 exchange trip which will take most of the weekend of April 20/21. Also, I help to coach Senior Badminton and we have games all next week – Monday, Wednesday and Thursday night. We then begin play-offs for two weekends in a row. Plus, my own two kids… For them, they are really between seasons. My daughter will begin baseball, and my son is already into golf. He is in Kelowna right now on a provincial golf camp, and he is loving it.

Anyway, I know that I can get through the next two months… With or without sleep. I’m very excited about this weekend, because I’m flying to Vancouver with two of my sisters to participate in the Vancouver Sun Run!

Webquests

Here a a couple of interesting educational resource links from my class:

Grade Six Webquest - Integrated Science and ELA project:


Saskatchewan Sustainable Development Project


Grade 4 Farming Unit

Second Life

One of my classmates M Brooks has introduced me to Second Life which is a 3D online digital world. When you first begin you will need to create an avatar... which can have your characteristics of your own physical body or something much different. The possibilities of creating/building learning communities for students seems to be unlimited. I plan on getting started on my own journey over EAster. I'll let you know how it goes.

"Second Life is a 3-D virtual world entirely built and owned by its residents. Since opening to the public in 2003, it has grown explosively and today is inhabited by a total of 5,172,486 people from around the globe.
From the moment you enter the World you'll discover a vast digital continent, teeming with people, entertainment, experiences and opportunity. Once you've explored a bit, perhaps you'll find a perfect parcel of land to build your house or business.
You'll also be surrounded by the Creations of your fellow residents. Because residents retain the rights to their digital creations, they can buy, sell and trade with other residents.
The Marketplace currently supports millions of US dollars in monthly transactions. This commerce is handled with the in-world unit-of-trade, the Linden dollar, which can be converted to US dollars at several thriving online Linden Dollar exchanges. "

Listening

Today I asked my boss to identify my professional weaknesses. He cautiously told me a couple of things. (Apparently, one must be that I don't take criticism well.) He told me that he thought that I should be careful about personal friendships with staff members. I feel that I respect and like each of my colleagues. I respect these people for so many different reasons. Some of them are kind; some are helpful, some are reliable, some are extremely intelligent, some are extremely dedicated and hard-working, most of them have that special touch with kids, some are friendly... I could go on and on, but I think what he really meant was that they all need to feel the appreciation and respect of their bosses. I have always felt such admiration for my colleagues, but now I know that I have to share this with them – all of them. Not just the ones that I think I more receptive to my praise. I think I know why I haven't done this in the past. I have felt that my praise really isn't worth much to some, being only the VP. Most days, I really underestimate the effect that I may have on people, even as their colleague.

The other issue that he mentioned is "listening". We (probably all teachers and administrators) tend to want to solve everyone's problems. They come for help, and we assume that because we are the "boss" that they want us to fix their problem. I really don't think this is the case. Many times they just want someone to share the issue and affirm their point of view. Over the years, I have tried to remind myself of this, and I will continue to strive towards being the "coach" on the side. Perhaps, it is the motherly instinct (or parental) in us where we feel the need to control and solve all the problems.

We did go on to talk about our strengths, but I haven't enough time to go through all that. (Haha)....

A New School Day?

Changing Our Schools to Meet the Needs of Today’s Kids...

I feel that we could make some big changes to today’s schools:

1. We need to incorporate PD into the regular day/week. It NEEDS to be scheduled. Some teachers may want to read journals. Some teachers may want to blog. Some teachers may want to work on the University classes. Some teachers may want to work with math manipulatives, or plan a unit of team teaching. This PD needs to have a point or a personally created portfolio – something for accountability, as long as the teacher has input into this.

2. Teachers/administrators need to leave their work at work in order to maintain healthy lives. This could mean an 8:00-5:30 or 7:30 – 5:00 work day. Perhaps there should be one or two evenings scheduled for two hours. Weekends are for self and family. I feel that this is important for health and longevity. Change and initiatives do not usually come from overworked and tired staff.

3. Students could be at school from 7:30 to 9:00 and 3:30 – 5:30 if they or their parents need them to be. This is crucial. Kids need our support. We can schedule this into the work day. For example: The average teacher would teach 4 hours/day, prep and correct for one, lunch and breaks – one hour, PD for one hour, supervision/extra curr – 2 hours. This extra curricular might include supervising kids in the gym, lab, resource, tutoring, playing games, talking, counseling…Our day needs to support our kids. Today’s kids are on their own and this is often for hours before and after school and lunch hour. Why can’t they be at school, just like they are at home. Have a large common TV/computer/games room – multifunctional room. Provide breakfast and snacks… Let’s face it – much of the best times at school for teachers and kids are all of those informal times.. These kids with two working parents, single parents… they need us.

4. Let’s invite parents to have a cup a coffee when they get off of work when they come to pick up their kids. Kids ages 14 and up could come and go, and perhaps kids ages 11-14 could too, with parental permission and/or guidelines. We (staff and parents) could create this outline together. Maybe this is happening.... Let me know...

Any thoughts?

A Few Difficult Days

Difficult days

I’m certainly not a poet like Kelly, and if only I could sound as eloquent as several other bloggers… I guess this is part of the reason why they blog. I started to blog as an experiment – just to see if I could. Then I continued to blog for my grad studies. Now, I’m blogging to connect. I simply could not have fathomed the connections – from people in positions just like me, to gurus and experts. I have been spending time perusing elearnspace, which takes about Connectivism, and until I began this journey into rss feeds, checking my google reader each day, I really didn’t contemplate the possibility of such a journey. For the past few days, I have been pondering over my learning. As June 30th looms ahead, I have been worried about many things. I will be finished my Master’s Degree – where will I find those invaluable leads? Colleagues are moving/retiring. Technology is changing so rapidly – how will I continue to grow.. Where can I continue to study?

Now I know where I have some “connections”!

Class Act Portals

I have been reading some interesting work by Tom March on Class Act Portals, and I have been contemplating class and topic. A Class Act Portal is relatively the same as a class blog, but with the following differences:
- The new blog/portal needs to be a passionate interest for the teacher. The reason for this is that the teacher’s passion will rub off on the students. The topic should not just be selected because this is where the class is at in the curriculum.
- The topic should be timely; something from current event could have sparked the topic.
- The topic should also lend itself to technology: blogs, photos, podcasts…
Tom March provides a list of possible topics that may spark your interest. I’ll keep you posted.

Cell Phones....

I thought about discussing this issue in a diplomatic way, but I decided that there are times that I do need to “be unreasonable”. Usually I am very easy going; I love to listen and help people, but when teachers are upset about kids having cell phones, I am often a little annoyed. I have studied leadership styles and do tend to favor Greenleaf’s servant leadership, focusing on listening and empathy, but when teachers complain about kids and their cell phones, while carrying their own in their pocket, it really irritates me. I do believe that there are some rules which are different for kids and adults, but not too many. I teach 50% of the time, so I’m not just sitting in my office telling teachers that it isn’t an issue. (I’m really not saying that’s what full time administrators doJ.)

I had my first student cell phone encounter about a year and a half ago, before there was any real discourse on the topic. The student’s phone rang, and he looked at me with sheepish eyes. I politely asked him if it was an emergency and he said not really. I told him that I didn’t want to see or hear it again in class, and if it was an emergency then he could leave it on and set it to vibrate. He could then be asked to be excused and he could take his call outside of the classroom. At that time his brother was involved in a serious court case. That was the end of that, and I know this boy still carries his phone every day to school. I have never had an issue with him again. (And as a VP, I deal with discipline; I’ve never heard of those behavior specialists… sigh)

I think that if we treat kids, regardless of their age, with respect, the same way that you or I want and expect to be treated, then they will. Of course, there will be times that they falter, the same way that we all can. I have engaged in regular discussions with kids regarding the use of cell phones, and they understand the issues better than we do. They don’t want people cheating and they don’t want their pictures/videos taken without permission any more than we do. In my classroom, we come up with the rules together, and then they help enforce them. I make it sound so simple, but it isn’t always this easy. I’ve been in a few debates with kids, but in the end we usually agree on the important issues.

Now, let’s hear yours.

Leader Talk

I have been invited to participate in a new blog - Leader Talk which was just created by Scott McLeod. Like usual, I was a bit hestitant to begin, but I think this blog will be a great opportunity for educational leaders to create a community where we can discuss and hopefully debate current and relevant educational issues.

I had a difficult time with a topic for my first post - which was today - but I had the opportunity to listen to a CD on leadership by Kevin Burns. He is a motivational speaker from Red Deer, Alberta. It was quite inspiring and it caused me to take some time to reflect on my journey.

Take a few minutes to have a look at some of the great posts at www.leadertalk.org, and get involved with the discussions.

Civilization

My son has been playing a computer game for quite a few years called Civilization. He and his uncle (my brother) have played thousands of hours over the past five or more years. I paid no attention to this game; I trust my brother implicitly - he is 26 years old. Anyway, if my son's golf career doesn't take him to Georgia (where he is dreaming of going), then he is going to study archeology at the U of S. I just recently realized where this love originated - Civ.

I believe in this era of connectivism and constructivism, educationally based computer games can play an integral component.


The 12 Principles of Civilization ™
Although it exists online, a web community is primarily a human association. To best identify the necessary elements for building such community, it’s vital to look to the study of human interaction. The 12 Principles developed by RealCommunities, Inc., are based on sociological principles and offer a framework for creating and sustaining vibrant web communities. These principles are also a tool to help community producers remain rooted in their community vision while making strategic or tactical decisions. Once we’ve established the underlying human qualities that drive our coming together online, the 12 Principles give us a unifying view from which to design and implement technologies to support and enable such online communities. And finally, they provide a methodology for figuring out community functionality priorities.
These principles are ordered in two groups: The first six relate to the underlying human needs and expectations inherent in any community, while the final six focus on the framework and structures that must exist to ensure a group’s viability and success. None of these principles exists in a vacuum; each relates to and depends on the other factors. For instance, without identity and trust, there can be no reputation. In many cases, each principle stems from the previous principles. Thus, identity grows out of shared purpose, trust flows from identity and reputation builds from trust.
1. Purpose: We have a shared goal or interest.
2. Identity: We know who’s who.
3. Reputation: We recognize and build status based on our actions.
4. Governance: We regulate and moderate behavior according to shared or stated values.
5. Communication: We have ways to share information and ideas.
6. Groups: We can relate to each other in smaller numbers.
7. Environment: We interact in a shared space that is appropriate to our goals.
8. Boundaries: We know who belongs and who doesn’t.
9. Trust: We know with whom we’re dealing and that it’s safe to do so.
10. Exchange: We have a system of exchange or barter and can trade knowledge, support, goods, services, and ideas.
11. Expression: We have a group identity and know what other members are doing. We can easily indicate our preferences and opinions.
12. History: We can look back over our history and track our evolution.
Moving up the pyramid from foundation (history) to high-individual need principles(purpose) illustrates both the relationship between principles and their relative importance.
Online tools can facilitate each of the 12 Principles in online communities if the tools are designed and implemented to help community members answer their questions. We will look at examples from sites that have effectively expressed one or more of these principles.

Connectivism and Constructivism

Learning Theories - There is much to ponder. I think that the 21st century classroom needs to have technological literate teachers who believe in accomodating students with differentiated instruction to accomodate multiple intelligences. These classrooms need to have foundations of constructivism, perhaps just moderate constructivism, and I also like the discussions revolving around connectivism. Knowledge is rapidly changing; it doesn't last forever.

George Siemens has provided valuable information which I have tried to internalize:

I have been reading about connectivism and I understand this to be a comprehensive learning theory. Learning is network formations; learning focuses on the process and educators can enable the connections (as well as other sources). Today's curriculum courses are "cracking" because they are one dimensional and much of what we are teaching (the knowledge that we are distributing) becomes useless. The knowledge growth is so rapid - knowledge has a shelf life. There are so many new types of connections related to the attainment of knowledge such as Wikipedia (open source applications), rating pages, ... New knowledge and connections are being created so rapidly.

Content is so different today: creating, saving, accessing and sharing has become so different. Anyone and everyone is involved in these simple tasks, tasks that were once so difficult and time consuming. We need a model for teaching that will keep what is important current - this is a challenge. I believe much of this theory of learning, and I especially like his discussions regarding hard and soft knowledge.

In addition, there are factors on perception - belief, emotions and motivation. I firmly believe that these three factors play the largest role in learning. I also favor the theory of multiple intelligences; I believe that there is a genetic component involved in which method of learning works best. Factors affecting perception and multiple intelligences strongly affect my beliefs about learning and teaching. However, I feel that curriculum development needs to be guided by connectivisim and constructivist learning theories. Educators must address this issue of the shift in this definition of knowledge, and students need to become competent in managing the abundance and types of knowledge.

After reading several blogs tonight (G-Town Talks), I tried making a few connections.... If we could embrace these learning theories: constructivism, connectivism, and multiple intelligences... would there be such controversy about rules regarding cell phones and mp3 players?? Would teachers be more willing to embrace students'personal tech devices, because as we utilize these theories, we would need to be building more safety and security into our daily teaching?

Just a thought to ponder. ..

Vancouver Sun Run

The Vancouver Sun Run is being held on Sunday, April 15, 2007, and my sisters want me to go with them. I love to run, and I try to run a bit - in my spare time - lol. This is supposed to be one of the biggest charity races, breaking a new record with over 50 000 participants in 2006. I am quite excited about the possibilty, but I have to work out all of the details.

Wish me luck with training! Two of my sisters are 12 and 14 years younger than I am, so I better find some time to do a little! (One sister is older and I know I can keep up with her- Thank goodness!)

Widgets

I have been researching the use of widgets, which I'm sure most of you will know more about this than I do. Apparently they have been around for quite some time, only they were called badges or modules? Now with Vista, obviosuly they may become more popular. I understand that the new windows comes with already installed widgets (weather and news). I'm supposed to be receiving Vista in the mail; I bought a new computer in January. From the brief reading that I have done, there are two kinds of widgets: web and desktop. I have been tryint to install a couple of web widgets onto my blog, and I think that I have been successful - bookmarking and a calendar. I plan on adding Flickr, but I have to get to my marking and my paper. I am hoping to do more reading and work with these widgets over the weekend.

These widgets may prove to be a very popular and convenient method to manage all the "new knowledge" of this digital era, another step in creating networks.

A Not So Good Day...

If today there is no full moon, I don't want to go back to school. Plain and simple. Today, I had "discussions" with more kids than I think I had in the entire year, or so it seemed. My colleagues tell me that I sometimes tend to exaggerate, but I really don't think I do.

In addition, my laptop is gone with the technician. I hope he drops it somewhere along the way; it has never worked properly from day one, which has only been about seven months. Today, he found that the touchpad does not work properly, so now he is going to blank the entire machine. He took it to repair it about 3 weeks ago, and it worked for perhaps an hour or so. He is an excellent technician; I keep telling him that it is just a dud. Hopefully someone will correct me if I'm wrong; my brother works as a computer system anaylst and he tells me that 1 out of every 4 machines do not work exactly they way that they should. Now maybe he told me this when he was having a computer moment; I'm not sure...

What else... My daughter plays hockey on two teams, and one is finished; my son plays for the Midgets and they are done. Anyway, the two teams that should be finished, apparently are not. Everyone now wants to play exhibition games. I admire the organizers and coaches thier energy, dedication and enthuiasm for the sport. But, some of us are ready to move on to the next thing.

Educational issues.. The Education Act states, "Every pupil is accountable to the principal's general deportment at any time that the pupil is under the supervision of the school and members of the teaching staff, including the time spent in travelling between the school and the pupil's place of residence." I have some difficulty comprehending this issue, and I have consistently interpreted this as the time that elementary students are walking to and from school. I have disciplined several elementary students for fighting/bullying incidents on the way to and from school. This could before school, at lunch and after school. I do have concerns over the legalities of students who drive around at lunch hour, before and after school. If senior students are choosing to take alternate routes/methods to and from school what control do I want/need to have over this. I have heard of administrators keeping student keys at the office over lunch hour, but this seems too uncontrollable and risky. I find this a a very "grey" area... I need to write a news article on this subject, so I'm going to remind students that they may be disciplined under this section of the Education Act.