ISTE 2012 Day #3

Another great day at ISTE 2012. Yong Zhao started the day with an inspiring Keynote. We have to stop using testing to measure how we're doing! The things that matter like, Confidence, and Creativity, WE ARE THE BEST OR NEAR THE TOP!  The "successful" countries don't view themselves as successful. They want to be more like us!  Why won't anyone listen?

I really loved the session on "In School we tweet", what a great plan to connect students to the dynamic professionals on Twitter. Global Connections through twitter are VASTLY more important than the unreasonable fears of social media.

I have been visiting many sessions on the Flipped Classroom. I'm still not convinced it is the BEST platform for teaching kids. I have not heard any "drop dead" explanations why I HAVE to do do this. It really is the BUZZ word right now, but it doesn't seem to change instruction the way I am thinking we need to. All it does is change the timing, not the content.  I will keep looking and have a couple more sessions to visit to explore this new way of educating our students.

Besides the fantastic keynote, I am getting more out of informal discussions with my colleagues and other attendees at the conference. i am really getting some great resources. Today I was opened to the world of publishing my own online NEWSPAPER with paper.li This resource has some great potential. I also have been exploring videos on SOPHIA. KAHN gets all the press but these FREE videos are as good if not better.

I also got started on MY BIG CAMPUS tonight and am learning about it and Google APPs. I think both of these have soem great potential for the upcoming school year.

LAST DAY TOMORROW. I am looking forward to getting home and I am looking forward to implementing some of the new ideas!

ISTE Day #2

Day #2 didn't disappoint.

I started out the day with a great presentation about FLIPPED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. That set the tone for the entire day. This wonderful presentation really got the wheels turning about my new Tech Coaching position. Up til now, I haven't had any REAL plan to attack this new position. Now a plan is coming together, at least in my mind. I've been thinking about a Flipped Classroom for my students, but when Kristin Daniels and Wayne Feller presented the concept in terms of PD, a light went off in my head. What's good for our students should be good for our staff!  They presented 4 strands for professional development: Collaboration, Communication, Creative Media, and Presentation.

Check out their website at www.flippedpd.org , Wayne also gave us a great resource, FREE. (I'm all about free stuff) He has a book about flipped learning. It's available on IBooks. (Bit.ly/itunesflippedbook) "The Stillwater experience."

I also made some great connections with Global Scholar about  Pinnacle Gradebook. Dr. Marzano recommends this software for TRULY powerful standards based PERSONALIZED assessments. It really looks like this software is what I am looking for.

I had the great opportunity to get to see our new Hitachi Interactive Whiteboard technology. WOW! I can't wait to start "Playing" with them. GKB is very fortunate to have these as a part of our new High School! I met Pam Johnson from Hitachi. She will be our IWB trainer in August. OUr staff will be truly amazed at this wonderful resource.

Google Apps, Web 2.0 tools for Math Classes, networking with other Tech Coaches, and a great dinner with my GKB Colleagues rounded out a great day!

Can we keep it rolling with a great Day #3?  

ISTE2012 -- Day 1

The first day is over and with a little bit of rest I'll be fired up for DAY #2. The highlight of the day was the Tweet Up. I felt like a little kid meeting some of the people I have followed on Twitter. I feel like those people have been a big part of my PD and I owe them for their guidance and advice. After the Tweetup, I spent most of the evening adding to those i am following. Twitter has been the best professional development tool of my 18 year education career. I have taken 36 hours of FORMAL Professional Development courses and Twitter beats that hands down. Being able to build a PLN that includes educators from Iraq, Australia, Norway and right here in the USA is a testament to the resources available to educators.

I am really getting excited about the possibility of an "Innovation Day" at GKB Schools. I talked about it today at breakfast with a group of fellow GKB staff members and was amazed to see Josh Stumpenhorst at the opening keynote speaking on that very topic.  IF we can just do this ONE thing next year, I will feel successful. I believe if we just give kids a chance they will prove how responsible they can be leading their own learning. I also believe that teachers will begin to look at them differently if they see just what a student can do when given the freedom and tools to REALLY learn.

Thank You Sir Ken Robinson for your wit and wisdom tonight. Thank You ISTE for the NETS*C. This  really helps define my role as Tech Coach at GHS. Thank You my fellow GKB educators for the great conversations over the last two days. We have an amazing staff focused on providing the best education for our kids.

Goal for tomorrow: continue to gather ideas and network with great educators focused on leading students to a better life, a life filled with learning!

High Stakes Testing -- Because of Teachers?

          I read so many commentaries from teachers across the country that are completely against "High Stakes Testing". I agree the tests are flawed and probably do not give us the information we truly are looking for. But,  why do these tests exist? Are these tests any different than the tests most of our teachers give on a daily/weekly basis? Sure, the "High Stakes" part of the test is different. But the stakes are high when we come to final exams and how much these tests can affect the final grade? Why are teachers complaining that standardized tests don'r really test what kids have learned? When we give chapter tests, Unit tests, Mid-term exams, or Final Exams, don't our exams look just like these standardized tests? If we are using these types of tests to determine if a student has learned our material, why shouldn't the States use the same type tests?
          As teachers, we have created these poorly designed tests and it starts early in the careers of our students. I still see teachers using timed tests in elementary. We put these young learners under serious pressure to perform quickly and without error. We emphasize speed more than accuracy. We do not accept errors. My pre-school granddaughter went in for her "evaluation". She will be starting kindergarten in the fall. She was asked  to answer this question. "Soup is hot, Ice Cream is _____ ." They were looking for the answer "cold". My granddaughter answered "not". She was completely right, but because that was not the answer being looked for, her score was lowered. They didn't even ask if she knew her numbers, if she could read, or if she recognized her alphabet. This wasn't a state set standardized test. This was a local test designed by the local school. Do we wonder why the "End of Course State Assessments" are the way they are? How can we be critical of these tests, when our tests have similar flaws.
          I will grant you that many teachers are starting to change their assessments. I see more and more teachers using Project Based Learning and Challenge Based Assessments. I see the tide changing. We are doing more to assess 21st century skills. But, we need to accelerate change of our own State Assessments. We need to stop looking at regurgitating facts and figures. We need to design assessments that reflect what we really want out of our students. Do we want robot type answers or do we reward creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration?  If we , as teachers change how we test and teach, maybe we can get the state sponsored assessments to do the same thing.  

A Hammer or a Nail Gun

I had a parent tell me that he couldn't believe we gave our students computers. What were we thinking? He compared it to handing out "handguns" to children. Wow, what a comment. As quickly as I could, I came back with continuing the metaphor, "if students were going to use handguns in life everyday, wouldn't you want them thoroughly trained in how to use them properly?"

That's the best I could do. I'm not that spontaneous.

To change the subject, slightly, what about comparing a Nail Gun and a Computer. I like to build things. I have built a few decks in my time. I've framed, drywalled, and hammered my share of nails. I love to do my own maintenance on my Harley. When ever I have a chance, I talk my wife into buying me the latest and greatest tools. Last year I got an air gun. Now when I take bolts off the Harley or tires off the truck, it sounds like a NASCAR garage. A ratchet will still work, but I can get so much more done with the air gun. I use a high quality torque wrench instead of guessing. I use the right tool for the job. If it's better to use a claw hammer, I use it. If it calls for a Nail Gun, I want to use that instead.

Several years ago, I built a HUGE deck on my house. That was long before I had any cool "High Tech" tools. Yep, I did a great job. It took me all summer and my forearms were like concrete when I finished. Since that time I have seen quite a few houses built. Nearly all construction crews use Nail Guns. Very rarely do you see real hammers doing the big jobs. I'm sure there are some purists who would believe you CAN'T build a house or put on a new roof without an old fashioned hammer. A hammer is still a good tool. You have to have one.  A Nail Gun is much more efficient and effective, if used properly, in the right situations.

I just don't understand all the resistance to technology in the classroom. I hear so many "purists" say we don't need all this technology. I hear so many say the computer can never replace a good teacher. AMEN TO THAT! These "PURISTS" miss the  point of technology in the classroom. They can't vision its real value. Just because someone is touting Khan Academy, doesn't mean they are plotting to eliminate teachers. I've done a lot of research about the 21st Century Classroom and Technology. I have NOT found ANYONE who is advocating elimination of teachers with technology. I have heard many say computers/technology can certainly help to provide differentiated learning better than a teacher. I have heard tech solutions so teachers can spend more time helping those who struggle. I have heard them say technology can help increase engagement. Technology might redefine the teacher, but it will not eliminate then. I heard Will Richardson speak at an IAPSS meeting and I think he hit the nail on the head, (sorry about the pun).

 "IF OUR  VALUE   IS TO GET OUR STUDENTS TO PASS THE TEST, WE'RE TOAST. WE NEED TO CHANGE THE PERCEPTION OF OUR VALUE."

Computers can deliver content. "Drill and Kill" is better taught electronically. Is my value as a teacher only to deliver content?  Or is it to fuel IMAGINATION, CREATIVITY, CRITICAL THINKING, COLLABORATION, and COMMUNICATION? Is it to ASSIGN WORKSHEETS, or is it to ASK THE BIG QUESTIONS and let students learn by doing? Is it to teach disconnected lessons or help students explore REAL LIFE lessons through Challenge Based Learning? I don't want to be known as a great lecturer. I want to be known as a teacher who gets students excited about learning and exploring. I want to be known as a teacher who prepares students for their future, not my past!

Technology is the enabler and the tool to be able to teach these HIGHER ORDER skills. We couldn't teach like that before technology. I love using a hammer, it feels good. But, when I really want to get things done, the NAIL GUN, the power tool is the tool of choice.  I can use a screw driver or my DeWalt power gun. I could still be riding a horse, but I sure like my CHEVY CRUZE.  It's time to embrace technology and explore the world of learning from a completely new and wonderful perspective.

Invigorate your teaching!

My trip back to the classroom is full steam ahead. I have been spending a lot of time in professional development. All of it has been via the Internet. It has been exhilarating. I feel like I'm an educator again. It's funny that the more I get into learning, the more I feel like an educator. I wonder how many teachers have lost the passion for education because they have lost the desire to learn. In the past, learning meant going to a local university, doling out hundreds of dollars, and spending valuable time away from home. Now PD is right in your home and virtually costs nothing.  My PLN (Personal Learning Network) is growing in leaps and bounds.  Education around the world is changing and I am on the front lines. Not because I am cutting edge. I am on the front lines because I am learning from those who are.

I have connected with great professionals like @willrich45, @stumpteacher, @ddmeyer, @toddwhitaker, @globeprogram, @usembassykl (Embassy in Kuala, Lumpur), @robertjmarzano, and many other great professionals. These educational leaders, and many others, have filled my electronic files with great ideas for my classroom and training.

Building a PLN is easy via twitter. I also use Zite. Zite is a personal magazine that is built by the subscriber, for the subscriber. One of our High School Teachers (Beth Leitch) recommended it . Wow is it great. You choose the sections you are interested and then as you read and rate articles, your magazine is built around your interests. I have gotten great PBL lessons, Professional Development ideas, and Staff Tech Training ideas.

I also use Google Reader to follow some of my favorite bloggers.

Between Twitter, Zite, and my Google Reader, I am a completely connected professional.

Do you want to invigorate your teaching? Do you want to update your teaching toolbox to include 21st Century Skills? Becoming a connected Educator is the first step.

What are we here for?

I just got through reading "Inevitable". This is a great book that HOPEFULLY will help us, Educators, get back to the real reason why we're here. The bureaucracy we call education has lost it's focus. It's not our fault, we are not really in control of what we teach and students aren't in control of what they learn. The book asks a great question, What's our purpose? Are we here to prepare our students for more education or prepare them for life? Unfortunately, I think my focus, as a Math teacher, has always been to prepare them for more Math! I'm not talking about preparing them for using Math. I'm saying I have always focused on teaching Math so Students can be ready for the next Math Class. I taught Pre-Algebra to get them ready for Algebra. I taught Algebra to get them ready to take Geometry. I taught Geometry to get them ready for Algebra II, then Pre-Calculus, and then Calculus. The only reason Calculus was the last class is we ran out of time. But, is that our real goal? Is it our only goal? Or can we do both? Can I prepare students for higher math AND teach them REAL LIFE MATH at the same time?

Do you know the most popular student question in High School Math??????? "When am I ever going to use this?"  I can't remember where, but some blog I read the other day addressed this very question. Do you know what most teachers answered? "Because you need it to pass the test." How sad! Do you know MY most frequent answer? -- "It teaches you critical thinking skills."  Great answer, right? Well, not really. Most brain research shows the pathways created during "Math Education" is only good for specifically doing "Math Education". I thought I had a great response, when in fact my response was no better than "You need it for the test." We need to make Math real for our students. We need to strip down what we teach so we can focus on it's real life applications. We can't do that in the present system. That's where the book "Inevitable" and Mass Customized Learning (MCL) comes in to play.

The other day I was going through the Common Core Standards and one topic struck me as "Why do we teach this?" -- Complex Numbers. When I taught students about complex numbers, students hated it. They certainly had no idea where we would ever use this. (To be honest - neither did I.) They would say, "Mr. Rhoades, why  do I need to know this? When I put the square root of -1 in my calculator it just gives me an error." But, I always  trudged forward. Do you know where you use complex numbers in real life? Google it, I did. I actually learned something. The University of Toronto has a question corner / discussion area that answers the question:


 "In electronics, the state of a circuit element is described by two real numbers (the voltage V across it and the current I flowing through it). A circuit element also may possess a capacitance C and an inductance L that (in simplistic terms) describe its tendency to resist changes in voltage and current respectively.
These are much better described by complex numbers."


I think complex numbers are fun to teach, but if we're going to teach it, why don't we teach it with the application in mind?  I know why. We don't teach it, in depth, because we don't have time. We also don't apply complex numbers because MOST of our students WILL NEVER USE IT.  If we go to a MCL (Mass Customized Learning) system, this topic (complex numbers) would still be taught. But those students interested in Electrical Engineering could CHOOSE to explore it with other students who are also interested in it. They also might CHOOSE to do it on their own or with a REAL ELECTRICAL ENGINEER. Our current system just doesn't allow for that type of IN DEPTH learning. We just touch things on the surface and move on. In our current system, we rarely address the question, when am I ever going to use this because that answer doesn't apply to ALL our STUDENTS and it takes time.

With MCL , we can change our Math Curriculum to meet the needs of the learner not force the learner to fit into the curriculum.