MOOCs have been developing for a few years now. As educators, we have all wondered where they are going and how do I use them? From a business standpoint, how will they ever maintain economically? This TED video gives an ideas of how we can use them in education.

MOOCs as Textbooks?

What a great concept! The MOOC can be developed with time, skill, technology, and expertise. Schools can then purchase the online "textbook" to use in their classrooms using the blended model. What a great way to provide quality education to places where there potentially is not a trained teacher in an area needing to be taught.

How will this change what we think about MOOCs?

My, oh my, what an idol to look up to as I move into "retirement." You must watch the amazing story of Agnes Zhelesnik, 100 year old teacher.
100 year old teacher in New Jersey

The Chromebooks are Coming!

After years of preparation, the Chromebooks are finally here as our 1:1 device for our district.  What a decision to make on a device with the multitude of choices! The Chromebook has a simplicity that will keep it from getting in the way of the students focusing too much on the device and instead, focusing on the learning potential! We are off on an exciting adventure!

Social Media in Education

Wow--this says it all.

The Use of Social Media in Schools infographic by obizmedia.

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The SAMR Model

All educators know we need to incorporate technology into our teaching. However, many do not know where to start. The SAMR model is a good place to get guidance as you travel down the techie path--no matter if you just started or have been at it awhile. One of my students shared a link to someone else's discussion of the SAMR Model: http://gettingsmart.com/2013/07/the-samr-ladder-through-the-lens-of-21st-century-skills/ Please take some time to look at the graphic describing the different levels to the SAMR model.

Screen time for kids

My 7-year-old grandson was just here for a week. He spends all the time on a screen he is allowed to do. Of course, as grandma, I question whether this is good or not. Is it too much time? Is it educational? Why isn't he up and moving outside or doing something else? He watches a lot of YouTube videos and enjoys them immensely. At this point, he does have a lot of physical activity in the form of swimming, gymnastics, and outside activities when it is provided. I just wonder what he will be like as a teenager? I also wonder what technology will look like when he is a teenager. Lots to think about.

Happy, happy, happy

Traveling to Oklahoma and back, we listen to books on CD. Our daughter loaned us their copy of Happy, Happy, Happy. At this point I have never seen an episode of Duck Dynasty, but we are listening to their story. It starts out with a very dismal view of any technology from cell phones to computers. They do live a simple life and have been very successful doing it. Does that mean we should all ditch our technology and opt for tech-free lives? There are many people who spend way too much time with technology--I totally agree with that. Young people spend too much time with video game--I totally agree with that. I do not agree that it is all bad, however. My smart phone has been a marvelous tool! The jury is still out while we finish the book on how simple I want my life to be! (I know I don't want to wait for my husband to kill dinner before we eat.)