After listening to a story on All Things Considered about Amazon pulling copies of George Orwell’s 1984 off of its Kindles this past week, I pondered what this might mean for ownership of digital electronic books and further down the line how this would affect personal freedoms and censorship. For those of you who may…
In a recent blog post, Scott McLeod asked “15 questions to ask about the technology leadership in your school district.” Many of his questions got me thinking about how we plan for technology in our schools and in our districts. Many of the questions of leadership can be solved through good planning. (you can read…
NECC 2009 Opening Keynote Malcolm Gladwell, author I, ashamedly, have never had a chance to read one of Malcolm Gladwell’s books (The Tipping Point, Blink, and Outliers). Now that I have finished grad school, I will finally have the time! If his opening Keynote Address is anything like his writing, then I am hooked. Heady…
The second keynote address at the conference was an ‘Oxford-style’ debate about the question below. I have summarized the main points by each contributor below. It was moderated by Robert Seigel from NPR’s All Things Considered. Video archive here from ISTE Vision Four panelists, 2 for and 2 against (5 minutes each)Q: Are bricks and…
James Surowiecki’s groundbreaking book is so full of poignant statements and analyses that trying to find one quote to sum up the book’s theme is difficult. However, two quotes stick out for me in trying to convey Surowiecki’s main theme. On the topic of how best to run an organization, Surowiecki states, “Suggesting that the…
Network Filtering: Hmmm……… Philadelphia is one of those districts that blocks YouTube. I struggle with the filtering system we have here in Philly. On one hand, I am very supportive of it since many teachers have terrible classroom management or don’t seem to think twice when they let their students have ‘free time’ on the…
Yesterday one of my former students, now probably 17 years old, walked into the office with a tiny baby in her arms. My heart skipped a beat. I tried not to draw attention to myself, as I was not sure how I would react or what I would say to her without a look of…
As Obama’s inauguration approaches, I have been hearing more and more about how racism in the US has ended, is on its way out, or is no longer an issue. This unprecedented event has me thinking a few different thoughts, but not one of them includes the idea that racism is ‘dead.’ The election of a…
Let’s take a look at a 21st Century School…. These are the conditions in the school my students attend every day. What does this tell them about how their education is valued?