Random thoughts and impressions from the presentation:
3 presenters - Kris, Andrew, and Dianna
1. Dianna Williamson - Los Gatos
Her tech showcase showed a lot of good projects, mostly ones that we are already doing. iMovie, ComicLife, iDVD, iPhoto, etc. Good stuff.
What are "clickers"? Seems to be a bit of a buzz word today.
Clearly, Marzano's 9 Strategies are important as a touchstone. Useful way of looking at what you're doing from 9 angles.
2. Andrew Gardner - studying at Columbia "The School at Columbia University" 5 years old
• using blogs to create student portfolios - this had a big impact on me - getting lots of ideas
- reflecting on what happened that day, recognition (you have readers!)
- feedback comes through comments and public observation - builds responsibility and judgment
- they learn how to participate in a responsible way by having a real audience
• teaching from the point of view of a concept, ie. civilization, transportation, etc.
• Differentiation: same concept taught at different "depths"
3. Kris Hill - Monterrey CA science teacher
• Differentiated instruction - how to engage students
• removing labels about learning differences via technology
• "Fairness means everyone gets what he or she needs", not everyone gets the same
• Give them the tools, let the make their own organization and instruction
I really like Kris's passion for reaching out to every student, students who may be having a hard time with parts of school, and to always see the possibilities in them. She has a clear focus on this amidst the bells and whistles of technology. It's always about the kid, the individual, and their potential.
