Animoto Student Learning a Parent Focus



Flip video camera



If you are looking for a camera that is easy to use and does not require extensive video editing software or skills, I recommend using the Flip Video camera. I purchased the Flip Ultra to trial it’s use. Bought it at Walmart for under $200.00. Runs on AA batteries and has a built in USB connection. Really wanted to try the HD Mino but it is not available in Canada. This video by Computerworld gives a quick overview of how to use the camera. Still need to confirm that school USB ports will support the connection to the camera. If not, will have to purchase the USB connectors available as an accessory. The scripts on some of the blog posts are conflicting. Click the link to the blog post to see the videos.

Quick test video: Shot the scene at night - fluorescent light; saved to computer. Opened with Quicktime Pro; exported as a Flash file to upload it to my own server to use in this blog post.

The networked student - what parents & administrators should know



Being a networked educator on the fringe of classroom, I share the frustration held by many teachers and students. Talking about technology, talking about the way of the future, talking about preparing our students for the 21st Century only to see the conversations go no where.

When I talk about podcasting and blogging I see the excitement in the eyes of students, I watch teachers sit up ready to learn, ready to forge ahead only to see momentum stall, stop completely because administrators say not now.

The classroom of the 21st Century supported or not is forming and forming at the speed of light. We absolutely must embrace web 2.0 tools, learn how to maximize their potential and run with them.

The personal learning network that I maintain via Twitter continues to provide me with access to numerous resources. I am a student - a life long learner - a baby boomer - who lives in the 21st Century classroom - ask - “what’s wrong with this picture?

Common Craft produces excellent easy to understand videos about web 2.0 tools. I came across this video about the Networked Student because Heidi Gable and Cindy Seibel shared it with me on Twitter.

For all those parents and teachers and Directors of Education sitting on the edge, I ask and challenge - what are we doing to prepare our students for this evolving classroom.

Professsional development from EdTechTalk



Jeff Lebow has done it again
EdTechTalk broadcasting EduCon2.0 Science Academy Leadership conference.

The world of professional development is as close as your computer stage. No excuses about attendance and high cost of flights.

Streaming workshop



For 25 years, Gary Stager, an internationally recognized educator, speaker and consultant, has helped learners of all ages on six continents embrace the power of computers as intellectual laboratories and vehicles for self-expression. He led professional development in the world’s first laptop schools (1990), has designed online graduate school programs since the mid-90s and is a collaborator in the MIT Media Lab’s Future of Learning Group. Mr. Stager’s doctoral research involved the creation a high-tech alternative learning environment for incarcerated at-risk teens. Recent work includes teaching and mentoring some of Australia’s “most troubled” public schools. Gary is Senior Editor of District Administration Magazine, Editor of The Pulse: Education’s Place for Debate, Adjunct Professor at Pepperdine University and an Associate of the Thornburg Center for Professional Development. Dr. Stager is also the Executive Director of The Constructivist Consortium. In 1999, Converge Magazine named Gary a “shaper of our future and inventor of our destiny.” The National School Boards Association recognized Dr. Stager with the distinction of “20 Leaders to Watch” in 2007.
Gary is presenting a workshop at the Science Academy Leadership Conference in Philadelpia January 25 - 27, 2008

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