Keeping the Dream Alive

Be sure to attend the 2007 K12 Online Conference! The link to the website is http://k12onlineconference.org This conference takes place online over the next two weeks with a variety of topics to be addressed. David Warlick just posted his pre-confernce keynote address and as always he raises some interesting topics.

I have not tended to my blog with the opening of school. Things have been very busy especially since I have taken on the duties of Science Department Chair. I am hoping to post some updates about how I am using technology in a science classroom in the near future.

Classes started today August 15th at the school where I teach. It was great to see the kids again! It was not a normal day due to a special schedule for an all school Episcopal morning prayer service and words of wisdom from our headmaster. It never ceases to amaze me how much 6th, 7th and 8th graders change physically, mentally and emotionally over the three month summer break.

Something is wrong with the video “When I grow up” added recently to the videos to view page. It will not consistently play. I did add a new video from the great folks at Commoncraft which clearly explains social bookmarking. It uses delicious in the video which I also use since I use two different computers. View the video and then try using delicious. It really worked for me.

A new video from “TeacherTube” (posted on the videos to view page) about Web 2.0 and preparing students for the future.

My 7th and 8th grade students will be picking up their textbooks (mine is on a CD) on August 3rd. Students report for their first day of class on August 15th. Where did the summer go? I will be taking an on-line class about podcasts August 1st - August 5th.

Another great video from the folks at Commoncraft! “Social networking in plain English” Check in out on the “Videos to View” page.

A new video added to the “videos to view” page. The title: “3 steps to 21st century learning”

Go to the videos to view page and view an official update to the original “Shift Happens” video from Karl Fisch and Scott McLeod, this June 2007 update includes new and updated statistics, thought-provoking questions and a fresh design. For more information, or to join the conversation, please visit http://shifthappens.wikispaces.com — Content by Karl Fisch and Scott McLeod, design and development by XPLANE.

I added two new videos to the “videos to view” page. One explains how a wiki works (Wikis in Plain English) and the other talks about RSS feeds (RSS in Plain English).

Take a look at a new video (Will you be a hero in the hallway?) on the “videos to view” page. It concerns a common problem at all types of schools.