For years I’ve been researching and promoting the use of online video and screencasts in teaching and learning. Recently I presented this information at a TechTalk. At the TechTalk I was asked a question that I frequently am asked during one of these trainings. In working with educators, my advice is to produce videos, and keep the…
While at the Literacy Researchers Association conference in San Diego I once again had the privilege of presenting in our digital texts and tools study group. The focus of my session on the last day of the conference looked at using online tools to promote collaboration while writing. That led me to think about the process and…
As the week of work at the 2012 MA New Literacies Institute wrapped up, I was left with a ton of thoughts about what this means in regards to my work with teachers and their use of technology in the classroom. I discussed these in length in a previous post on this blog, but in all honesty…
As the week of festivities at the MA New Literacies Institute (NLI) 2012 wraps up I’ve taken some time to reflect on the events of the week. One common thread that has me thinking as I’ve made my way back from Cambridge is the role of responsibility of teachers as they make room for technology…
We are quickly approaching the week of festivities for the Massachusetts New Literacies Institute 2012. For those of you that are unaware, we bring in 100 teachers from all over the State, and 10 teacher leaders. The week is a gigantic workshop/conference/professional development extravaganza. We have a great schedule of keynotes, digging deeper sessions, and focused…
Last week I had the privilege of presenting to some of our students on possible uses of new and digital literacies in an Elementary school. I presented an initial PPT describing the changing nature of literacy, which ultimately led into an instructional model I have been developing along with my colleague Greg McVerry. The gist of the talk focuses on…
Recently I had the privilege of receiving a message on Facebook from a friend that I taught with for a couple years. He is making the move into administration and asked me how he potentially could respond to the following question that a school district was planning on asking him during their interview process. “From your point of view, how important is technology…
One strand of current dialogue online and in the blogosphere revolves around the subject of Open Badges and their use in education. Over the past year I have been investigating the use of Open Badges in education and their possible use in a higher education program. There are challenges and opportunities involved in bringing an…
How will living in a highly socialized, technologized global community ultimately affect the literate lives of our students? Research from theKaiser Family Foundation has determined that students (8 – 18 years of age) devote an average of 7 ½ hours daily consuming and interacting with digital media. Some believe this unfettered access to online information and…
Every week in our Reading & Adolescent Literature class we provide students with a general question to respond to either from the readings or from class discussions. Students are to respond to these prompts with posts on their own blogs that they started up for class. The prompt for the past week dealt with how…