Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Work Sessions Scheduled

At our meeting last Monday, we decided it would be a good idea to hold some regularly scheduled work sessions to provide opportunities for us to collaborate, contribute, and brainstorm. For this reason, work sessions are being scheduled on all Mondays for the remainder of 2009, which leaves us a grand total of four. Let's  plan to start at 4:00 and end at 5:00. The sessions are optional, but hopefully everyone can fit a few in.

On Monday, November 30th we will cover the integration of VoiceThread and Pixie.

The remainder of the work sessions will be held on the following dates:
  • December 7th
  • December 14th
  • December 21st, if needed
Please use the comments section below to provide input about topics for the remaining work sessions.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

A Learning Opportunity

Integrate Tools to Promote 21st Century Learning
My personal work-related goal this month is to launch some fairly simple projects using Diigo, Pixie II, and VoiceThread to showcase the integration of these tools.

If you are interested in working with me to explore ways to use these tools in fairly quick and simple ways that are connected to the content you are studying in your class, please complete the form in the sidebar. It would be great to work through this before rolling it out to the masses. I do think these are all really great tools and I think you will like them. If you are hesitant to take on all three new tools, we can start with just one of them if that's more comfortable for you.
  • Diigo - A Web 2.0 research tool that includes the opportunity highlight text, comment on articles, use sticky notes and share. This is a very hot Cool Tool.
  • Pixie II - Drawing and painting software that we have purchased with many handy features. This is not a Web 2.0 tool.
  • VoiceThread - Web 2.0 tool that allows users to upload media and comment. Students can write a narration, record it, and share. Visitors can be invited to view the VoiceThread and also comment on it.
Mark Your Calendars...
  1. Our next meeting is scheduled on Monday, November 16th at 4:00, CO. We have some work to do, so I'm hoping most of you can make it.
  2. The Digital Leaders have officially been  put on the agenda for the Jan. 26th Board Meeting. At that time we will have about 20 minutes to show The Board some of the great things you are all doing to promote 21st Century Learning through technology.
This Just In About Wireless...
I have been told by Cao Mac that the Tech Specialists will be contacting each of the Digital Leaders in order to configure your laptop so it can connect to the wireless network.  I know you are all excited for this to happen, so please look for that communication.