Running with Scissors

I'm not sure how I missed this, but this post about Glenn Moses' ASCD presentation advocating for greater access to students is a winner. Moses' wiki outlines his argument for allowing students to use, among other things, social networking sites in education.

Why aren't we using more social networking in schools? The latest I've heard regarding my district's policy on social networking sites is that the powers-that-be won't even discuss a site that has social networking capabilities. That sounds like fear of the unknown.

I am a big fan of Glogster but my pleas to unblock the service are falling on deaf ears because if students sign up on their own they have the ability to communicate with strangers. However, Glogster/edu allows a teacher to set up closed environments so that students can only comment on other classmates' work.

Finally, here's something else to consider. I recently talked with my assistant principal about Glogster and Twitter, among other things, and pointed out that while the adults are fearful of students coming into contact with strangers NO ONE is teaching the students how to use social networking safely. Our introductory computer classes were eliminated a few years back because they don't satisfy the a-g requirements as college-prep electives.

Bill Ferriter on The Curse of the Digitally Illiterate

Bill Ferriter, in this recent edition of ASCD's Inservice blog, discusses The Curse of the Digitally Illiterate. He asks if it is a crime to be a digitally illiterate educator. I have to agree. However, my definition of digitally illiterate goes beyond not knowing how to use technology tools to improve instruction. I would like to include a lack of willingness to explore the possibilities of including new technologies in the classroom.

I have written about using cellphones in the classroom before. Particularly in the instance of using the cell phones as dictionaries, these tools could be used to improve equity. I have students who despise taking notes, even when absolutely necessary, but will gladly type away on their Sidekicks (and they are taking notes...I check). The geography textbook that my district adopted has the entire book in mp3 format for students, yet students aren't allowed to bring mp3 players to school.

Even though these options are available to students, it is difficult, if not impossible, for students to use these tools in the classroom because of school and district policy. It seems that, just as the ink pen was once a feared piece of technology, so are modern tools. It all comes back to education. We must educate ourselves and our students in the appropriate use of these powerful tools.

What Exactly is Rigor in the 21st Century Classroom?

This morning, GA teacher and technology guru, Vicki Davis posted a wonderful analysis of and commentary on Tony Wagner's "Rigor Redefined" from ASCD. As always, Vicki gives us a lot to think about as we consider how we are teaching our students. I find myself constantly wondering if I'm meeting the needs my students will have by the time they enter the work world.