Thursday, July 29, 2010

Be Remarkable - Inspirational new video

Professional Development Tips for Technology

Top Ten Tips for Professional Development

These tips are from the Blogspot site http://cyber-kap.blogspot.com

Flexibility - Not only a great skill for PD but teaching as well. You always want a backup plan just in case something is not working, ie the internet.

Knowledge - It's very important to have a vast knowledge of the topic you're teaching. You don't have to be a "jedi master" but at least be able to answer the majority of questions.

Confidence - This goes along w/ knowledge, nothing is more uncomfortable for the audience then watching somebody who looks like they don't deserve/want to be there.

Innovation - I find it very important to use a variety of tools and present information in a new way to keep your audience engaged.
Organization - An organized presentation will make the presenter's life that much easier!

Resources - One of the things I pride myself on is giving the audience something tangible that they can take back w/ them or download (ie, digital books, CD, etc.).

Creativity - This goes hand and hand w/ innovation and helps keeps audience engaged and wanting more. The traditional Powerpoint presentation is no longer realistic for a 21st Century audience.

Humility - There is nothing that bothers me more then watching a presentation/educator who thinks they are a "know-it-all". We can always learn more especially from each other. That is exactly what developing a Personal Learning Network is all about. It's vital for a presenter to be open to constructive criticism and be good at self reflection.

Humor - It's always nice to be able to open up in front of a large crowd and there is nothing better then having a sense of humor. Remember not to change who you are when presenting but be your self and let your natural sense of humor shine through!!

Availability - It is always nice to be available to your audience for networking/answering questions at any time. Make yourself available and approachable to help strengthen your skill set.

There are many masters of professional development but a few that come to mind right off the bat are: Naomi Harm, Kevin Honeycutt, and Shelly Terrell.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Greener Frog Dissection

A Greener Frog Dissection- Many schools use frog dissection as part of their science curriculum. Those that are in favor of the “traditional” dissection argue that there is no replacement for a real frog. But wait there is another alternative for this. it is Emantras Interactive Technologies disagrees. Here are two links for you to check out and see what you think.

http://dissect.froguts.com/welcome.html

http://www.punflay.com/virtual-frog.html

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Program uses smart phones to increase math scores K-Nect

New report finds Project K-Nect helps students to like math—and teachers to like phones in the classroom
By Meris Stansbury, Associate Editor

Monday, July 19, 2010

Disruptive innovation

Here is a post that I found on a blogsite the other day after I presented at ETLC in Redford. I have been busy working on the website for Disruptive Innovation, so I have not posted much on the blog site lately.

The next hot topic revolves around disruptive innovation. Fred Sharpsteen describes disruptive innovation and how it relates to education. His research specifically relates to how students need a customized learning environment that compliments their individual needs. Technology is the rogue wave that needs to disrupt the educational systems of today. Teaching methods must not just integrate technology but must imbed it into the teaching and learning process. Therein lines our dilemma, with continued cutbacks and loss of funding how do we do that if we don't have the technology?

http://sites.google.com/site/diclassrooms