Monday, September 30, 2013

Conference 2.0 News - Announcing RSCON4 & ReinventED; Calling All Volunteers; Library 2.013 Updates

There's an incredible amount of fun coming up in our highly participative, free (mostly!) and online (mostly!) "Conference 2.0" events. (Don't miss great blog posts about how and why these are so special HERE and HERE.)

JUST ANNOUNCED!
2013 REFORM SYMPOSIUM E-CONFERENCE (RSCON4)
October 11 - 13, 2013
The lineup of keynote speakers, panelists, and session presenters for the fourth Reform Symposium is almost too good to be true: Sugata Mitra, Steve Binham, Salome Thomas-EL, Angela Maiers, Steve Wheeler, Rafael Parente, Chris Lehman, German Doin, Chuck Sandy, John Spencer, Sue Waters, Jose Vilson, Nicky Hockly, Josh Stumpenhorst, Mark Barnes, Alec Couros, Carla Arena, Steven Anderson, Nicholas Provenzano, Ozge Karaoglu Ergen, Thomas Whitby, Jackie Gerstein, Silvia Tolisano, Pam Moran, Joe Dale, and SO MANY MORE. This free three-day event is being held in conjunction with Connected Educator Month and is focused on sharing transformative approaches to teaching and learning. It will all be recorded as well!


CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!
RSCON4 and LIBRARY 2.013
To say that our virtual conference volunteers are superheroes is not an exaggeration. It's also (we hope) not an exaggeration to say that the camaraderie and excitement of being part of the moderator team is a part of the magic of these conferences that you have to experience to understand. Both the 2013 Reform Symposium (go HERE) and Library 2.013 (go HERE) need your help! First-timers welcome, old pros super-appreciated. Thank you!


LIBRARY 2.013 and CONNECTED LIBRARIANS DAY
October 18 - 19, 2013
http://www.library2013.com
Our third annual (of course virtual, of course free!) Library 2.0 conference, Library 2.013, is just around the corner. The conference session submission process for guaranteed presentation space closes today; submissions will be accepted on a space-available basis until October 11th. Great keynote speakers from all over the world, and just announced: a "Connected Librarians" pre-conference day on October 14th--more details coming soon. Sign up on the network for more information.


ReinventED
October 24 - 27, 2013
http://www.reinvented.org
Black Mountain SOLE in North Carolina
Join us in on the spectacularly beautiful campus of Black Mountain SOLE for a special unconference: ReinventED, the first collaborative venture between me and the Black Mountain SOLE organizers. This is an unconference they are organizing and I am facilitating to explore the purpose of education, new and old best practices, and alternative models for learning.  It's not virtual, and it's not free, but hopefully you will still love it! Sugata Mitra, the originator of the SOLE idea (self-organized learning environment) will join us for part of the event. More information and the ability to sign up at the event page.

COMING UP:  the fourth annual Global Education Conference, November 18 - 22 (http://www.globaledcon.com). More information in the next newsletter.

SPONSORSHIPS: want to sponsor one of these events? We love our sponsors. Contact Steve Hargadon at steve@hargadon.com or 916-283-7901.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Connected Educator Month Kickoff Details! PLUS Library 2.013 Proposals Deadline

Quick news on Library 2.013, our third annual worldwide, online, and free conference on libraries, librarians, and librarianship: the formal deadline for session proposals is end of day Monday, September 30th. We hope you'll submit! Any proposals after that date will be accepted only on a space-available basis.

Next Tuesday and Wednesday, October 1st and 2nd, are the kickoff days for the 2013 Connected Educator Month (CEM). Part of my job has been to help line up and facilitate the kickoff panels, and we think you are going to love them. (The other part of my job is hosting a nightly CEM "cafe" all month so you can personally meet lots of special "connected" guests--stay tuned!). The details for the kickoff panels and events are below, as are links to log in on the day of, or to sign up to receive email reminders.

If you didn't participate last year, this US Department of Education-sponsored month-long series of events focuses on the significant ways that online collaborative learning is playing in professional development. From Twitter to Facebook and Pinterest to Vine (hey--what about Classroom 2.0?!), educators are taking to social media to share best practices and experiences and create new, more dynamic digital learning communities. Online social learning empowers teachers of all styles and levels of classroom experience, providing real professional development created by educators for educators, and an increasing number of teachers are embracing the approach.

During its inaugural year last year, more than170 education organizations, companies, and communities came together, offering 450+ events and activities. Connected Educator Month information reached more than four million individuals through the event hashtag. This year, Connected Educator Month promises to be even bigger and will add a focus on helping school districts promote and integrate online social learning in their formal professional development. More information at the CEM website.

See you online!

KICKOFF EVENTS - OCTOBER 1

    "Connected Leadership" Panel
    October 1, 3:00-4:30 PM ET
    What is connected leadership, why is it important, what are some simple steps leaders can take to get more connected, and what does the future hold? A highly participatory discussion featuring Candice Dodson, Chris Lehmann, Scott McLeod, Katherine Greenhill,  and more.

    "From Connection To Collaboration" Panel
    October 1, 5:00-6:30 PM ET
    How to get to the ultimate goal of connected education: collaboration to move the field forward. A wide-ranging interactive discussion ranging from basic tips to the latest models, with Tom Carroll, Kecia Ray, Connie Yowell, and Yong Zhao.

    Opening Night Gala
    October 1, 7:00-8:30 PM ET
    Much less formal but a celebration nonetheless, our opening night gala is an opportunity for CEM participants to meet, greet, and reunite. We'll be providing an overview of the month's programming, highlighting what's new and different from CEM 2012, introducing key members of the team, sharing stories of connection (to create a resource to share with the less connected), a few surprises and surprise guests, games, and enjoying all the fruits of being connected. http://bit.ly/kickoff_gala

    "Innovating STEM and Literacy" Panel
    October 1, 9-10:30 PM ET
    What are the latest innovations in these two education pillars, what are their overlaps and reinforcements, and what do these fields have to offer each other? A discussion led by a strong panel from both disciplines, including Don Buckley, Jeanne Century, Elyse Eidman-Aadahl, and Kent Williamson.

    KICKOFF EVENTS - OCTOBER 2

    CEM Town Hall
    October 2, 3:30-5:00 PM ET
    Our electronic Town Hall meeting will be an opportunity for those of us who participated last year and who have joined us this year to (re-) convene as a group, joined by the wider CEM community. We'll all be sharing plans for the month, seeking (additional) partners and collaborators, discussing how we’re collectively going to get the word out, make things happen (a lot of innovation and co-construction happens during CEM), get the most of out the month ahead, and lay the groundwork to insure the momentum for connected education continues beyond October 31. Questions will be welcome, as will discussions on any topic, and even (more) new ideas--October is a long month, the Internet is fast, and none of us wants it to be over. http://bit.ly/cem_town_hall

    "Making It Count--Integrating Formal and Informal PD" Panel
    October 2, 5:00-6:30 PM ET
    A practical discussion of how professional learning educators do every day in online communities and networks can be formally recognized and impact formal PD, led by a panel of educators at all levels, including Al Byers, Pam Moran, and Eric Sheninger, who are already engaged in making it happen.

    "Personalized Learning" Panel
    October 2, 7:00-8:30 PM ET
    How close are we to realizing the dream of true personalized learning, what still has to happen, and what practical steps can educators take using connected technologies to personalize more today? A mix of tech leaders and award-winning classroom educators discuss with you, including Kathy Cassidy, Will Richardson, David Warlick, and Jessie Wooley-Wilson.

    "21st Century Classroom Management" Panel
    October 2, 9:00-10:30 ET
    What does classroom management mean in an era of 1:1 computing, BYOD, flipped classrooms, technology-driven personalized learning and other innovations intended to address discipline issues even more directly? Sam Chaudhary, Jane Nelsen, Jeanne Poduska, and Marsha Ratzel work with you late into the night.

      Tuesday, September 17, 2013

      STEMxCon is Two Days Away; Library 2.013--Time for Presentation Proposals!

      Our first ever Global STEMx Education Conference starts this Thursday, and it's going to be AWESOME. We have 178 accepted practitioner sessions on science, technology, engineering, math, and more; as well as sixteen terrific keynotes; all starting 24 hours a day at 11am US Pacific Time Thursday. Don't miss out--all sessions are free, and all are being recorded as well for free viewing indefinitely afterwards. Sign up for information and the schedule at http://www.STEMxCon.com (and check out the very cool page that lets you see all the conference events in your own time zone!).

      NEXT: The dust won't long have settled on STEMxCon when we'll be finalizing all the details on the Library 2.013 Conference. This is the third year of our also virtual and also free worldwide conference on the present and future of libraries, librarians, and librarianship--with a bonus half-day special event this year on "Connected K12 Librarians" (more information soon!). We've already accepted 92 presentations for this two-day (24-hour-a-day event) and they are GREAT presentations, plus we hope you will consider adding a proposal as well! The deadline for session proposals is Monday, September 30th (end of day). The focus of this conference is also on practitioner presentations, so be brave and tell us how you can showcase something valuable or can contribute to the audience. Sign up at htt://www.Library2013.com and then look for the link "Call for Presentation Proposals" on the left side or in the main drop-down conference menu.

      We have a very special lineup for you with the Library 2.013 conference keynote speakers:  Doris Samanez Alzamora (Director Biblioteca Nacionel de Peru); Dr Jocelyn Cranefield (Senior Lecturer School of Information Management, University of Wellington); Dr. Sandra Hirsh (Director of the School of Library and Information Science San José State University); Buhle Mbambo-Thata (Executive Director of Library Services University of South Africa-UNISA); Peter Morville (President, Semantic Studios); Neil Pakenham-Walsh (Coordinator, Healthcare For All By 2015 and Co-Director, Global Healthcare Information Network); Lee Rainie (Director, Pew Reasearch Center's Internet & American Life Project);  Barbara Stripling (President, ALA and Assistant Professor of Practice Syracuse University); Roy Tennant (Senior Program Officer, OCLC Research); and Gene Tan (Director, National Library of Singapore). We also have several keynote speakers from previous Library 2.0 conferences returning as "Distinguished Speakers:" Susan Hildreth, R. David Lankes, Laura Malita, Joe Murphy, Michael Stephens, Ellen Tise, David Weinberger, and Jianzhong Wu.

      Really, where else are you going to get this caliber of a speaker lineup, plus a huge number of peer presentations, all for free and all from your desk or the comfort of your favorite chair? Do mark October 18-19 on your calendar!

      Eager for even more participation? Join the Library 2.013 advisory board HERE or sign up to be a volunteer session moderator HERE. Non-profit groups can sign up for free to be conference "partners," and for-profit group can email steve@hargadon.com for help in making this all come to pass.

      HUGE thanks as always to the School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) at San José State University, our founding conference sponsor.

      See you online!



      Friday, September 13, 2013

      STEMxCon - Today Is the Final Deadline for Proposals; Great Keynotes + Sessions; Need Volunteers!

      The end of the day today is the final deadline to get in a proposal to speak at next week's free and online 2013 Global STEMx Education Conference (STEMxCon.com), September 19 - 21. This is a great opportunity to share your work or ideas!

      We have an absolutely terrific lineup of keynote speakers. They are listed below, and after the reminder plea for moderator volunteers, you'll also find the current list of all conference sessions. To get times for the keynotes or sessions, go to the conference "attending and schedule" page, which will also have the schedule in customized time zones starting early next week.

      Volunteering: as with our other conference 2.0 events, the real party takes place in the volunteer moderator lounge, where a devoted, energetic, and highly beloved group of volunteer moderators keeps the conference running and humming. If you haven't been a volunteer moderator before, there's nothing quite like the camaraderie and the excitement that develops jumping in and out of session rooms and helping presenters and participants have a great experience. Please consider becoming part of this elite team by signing up at http://stemxcon.com/group/volunteers-2013 and using the booking calendar to schedule volunteer time. Huge thanks!

      Recordings: all conference sessions are recorded and are available almost immediately after being given. Be sure to come sign up on the conference website to be notified of recording availability. MP3 and MP4 versions will be available as well as the full Blackboard Collaborate recordings, although they take some days to process.

      Spreading the word: this a free event, so be sure to tell others! Our Twitter hashtag is #stemx13, and we have some resources for publicizing at http://stemxcon.com/page/publicity.

      See you online!

      KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:

      • Jim Vanides - Global Education Program Manager, HP - Sustainability and Social Innovation; Larry Johnson - CEO, The New Media Consortium; Yolanda Ramos - Director of Professional Development Services, International Society for Technology in Education; Mano Talaiver - Director, Longwood Institute for Teaching through Technology and Innovative practices (ITTIP) - "HP Catalyst Academy: A new approach to professional learning, designed especially for STEMx teachers."
      • Shari Metcalf - Project Director, EcoMOBILE, Harvard University; and Amy Kamarainen - Visiting Scholar, New York Hall of Science - "EcoMobile: Blended real and virtual immersive experiences for learning complex causality and ecosystems science"
      • Cristin Frodella - Head of Global Education Marketing, Google, Inc. - "Google Science Fair"
      • Ramsey Musallam - Teacher, Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep - "Explore-Flip-Apply: A Pedagogy First Approach to Reverse Instruction"
      • Chua Chor Huat - Principal, School of Science and Technology, Singapore - "Make Learning Relevant Through Fostering Investigative Skills in Science"
      • Ramji Raghavan - Chairman, Agasty International Foundation - "Sparking curiosity and nurturing creativity at a mass level through hands-on science!"
      • Iris Lapinski - CEO, CDI Apps for Good - "Apps for Good - Growing a new generation of problem solvers and makers"
      • Dale Dougherty - Founder, President, and CEO, Maker Media, Inc.; Paloma Garcia-Lopez -  Executive Director, Maker Education Initiative - "Maker Movement: Making More Makers"
      • Jeanne Century - Director of Research and Evaluation and Science Education, Outlier Research and Evaluation, CEMSE, University of Chicago - "Is it STEM or Just Good Practice?"
      • Don Buckley - Co-Founder, Tools at Schools - "Is it Possible to Innovate in Education?"
      • Cecilia Martins - Unit Chief, Educational Portal of the Americas, Organization of American States - "OAS work in supporting STEMx education in Latin America and the Caribbean"
      • Tim Bell - Professor, University of Canterbury - "Introducing Computer Science in NZ High Schools"
      • Elaine Manton - Loreto Grammar School - "The Real Importance of STEM in the Classroom and Beyond"
      • Avis Yates Rivers - Director, National Center for Women and Information Technology - "Inspiring The Next Generation in IT"
      • Julia Stiglitz - Director, Business Development and Strategic Partnerships, Coursera - "MOOCs"
      • Al Byers - Associate Executive Director, Services, National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) - "Developing Large Scale Effective STEM Teacher Learning Communities at the National Science Teachers Association"
      SESSIONS:
      • Application of Learning Content in Engineering Disciplines - Dr. Revathi Viswanathan
      • STEM Standards for K-12 - Yvonne Thayer, Project Lead
      • Transform STEMx Teaching and Learning with Infographics - Valery Siegel, Literacy Coach- EdTech
      • Unizor - Creative Mind through the Art of Mathematics - Zor Shekhtman, Founder
      • Achieving accessibility in STEM contents - Carles Aguiló Collado
      • Communication in the classroom - make sure your students are getting the message! - Lori Trent, STEM Coordinator - Innovator of Inspiration and Magic
      • RADIO SOLIDARIA AMIGA, ONLINE, UNA HERRAMIENTA INNOVADORA - Mª Magdalena Galiana Lloret. Docente infantil y primaria
      • Stories from the Earth: teaching about changing landscapes using 28 years of satellite observations - Peder Nelson, MS
      • Creating equitable STEM learning opportunities for K-12 girls - Brenda Britsch, Co-Principal Investigator
      • Maps, Math, and Media: Innovative Transdisciplinary Projects in Teacher Education - Melda N. Yildiz, Global Scholar
      • STEM is Elementary - Sara Hunter, STEM Coach
      • Using MathPickle Puzzles to Give the Gifts of Failure and Success - Dr. Gordon Hamilton
      • Articulating the Essential Components of Inclusive STEM High Schools - Melanie LaForce, Lead Researcher
      • Finding OERs to Support Adult Education Instruction - Penny Pearson
      • Global Teaching with Technology - Katharine Robinson
      • Ignite the T in STEM - Sara Hunter, STEM Coach
      • e-Mentoring For Student Success - Online Mentoring for new STEM teachers - Alyson Mike, Sr. Director, Online Professional Development
      • Finding the Fun of It - Bernard De Koven
      • From the CyberWorld to the RealWorld (Classroom) - Dahlia Shaewitz, Principal Research Analyst
      • STEM Education and Social Activism: Creating a New South Bronx - Jessica Chung, Digital Learning Programs Associate
      • 24/7 Math Support: Crowdsourcing Solutions and Crowdfunding Resources - Torrey Trust, Ph.D. Candidate
      • Advanced math for the young, the very young, and the young at heart - Dr. Maria Droujkova
      • Affinity Spaces as Learning Tools - Lindsey Tropf, M.Ed. / School Psychology Doctoral Candidate and Intern, CEO
      • STEMx: Stemulating Teaching with Emerging Technology Methodologies - Simulation vs. Virtual Learning Environments - Dr. Nicole Simon, Assistant Professor Engineering/Physics/Technology Dept.
      • Content Curation as a Context for Learning - Eric Walters, Director of Technology
      • Innovation and Education: Why and how they belong together - William J. Ashby, Ph.D.
      • NC*****WIT Aspirations in Computing: Increasing Female Participation in Tech - Malia Fredrickson, Aspirations in Computing Program Manager
      • Programming in Math Class - David Wees, Formative Assessment Specialist for Math
      • The Chameleon Factor - Beate Nguyen, M.A.Ed, Principal
      • Building skills for innovative enterprise in secondary school STEM - Jayne Heath, teacher
      • Globally Empathetic, Standards-Based Lessons - Nicole Moore, Education Fellow
      • Seeing Myself in Science: Engaging girls in STEM - Joanna Baker
      • Seeing myself in science: Engaging girls in STEM - Joanna Baker
      • Does it Add Up? Integrating STEM with English Language Learners - Shelly Sanchez Terrell
      • Intervention Methodology - Tania Nethercote
      • Using Hands-on and Digital Resources to Promote STEM Process Skills - Patti Duncan, Retired Teacher
      • Innovative STEM Curriculum: Interdisciplinary Classrooms - Jayne Heath, Director Professional Learning
      • Designing curriculum for cross-curriculum courses in STEM - Jayne Heath, Director Professional Learning
      • Come see the Magic of Google Drive! - Sueann Galt, STEM Coordinator
      • Does the use of ‘Learning Menus’ increase students’ intrinsic motivation? - Karla Pobke Coordinator Personalised Learning
      • Born Accessible STEM: Making Sure Accessibility is Not Just an Afterthought - Anh Bui Director of Product Strategy for Global Literacy
      • Project-Based Learning: You're almost doing it already! - Sueann Galt
      • Animating Science Education - Dr Jocelyn Wishart
      • Crusoe College's online Mathematics course - rich, personalised, technology-rich Mathematics - Robert Sbaglia
      • Cultivating Collaboration in Transdisciplinary Problem Based Learning - Kat Deaner, STEM Coordinator
      • Introducing Glogster EDU: the Online Multimedia Poster - Valery Siegel, Literacy Coach- EdTech
      • Top Ten Classroom Tools from the Maker Movement - Sylvia Martinez, M. EdTech
      • Exploring STEMx Competencies Through ePortfolios - Betty Hurley-Dasgupta, Professor and HP Fellow
      • Hey Teachers Let's Tweet - Joshua Sneideman -Einstein Distinguished Science Educator Fellow
      • Redefining the Rural Schoolhouse: Customizing Learning using STEM TPRL - Mari Biehl The Learning Concierge
      • Transforming learners into global citizens through Wikipedia - Natalie Rector, Emerging Technologies Librarian and Wikipedia Ambassador
      • Call it METS, STEM, STEMx, STEAM, Or Just Call it Learning - Helen L. Headrick Coordinator of Educational Opportunities
      • Building an Operating System for Computer Science Education - Sarah Rand, Associate Project Director
      • Closing the STEM Achievement Gap - Dave Saba, Chief Operating Officer
      • Redefining the Rural Schoolhouse: Aligning Education to Problem-Based Learning and Community - President and CEO
      • Contemplate, Create, Innovate - Karen McGarry
      • Energy Literacy Initiative - Joshua Sneideman - Albert Einstein Distinguished Science Educator
      • Essential Strategies and Delivery Systems of Every School - Sheli O. Smith, Director of Programs
      • Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) for STEM - Revolutionary or Evolutionary? Issues with MOOCs That Prevent Them From Truly Disrupting the Status Quo - Stan Bogdanov - Instructional Multimedia Specialist
      • www.STEMcollection.com : STEM technology + resources - Carles Aguiló Collado
      • Informal Library Youth Programs - Jennifer Hopwood, Training Coordinator at the Southern Maryland Regional Library Association
      • InkSurvey: A Free Graphical Polling Tool for Formative Assessment - Frank Kowalski, Physics Prof.
      • Playful Learning: Games and the Future of STEM - Danny Fain, Teacher in Residence
      • Redefining STEM Rubrics for the 21’st Century: It’s all about mastery! - Steve Lewis, Math STEM Fellow
      • Disrupting society and education with 3D printing - Elliot Mork, Logician of Learning
      • Energy 101 Undergraduate Course Framework: Teaching the Fundamentals of Energy - Matthew Garcia - AAAS FELLOW
      • Engaging Students in a Synchronous Online Learning Environment with Group Work - Greg Mayer, Postdoctoral Research Fellow
      • STEMming with Your Libraries: Strategic Collaborations On Campus and Beyond - Laureen P. Cantwell, Instructional Services Librarian (Asst. Prof.)
      • Build a Bridge: Transitioning to STEM TPBL - Beth Witte, Program Coordinator
      • Creating Citizen Scientists in the Classroom - Matthew Rudisi – Science Faculty (Biology)
      • Re-awakening Students’ Curiosity - Frank Kowalski, Physics Prof.
      • Water for L*ife - Ethan Allen, Director STEM
      • Facing the 21st Century Grand Challenges: Curriculum Design | Design Curriculum - Christina White, Director
      • Online Science Fair: A new way to encourage science learning - Jonathan S. Bell, Development Director
      • Open Educational Resources - the secret to integrating the components of STEMx - Sri Chief Learner @ EdK12
      • The Chameleon Factor - Beate Nguyen, M.A.Ed, Principal
      • The Kids of Kayele: Zambian Youth Teach Water and Sanitation Issues through Online Computer Game - Natasha Sarkar, CAWST Youth Wavemakers Program Manager
      • Deeper Learning through Game Design and Production - Danny Fain, STEM/Design teacher
      • Murder on Detroit Avenue: An interdisciplinary STEM Unit - Dr Rogan Tinsley, Teacher
      • Strategies that Work for Global Advocacy in the Classroom - Jose A. Carmona, Lead Contract English Instructor
      • Student-Generated Apps for Mobile Devices – can they enhance higher levels of understanding? - Derek Barkalow, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Biology
      • A Case Study in Science and Engineering Job Shadowing in High School - Ann Gaudino, Ed.D.
      • Social Media, Social Justice and STEM - Eric A Walters, Director of Technology
      • Tikho's Story: A Quest for Clean Water in Zambia - Natasha Sarkar, CAWST Youth Wavemakers Using VoiceThread to Connect Students with Science Content Specialists - Dr. Laura S Lowder Assistant Professor of Education
      • Challenge-based Learning on Climate Change and the HP Catalyst Academy - Michael Furdyk, Co-founder
      • Project Outbreak: Creating an Epistemic Game for Microbiology - Kae Novak, Instructional Designer for Student Engagement and Assessment
      • STEAM: The A is for more than Art - Drew R Leventhal
      • Why the Common Core isn’t the Start or the End of STEM Educational Standards - Brian Coffey
      • Creativity in K12 Education - Laura Feeney, Education Advocate
      • STEMx is all about Creativity! - Dr. Anjuli Ahooja, Faculty (AP Physics)
      • Mag-Net a 21st century online community for Australian STEMx educators. - Gary Bass
      • Meaningful STEM-Based Learning in a University/Elementary School Partnership - Maria D. Shaheen, Ph.D. (Assistant Professor of Elementary and Early Childhood Education)
      • Using Scratch and Picoboards to teach "x", Maths and Science - Martin Levins, Director IT
      • What's The Connection? How to Integrate Mathematics, Common Core Standards, Real Life Experiences, and the Content Areas - Kristen Beck, Curriculum Coordinator
      • 10 Awesome STEM Lessons - Patti Duncan, Retired Teacher
      • A STEAM Powered Golf Course - Jill Bergeron, Middle School Technology Integration Specialist
      • Essential Strategies and Delivery Systems of Every School - Sheli Smith, Director of Programs
      • Re-Imagining Education: Hacker Scouts and STEAM - Samantha Cook, Executive Director and Founder
      • Igniting the Spark! Build, Play, Learn - Fun STEM Activities for School Year and Summer Camp Programs - Laura Briggs, STEM Camp Director, Technology Resource Teacher
      • Get Your Students Outside with Technology! - Patty McGinnis, Gifted Support Specialist
      • Where Are the Girls? - Kim Wilkens, technology activist
      • Inquiry and Design using LilyPad Arduino - Paula Klonowski Leach
      • Inquiry Approaches to Integrating Environmental Literacy and 21st Century Skills - Miguel Fuentes, Curriculum and Evaluation Director
      • Upgraded Methods for Instructional Design w/ Project Based Learning and STEM in the Global Learning Framework - Richard C cLose
      • Computer Science for All! - Kim Wilkens, technology activist
      • Language: The State of the Nation - Dr. William P. Rivers, Executive Director
      • Online Communities of Practice - Are They Worth it? - Torrey Trust, Ph.D. Candidate
      • VoiceThread for Digital Education - Kelli Stair- teacher/ writer
      • An Example STEAM and Maker-Education Curriculum: From Puppets to Robots - Jackie Gerstein, Ed.D.
      • Science Literacy Standards with Discussion-Enhancing Technology Tools - Kelli Stair- teacher, writer
      • Visual Numbers in Math - Rebecca Reiniger, Educational Coordinator
      • myScience: USGS Citizen Science Project Discovery and Public Engagement Application - Sally Holl, Release the Geniuses! Promoting Innovation and Creativity During the School Day - Philip McIntosh, Math and Science Teacher
      • STEM Can Lead the Way: Rethinking Teacher Preparation and Policy - Marcella Klein Williams Ed.D., Chief Education Officer
      • Factors that Affect the Success Rate of Under Represented Minority Students (URMs) in STEM Education - Berta Hayes Capo Program Professor of Science Education
      • MIT BLOSSOMS for Interactive STEM Education - Richard C. Larson, Professor
      • STEM Expo - Innovative Alternative to Typical Science Fairs - Eric Bull, Chief Instigator
      • Explaining Everything: Authentic formative assessment through screencasting - Reshan Richards, Director of Educational Technology
      • Knocking Down Classroom Walls - Kyle Webb, Math and STEM Teacher
      • Changing the Climate of STEM Education in Our Digital World - Kim Spangenberg, STEM Program Manager
      • We Get Girls: Encouraging High School Girls to Choose Engineering - Katie Phillips, Physics Teacher
      • Best Practices Around Implementing Educational Games - Lindsey Tropf, M.Ed. / School Psychology Doctoral Candidate and Intern, CEO
      • Making the Switch to Teaching Foreign Language Online; Adapting Your Teaching for a New Context - Kara Mac Donald, Assistant Professor
      • Reframing Leadership in the STEM/TPBL Schoolhouse - Monica S. Hunter, Ph.D., Director of Research
      • Reinforcing the "literacy" in STEM literacy - Wayne Christensen Associate Professor of English
      • Science Alliance Clubs - An Innovative and High ROI Model for Teaching Science Research and Leadership - Christina Ren, Co-Founder, Science Alliance Network; Senior High School Student at Monte Vista High

      Thursday, September 12, 2013

      Live Interview Today (Thursday) - Kevin Jones on De-Cog-ifying Yourself and Your Students/Children!

      Join me today, Thursday, September 12th, for a live and interactive FutureofEducation.com conversation with Kevin Jones, self-proclaimed leader of the decog movement.

      Kevin is a speaker and an organizational consultant (vinjones.com), and has worked for 15 years helping organizations change the way they work, looking at organizational and management strategy, enterprise social networking, culture assessment and change, and performance improvement. His decog.me site caught my eye, and while it's in its infancy, I think it reflects as significant historical moment precipitated by the Internet: the waning of institutional influence and the rise of individual expression.

      It's certainly not that individual expression and activity are new, but the Internet-enabled, democratized, geographic and intellectual independence are new. The power of institutions to shape narratives and behaviors is increasingly being weakened by the avenues for individual and alternative voices, and many of the discussions we have in education recognize the importance of helping students live in this new world. We talk a lot about: learning how to learn instead of learning a set body of content; becoming self-directed instead of passive learners; creating rather than just consuming; and representing oneself on the Web (sometimes through digital portfolios) as part of discovering and building one's authentic interests and value.

      Here is Kevin's description of the employee who is a "cog." How much does schooling influence or reflect this?
      An employee who has lost their passion. They take orders, fly under the radar, get work done and only tolerate the 8-10 hours of their work day hoping that they can just hold on to their job until they retire or until something better comes along. 
      They live an unfulfilling career, not making the difference in the world they once dreamed.  This is not their desired state or outcome, but they feel powerless to do anything about it or have given up. 
      They have given in.
      The embedded video below dramatically shows this connection (or disconnection) between childhood and adulthood in a cog-based world. We'll explore this and more in the interview.

      Date: Thursday, September 12th, 2013
      Time: 5pm Pacific / 8pm Eastern (international times here)
      Duration: 1 hour
      Location: In Blackboard Collaborate (formerly Elluminate). Log in at http://www.futureofed.info. The Blackboard Collaborate room will be open up to 30 minutes before the event if you want to come in early. To make sure that your computer is configured for Blackboard Collaborate, please visit the support and configuration page. Apple Mac users:  If you are using a Mac running Mountain Lion v10.8.4, Blackboard has released a special app called the "Collaborate Launcher for Mac" which is now required for Mountain Lion v10.8.4 and later. More information HERE. Mobile users: You can join live sessions from iPhone, iPad, or Android device (including Kindle Fire HD). Links to download the mobile apps can be found at http://www.blackboard.com/Platforms/Collaborate/Products/Blackboard-Collaborate/Mobile-Collaboration.aspx.
      Recording: A full Blackboard Collaborate recording and an audio mp3 recording will be available after the show here and at http://www.stevehargadon and http://www.futureofeducation.com.


      Wednesday, September 11, 2013

      Live Interview Today (Wednesday) - Michelle Cordy on Hacking Your Classroom

      SPECIAL NOTE:  Michelle's power went out during the interview, so we will be rescheduling.

      Join me today, Wednesday, September 11th, for a live and interactive FutureofEducation.com conversation with Michelle Cordy on what it means to "hack your classroom."

      Michelle teaches grade 3 and 4 with one to one iPad in London, Ontario with the Thames Valley District School Board. She has been teaching since 2001 and holds a Master of Education. Michelle describes herself as "curious and engaged in learning about making thinking visible, assessment, electronic portfolios, maker spaces, innovative learning, collaboration and creativity." I would additionally describe Michelle as pure energy, with an openness and honesty about exploring learning in a way that can't help but make you smile.

      You're going to love Michelle. Find out more about her at http://about.me/michellecordy.

      Now, about "hacking." We're going to ask Michelle what she means when she talks about hacking your classroom, and I know she will have a lot to say! From where I sit, the word "hack" has for good reason become increasingly popular and compelling in education (see Audrey Watters' Hack Education blog, my Hack Your Education tour, Dale Stephens' Hacking Your Education book, etc.). This is because hacking carries two connotations that make it a relevant part of our vocabulary about teaching and learning.

      First, a hack can be a simple, no-frills, often jerry-rigged solution to a compelling problem (think MacGyver). Solving problems by cutting through bureaucracy--getting the job done--is something pretty familiar to those responsible for making a difference in the learning lives of others. It's also reminds us of the value to an individual of learning to solve their own problems, no matter how un-glamorous the method might be at the start.

      The second connotation, and perhaps the one we most often associate with the word, carries a sense of subversion: as in "computer hacking." While I'm guessing that a computer "hack" likely originally meant the same simple or temporary solution to a compelling programming problem, computer "hacking" became increasingly associated with illegal or disruptive activities, and the "hackers" seen as counter-culture troublemakers. This meaning, too, has relevance to education: attempts by teachers to subvert a testing-driven school culture or narrative might appropriately be labeled "hacking;" and students that "hacks" past other people's check-boxes and expectations to drive their own learning.

      It's guaranteed to be an interesting hour.

      Date: Wednesday, September 11th, 2013
      Time: 5pm Pacific / 8pm Eastern (international times here)
      Duration: 1 hour
      Location: In Blackboard Collaborate (formerly Elluminate). Log in at http://www.futureofed.info. The Blackboard Collaborate room will be open up to 30 minutes before the event if you want to come in early. To make sure that your computer is configured for Blackboard Collaborate, please visit the support and configuration page. Apple Mac users:  If you are using a Mac running Mountain Lion v10.8.4, Blackboard has released a special app called the "Collaborate Launcher for Mac" which is now required for Mountain Lion v10.8.4 and later. More information HERE. Mobile users: You can join live sessions from iPhone, iPad, or Android device (including Kindle Fire HD). Links to download the mobile apps can be found at http://www.blackboard.com/Platforms/Collaborate/Products/Blackboard-Collaborate/Mobile-Collaboration.aspx.
      Recording: A full Blackboard Collaborate recording and an audio mp3 recording will be available after the show here and at http://www.stevehargadon and http://www.futureofeducation.com.

      Tuesday, September 10, 2013

      Live Interview Today (Tuesday) - Doug Johnson on The Indispensable Librarian

      Join me today, Tuesday, September 10th, for a live and interactive FutureofEducation.com conversation with Doug Johnson on his new book, a second edition of The Indispensable Librarian: Surviving and Thriving in School Libraries in the Information Age.

      In the book, Doug "offers more practical methods and sage advice for leveraging technology's popularity and effectiveness to build stronger programs and cultivate beneficial professional connections and friendships."  It's a "practice-based overview that also supplies real-world scenarios, step-by-step instructions, and pragmatic solutions to specific problems."

      As well, Doug "defines and clarifies the role of the school library media specialist in a technologically enhanced school, providing relevant examples and useful advice on a variety of topics; and underscores the importance of strong management skills, especially regarding collaborative planning and communications. The book is written especially for K–12 school librarians, both new and experienced, and is also suitable for pre-service librarians as a textbook."  (From the publisher description.)

      Date: Tuesday, September 10th, 2013
      Time: 5pm Pacific / 8pm Eastern (international times here)
      Duration: 1 hour
      Location: In Blackboard Collaborate (formerly Elluminate). Log in at http://www.futureofed.info. The Blackboard Collaborate room will be open up to 30 minutes before the event if you want to come in early. To make sure that your computer is configured for Blackboard Collaborate, please visit the support and configuration page. Apple Mac users:  If you are using a Mac running Mountain Lion v10.8.4, Blackboard has released a special app called the "Collaborate Launcher for Mac" which is now required for Mountain Lion v10.8.4 and later. More information HERE. Mobile users: You can join live sessions from iPhone, iPad, or Android device (including Kindle Fire HD). Links to download the mobile apps can be found at http://www.blackboard.com/Platforms/Collaborate/Products/Blackboard-Collaborate/Mobile-Collaboration.aspx.
      Recording: A full Blackboard Collaborate recording is at https://sas.elluminate.com/site/external/jwsdetect/nativeplayback.jnlp?sid=2008350&psid=2013-09-10.1701.M.9E9FE58134BE68C3B413F24B3586CF.vcr and an audio mp3 recording is at http://audio.edtechlive.com/foe/DougJohnson.mp3 and at http://www.stevehargadon and http://www.futureofeducation.com.

      Doug Johnson has been the Director of Libraries and Technology for the Mankato (MN) Public Schools since 1991 and has served as an adjunct faculty member of Minnesota State University since 1990. His teaching experience has included work in grades K-12 both here and in Saudi Arabia. He is the author of nine books including Teaching Right from Wrong in the Digital Age; Machines are the Easy Part; People are the Hard Part (available for free at the link); and The Classroom Teachers Survival Guide to Technology. His columns appear in ASCD’s Educational Leadership and in Library Media Connection. Doug’s Blue Skunk Blog averages over 50,000 visits a month, and his articles have appeared in over forty books and periodicals. Doug has conducted workshops and given presentations for over 200 organizations throughout the United States and internationally and has held a variety of leadership positions in state and national organizations, including ISTE and AASL.

      Thursday, September 05, 2013

      "Conference 2.0" Sponsorship Opportunities - STEMxCon, Reform Symposium, Library 2.013, GlobalEdCon, & More

      Running free, worldwide, virtual events for education is a TON of fun, no question about it. I think that the "Conference 2.0" model--accepting almost all proposal submissions then letting the audience decide which sessions to attend--is possibly more historic than we realize. Holding virtual conferences that focus on peer- and practioner-driven sessions opens the door to educators and others being "creators" and not just "consumers" at such events. The quality level is consistently high, the connections attendees make with each other are great, and it feels like we're helping to redefine the personal learning networks and communities for teachers and learners all over the world.

      In the past year the platform we've created has allowed for over 800 presentations with over 100,000 attendee log-ins, and so many, many of the participants have told us how much they have loved these events.

      Along with the fun, of course, comes a lot of work! Keeping the conferences free and driven first by authentic learning opportunities, rather than sponsor or institutional interests, isn't easy. We're extremely grateful for a core set of conference sponsors who have supported this model, and we could really use some more.

      This past year we ran five virtual conferences: Library 2.012, GlobalEdCon, the School Leadership Summit, Aula 2.0, and the inaugural Homeschool Conference.  My goal for the coming year is to have ten--and we're well on the way!
      If you work for, or are associated with, an organization that could potentially sponsor one or more of these conferences, please contact me and let me provide you with some more information. If you know of someone you think would be a good sponsor, I'd greatly appreciate a referral. My contact information is below.

      Here's to changing the world.  See you online!

      Steve

      Steve Hargadon
      steve@hargadon.com
      http://www.web20labs.com
      916-283-7901