Wk4 Publishing Leadership Project

My Action Research Presentation

https://docs.google.com/present/view?id=dgmdjk6j_69dv3q6ngj

This Action Research Project demonstrates how putting one-to-one Apple computers into the hands of a school district changed educators’ practices from traditional modes of instruction to authentic digital learning through relevant PD. The literature reports that teachers must be prepared, confident, and motivated to use this technology effectively. Cycle1 focused on training teachers to use new and exciting technology within everyday lessons. After receiving relevant PD, teachers integrated technology into their daily instruction. Cycle 2 focused on using technology to provide authentic learning experiences for students. This research found that student access to technology wasn’t enough.  Technology must be used in a manner that provides access to and requires the application of 21st century skills such as collaboration and problem solving.

This research can provide school districts the documentation whether the one-to-one Apple computers are an effective tool in connecting today’s 21century skills with traditional classroom instruction. This documentation can also be used as a district’s guide for determining appropriate professional development and curriculum needs based on the instructional implementation and student usage of this technology.

I plan to submit a 2012 session proposal for both the State and National level ASCD conferences. I will also submit a conference proposal for the AAMLE the Arkansas Middle Level Conference.

Here are the links to my Think Out Loud Posts.

http://claybrookwired.blogspot.com/2011/05/wk4-think-outloud-1.html
http://claybrookwired.blogspot.com/2011/05/wk4-think-out-loud-2.html

Wk4 Think Out Loud #2

Possible Presentation Avenues

Conference Information:

The ASCD Annual Conference and Exhibit Show is education's premier professional development event, where you can

• Explore the big ideas in education today.
• Examine new developments in your content area or grade level.
• Stretch your professional development learning into new areas.
• Pick an issue you care about most and examine it in depth.

Explore the Breadth and Depth of Education

You can explore the topics that interest you the most in more than 550 sessions:

• What it takes to create better schools
• How to improve programs for teaching and learning
• Which education approaches are most likely to work
• How to build stronger learning communities
• Which practices ensure that all students are learning
• How to get results
• What to question about traditional practices

In higher education information technology, no other event brings together the most powerful, creative minds in the field than the EDUCAUSE Annual Conference.

EDUCAUSE 2011 unites research and resources to help IT leaders keep a finger on the pulse of new developments and trends in the world of campus technology. Join with your peers to share knowledge and experience as we advance the future of higher education. Be part of this important community gathering.

EDUCAUSE 2011 represents the best thinking in higher education IT by providing you opportunities to:

• Network: Engage with peers who share similar interests and concerns
• Find exactly what you need: Sort the program by topical themes and domains, speakers, and relevant interest areas
• Discover: Participate in affinity group sessions, special topic discussion sessions, and lightning rounds
• Refresh and renew: Hear forward-thinking and inspirational speakers

The comprehensive and community-generated program is unparalleled. Whether you attend in person or online you'll return home with practical takeaways, develop beneficial relationships, and advance your professional knowledge and skill sets.

 
 

Wk4 Think Out Loud #1

Paper or Presentation

My fear with a paper is that I won’t be able to present a clear picture of the research. 

I am very passionate about the data that I have collected and feel I would like the opportunity to share that passion in person. I think I am more comfortable with delivering the actual presentation to an audience. That way the audience would be able to ask questions and dig deeper into the areas of the project that interested them based on their individual needs. 

Wk4 Comment #2 to David Cheng

http://dchengetc.blogspot.com/2011/05/wk4-reading-art-of-possibility-chapters.html

 

The strongest warmth is usually the one that we can't touch; someone has to protect us from our own curiosity, right?

-- David Cheng

I really liked "Creating Frameworks for Possibility" mainly because, without a new framework, everything else would really stay the same. Have you ever lost something, like keys, and when you start looking you just concentrate in certain areas? Then you repeat the same areas you just finished looking, just wishing that the item would mysteriously appear? When we want a real solution to something, trying the same things will not work. Finding a new angle unrelated to past tactics usually gives better results, or at least doing something different will change our perspective enough to have a higher chance of success. In my first year in college, I lived in a rural area maybe 4 miles from the university, but where I lived was a remote rural area at the top of a small mountain ridge. Going up the mountain on foot was exhausting and dangerous, with no streetlights or sidewalks. I didn't have a car, and my last class ended at 7:30pm. I had to depend on hitchhiking to get home (taxis had the area off bounds), and sometimes I had to wait for many hours to get a ride. But not ever had I a doubt that I would find a ride. My area of possibility was that no matter what, I would always find a safe ride, and I did for a whole year. I was sure that on the day I would doubt it, I would have to walk on foot on those dark roads, which over hung cliffs of thousands of feet. Even though this is an example of an internal possibility, I'm sure any of you could apply this to outside sources also. I'm ready for the new changes that will come after graduation... are you?

Creative Commons image by

bluekdesign's photostream

 

David,

I’m ready for new changes! Your story is a classic example of the power of positive thinking.  When you let that one negative or doubt in, it seems to snowball and you are completely overtaken. I’m making a commitment to myself to stay away from the negatives and surround myself with the endless possibilities of the positive.

Wk4 Comment #1 to Peter Binskin

http://binskinsmindbogglingblog.blogspot.com/

Peter wrote:

What a ride this book has been! As I was reading the coda I realized that I had begun a definite shift in my thinking about how I view myself in this world and in relation to others. I must admit to a deep desire to send a copy of this book to my ex-wife in Australia but fear that she may not read it. Chapter 12 really brought it home to me about the WE and the revenge monster. I have so hated my ex for 13 years since we split (she got the house and basically everything) and discovered through one of my stepchildren that she has breast cancer and will be on aggressive chemotherapy for another year. He showed me video and photos of a woman I wouldn’t have even recognized and my revenge monster took a major beating. I wish the last words I had ever spoken to her 12 years ago were ones that I could be satisfied with as decent last words but, even though I have forgotten what they were, I’m sure they would not have been too flattering. Time to start being the board, being where I am at the time and not blaming anyone else for my foibles no matter how justified I have felt myself to be. So where was this book in 1998 and would it have made a difference? I’d like to think so. It has certainly helped me understand a new way to be a leader, a new way to frame a future with a vision of possibilities and a way to view my mistakes. How fascinating!

Creative commons image by sylvar's photostream

 

Peter,

I am a firm believer that what seems like a mistake at the moment in fact opens the door to endless possibilities. I think we all have those memories of “if only I hadn’t said…” This book makes a great point about leaving people with words to be remembered by (positively). I also have an “ex” and I sometimes shudder to think about where I would be if life’s events hadn’t taken such a wrong path in that relationship. Would I be truly as blessed as I am now? I hardly think so.

Wk4 Reading: Art of Possibility Chapters 9-12

Photo by Jana Claybrook

After reading the last chapters of the Art of Possibility, I had three take away points.

“Certain things in life are better done in person”

If it’s worth fighting for it’s worth doing it in person. I must remember to take the little extra time and go the extra mile for anything that I’m passionate about. I believe real passion is contagious and hard not to catch if presented in person.

“Enrollment is the art and practice of generating a spark of possibility for others to share”

I believe when we engage our students in using technology to solve real-world problems, we ignite their spark and unleash their passion for learning.  Learning when it is paired with personal, relevant and meaningful connections to the student becomes truly authentic.

“The practice of being the board is about making a difference.”

Define yourself as being the board not as a game piece will give you the power to transform any situation. It turns your attention to what you want to see happen and leaves off the win or lose. Seeing the big picture not just your part in the picture.

As educators we plan lessons (the board) so our students can become the game piece and strategically manipulate those pieces based on their background knowledge. We are a facilitator as our students encounter each situation after a move and cheerleader to keep them enthusiastic about their decisions.

Wk3 Wimba 5-17-11

   images by Microsoft clip art

This week’s Wimba session was very informative about the AR Abstract and it’s components. It really cleared up all my questions. 

This session revealed great insight into the Art of Possibilities. Zander focuses on everyone's possibilities not on their limitations.

Which chapters meant the most to you and why?

The reasons why were very insightful. My classmates brought up several valid points that I had over looked because I found one specific point that touch me and tended to focus on it. 

What things are you going to take from the reading and use in your teaching and life?

As I listened and read the text responses to the discussion question I learned more interesting ways to use Zander’s teaching. The majority of my classmates said, "Don't forget to give yourself an A" was their biggest take away. I also really liked Jim Farmer's comment about:

"You can't teach an old Principal new tricks but you can lead by example and love what you do. Enjoy your time with your students - the joy of teaching and igniting young minds will spark changes. Small steps can lead to big changes." 

  

This session opened my eyes to all the positive possibilities. If we only look at situations from Zander's point of view, change the things within our power and don't take the other things so serious.