(4/30) The Forefront of Technology on a Scale of 1 to 4

If you asked 100 teachers if they were on the edge of technology in education right now, how many of them would answer a "four" on a 1 to 4 scale if "four" were the highest?

I have always seen myself as being on the forefront of technology in education, but when we interviewed Brad Gustafson a few weeks ago on PrincipalCast, he started speaking to us about augmented reality. I had never heard of augmented reality let alone used it in school.  (View the episode and show notes here.)

Do you think that some teachers who have a one-to-one iPad program and use Edmodo in their building believe that they are on the forefront of educational technology? Do you think that students who tweet in their classroom would give their school a "four"on that scale? What exactly is the forefront of technology in education?

What would you consider to be a "four"? More importantly, what would your students consider a "four"?

#PrincipalCast Summer Series - What is coming up? (Day 3/30)

The #PrincipalCast summer series is winding down, but it has been amazing so far!  We were fortunate enough to discuss Life After the PrincipalShip with Peter DeWitt (he also helped with some travel tips!).  We spoke with Kelly Tenkely on how she started her own school and the way she differentiates and individualizes everything.  We had the ability to speak with Daisy Dyer Duerr (special guest host Drew Frank) about opportunities for summer learning that are available.  So much information, and such wonderful and amazing people to have the option to learn from!

What do we have coming up, you ask?  AMAZINGNESS.

On August 10, we speak with Ben Gilpin after #Edcampleadership.  We are working with Chris Wejr on August 24 on the topic Preparing for the New School Year.

August 31 is a Special Mystery Guest that you DO NOT WANT TO MISS!  We will be releasing information very soon, but trust me, you want this on your calendar!

Which has been your favorite episode so far?

Don't forget to subscribe via iTunes (and leave a review if you would!): PrincipalCast (video) and PrincipalCast (audio)

 

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Brainstorming and Drafts (2/30 Blogging Challenge)

I am very glad that Akevy (@Akevy613) started us on this blogging challenge after the interview with Kelly Tenkely (@Ktenkely) on PrincipalCast last week.  For some of us, the challenge is simply sitting down to write daily.  It's been a struggle for me in the past but it is something I truly need to do for myself.  I am glad this challenge started!  Though I have not spent a lot of time blogging thus far (this is my second post due to a stomach virus) I have been working on it in parts that have not yet been published.  I have been much more conscious of writing down ideas that may possibly become blog posts. 

I utilize Drafts by Agile Tortoise for my iPad and iPhone.  It is by far the best app I have found for capturing and saving information.  Once you create a draft, you can send it to OmniFocus, Evernote, Twitter, FaceBook, and many other apps.  It truly is the missing link between the iPhone/iPad and everything else in the universe ;)

What is your favorite catch-all for brainstorming?  

image credit: http://macsparky.com

When did Social Media become THE place for debate? (Blog a Day 1/30)

The other day, I posted a Common Core (CCSS) video (embedded below) by Kelly Tenkely (@ktenkely) on my Facebook profile. I know that CCSS is a hot topic for a lot of people. I understand that it is something that incites anger in some people. See the original post below. Within 5 minutes, the first response was a HUGE debate, talking about the deficiencies and mentioning that they were sure the video did not address them. It continued about the same way for the duration of the comment. Unfortunately, the debate continued within the comments.

Like I said, I understand COMPLETELY that this is a sore subject. In fact, I specifically said I wasn't looking for a debate. Only sharing information. When did Social Media become THE place for debate? Yes, it is more safe than in person, it is easier when you're typing as the pressure is much less. I just have a really hard time when I specifically ASKED for there to not be a debate, and the first response was just that.

The person who responded has had a very difficult time with the CCSS implementation in their district. They have since pulled their students and have been home schooling. I understand the difficulty. I REALLY do. I just don't understand this.

Just so this is clear: I mean this person NO ill will. I understand the difficulties behind the subject. This was just a good example of what I have seen lately. Be it comments on a news article, responses to a status, etc. It happens everywhere. I enjoy myself a good debate, but sometimes I just want to share information.

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Video:
https://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DQgAVd5soxTw%26feature%3Dyoutu.be&h=oAQGd01ZtAQERPqdx5112CxLD4NBBQ4liW5sQJzU1mQbf9A&enc=AZPC-3QuTCfvFRE7i_Kuy_-YpMADNLbTb85a9EdMcOF7WhMpBx4Pk_uPkwAjcF5mh3465a1iP0Wg6Suhem7BSb_n&s=1<