Ramblings from the Father of Twins

The year 2008 marks the 25th anniversary of the release of Michael Jackson’s classic album “Thriller.” As a part of the recognition and celebration of the album, several of today’s top producers are going to remix several of the classic songs from the album. I personally would prefer remembering the classics as is but anticipate the final results from the “Leaders of the New School” .

Larry Lessig’s commentary at the TED convention also discussed the issue of a remixing available content into something new. His comments regarding today’s students and their ability to create and design new presentations is commonplace in our internet society. Users of YouTube, Facebook and other social sites have captured media from TV, movies, mp3s have created and posted new videos, short movies and stories. Each in it’s own right is unique for presentation but is not necessarily based on new content. Users are now able to create and become their own producers and directors of their personal presentations.

I personally have to agree with Mr. Lessing in that these presentations are new and unique. In many instances, the content provides a new perspective with the same old contents. Many of today’s teachers have a tendency on leaning on lessons and experiences which are easy and fluid for their presentation but not necessarily from a student’s perspective. I believe if students are given the opportunity to use available content, it could possibly allow more options for creativity.

One of my favorite reality shows is Top Chef on Bravo. In many instances, chefs are required to create delicious meals using traditional ingredients for the meal. Basic meals such as Macaroni and Cheese, Beef Stew and Fish and Chips have been updated into new creations while maintaining the core items most people associate with these dishes. Given the opportunity, I believe students can create new items that will compliment and not destroy the original creation.

For the past 20 years, scientists have continually looked at the reduction of the ozone layer and its effects on our environment. The decline of our natural resources, unusual changes in our climate and Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth” all demonstrate the true nature of this gigantic issue. While listening to Alan November’s podcast from FETC, I saw an uncanny resemblance to the Greenhouse Effect. Our nation’s education system is heating up (NCLB); our natural resources (our children) are slowly declining compared with other nations worldwide; it’s an inconvenient truth for most to believe but our educational system needs a complete review, overall or any other words to describe starting over, revamping or blowing it up.

I have to agree with Alan November that many of today’s schools need to flip the script and allow students to take control. I’m not trying to condone allowing the inmates to run the asylum but I would suggest allowing the kids to take the reins in developing their education. Our current model works for some but not for most. America may still be the home of the brave but India and China take the prize for the gifted and talented. Mr. November’s comment regarding the total number of gifted children in China outnumber all of our children is astounding. The United States needs to take a step back and look at the design of its current system. I have a unique perspective because I’m a career switcher. I’m still relatively new to education compared with many staff members in my building and I see flaws, good and bad.

Our time is now!! NCLB is with us. A bandage is not going to fix something that requires full blown surgery. Our world as we know it is shrinking while the rest of the world continues to pass us by. If we don’t fix it soon, our forecast is forever going to be overcast.

Update: In the joy of writing the original post, the thought of copyright issues never came to mind. However, due to this type of violation, YouTube has pulled the cartoon I linked too. “Rabbit Seasoning” is the property pf Warner Bros. It’s another perspective that should be taken prior during the building process of each assignment.

Chris Harbeck’s presentation title “Release the Hounds” was an instant draw for me. I actually laughed out loud thinking of Elmer Fudd, Daffy Duck and Bugs Bunny in the classic Warner Bros. cartoon, “Rabbit Seasoning“. (If you need a quick laugh, this is well worth the viewing time) However, I began to wonder why this title under the heading of Classroom 2.0?

This presentation was just the start of a complete method for creating what he calls a “student led conference”. The ePortfolio was one objective for this plan. It was designed to create a reflective method his students can use to review and display works for parents (and themselves) at the end of the school year. In addition, he created an online log of events students could use in the event worked was missed due to sickness or absence. This “ScribePost” collected a daily timeline of events but maintained specific details that any one participant of the class would be able to use for study purposes. The ScribePost was also used with the student Growing Post for personal notes and information. His version of the journal provides a one stop shop for posted information rather than multiple posts throughout the year. Harbeck’s also utilized his Unproject which allowed the students to develop their own “mastery levels” based on the subject matter.

The combination of each subject area used in conjunction with web tools creates an environment students can build and not necessarily rely on the teacher to develop. Due to limitations for space, Harbeck’s choice of online tools allowed students to create while at home as needed. The overall project is an extension of digital storytelling but it provides many opportunities for new technologies to be retooled as resources become available. This method, I believe, places the ownership in the kids hands and could also led to opportunities for students to manage themselves.

I decided to choose the complete set of presentations instead of the mp3 version because of what was available. At times, I was restricted in my access to some files while at school, but found each to be well worth the wait. As a visual learner, I was able to understand the visual component needed for this project. I would not have been able to understand the entire concept with the mp3 version alone. My perception of the title did not click until the last presentation. The hounds (students) had the opportunity to find and search for the ever allusive fox (student objectives, grades, personal goals). Although the methods varied, I believe his usage of “hounds” suggests that everyone (students) is searching for the same results, destinations or goals. There is not a specific defined process for capturing the fox but the goal is to complete the hunt.

Elmer Fudd was never able to determine what the true season was in the classic Warner Brothers tale. At least not until Daffy and Bugs convinced him, that he was being hunted. In many cases, students need to realize that the opportunities being presented in this type of classroom could lead to them into situations of being the “hunted”. Colleges and universities are frequently looking for those students who can expand their student bodies. Businesses often want those who can think beyond normal boundaries to become part of their organizations.

From personal experience, being hunted is not a bad thing.

New Tools are always fun to work with and to discovery.

Imagine this – You’ve Googled, Asked Jeeves and eventually you’ve come across some much information that you’re lost, lost in the never-ending landscape called the Internet.  Along the way you realize, you forgot to stop at www.wonderbread.com for scrap pieces of bread that will lead you back to the original question you started with.

April Chamberlain’s post of the details of Trailfire is just another method for sharing resources. But Hansel and Gretel would be proud to use this tool – it provides a way to mark your path.

This podcast was relatively short and required some actual hands on time in order to understand the product. After reading the basic information and intended purposes from the Trailfire webpage, this application provides another opportunity to share resources. I use the Firefox plugin (and IE configuration when I use IE) for Delicious tags and try to encourage others to load it and start working with it. Trailfire follows what Delicious (and other sites like Diigo, Clipmarks and StumbleUpon) have developed for creating new communities of web users. Trailfire allows you to create a custom tag for a page and then extend this information to other sites you (and your network “Can you hear me now”) have visited.

Many of the social bookmarking sites are becoming commonplace as web tools. In each case though, small components are being added to expand basic concepts used in the past. Annotations, creating bibliographies, end notes – traditional functions that have been tweaked and expanded for our up-to-date needs.  Another excellent resource to consider in the classroom.

See you on the Trail soon – I’ll bring the bread.

For the original information regarding this section of the Online Conference, go here.

For years, I’ve been asked to be flexible. The art of flexibility has various definitions depending on the industry you are working in. Based on your own perceptions, flexibility can be considered an obstacle or as an opportunity.

As I listened to Brian Crosby’s keynote address from the K12Online Conference on my Mp3 player, I found several obstacles. This format is perfect for music but once the additional element of dimension is added from the commentary (the visual element) this format can become less effective. However depending on your perspective (and my perception was changed), this is an opportunity to challenge yourself and/or your audience to develop ideas and concepts without the original posted information. This small tidbit may be insignificant for some but it has been important in many ways for me.

The additional resources made available allowed me to extend the thought process as the ideas were churning in my mind. At the secondary level, it has become easier to access many of the tools mentioned in the podcast but some may not be needed in the early development stages. We are often challenged to work with what we have or to be flexible. I can recall one of our group discussions regarding the question “Is technology necessary for this project?” I’d have to say it depends.

For example, photos and video can still have the same impact when used with some of the tools we have available now. You Tube, Teacher Tube and MetaCafe can add to the impact outside of our communities but our goal is to build our communities first and then expand beyond these boundaries. We have to ask ourselves, what can we do? In many cases, we become so fixated on the technology, we fail to see what resources are readily available for us without the technology.

NCLB laws have caused many changes in funding sources and adjustments to associated funds earmarked for expanding projects. Many districts fight with the dreaded budgetary obstacles. If you change your perspective, this can become an opportunity for a huge grant writing campaign or chance to bring get the buy-in factor for the community. A new opportunity has developed out of what may have been seen a dead-end by many.

We all play a significant role in this every changing story. We should all remember to focus on the long term goal and let the small stuff remain small.

In the summer of 1987, I first heard Sign O’ the Times by Prince and immediately loved the song for it’s music, thought provoking lyrics and (as I learned later) double album set for my music collection. I was a teenager but I knew great music when I heard it.

(Side Note: For those who didn’t know – I am a huge Prince fan and welcome any opportunity to incorporate his works into my own rambling thoughts with the correct copyright of course.)

In our recent conversation regarding Web 2.0, the song often came to mind and continues to pop in periodically as I write this post. Not as much for the lyrics but how the title applies to our everchanging look at the web and its available tools. Web 2.0 has changed how we (educators) can reach out to connect with others in the county, state, country and world. The sign of the times for the web is having the ability to reach out to others, observe, react, share and learn from one another.

As one of the leaders of technology, one of my major functions is to introduce, encourage and promote the use of these tools especially since our students have changed and grown with the technology. This blog is a perfect example of the times. I’ve blogged on several sports websites but never took the time to analyze much of the effects it can have on a classroom. This tool, along with many other web 2.0 tools (Delicious, TiltViewer) I believe provide many opportunities to create lesson plans that extend beyond the norm. The norm being what worked 10 years ago, what worked 5 years ago or what worked last week.

The times continue to change. The signs are there. We must step to the forefront and guide those who may have fallen behind the times. Our time is now.

Have you heard the following from one of your staff members -

“I just bought a new computer, can I borrow the Office disk for at home??”

I try never to discourage anyone from checking out the software especially if they need it for home usage – in many cases it’s for school work when at home. In the process though, I always ask the question, what will you be using it for?? My reason for asking is related to the licensing agreement for the use of Microsoft Office for FCPS employees.

Fairfax County Public Schools owns the product and allows teachers to use it at home. Based on my understanding of the license and information listed here, any work created, edited or published with the FCPS copy of the software, FCPS maintains a potential ownership stake in the work as long as their software is used on your computer.

The above information always brings me back to my original question to the teacher or staff member, what will you be using it for? I understand that I can only provide the information. People are people – the choice is theirs, I just don’t want to be implicated in the potential consequences. As the Technology leader in my school, I strive to provide a complete picture so each person can make the best choice. I can only do my part. But my part also involves providing the details, for those teachers who question my question, on how to purchase a personal copy of the software without any legal kickbacks.

FCPS and Mr. Gates have negotiated an ultimate volume discount. The latest version of the Microsoft Office 2007 Professional Suite normally retails from $200 – $600 dollars. We have the option to buy our own licensed version for $59.98 plus shipping and handling. This is the best price I’ve ever seen and copyright issues will not apply because I own the version.

I’d pay $60 bucks anyday in order to avoid the additional costs associated with a copyright lawsuit. Me vs. FCPS or even Me vs. Microsoft – case closed before it even gets started.

Take a quick trip back in time here.

Reference Strand: Professional Learning Networks

My title is one of the first thoughts that rambled through my mind as I listened to the podcast “The Collaborative ABC Project: Using Technology to Tell Stories” presented by Kevin Hodgson and Bonnie Kaplan as a part of the Professional Learning Networks strand posted on October 22nd.

Taking the presentation in its mp3 format, I could only place visuals in my mind as the concept continued to develop. Hodgson and Kaplan’s focus for their presentation was to create a digital storybook on the alphabet with help from the story “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” integrating Web 2.0 tools and collaboration from others across the web. With the help from their personal network of educators, they solicited assistance nationwide for anyone who wanted to participate – many of whom had never created stories in a digital format. This presentation provided the unique process of development, experimentation and eventually compiling the final presentation that was available. In the process, snippets of various parts of the presentation were included for additional support.

As I listened, I believed the mp3 format was a teaser. Much of what was being said in the podcast needed the visual element to cement the true concept. The audio provided the initial introduction but it made me want more in the process. I believe this may have been beneficial because it gave me a reason to return for more. I could have done without the B movie style music track played behind the audio but I overlooked this for the meat of the content.

When I returned to the K12 site, I found the supporting documentation available that included the site, individual presentations and the final cut. In addition, the link to JumpCut (the online tool used for production) was also included as a reference. The creators also included an open invitation for anyone who might want to join in on the development.

Overall, I believe the complete package – concept, use of technology, presentation of mp3 and associated web materials – provides an instant attraction for those who want to learn and build using this model for storytelling.

I’m currently considering adding my visions of the ABCs – based on the my title cereal and Saturday morning cartoons was my first thought.

Teachers have one of the hardest positions of any professions. Their ability to reach, teach and understand multiple pieces of information, student personalities and time management issues make teaching a unique but challenging job.  Assessments and performance also challenge teachers in ways to insure students are effectively comprehending and applying the lesson to their personal surroundings.

In creating learning opportunities, there are lesson to be learned by everyone. Teachers often use and develop rubrics to guide students in selecting the best choices when compiling information for a test, project or assignment. As students, rubrics are like following road maps – if all directions are followed, you will safely arrive at your destination, an A+. However, creating a rubric can be compared to solving a Rubix’s Cube. If all colors are not set correctly, the colored sides of the cube feel disjointed – a failing grade.

This is our objective. Smooth, clean and well defined.

The rubric is the foundation and guide all students will use when capturing the objectives teachers they  are set to accomplish. In the development of a rubric for our assignment, I found myself reworking the concept to insure the essence of the  original idea remained.

In the lesson, students will be working to design a complete sports line as a part of a new NFL franchise. In the development with our Marketing teachers, students are paired in groups and each will represent the core functions of the organization – General Manager, Director of Marketing and Lead Designer. With a specific budget and opportunity for additional corporate sponsorships and brand placement, students must create a unique look designed to capture new fans for an associated city. The rubric is designed to evaluate how students review and research their choices from colors, design and local demographics. Each of these items is essential to creating an effective marketing plan. Each group will present their ideas to a student panel who represents the corporate and local sponsors for the team. Each presentation should be designed to persuade the panel to become a partner with the new franchise. Based on the rubric, all students must create a sample of uniforms, helmets and associated materials.

NFL Franchise Marketing Rubric

I was introduced to the term “multigenre” when reading the article by Tom Romano, “Blending Genre, Altering Style.” According to the article, he first encountered the “idea” when reading Michael Ondaatje’s The Collected Works of Billy the Kid. This collective work was not in the straight forward writing style but in a format provided in multiple formats ranging from interviews to comic strips to songs.

Although the term was new to me, the understanding behind the term is not. In years past, I believe writing and instruction have utilized these steps more frequently. With the incorporation of technology into many lessons, providing a complete lesson based on tangible related objects about the subject matter compared to words alone, provide the best description for learners.

I can think back to Kindergarten. Our main source of technology in the classroom was the color TV located in one corner of the class. My afternoon kindergarten class (Yes – A half day session with a nap and snack) was able to catch the latest episode of The Letter People on PBS. Mr. T and his Tall Teeth still stand out today because of the picture of his teeth, and the sounds he made when creating words with Mr. C and Ms. A for the word cat.

Similar lessons popped up throughout my years of schooling from primary to secondary to the various collegiate levels. My degree in Mass Media Arts is a direct result of many “multigenre” lessons. The media uses many of the same queues and methods in telling the stories on CNN and Faux..oops Fox News.

As I continued to review the article, I can see many of the methods as visual scrapbooking. Multiple ideas, statements and perspectives placed in a collective group for presentation to others. (Sounds familiar…)

Chapter 2 of the article provides more details and examples used by actual students. In some instances, the first few items resemble the current tool I’m using – the Blog. A series of unfortunate events and experiences led Jennifer Sorensen, the author in this example, to create her “posts”. We are not provided with the other parts of her presentation but I could see the concept she tried to deliver in the presentation. Jennifer’s ultimate goal may have been to show her frustrations with being a fragrance girl, but Neiman’s may have used this as a training presentation for new employees who want to come out smelling like a rose when selling cosmetics. It all depends on the perspective for those watching, listening and learning.

I believe today’s generation of Youtubers and MySpacers utilize the same methods discussed by Romano. Many of the creators from these webpages salvage items into a final project – their personal site. They touch their intimate theatrical side, their Oscar Winning Side, their Pulitzer side and their Grammy award winning side in order to create a new perspective for others to view. This new perspective is one that reaches the deepest emotions because it is a direct reflection of the source. These emotions expressed through the music played, photos posted and any other items displayed provide a multi-dimensional perspective of the individual. This perspective reveals more than just the basics found on a sheet of notebook paper or in a Word Document.

When I look at it, it’s just another part of the puzzle. It’s another tool we can use to get to those who we may not be able to reach. 1/2 theater, 1/2 film, 1/2 book, 1/2 music hall – this appears to be some kind of new math. But I believe this is one lesson I will truly enjoy.