While you're waiting to begin!!!

2006-01-19T20:15:00.000-05:00

Welcome!!

While you're waiting for the workshop to begin, there are two tasks for you to complete!!

First, take a minute to take the poll that is located in the sidebar to the right. Once you have taken the poll, check the results. This poll will give us an idea of where we are as we begin. AND this tool might be something you could use in your classroom?? Hmm, think a minute, a poll for your students for a lesson???

Second, I created an account and a blog for you at Blogger. The purpose? Twofold-- This is intended to be a paperless workshop with the exception of the cards you received when you came in. If you're like me, you might like to make some notes so, the plan is that you will maintain your notes in your workshop blogger blog. (Some media center specialists and English teachers do research papers this way with students!). And what's a blogging workshop without you blogging and commenting along the way! You'll have your workshop blog and access to those of your colleagues!!

Discover how easy it is to blog. Mechanics are the least of what this is all about as you'll see! Try out this new tool for learning this morning. Never fear, blogs can be renamed, new URLs created, blogs can be private, and blogs can be deleted. And you've lots of assistance, your colleague on your left, your colleague on your right, and me to name a few.

What to do? Follow the directions below:

Click on this link which will take you to Blogger.com. . A new window will open so that you can read the directions and complete the task.
Sign into your account. Your login and password are on the card you received when you arrived.
Click on your blog name.
Click on the "settings" tab and use the "basic" screen first.
You can edit your Blog Title and description if you like.
When you finish with the settings tab, be sure to click on "save" at the bottom of the screen.
Then click on republish blog.
Now click on the "comments" (it's also under the "settings" tab) and be sure to set it so anyone can comment and that word verification is required.
Click on save and "republish".
Click on "Template" and then the "new" tab to find a template that you would like.
Click on "Save" and "republish".
Click on "View Blog" to check your work.
Click on "Posting"
Click on "Edit Post" and edit the first posting I created. You might want to entitle it "Why am I here?" if you're having trouble coming up with a post.
Click on "Publish Post" and then "View Blog".

You're ready to begin the workshop!!!

From a fellow choreographer's chair

2006-01-18T21:31:00.000-05:00

As educators we've been choreographing the performance in our classrooms for years. As I look back I've found that my classroom, like some dance ballets, took on a different look and sound. I wonder what choreography works best for today's world, today's learner, and today's classroom?

Do these resources provide food for thought, impetus for a new ballet for teaching and learning? Is there even reason to take time to consider the potential of this new ballet? Review one of the resources below and consider the quotes.

Food for Thought
It's not about technology
21rst Century Skills
Horizontal classrooms
Fearless learners, fearful schools
Information is a Science
A story within a story The link to EPIC in this reading is now down. You may view the EPIC video after reading "A Story within a Story" by clicking on this link.

Two quotes for thought and reflection. I wonder how these resonate with you and if you see a connection to learning and what we do with learners in our classrooms?

"Individuals must, and can, now ask, Where do I fit into the global conversation, and opportunities of the day, and how can I, on my own, collaborate with others globally?" from Friedman's "The World is Flat", page 10

We are about the conversation. As people, consumers, citizens, teacher, learners, dealers with the everyday, and ultimately the responsible -- we can and should join in the great conversation. Kindergarten through retirement. from Warlick's "Classroom Blogging", page 169

You'll spend a bit of time sharing thoughts and reflections with the group on these ideas. Before the group discussion, join the conversation in the "blogosphere" now! For you'll discover, if you didn't know already, that blogging is about community and conversation. Use these questions to guide your post:

Do you see a need for a new ballet for teaching and learning? Is there even reason to take time to consider the potential of this new ballet? What resonated with you as you were reading?

Create your post in your very own blog. Click on the window in your task bar that takes you, not to your published blog, but to your "Dashboard" or editing page. Click on posting, click on create, add a title and then your thoughts. Then click on publish post.

When you're finished, return to the Blogging Ballet to view the blogs of your colleagues from the sidebar. Comment on what they have written. Hmm, I wonder is commenting in blogs a social process building of community?

I hope you'll keep in mind the ideas of community, conversation, and choreography as we work together to learn what we can about blogging in the K12 classroom!

Click on this link to reach Act I: "The Props" or click on the "Act I: The Props" link under the links title at the right to continue following our conversation..