Wednesday, December 31, 2008

On Writing….

It is always somewhat exciting starting a new year. It makes us feel fresh...like we are all starting with a clean slate. This past week has been a very productive time for me. Most of my days have been spent writing and editing my dissertation proposal. It’s actually been an enjoyable process so far, and one I’m actually looking forward to in the future. It’s a challenge holding down a very full-time job and studying. So this time to kick back and focus on something I really do enjoy has been nice.

Many of my colleagues (in school and at school) seem to find it a challenge to tune out the outside world and focus on thinking and writing. I must admit, I can find it difficult at times, too! But with the dawn of a new year, I feel even more in a rhythm with school, school, and other goal areas of my life. Only a few days left to enjoy the quiet before competing interests start tugging. Leo Babauta at the Write To Done blog has a post today that I really related to...8 Things I Did To Help Me Complete My First Book.

  • Focus only on the book.

  • Have a deadline to meet.

  • Be accountable to someone.

  • Keep things simple.

  • Clear away distractions.

  • Do one thing at a time.

  • Set a writing time.

  • Be free with your first draft.

Many of the items on his list I was able to accomplish over the holiday break. I think my ability to conquer these ideas helped make this such a productive time. The challenge will be to maintain these habits in the new year. Leo also has a new book The Power of Less. I am looking forward to reading it. Maybe I’ll even post a review.

Posted by Randy on 12/31 at 04:38 PM
Writing • (0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Fluid Learning

One thing we know is that for technology to make a difference, we first need to change how we teach and learn. The internet and technology change the game, making connections more possible and more important. Connections change the game of education. Despite the understanding that we need to change teaching and learning, it is not very clear what this means (at least in my mind). The recent “Networked Students” video and the blog post “Fluid Learning” are the beginning for me of making the idea of change more concrete.

In my doctoral program, we have been dabbling in creating connections over the last year and a half - but not nearly enough (or probably very effectively). The final paragraph of “Fluid Learning.” got me thinking…

Connection is expensive, not in dollars, but in time. But for all its drawbacks, connection enriches us enormously. It allows us to multiply our reach, and learn from the best. The challenge of connectivity is nowhere near as daunting as the capabilities it delivers. Yet we know already that everyone will be looking to maintain control and stability, even as everything everywhere becomes progressively reshaped by all this connectivity. We need to let go, we need to trust ourselves enough to recognize that what we have now, though it worked for a while, is no longer fit for the times. If we can do that, we can make this transition seamless and pleasant. So we must embrace sharing and openness and connectivity; in these there’s the fluidity we need for the future.

As we start a new year (and finish probably the most time intensive part of the program), how can we enrich our experience in the future through better, stronger connections. Is it worth trying to bring others in the cohort into the fold? We’ve tried this, with what I would describe as limited success, with a wiki. The root cause of our limited success might be in that first sentence: “Connection is expensive, not in dollars, but in time.” How do I get my teammates, cohort members and teachers in my district to rethink their use of time and develop more meaningful connections with each other? How can I lead them down the path of possibilities? These are just a few questions I’m thinking about.

Posted by Randy on 12/21 at 07:50 AM
21st century education • Leadership • Reflection • Social Networking • (0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Teaching Matters….hmmm…

This past week I was able to hear a presentation from the Pennsylvania Department of Education on the “new” Student Aligned Systems. As she was going through the various components, it just seemed like more of the same....trying to suck every bit of creativity out of the process. Having standards and standardized assessments wasn’t good enough. Now we will have guiding questions, curriculum, resources, etc so that teaching is dummy proof. Why are we always addressing the symptoms instead of the root causes?

The presenter also shared some video propaganda called “Teaching Matters.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle near the end when one of the “plants’ says, “we have the opportunity now to engage 21st century learners.” Oy....news flash. There is nothing in your little video that is remotely 21 century. It’s the same old, same old game of school. Basically a load of rubbish. I’ll need a lot more convincing to think that SAS is more than putting whipped cream on a poop pie.

Teaching does matter....for better or worst.

Posted by Randy on 12/20 at 05:39 PM
21st century education • Leadership • (0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink
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