Please take a moment to look at the following names. Perhaps you recognize them, perhaps you do not.
Google them if you wish……..
but they all have at least two things in common.
Max Talmey
Socrates
Frederic Roser
Mr. Douglass
Michael D’Ornaleas
So, did you figure it out?
#1 They are all teachers
#2 They never used a computer, smart phone, Interactive White Board, wrote a blog post, created a wiki, or joined an online global project.
So, why is that important? Because I know you can easily dismissed this with the thought they were teachers “in their time” and used whatever opportunities that they had available. (Which may or may not be true.)
I think it is time that someone stands up and says that the teachers of today are NOT better than the teachers of our yesteryears. I turned out pretty well, I am sure you did as well. As well as did each of the students of teachers I listed.
Max Talmey — teacher of Einstein
Socrates — teacher of Plato
Frederic Roser — teacher of Eleanor Roosevelt
Mr. Douglass — teacher of Thomas Jefferson
Michael D’Ornaleas — teacher of Jennifer Wagner
and don’t forget
___________________ — teacher of YOU!!
The use of technology in the classroom does not and never WILL truly define a teacher of the 21st century or of any century. But lately, in many conversations I have listened to, that seems to a major distinction.
Teachers are criticized for NOT using technology in their classroom. Ostracized at times by their fellow teachers. Using technology has become an indication of teacher performance and effectiveness. It has become an easy target for tech using educators to put non-tech using educators into a inferior group. But I have to wonder, has this just become an easy way to point out a difference that allows the criticizer to perhaps feel superior?
When we begin to label a teacher as effective or not, due to the tools they use (or do not use) we are dismissing the effectiveness of what a teacher truly is. What matters to students is NOT that the teacher can wow on a wiki, be verbose on a blog, or present a prezi with flair. What matters to students is #1 that a teacher cares, #2 that a teacher is prepared and knowledgeable, #3 that a teacher can make mistakes and own up to them, #4 that the teacher does not come to work each day just to earn a paycheck, and #5 that the teacher encourages everyone in the classroom to do their best.
Drawing a distinction between those who do and do not use tech will only widen the chasm between educators who need to be uniting for the benefit and betterment of our students. Casting a criticism over a teacher because of being a non-blogger, non-twitterer, or for using bullets in powerpoint is looking at trivialities rather than substance.
Let’s begin to call attention to teachers who are creating classrooms of creativity — whether in writing, art, debates, music, grammar, math, etc.
Let’s begin to call attention who are creating classrooms of concern — whether in local circumstances, global events, or even within their own classroom.
Let’s begin to call attention to teachers who creating classrooms of deep thinking and conversations — in every subject you can imagine.
Let’s begin to call attention to students who are creating classrooms that prepare students for their today, as well as for their tomorrow in a myriad of ways.
Let’s begin to call attention to teachers who are creating classrooms of students who look forward to walking into that classroom each and every day and being the teacher that someday that student will say “he or she was the best teacher I ever had.”
(and have that student’s comment have NOTHING to do with Tech.)
Just my thoughts. I appreciate your thoughts as well.
Jennifer
Max Talmey (Albert Einstein: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Einstein)
Socrates (Plato: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plato)
Frederic Roser (Eleanor Roosevelt: http://www.firstladies.org/biographies/firstladies.aspx?biography=33)
Mr. Douglass (Thomas Jefferson: http://etext.virginia.edu/jefferson/biog/lj01.htm)
Michael D’Ornaleas (Jennifer Wagner, 6th grade, Kit Carson Elementary)
cross posted at: http://www.techlearning.com/blogs/31868
This past week — okay, this past month — I had a teeny weeny pity party. Some of it was perfectly okay since I was getting ready for a surgery that I was not looking forward to…but most of it was….gotta face it…..just a full blown “woo is Jen.”
So, to try to put things into perspective….I started a list of things we have aquired in the past 3 years since I started at my job. Not a boast list — but more of a “where we have been — where we might be going kind of list.”
And then I stopped at looked at the list….and felt a bit proud of all the had transpired.
Our HS campus lab has brand new towers.
Our elementary campus has 19″ flat screens.
Almost every teacher on upper campus and several in elementary have projectors.
We have 3 IWB and 2 Document Cameras.
We just painted a wall with idea paint for student use.
We won the Best Buy Grant 2 years ago and received a $10,000 gift to the elementary lab.
and the list went a bit more.
But then I looked at that list — and had to say “but then what…..”
Sure, we can boast of things but can we boast of usage?
I tend to think of scripture when I work and First Cornithians 13:1 just kept coming to my mind.
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
And I felt it necessary, in this context, to substitute “tongues of men and angels” with voice of possessions and “have not love” with learning.
If I speak in the voice of possessions but there is no learning, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
You see, it does not matter what materials (both physically and virtually) that my campus can boast of that makes us successful. It is what is being done with those materials that will make our mark.
Yes, we have some great usable equipment…..but if it is not making a difference in a student’s life, a teacher’s instruction…..can we boast?
It is very very easy to attend conferences and hear all about what schools HAVE…..this year, I am looking forward to encouraging other bloggers and session presenters to stop boasting about what you have — and start sharing what is being DONE with what you have.
Let’s start a movement of not being clanging cymbals just making noise….but really being heard by sharing what is being done and not just what is being bought.
Jen
As I wander through conversations with teachers from all over (both face to face and via online conversations), it continues to become very apparent that there is an “O” factor when it comes to new ideas within the classroom.
There is the “Ostrich” factor.
Lately I have seen this especially with the private school, faith-based schools.
It is very easy to bury yourself from seeing new ideas, new possibilities, and changes that need to be made.
Out of sight — out of mind is very apparent.
They are not bad teachers but they are unaware teachers.
At times using the “Ignorance is bliss” mindset. However, my new battle cry is
“Ignorance is unacceptable.”
It is time to pull your head out of the hole and look around. It is not as scary as you think and there is a lot of new things to see.
There is the “Overwhelmed” factor.
Over and over I hear, “but how can I add anything else to my day”. And I understand that….especially when “tech” is seen as its own little experience.I continually strive to present ways for teachers to see how projects can overlap into a variety of lessons in your classroom.
If you are overwhelmed, you are looking at a huge picture instead of breaking it down into workable smaller pieces.
Its time to start merging subjects together so that you aren’t adding anything else to your day but managing and presenting in a new way that works for both you and your students.
There is the “Opinionated” Factor
The teacher that has a kickback for every possibility that is presented.
The why we cannots instead of seeing the whys we can.
Sadly, these opinions are often not even those of the teacher but seeds of opinions that had been placed by others.
This past week, I received several emails from teachers that were responding to either a conference session or a bulletin board conversation that made them highly skeptical to participating in projects because it would post their name/school on the project page. They had been lead to this belief by someone who had strong opinions on “digital presence”. It made me sad.
It is time to stop saying “nope” and start saying “perhaps” and “yes”.
There is the “Okay” Factor
The teacher who is willing to start thinking of new ways to teach within their classroom. The teacher who might move desks from rows for the first time in 20 years. The teacher who might replace a worksheet with a hands-on manipulative activity. The teacher who might invite someone into their classroom via skype. Not taking huge steps but continual baby steps that does move one forward.
It is time to applaud these teachers for their efforts and encourage them to proceed on.
There is the “Out of Control” Factor
The teacher who walks away from a conference and decides that they need to try every new idea that was presented. The teacher who hears a zillion new view points and tries to make each point fit within their own ideas. The teacher who sees possibilities and opportunities and dives into the deep end ready to swim. Though it is fantastic to see a teacher enthused……
It is time for teachers to remain alert to technology overload and not embrace everything all at once.
There is the “Optimistic” Factor
A combination of many of the other factors — yet willing to move ahead with new ideas…..not slowly but cautiously. Realizing that their individual classroom is like none other.
Open to possibly starting a blog, wiki, joining a project, entering into twitter, etc….yet also knowing that it is better to do one or two things well rather than 15 things average.
And also understanding “WHY” you are blogging, wiking, twittering, etc….than just boasting rights that you are now “online”.
Teaching with the knowledge that the teacher (him/herself) is also a learner and that education never ends.
It is time to move into this mindset of optimism.
It is hard to know how to advise and converse at times with teachers who have these mindsets — especially since I wander in and out of them as frequently as I do.
But it is also understandable to see how they are involved in each of these areas.
Do you find yourself in any of the “O” factors or do you have advise on how to deal with bein in an “O” factor.
I would enjoy hearing your thoughts.
Jen
It is easy to have an opinion for me…..
I am strong in my faith — I believe in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. I believe that Christ is returning soon — very soon. And I believe I am a sinner saved by grace.
I am strong in my educational beliefs — I believe that students need to play and laugh to learn. I believe that test scores can be misinterpreted and misleading. I believe that teachers need to play and laugh to be effective. I believe that I need to be a student much more than I need to be a teacher.
I am strong in my personal beliefs — I believe a man should open a door for a woman and I don’t mind him walking closer to the street. I believe in romance and happily ever after. I believe life would be much better if we could burst into song when extremely happy. I believe everyone should own a pet that thinks they are just the best human in the world. I believe that if you believe the best in people, they usually will not disappoint you.
But because of my strong opinions…..I think I talk too much….and need to shut up and start listening to other ideas and not feel that MY addition is necessary and is the icing on the cake.
Well, I am learning that. Finally — at 50. I think I am.
So, besides walking away from twitter for the month….I am also going to silence myself on my blog as well……
and start reading other people, silently, without feeling it is necessary for me to add my 2 cents.
And maybe by being silent — I will learn a great deal.
It will be interesting to see what I learn.
And until August — I suggest you go visit these blogs:
http://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com/
http://www.ryanbretag.com/blog
http://primarypreoccupation.wordpress.com/
Jen
I have made a conscious decision to back off from my “PLN” for the month of July.
I could give you a few dozen reasons why….some authentic, some emotional, some perhaps silly, but mostly, I was letting myself get distracted from situations I needed to deal with by losing myself in situations that honestly were not that important.
They were entertaining….but they were distracting. Distracting to me.
I was ignoring the fact that sitting in front of my computer from 5pm until 10pm at night was NOT good for me in so many ways.
I was ignoring the fact that because I was preoccupied with what was in front of me from 5pm until 10pm was providing me with an excuse of not interacting with friends who wanted to spend time with me F2F but who I was ignoring for virtual conversations.
I was ignoring the fact that being idle for 5 hours each night was not good for my health at all.
I was ignoring the fact that I was falling again (and have done it before) into making too — way too much — of twitter.
And I needed to step away for a bit, to regroup, reorganize, reacquaint, and rewind.
There are many times that my Personal Learning Network truly extends my thoughts, my educational ideas, and my opportunities. There are many many times that I have been provided with just in time learning, helpful interpretations of things I questioned, and directions to ideas that would stretch me as a teacher/educator.
But when I start to read between the lines….and making the PLN have much more power in my life…..I have to step back.
Perhaps it is just the summer slump of not hosting projects, not having the routine of a daily schedule…and all the other little things that tweak your daily life just a bit. I am really not that sure. But when twitter makes me cry……it is time to step away for a bit.
So I walked away early July — and will return again in August ready to interact and to learn again from the many which help me grow daily.
But for now, I was being distracted — not extended…..and really not adding anything to the conversation……so I push away.
See you soon. Take care. Stay safe. And if you need me……feel free to drop an email.
Jen
For the last week, there has been a sadness dwelling within me, smoldering at times into an anger, and then simmers back down for a while, and then flares up again…..
and eventually needed to be shared.
~~~~~~~
I am wondering when we (meaning the Personal Learning Network that I currently feel a part of) began to believe that we were the final stamp of approval and accepted best practices of anything?
I am wondering when we (PLN) realized that since we were talking to each other, eventually we began to believe we were the only ones talking?
I am wondering when professional courtesy left our behavior and public ridicule became accepted.
There were 3 keynotes at ISTE that have been labeled with many adjectives which basically mean that they were “bad”. Both in word (blogs, twitters) and also in picture.
It is my belief that the final pixel that started this post was the picture that had about 60 people sitting at ISTE with their thumbs pointing down and the caption was something akin to “reactions to the keynote”. (I am still trying to relocate this picture.) And the fact that most everyone in that picture was smiling with a bit of glee in saying someone was bad.
And I wondered, when did we decide that we had this much power?
Have we decided, a PLN of approximately 1,500 people that we can dictate the acceptable use of the millions of educators (just in North America alone) on keynote presentation correctness?
Will we decide in 5 years that it is now death by Presentation Zen and Death by Prezi because we have moved on?
I have to wonder.
Yes, Jean-François Rischard was a bit hard to listen to and his slides were overfilled with words….but he was a credible speaker with accurate information. He was not just some guy that was walking down the street and ISTE said, “you got an hour? we need a keynote.”
Yes, Jeff Piontek’s first keynote left a lot of questions to be answered and his second keynote needed to give references to things which people attributed to be his original thoughts…..but he was a fellow educator and his addition of the ARTS to S.T.E.M. — making it S.T.E.A.M. should have gotten him a standing ovation just for that.
And I wonder — who’s fault is it when a keynote does not meet up to our standards?
Is it ISTE’s fault? It would not be the first time that a convention chose a keyenote that did not excite the audience. It would not be the first time that a convention chose a well-known established “name” in the industry. It would not be the first time that a convention that the participants were not asked “what we would want” for an opening keynote.
Is it the KEYNOTER’s fault? It would not be the first time a keynote spoke from his/her content without exploration of the possible audience. It would not be the first time a keynote had too many words and not enough pictures on his/her slide. It would not be the first time that a keynote used the time to promote his/her current book.
Is it the Audience’s fault? It would not be the first time an audience came in with a pre-conceived “prove yourself to me” intellect. It would not be the first time an audience included not just the people seated in the convention hall but then also a virtual audience as well with strong opinions.
I don’t know who’s fault it is….and even if it was anyone’s fault.
But then I have to wonder at the last part of my who’s fault question — our standards? When did we become the final say on what is acceptable and correct?
Do we need to send out a memo to keynotes from now on which says “for ultimate audience satisfaction, you will need to make sure you………..(go ahead and fill in the rest)”.
And then my final question would be — who would sign that memo?
Just my thoughts today.
Jen
I sat last night and again part of today watching the Boston Pop’s firework show. I very much enjoy music (and tend to tear up quite easily) and I enjoy the fireworks……
but as I watched them today, my thoughts began to think more of exactly what a firework is.
It is a big huge exciting burst of excitement, noise, and light that everyone goes “OHH AHH” and then within moments, it has faded away and soon replaced by the next burst of color.
And I started to compare that to technology but more importantly, to the people of edtech.
The bursts of great ideas, new concepts, new options, opportunities, books, vocabulary, etc…..which in actuality, if we are honest about it, burn out quite quickly as the next replacement comes along.
And I look at what I do, not just the projects I host, but the people I work, the teachers I work with, the administration I educate, the students I encourage……..
And bottom line…..I would rather be a candle.
I would rather be a small source of inspiration, encouragement, and help and encourage others to take my ideas and then share them with others, than to be a BIG BRIGHT firework that people go ohh ahh about and then forget.
I would rather be a small light for a few who might be in the darkness for a longer period of time, than to fill the entire sky up for but a moment.
I want consistency in my educational beliefs and not travel on bursts of excitement.
I want reliability to be a constant with those who I work with and not just a “wow, and then poof, she’s gone. ”
I want to be realize that is not necessary to have all eyes on me but shine the light on so many others who are doing great things.
but most of all…….I want to be content being a small light for a LONG period of time than an Ohh Ahh that is a wisp of smoke in seconds.
Just my thoughts today.
Jen
I chose to stay home, save money, plan for a fall vacation, and skip ISTE this year….at least in person.
But, through the opportunities of the internet, I was yet again able to attend virtually and probably attended many more sessions than I would have if I had been there in person. (I tend to get caught up in conversations when I attend conferences that have nothing to do with tech.)
So, a small recap, if I might, of how I have spent my last few days….virtually in Denver.
Saturday morning, bright and early, I attended the keynote at the Leadership Bootcamp. via the twitter stream. I appreciated what Mr. Piontek had to say….I have no idea how hard it must be to be a keynote……however, I need to hear him out loud and not just through the fingers of twitter….and will have that chance later today as his keynote will be streamed from ISTE. (http://center.uoregon.edu/ISTE/2010/glance/remote_access.php)
I wandered back and forth through twitter streams of Edublogger Con (http://twitter.com/#search?q=ebc10) and the streams at Leadership Bootcamp (http://sites.google.com/site/leadershipbootcamp/schedule-for-the-bootcamp-day) and enjoyed hearing Steve Dembo, Scott Meech, Scott McLeod, and the lunch keynote from Chris Lehmann. (kudos to LBC for offering so much of your conference virtually.)
I did not walk away with any great “ahas’ that day…..but was always good to hear voices of friends I both enjoy and respect.
Sunday was a bit “oh de oh doh” as twitters were flying as people were actually flying in, meeting up, settling in, and talking about all the stuff they would be doing soon. The opening keynote was streamed out and I looked forward to hearing a NEW VOICE: Jean-François Rischard (http://www.istevision.org/viewsession.php?id=108) His topic was on global awareness but his conversation was lost due to over populated words on powerpoint and a disconnect with his audience. Twitter was not kind and I feel was quite cruel at times. I was able to listen in a bit via skype to the bloggers cafe and a small bit of mob mentality began to stir. Luckily the skype stream broke because I did not need to hear anymore.
My take away — are conference keynote expectations changing?? — Does the speaker needs to hit the ball out of the park on the first slide and continue to hit grand slams on each slide? Or has our PLN put an unrealistic expectation on keynote speakers and if we don’t know them or know of them, if they don’t fit into our “thought pattern” of what a keynote’s online presence should be, do we dismiss them? I don’t know. All I know is that I left Sunday night very saddened and very perplexed and still have a great deal of thoughts rolling around that need to be sifted out.
Monday and Tuesday I was at work but kept my headset close to listen to conversations and updates on twitter as much as I could yet continually do my job.
I was able to hear Will Richardson and David Warlick, and a session about 21 Things (via iste vision) and many sessions at IsteUnplugged. (http://www.isteunplugged.com/) I heard new voices, Mark Moran and Shannon Miller, Angela Maiers (have never heard her present before) as well as familiar voices like Scott Smeech, Sue Waters, and Jeff Utecht.
I was able to help people out — from far away — with links, encouragement, support, laughs, ideas, and even directions. (http://twitter.com/jenwagner/status/17345429031) I enjoyed breakfast and dinner (virtually) with Mike Gras and the gang at the mansion. I wandered through a variety of evening activities via twitter. And arranged for sound to be adjusted, cameras to be moved, and friends to be introduced. (I honestly think I have more leverage not being there than actually being there.) 
But my two take aways — the “aha’s and “okay, that made a difference” were:
1. David Warlick’s comment that we “TEACH APPLICATION NOT APPLICATIONS”. That is a keeper. That is going to be a poster in all my labs. THAT will make a difference on my campus.
2. The panel keynote. Besides being 5 brand new names to me….it was an intelligent conversation, filled with both fact and emotions. Everyone was articulate, the questions sound, the answers honest. Nothing was solved yet it was good. We need the passion and enthusiasm of Shaun Koh, we need the solid thoughts of Terry Godwaldt (who really needs a twitter account), and we need to ask good questions like Jennifer Corriero did. But most importantly, we need to, as this panel proved, have a variety of voices and expertise and backgrounds and job titles adding to the conversation all the time. This was an excellent panel…..and I thank ISTE for sharing it. (http://www.istevision.org/landing_page.php)
It was a good conference, and though I was not “THERE” I was “THERE” and I appreciate everyone and everyone who made an effort to share out the conference. It was appreciated.
~~~
Added Thoughts: The opening keynote was NOT available for ustream and I followed it via twitter and listening in via Skype. Just FYI — all keynotes should have a given that they will be ustreamed
Here are links from ISTE10: http://delicious.com/JLWagner/iste10
During the summer, many have the opportunity to travel to conferences around their area or around the world. With that, comes ample opportunities to learn a great deal from experienced speakers, gather ideas to take back to your campus, mingle with people you only know from online, and it is easy to start comparing your school to the schools you hear about.
And when you start to compare, usually the one who doesn’t measure up is your school and with that, comes the beginning tremors of discontent.
So, while you are listening to people share about how great their school is, please keep these thoughts in mind.
- Their school does not have you. Your school does and that is a BIG PLUS for your school.
- Their school does not have your administration. Regardless of what you feel about your administration, someone somewhere thought they were qualified for the job and the school needs to develop ways of communication between admin and faculty and students.
- Their school does not have your facilities. Newer, older, wireless, or not. Your campus has benefits and personalities that others do not. Find those, embrace those, and capitalize on those.
- Their school does not have your budget or tech plan or computer set up or curriculum or acceptable user policy or filter program or email system or software loaded or……… Look at what you have and not what you don’t have and then move forward.
- Their school does not have your staff. Every campus has teachers who should be cloned and teachers who should be…..not cloned. But often times, when you step back and look….the sum of all the puzzle pieces of staff often do merge into one pretty workable puzzle.
Any administrator will tell you that their campus is not perfect and any administrator will know that you accent the positive of your school and continue to work on the negative.
But still is easy to compare and it is easy to grumble.
~~I could look at White Oak School where all K2 teachers have brand new ipads and start grumbling over why my teachers do not.
~~I could look at St. John’s where their 7th – 8th campus is a 1:1 campus and start grumbling on why my campus is not.
~~I could look at Bishop Dunne where the IT department has windows in their office and I do not….and start to grumble.
~~I could look……. well, you get the point.
During this summer of conferences….listen to the ideas presented that other schools are doing and sift through their ideas with YOUR CAMPUS in mind. Remember their uniqueness makes it work for them and your uniqueness has positive traits as well. And also ask the “how did you get here” questions. There usually is quite an interesting road that was taken to get where they are now.
And also realize, ever so often a bit of exaggeration works into session discussions. So don’t compare your school to something that might only exist in someone’s someday thoughts.
But most of all, stop comparing your school to others as what yours should be and instead start building your school to what it can be. You don’t want to be a carbon copy of “insert name of perfect school here.” Remember, regardless of what you hear at conferences, what they are boasting of that works on THEIR CAMPUS is because of THEIR SITUATIONS. Take the ideas but remember your campus is unique with its own positives and negatives and weave their ideas to work with your own.
~~~~~~~~
This post can also be read at http://www.techlearning.com/section/Blogs
I guess the beginnings of this post began in March 0f 2010.
I had journeyed to WI to speak at a conference and to also spend time with friends. One night, we went to watch John in a curling match. But instead of paying attention to John, I was engrossed in playing “Plants and Zombies” on the ipodtouch and missed out on supporting a friend.
I could have played P&Z anywhere…..but I had gone to support a friend….and I did not.
Then a few weeks ago, while at another conference, after it had wrapped up, a twitter comment was posted by someone who had not even attended and it affected the rest of the evening. I was looking forward to enjoying an evening chatting face to face with friends I only see occasionally, yet the conversation was distracted by people not even in attendance.
And a few times that night, I even distracted myself when I played with the ipad and missed out on chatting with friends because I let tech distract me.
And for me, I notice that I am doing that WAY much more than I want to but I also notice that tech (in the hands of others) is becoming a distraction as well.
I am not knocking the use of tech but I am wondering if it is becoming both a disruption in a variety of ways.
I cannot speak for you and I cannot expect you to have the same wonderments that I am. But these are some new rules I am making for myself regarding tech.
1. When I am at a meal with ANYONE, I will turn my phone off and enjoy the company of the person I am with.
2. When I am at a conference, I won’t look to the back-channel for conversation first and overlook an entire room of people who have good suggestions as well.
3. When I am on vacation, I will be on vacation and upload pictures at night but the rest of the time, I will enjoy the scenery, the serenity, and rejuvenate myself.
4. I won’t let tech conversations (mostly twitter) have such a great impact that it complicates the conversations I am having F2F.
5. I won’t be so concentrated on the screen that I miss the scenery around me.
6. I will remember that I am in control of the on/off switch.
Just my thoughts — especially as I am considering a new phone and the Incredible looks incredible but just might not be the best thing for me.
Jen
Recent Comments