All posts in M.Ed. Program

Is Coffee all We Have in Common with Curriculum?

I do realize that my last post was about the “end” of the computer lab and starting off my next post about another dramatic end or change, seems a tad dark. However, I promise there is another takeaway in here…somewhere.

This past April, I attended a pair of technology conferences that I had expected going in, would have some degree of overlap. Aside from offering free coffee, the topics, attendees, and themes varied widely and didn’t mesh at all.

On Thursday, April 10th, I attended a conference offered by the Massachusetts Educational Technology Administrators Association (METAA), which was designed for district technology leaders. Read more…

Posted on:March 5, 2014 Comments: No Comments Categories: M.Ed. Program Technology

End of the Computer Lab is Near

A simple idea formed in my head…the traditional computer lab is nearly extinct. There are still districts where computer labs can roam free, but the setup no longer connects students to the curriculum and where the learning occurs. If, by chance, your students still rely on a computer lab, let’s hope your district is planning a significant update, including mobile labs or even a 1:1 program. If your school stands by a traditional computer lab vision, I would love to know why.

Learning and creating could occur in a lab, but likely best in your classroom, in small spaces, on comfy chairs, on a rug in the library, outside on the grass, in the comfort of the student’s home, on the bus, etc. The model has shifted away from a computer lab. Read more…

Posted on:March 1, 2014 Comments: No Comments Categories: M.Ed. Program Professional Development Technology

The Professional Development Buffet is Open

In a recent discussion on the LinkedIn International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) group, a question was posed…”why do many schools fail to provide adequate technology professional development?”

A fascinating and candid discussion took place, which has forced me to think deeper about the professional growth of teachers through the standard professional development model and what the expectation should be for our future. I find myself both offering and needing technology (PD) and believe there are some cold hard facts we must face… Read more…

Posted on:January 25, 2014 Comments: 9 Comments Categories: Digital Portfolio M.Ed. Program Technology

Students Must Curate, Create a Portfolio

Throughout the course of a typical academic career, hundreds of worthwhile projects are created. After countless hours and massive amounts of energy expended, where does a research paper on Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War belong? What about the Rube Goldberg video a group of students collaborated on and shared via YouTube? If returned to the student in physical form, most projects hit the trash or are sent home to become a stack of papers in the basement. For digital items, they are simply lost in the abyss of the Internet. Read more…

Posted on:January 22, 2014 Comments: 4 Comments Categories: Google Apps M.Ed. Program Technology

Implementing a Google Apps Ninja Program

About a year ago, I came across impressive resources on Google Apps for Education provided by Jeff Utecht on The Thinking Stick website titled, “Become a Google Apps Ninja.” Now I had heard educators having the ability to become Google Certified, a program I would like to complete myself, however the concept of opening this up to students blew my mind. My first thought was, “how can I get this program into my school?” Having students develop online search skills as well has the ability to communicate (online) and troubleshoot is nearly as important as the underlying material the students will learn. Giving students the ability to “fish” will open many more doors with technology. I was sold instantly. Read more…