Quest 1 - Welcome to summer online PD: Google Sites as ePortfolios!

We will be exploring a number of ways to exchange thoughts during this course.  Our first online discussion will be on a blog.  This will be a way for us to get to know who is participating and for you to think about your goals for this course.  Think about it as sitting around the campfire to tell our stories!

Once you're settled in on your beach chair, click on the "Post a comment" space herein and please tell us the answers to the following questions:

1.  Your first name and what discipline you teach.
2.  How the topics of ePortfolios and the reflection component of the IPP connect with what you already know or do.
3.  What you hope to achieve by completing this course.

If you'd like some music in the background, visit the Pandora link for Internet radio!

Resurrection of the Blog

Now that we have over a semester of 1:1 iPad learning under our belts, several teachers have created class blogs to add to our P21 creativity repertoire.  Welcome to publishing more than 140 characters of your thoughts!  Have fun with this project!

Gratitude and progress!

On March 27, we deployed iPads to 160 faculty.  We had tables of small groups staffed by our current iTeam, who helped their colleagues activate the iPads, configure email accounts, download some basic apps, et cetera.  Many thanks for everyone's efforts and openness!

iPad Pilot 2.0

Our iPad pilot program was expanded to include eight teachers and 240 students, beginning September 17, 2012.  While everyone was a little nervous at the outset, we have spent much time together to learn more about the iPad, its functions, relevant apps, and other uses in the classroom.  We created a Google group for communicating information and reflections. We surveyed the students and the faculty at large to collect data on the program.  We have researched different models of 21st Century integration, such as SAMR and P21.  Finally, we have visited and/or otherwise contacted schools with successful programs.  We feel we have gained confidence in our  abilities to utilize iPads in the classroom and are hopeful for an expansion to a 1:1 environment next year.

Please give us your thoughts on the following questions.

How has the iPad broadened your teaching strategies? Has it supplemented your curriculum?   Have you designed a lesson utilizing the iPad?  Have you discovered any digital textbooks which can be integrated into your curriculum? Do you believe the iPad is a tool that can effectively engage today's learners and enhance their academic success?

Is there anything else you'd like to add about your experience?

Please give your initial reflections on using the iPad for teaching and learning.

REAL Tech Goal-setting resource: Back to Basics!


Five Golden Rules for Successful Goal Setting - Goal Setting Tools from MindTools.com

Interesting article on why education is not like business.

http://www.eschoolnews.com/2011/02/15/viewpoint-why-education-is-not-like-business/?

Book Club - Let the Great World Spin

I found a couple of videos on YouTube of Philippe Petit of his famous walk across the World Trade Towers, including video from the police helicopter. A couple of questions for your thoughts for Tuesday:

This book brings us into the lives of a dozen different fictional characters from many walks of life, from Park Avenue to hookers to computer hackers to radical monks. Why does Colum McCann embrace such a diverse tapestry of characters? Is it reflective of the all-encompassing nature of the city?

Could this book take place somewhere other than New York City and be as provocative?



BlogThis!