I want to blog a bit about buying text books. I had to buy a text for a class I am taking and gratefully I found it used on amazon. It cost me $1. yep, one dollar. and surprise, when it arrived, it had never been used.

When are we going to stop asking students to buy textbooks?

I would much rather have a digital version of the book, one that I probably would refer to and actually use because it would be with me whenever I had a chance to do some homework.

My guess is that the younger students in my class won't even bother buying the text.

Looking for good ideas for interactive technology in the primary classroom? Here's a great reference http://plattsburgh.neric.org/oak/smartboard/stories.htm

Thanks for sharing Oak Street Elementary!

Constructing Modern Knowledge 09
Back at the constructivist institute for a second go round. It was my favorite learning experience of 2008. Tho I must say, I am less anxious this year. I have a better understanding of the method behind Gary's madness. So I am willing to suspend all desire to "learn a new program" and more willing to engage in the process of making something.
Right now I am focused on making some music! I'll report back!

interesting article

Facebook and The Adolescent Brain - The Emerging Employers' Dilemma

from Tom Krieglstein of Swift Kick http://ow.ly/gtkj

This would be a good back-to-school discussion to record/video with teachers and students and then share the results with administrators.

from the post:

"We have a classic chicken/egg challenge. Will adolescents change their behavior online to suit their current or future employers needs, or will employers change their attitudes about online behavior knowing that the prefrontal doesn't fully develop until 25?

Dr. Giedd jokes that at least the rental car industry has it right because you can't rent a car until you're 25.

I tend to think that as more of our adolescent years are played out and recorded online forever, societal attitudes will shift towards a greater acknowledgment of "oh those were his/her adolescent years" and put less long term judgement on those actions.

It will be interesting to see our first "Facebook President," or watch a parent tell a child not to do something and the child turns around and Googles a video and picture of the parent doing the exact same thing."

I have been working on a certificate program at JHU in Out-of-School Time Learning. I think I have found my voice. here is my OST Philosophy - Educational Leadership in Out of School Time Learning must insure that young people are provided a caring, well organized time and place to explore their interests, improve their academics, and meet new friends. In today's interconnected world, learning takes place 24/7. Students need to be able to learn anywhere and anytime, not just in school, so after school and summer programs are becoming more important to a child's education. Learning is more likely to occur when students can use their individual strengths, collaborate and then make a product that explains what they have learned and then share it with someone else, often that opportunity is after school. OST programs need to be available for all children. It is so important to provide quality OST opportunities for children in communities that cannot afford to provide the resources that their children need to succeed in the 21st century. I am committed to this philosophy and will strive to achieve excellence as a leader in the field.

My head is still spinning from all of the info and networking at NECC09. Now shifting gears from consumer to producer and heading to the Constructivist workshop in New Hampshire, Constructing Modern Knowledge09.