I begin this post by indicating that I am a cisgender, white male. Because of my privilege, I feel the need to not talk about these topics as it is for others to do. As a white male, I have no business discussing these topics. As I was conducting some research, I was inspired by…
Twitter is a communication tool that allows for open collaboration to aid in teaching, learning, and socializing online. Get Started To get started with Twitter, first, get an account. All you need is an email address and an idea for your Twitter handle (username). Choose something that relates to your interests, passion, superpower, or just…
Children are meant to play games, chat with friends, tell stories, and mimic the social practices they see in the world around them. As they enter schools and learning systems, they continue this indoctrination into society as they study history, math, literacy, and build the content knowledge they’ll need to be empowered, productive members in…
When I teach classes, or present at workshops, there are often questions about the different names and perspectives in the field. I studied in the New Literacies Research Lab, and helped write, research, and develop in the various aspects of new literacies. I’ve also written a lot in the labels or fields of multiliteracies, web…
A 21st century educational system must educate all students in the effective and authentic use of the technologies that permeate society to prepare them for the future. As part of this future, learners need opportunities to not only read, but also write the web. Despite the transformative possibilities associated with the inclusion of the Internet…
I’ll be using this space to reflect (and decompress) a bit after a great week of sessions at LRA 2012. One of the first sessions that I worked on a bit with Greg McVerry and Polly Parker dealt with the data and teacher feedback from two years of New Literacies Institutes (NLI) with LPVEC. The Institutes have teachers and teacher…
I have the privilege of speaking to a class of teachers from Argentina tomorrow about possible effective and authentic uses of technology in the classroom. I was invited in by Carolina Orgnero who taught me my first class on qualitative research and methods while at UConn. I’ll be sharing some ideas I’ve fleshed out over the years with my…
Even though this has been a particularly busy week, I have been trying to keep up with my “classes.” I’m currently VERY far behind in my Google Power Searching class, but for the most part I’ve stayed up to date with #blendkit2012. The focus this week is on “blending interactions” between instructors and students that are…
An announcement went out about the same time I was starting up the semester looking for chapter proposals for a new book on writing and technology coming out soon. I’ve never written a chapter by myself, but was very much intrigued as it would provide me with an opportunity to further expand my thinking on…
I’m in process of working my way through the materials for Week One in my first MOOC (Massive Open Online Course). The course is on the setup, develop, and facilitation of blended learning activities. The course, and materials for the course are available by clicking here. I have had numerous opportunities to create and facilitate blended learning activities…