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GenYES changes the way teachers view students, school, and technology

Monday, June 14th, 2010

OK, I know a post this long violates all the rules of blogging. But I’m doing it to make a statement that only volume can make. And you don’t have to read it all – just skim through it. You’ll get the picture soon enough!

Every year we ask our GenYES schools to fill out surveys. GenYES students take a survey about helping teachers integrate technology throughout the year. GenYES lead teachers take surveys about running the class, give us feedback on the online tools and curriculum, and their perceptions of how GenYES has changed the whole school relationship to technology. We also ask the teachers who partner with GenYES students to answer a few questions. These are the teachers who allow GenYES students to do everything from fix their computers and troubleshoot their projectors to co-design whole standards-aligned units that take advantage of the latest technology.

The experiences of these “partner-teachers” are at the core of the GenYES philosophy. Can students be taught enough about technology and learning to provide meaningful help to teachers? Will teachers accept help from a student? Will teachers not only accept the help, but learn new technology from students? Will they continue to use technology to improve education?

Every year the answer is a resounding YES. Every year we see the surveys – typically 90+% of teachers say that working with a GenYES student was positive, useful, and increased their understanding of how technology can improve education.

This year I thought I’d share a bit more. LOTS MORE! Below are replies to the open ended question – “How has your experience with GenYES changed the way you view students, school, and technology?” Because these answers illuminate how deep the GenYES experience goes and how it changes the student, teacher and the whole school community.

GenYES partner-teachers responses to: “How has your experience with GenYES changed the way you view students, school, and technology?”

  • GenYES gives students a wonderful opportunity to assist teachers and staff and provide them with a sense of service.  As students become more proficient in technology, so will teachers.
  • GenYES has helped me develop a closer relationship with students I don’t have in class.  Their expertise is amazing!
  • I enjoy working with the GenYES students.  Their enthusiasm brings enthusiasm to my students.
  • I love this program for the fact that the students that create the project have a real sense of accomplishment. The fact that they produce something that then gets used by me to teach other kids is very empowering.
  • I think giving the students the power to teach is great. It really gives them a sense of accomplishment when they finish.
  • I think students can benefit from using technology to learn the required curriculum.
  • I think that the students are capable of producing a product that is of high quality that they can then use to teach the students with.
  • I truly enjoy the projects the GenYES students make.
  • It was really great to interact with students who would create a project I could use in my teaching.
  • My students love the use of technology in the classroom.  They are more anxious to learn!
  • Students can help teachers learn just as well as adults.
  • Students creating something to help me teach was great!
  • The GenYES program has helped me continue to love teaching.
  • The GenYES students are fun for me to work with.  I enjoy their drive and determination.  I’ll be moving to a different school next year, and there’s no GenYES program.  I’ll miss participating in GenYES.
  • The students have been a pleasure to work with and also a great help.
  • Yes it has helped me see new ways of doing things therefore re-invigorating my teaching.
  • the students are able to create and teach material that is essential for this class and state standards.  I will now use more technology and student-generated work in the future.
  • The GenYes program has shown me that incorporating technology into the classroom is very important for todays students who are techno driven.
  • The more involved students can be with computers in the curriculum the better for the students since they enjoy and are more willing to learn if the computer is part of the process.
  • It is a good outlet for students to do new and exciting things.
  • Opportunity to work with students on technology has really been encouraged through working with GenYes.  Before I would just try to figure it out myself.  GenYes has helped me to see a new way of looking at teaching.
  • I am more able to appreciate and use the students’ technological skills.
  • I think it was a good mutual learning experience for both teacher and student.  We were able to learn technology from the students and they learned about our program.
  • It has given me a greater appreciation of the technological knowldege that students have.
  • Students feel empowered when they are asked to help a teacher.  That don’t get to do that very often.  I think it’s a wonderful thing!
  • Continues to help me see the value of empowering students to learn and use their talents for the good of others, not just themselves. It’s a nice byproduct that they feel better about their abilities as a result.
  • Students attend more readily to the visuals provided by computer-assisted instruction. Since the study of the solar system is rarely “hands-on” the students benefited from the one-to-one instruction provided by the GenYES student.  I would not have been able to reach all the students in my class in this way without repeated interruptions.
  • Using technology in the lower grades will definitely prepare my students for their futures in high school and beyond. It gives them confidence to feel that they will be able to compete and participate in the real world, and that helps them feel connected to their futures. It’s very empowering.
  • Intergragting computers for use in the classroom can be done. Also, the students love it.
  • It has made me see how “native” kids are to technology…they can do anything with technology with little guidance!
  • technology is another way for students to learn and the interest level is really high when they get to use it.
  • This experience with GenYES had made it clear to me that students can create a project relating to standard content. Students in GenYES learned not only the content, but also computer and presenting skills.
  • Get out of students’ way!  They are so much more comfortable with technology than are the teachers!
  • I felt it helped me to try new things using Technology in my classroom.
  • I found them to be very cooperative and helpful!
  • I have learned that the students need more room to create and design their projects.  One of the most important things we need to do is get out of the students’ way.  I truly believe that GEN YES has allowed teachers and students to partner their learning.
  • I think it is fantastic that I can get help from student around my school campus.
  • I think its a good pogect for students and teachers
  • I think that it is wonderful that students have the opportunity to learn about technology and help teachers learn about it, too.
  • I would like to see more kids have this opportunity.  I realize that it takes an incredible amount of time for the tech teacher to train these kids but the payoff is well worth it.
  • It was a great form of mentoring.  I also appreciate all the time and effort it took for the student to complete the project.
  • Students are much more capable that they are given credit for being.  There are many problems that they can collaboratively solve and solutions to obstacles that they have a unique perspective on.
  • I enjoy seeing students motivated and creative with technology in teaching or assisting teachers with student learning.
  • I know that technology is an important part of the way we need to teach our children and it was helpful having a student make that connection.
  • I realize what a virtually untapped resource students can be in helping teachers.
  • GenYes provided a valuable service for our school. We have experienced technology users that bring a kid’s perspective to the presentation.
  • I believe I have a resource to help me with any of my tech challenges.
  • I have more confidence using technology knowing I can get help when I run into a problem.
  • I am aware that technology will become more and more prelevant in my daily teaching.
  • I’m very impressed with the students work.
  • It continues to remind me that student – teacher partnerships are meaningful and can be implemented in several ways in schools.
  • That they definitely know more about computers and programs than I do.  The students are very helpful in teaching me how to do web design.
  • With the right training they can do amazing projects which can help others
  • I delight in my students creating lessons from their perspective.  It is helpful for me as their teacher, to see what they consider to be important in their learning.
  • Every time I work with GenYES students, I am inspired!
  • GenYES students have taught me that students are a great resource for learning.  They motivate me to use technology.
  • It was amazing to see how technologically saavy these fourth graders were.  I learned a great deal from them.  It was also nice to step back and allow students to take over the technology piece for a change.
  • I give them a credit for being pretty good at using and working with computers.
  • I liked the responsibility accepted by students.
  • I think that every student can conquer the technology aspect in any classroom.
  • I think that fun interactive lessons will help keep students on task and keep their interest levels up.
  • This project helped me see that technology can be used anywhere.
  • I look forward to more collaboration of this type with the HS technology students.
  • I think this is a great way to involve students in learning and would like to learn more about how to integrate it into the classroom.
  • I was happy to have an opportunity for my students to act as teachers.  They are all very excited to have a turn creating interactive lessons for the class to share
  • I was very proud of the projects that my students created on their own.  It was clear that they enjoyed the program and learned a lot from it.
  • It’s pretty obvious that every American student needs to become extremely comfortable and efficient with modern technology.  GenYES will help out students do this.
  • I have always liked to integrate new ways of learning into my lessons…GenYES has opened another valuable “door” to the teaching of students in my class.
  • I knew students were capable before . . . I did see that the computer can offer some students a venue within which they can shine.
  • I see the value of students mentoring other students; I see ways to enhance learning through creative opportunities available to students using computer tools
  • I was surprised and excited to see the learning that took place! Both the students and I made huge, impressive leaps! Students definitely had a positive attitude and put a lot of energy toward working on their projects.
  • I was very impressed with the ability of the GenYes students.  They were hardworking and dedicated in completing our project.
  • It is exciting to see the finished products done with the computer.  It is equally and more exciting to see the students fully engaged when working on these projects.  It provides assessment of learning in a unique and interesting way.
  • Students were more engaged and learned a great deal about the subject.  It was rewarding for me to see them excited about it and then to see their excellent finished products.
  • This has been an outstanding experience for students and teachers.  It has really helped to build a feeling of family within our school colleagues and students.
  • I know that my students are becoming more comfortable around technology because of GenYes.
  • My involvement with GenYES has totally changed the way I look at teaching.
  • My experience with GenYes  has made me feel a lot more comfortable with computers. It has also shown me that the students are very capable of performing well while working with computers.
  • GenYES has made this year much easier for me and more fun. I think that students enjoy getting to learn about stuff on laptops. It has also helped with me understanding more in a students mind because my partner and I would interact and I would understand my students curriculum
  • GenYes has really helped me interact more with a student and helped me learn from another person even though they were younger then i was.
  • I feel that technology is a great way to teach students about different programs and I plan on using it more in the future.
  • I noticed that the GenYES students know more about computers than I do.
  • I now feel confident in teaching my students a lesson using technology. The students really enjoy using the computers on a regular basis.
  • I think the thing that changed the way feel about the school and students is that they under stand the computer better then some of the teachers.
  • It changed they way I look at the school and students by showing me that students are learning more about technology each and every day. So there fore they have to teach the teachers more about the computers or just technology.
  • It has changed the way I look at school and students by showing me that students can also teach me something. They can show me more and more about technology.
  • It has helped me understand the way most students think because I got to know my partner and I began to understand his curriculum.
  • It helped me understand that most of the students that go to the school that I’m teaching at know more about computers then I do.
  • It made me more aware of how much the students really know.
  • It makes me want to use computers more often in class. Also, it helps the students learn more about the computer programs.
  • My GenYES experiences have showed me that students are more than capable of learning new programs and teaching them to other students. I also feel that technology and computers are great ways to learn new things.
  • My experience with GenYES has made me feel a lot better about most of my students.  It has shown me that they are VERY capable of performing well while working with computers.
  • My experience with GenYes was outstanding because I am able to learn more about other technology that I am not familiar to and as a teacher you would want to do that so you have a chance to help your students. I am more comfortable with computers now, now that I am familiar with the mechanics of it. GenYes is a great experience for me and I am looking forward on having another great GenYes student-partners next year.
  • Since i have begun teaching, many changes have been made in how we keep records and present our lessons.  The GenYes program has made me more aware that the students know how to use technology and a result i should actively seek new ways to integrate technology into my lessons.
  • The GenYES program shows that school doesn’t have to be boring and can have some fun in it.  It shows that some students who are okay in the area of computers can become great.
  • The GenYes students have showed me that students can make amazing projects with the computers and really learn.  I know that using technology in school can really improve students learning.  I feel that I will use technology more in the classroom because it helps so much.
  • Using computers more often, I believe, gives my students a more exciting way to learn and create projects. The students love to use the computers and it makes learning much more enjoyable and they can stay focused for longer with the computers.
  • With the Genyes program i feel a lot better with the students because if i have other students make projects for my class they tend to pay attention more then me making it myself. With the Genyes program i can compare projects with other teachers at different schools and give and receive project ideas from other science teachers.
  • Yes.  I think the students are much more advanced technology wise and have a better understanding of computers then I suspected.  Using technology in school is a fun way to learn math.  I think my students enjoyed it, and I’d like to do it again.
  • it has helped me incorporate more technology into the curriculum and it has helped me learn more about using computers for school.
  • I really enjoyed working with the girls and am truly amazed at their creative abilities.  I had no idea that students could create such quality work.
  • I think it is wonderful that children learn so many aspects of technology at such a young age.  I also think it is remarkable that they are able to pass it on to other generations.
  • This is my second year and I feel having students come and make presentations to younger children is very effective.  My class is looking forward to when they can do the same.
  • Although I myself was hesitant to learn new things on the computer, once I learned and felt confident, I taught my students and they taught each other. I am amazed at what good students and teachers they are in the area of computers. I will forever be changed in my view of their ability!
  • I am proud of everything my students learned with from the Genyes students.
  • I found it very interesting working with general ed students, especially in that they were teaching me something.
  • I was so impressed with my student’s level of responsibility.
  • It makes technology in my classroom a reality – especially with our new Smartboards.
  • G. has been helpful on more than just the assigned project.  She often showed me how to do “the little things” that prevent me from using technology with my students.
  • I am so pleased with the GenYes program. I think it is a wonderful way to get students and teachers invoved in creating technology lessons and units together. I love GenYes!
  • I feel that I appreciate my students even more by participating in this program.
  • I have always had a high degree of respect for my students and technology.  I can only look to the future for greater achievements.
  • I have been working with students in this environment for a while.  I continue to look at student progress in a positive manner and enjoy the creativity of my students.
  • I have come to realize what a benefit it is for my students to be able to use technology to their advantage for research, with help to complete homework, and personal use.
  • I wonder how we ever functioned without the use of technology in the classroom.
  • It has been wonderful to have students able to teach me how to do certain things, to have them help students in the class and to try and troubleshoot any problems. These students are amazing!
  • It has broadened my scope in the learning environment.  I can see a real place for the computer as a learning tool in the classroom as well as the personal life of myself and my students.
  • It is very important that we integrate technology in our classroom. The students we educate today are a product of the 21st century and technology is a major part of their learning environment.
  • It really has not changed the way I think or feel about my students.  I will, in the future, learn more about their knowledge base so I can  utilize their technology expertise and have them gain valuable experience putting their knowledge into practical use.
  • Students can often be the best teachers and mentors. Pairing a 5th grader with my 3rd graders was a wonderful way for younger students to be influenced positively by an older student.
  • Students teaching students is a wonderful tool to motivate students.
  • That students have the power to work with one another at various grade levels, and it creates a personal partnership between teacher and student.
  • The students adapt to computers quickly and easily.
  • This is a great opportunity for students to be leaders in the technology field.  It also helps their teachers!
  • I am reminded of how engaging computers are for them.
  • I have been involved with technology for many years (even as a leader), and have used it and taught it in many capacities.  I originally thought that my young partner student would not teach me anything new, but I was surprised to find I was wrong. My GenYes experience proved that you can always learn something new!
  • I really enjoyed working with my GenYes partner.  She is a hard working student that put a lot of effort into completing this powerpoint.  She did an excellent job and I learned some great new ways to make my future powerpoints more interesting.
  • I think it is a great opportunity for students and teachers.
  • I think that GenYES has shown me how capable the students really are when it comes to using technology.  It has taught me that I can learn from them.
  • Students are very excited to use technology in school and as a learning experience.
  • All students are much more capable with computers than I would have expected for their age. Also, students were very careful with the computers and respectful of their partners. The sixth grade students were extremely knowledgeable about technology and very patient with my students. I feel like laptops have a real use in the classroom. Before I would have said that this expensive technology would not have had realistic applications in a third grade classroom.
  • I have always appreciated the opportunities for students to take on a leadership role. GenYES has provided an avenue to further this.
  • I was a bit concerned the fourth graders would not be able to fully instruct my third graders but the student teachers were incredible, effective and responsible. They were able to instruct my students with new technology. The lap tops are great!
  • I was impressed with the knowledge and skill of the GenYES students.  It was fun working with older students.
  • I was very impressed at the support given to the students and in turn their enthusiastic support for technology in my classroom.  I have watched them assist fellow students and myself become more comfortable with the varied use of technology.
  • It provides more of my students with computer access and allows use to teach directly to a larger group allowing each student more one on one time.
  • It showed me that my students are very responsible and the are leaders for the class.
  • My experience with GenYES reinforced my thinking that students are capable of teaching their classmates new skills. My experienced with GenYES also made me realize that how easy it is to integrate technology into subject areas.
  • Students can be helpful as peer tutors and can teach me new technology.
  • This experience has enlightened me to the fact that integrating technology into the classroom excites most students, and creates an opportunity for some to soar.  Computers are an excellent tool for building confidence, learning the curriculum, and engaging students that might not normally be engaged in the lesson at hand.  Having older students teach younger students is something I’ve always been involved in, and this experience helped further solidify my commitment to continue doing so in my classroom.
  • Giving students more freedom to work on independent work. I’m also somewhat of a perfectionist, and using something which the student worked on, but didn’t exactly teach it how I wanted, was a little challenge for me, but I learned that the students still learned and it was still great!
  • I now more actively look for new ways to integrate computers into class projects.
  • I totally enjoyed working with the students and have thought of projects that I would like to do in the future.
  • I was frustrated with the availability of hardware needed for this presentation.  The staff at my school came to my aid and got the game going right before I needed it-to them I am grateful.  The students did a great job putting this project together and I know that using it was fun for all.
  • I was surprised that the students seemed to like both technology and overheads for lessons.  Some seem to feel that they have already played the game show and want a new, exciting format.  Such a hard audience.
  • It is a good way for students to work on their own. I would like to be able to work with these students one on one though.
  • It is a very effective way to teach students the useful and beneficial aspect of technology.
  • It keeps the students attention a lot more focus.
  • It was fun to not only have the students do their own technology project, but to also use what they had created in class was awesome.
  • Students are growing up in an age of technology and like using it in the learning environment.
  • The one thing I realized is how out of date I am with computers.  It is not the same or as easy as it was when I was a junior in high school.  So much has changed and so quick!  The students knowledge of computers is incredible.
  • I feel that after working with students, GenYES should be offered to more students.
  • It has made new programs not so difficult to learn!
  • It has not changed the way that I feel.  It has opened up other avenues to conduct lessons.
  • Students can answer my questions and working with them half way through the year, they know my teaching style and can work with my strenthgs and weaknesses.
  • The students are able to work creatively with Technology.
  • Yes.  The students were actively engaged in the project as well as lending the helping hand in the review.
  • I really enjoy the GenYes experience.  When students generate a project for my class I feel that they have truely grasped the concept they are working with.  This is a great partnership!
  • I am absolutely impressed with students’ abilities to “design” with computers–I can see so many uses which are highly motivating!!
  • I am constantly amazed at the high level of motivation that computers bring to the entire learning process–for both students and teachers!!  I am looking forward to really applying my new learned knowledge to other “projects” and subject areas next school year.
  • I am happy that my students can be exposed to so much technology.  It will help them as they leave the classroom and go out into the work force.  I think GenYes has been a positive opportunity for me and my students.
  • I am very proud of the hard work and effort that my Gen YES students have displayed.
  • I just enjoyed the experience.  I have been computer phobic for years.  Working with my GenYes students gave me more confidence to use technology in my classroom.  I still have a long way to go, but this was a start.
  • I truly enjoyed the experience with my GenYes student.  She was very serious about the task and the project as a whole.  I am excited about the possibilities for our school and integrating technology.
  • I was appreciative that one of my special day students could participate in a program that I initially thought would only be available to regular education students.
  • I was glad my students got to participate in this project.  It was very motivational.  Their enthusiasm is contagious.
  • It was a very positive experience.  My GenYes students were very helpful.  I wish all students conducted themselves so well.
  • My experience gave me great hope for what our school can be in the near future.
  • Students are a great resource to teach other students and teachers.  The GenYes students were responsible, cooperative and innovative!
  • The GenYes students demonstrated great teaching skills.  They were patient and responsible in their duties.
  • The GenYes students demonstrated that they have skills to teach other students.  Using students to teach teachers or other students is a great resource.
  • I feel more comfortable using technology in my classroom and would like to use more with my kids.
  • I feel that students can teach the teachers.  They are much more computer savvy!
  • I was impressed at how knowledgeable my GenYES students were with technology.
  • It is important to incorporate technology into the classroom to keep student interest!  They expect it!
  • It was a great opportunity to work with a student who could teach me simple things I forget how to do because I don’t use enough. I definitely feel more comfortable with technology in my classroom. Students can be a great resource!
  • It was a pleasure working with  an older students and it made me realize the strong desire for knowledge that children have in technology.
  • This year I found myself expecting the kids to use the computer more often, which means I am more comfortable with it. It feels good.
  • I am amazed at how “computer savvy” my sixth graders already were before we even started our project.  Their level of comfort with computers made the overall project much less daunting, and it also allowed the students to take the project further.
  • I realize that most of my students are very computer literate compared to their teacher. I enjoy having students show me how to improve my own skills.
  • It has helped me to see new ways students in second grade can benefit in enhancing their content knowledge through web resources.  I also think we can do a more student centered flip camera project next year.
  • It is great to work with the students who have been in the GenYES because they are so competent in computer skills.  Without them a great of my computer learning would not have happened! Thank you to GenYES and to may partner students, Trevor and Anna!
  • It was wonderful to have fifth grade students come into my classroom and participate in teaching the class and helping students individually as needed.  I really enjoyed the partnership.
  • My experience with GenYES has been a very positive one!  I have a very energetic class and found that this project kept them interested and focused!  I have continued using technology in our class to motivate students!
  • My students were very enthusiastic to learn about this project because it was connected to technology.  They enjoyed learning a new program and making a presentation that can be viewed by their parents on a digital projector.
  • I enjoy working with the resourceful students.
  • I have integrated more technology into my daily lessons.
  • It has reinforced my belief that students like hands-on interactive ways to learn and focus more on the work if it is visual and stimulating. The key to teaching is to finding how to motivate students to learn. Using this format seems to be successful and student feedback and results obtained from projects have verified this outcome.
  • It was a pleasure working with such a wonderful young lady.
  • It was truly awesome to watch the students present this program to incoming students. They displayed so much pride about our school and set terrific examples of how things are done at our school.
  • Lots of students took advantage of these extra resources.
  • The GenYES students do a fabulous job coming into classes and doing presentations. Students really look forward to seeing student work.
  • The GenYES students were great and I saw my science students getting very excited about the work just because it was on computers instead of books.

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    Lessons about projects from Tinkering School

    Thursday, February 25th, 2010

    I’ve written before about Gever Tulley and this short TED talk video about his Tinkering School. I used it to open my Educon conversation – Tinkering Towards Technology Fluency.

    Here is just a short list of things he mentions as he’s describing how to structure learning environments where children learn through tinkering.

    no set curriculum
    no tests
    lots of stuff
    lots of tools
    real tools
    immersive
    time
    how to make things
    deep realization that they can figure things out
    nothing turns out as planned
    every step is valuable
    just start building
    fully committed to project at hand
    success is in the doing
    failures are celebrated and analyzed
    child-appropriate response to frustration
    all materials useful

    These kinds of attributes are great goal-posts for any authentic project, not just technology projects.

    Sylvia

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    Constructing Modern Knowledge 2010

    Monday, December 28th, 2009

    It’s back!!!

    Plans are shaping up for an amazing 3rd Annual Constructing Modern Knowledge summer institute, July 12-15, 2009 in Manchester, NH USA (near Boston).

    In addition to master educators and edtech pioneers, the Constructing Modern Knowledge 2010 faculty includes history educator James Loewen and bestselling author of Lies My Teacher Told Me; popular provocateur and author, Alfie Kohn; MacArthur Genius and incomparable school reformer, Deborah Meier; and children’s author, illustrator and animator, Peter Reynolds. Cynthia Solomon, Brian Silverman, Sylvia Martinez (that’s me!), Gary Stager and John Stetson round out the amazing faculty.

    Constructing Modern Knowledge is a minds-on institute for educators committed to creativity, collaboration and computing. Participants have the opportunity to engage in intensive computer-rich project development with peers and a world-class faculty. Inspirational guest speakers, pre-conference expedition and social events round out the fantastic event.

    Constructing Modern Knowledge is about action, not listening to speakers. Attendees work and interact with educational experts committed to maximizing the potential of every learner. The rich learning environment is filled with books, computers, robotics materials, art supplies, toys and other objects to think with.

    The real power of Constructing Modern Knowledge emerges from the collaborative project development of participants. Each day’s program consists of a discussion of powerful ideas, on-demand mini tutorials, immersive learning adventures designed to challenge one’s thinking, substantial time for project work and reflection.

    CMK 2010 info

    21st Century educators need to develop their own technological fluency and understand learning in order to meet the changing needs and expectations of their students. Constructing Modern Knowledge will help participants enhance their tech skills, expand their vision of how computers may enhance the learning environment and leave with practical classroom ideas.

    Spend four cool summer days in New England making puppets roar, robots dance, animations delight, movies move, simulations stimulate, photos sing and leave with memories to last a lifetime!

    Each participant receives a suite of open-ended creativity software from Tech4Learning, LCSI, Inspiration Software, FableVision and other members of The Constructivist Consortium free-of-charge for use at Constructing Modern Knowledge and beyond. The software alone is worth the registration fee!

    There is also a July 11th preconference Science and History Tour of Boston available for a nominal fee. Explore the future at the MIT Museum and visit the past during a private guided tour of the Boston Freedom Trail.

    The institute is less than an hour’s drive from Boston in picturesque Manchester, New Hampshire. Free transportation is available from the convenient and affordable Manchester Airport. Discount hotel accommodation has been arranged at the institute venue.

    Constructing Modern Knowledge is sensitive to the budgets of schools and educators by keeping registration costs affordable and by offering school/district team discounts. The institute is appropriate for all K-12 educators, administrators and teacher educators – private or public. CEUs are available for an additional fee.

    Save $75 on early bird registrations! Register online now!

    Sylvia

    Reflections from previous years:

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    Start the year off with hands on

    Friday, September 4th, 2009

    Teacher Magazine: Teaching Secrets: How to Maximize Hands-On Learning.

    Good teachers know that students learn a lot more when they get their hands on real materials, and get to do their own projects and experiments. But sometimes we get frustrated thinking about the students who won’t cooperate, don’t clean up, waste materials, or misbehave during our hands-on learning time. In my work as a science teacher and coach, I’ve seen teachers who decide to delay lab activities until behavior is rock-solid. Instead of starting off with a bang, they tiptoe toward inquiry learning.

    The author, Anthony Cody is an award-winning science teacher, and this article has some great ideas, tips and practical suggestions for all grades and subject areas.

    Some people wonder if computers are “real” materials, thinking that what happens on the screen is virtual, not real. But if students are allowed to use computers as part of their toolkit – making things can include digital things. Making, doing, constructing are all possible on a computer, and part of many student’s everyday lives, outside of school, at least. Empowering students to believe in themselves as capable of making things that matter, both in the physical and digital world, is a crucial part of learning.

    So whatever you call it, project-based learning, hands-on, or inquiry learning – the time to start is always NOW!

    Sylvia

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    Global collaboration projects and events from iEARN

    Friday, June 12th, 2009

    Wow, the mailbox was full this morning! Here’s some amazing opportunities from iEARN (International Education and Resource Network) to involve your students in collaborative projects with students from around the world, or for teachers to participate in learning how to integrate global projects into the curriculum. There are even more at iEARN.org. Congratulations to iEARN as they celebrate 20 years of global youth involvement in making the world a nicer place.

    WALLS TALKING PROJECT. The idea is to ‘listen’ to the graffiti talk around us (on our walls, doors, desks, chairs, floors, T-shirts, schoolbags, etc.), and to record and share interesting finds. If other interested teachers and students respond by posting photos and related info, this could turn into a nice project of the wall/s/talking in our schools, streets, towns, countries, world. Sketches, squiggles, doodles and other more sophisticated street art around us is the part of public spaces usually walked by, unnoticed by most people. More information | Flickr group | Wiki

    SHARE YOUR MAGICAL MOMENTS FOR A GLOBAL ONLINE BOOK. Students around the world are invited to unite in sharing their magical moments in a global online book, showing youth that their personal magical moment is part of a human web that transcends borders is of incredible human value. And, it promotes values such as compassion and tolerance. Youth from Iceland, Zambia, Belarus, Romania, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Sierra Leone, Portugal and Denmark have posted their magical moments. View online books and find out more here.

    iEARN-THAILAND HOSTS 3-DAY WORKSHOP FOR TEACHERS, JUNE 11-13, 2009. Hosted in Bangkok, Thailand, approximately 25 English Language teachers have joined together with iEARN-Thailand Co-Coordinators Sonthida Keyuravong and Patcharee Sridakum, and Tina Habib of iEARN-USA for a workshop on how to integrate iEARN global projects into their curricula. Meet them in the online Teachers Forum.

    iEARN-MOROCCO (MEARN) TO HOST 16th ANNUAL iEARN CONFERENCE AND 13TH YOUTH SUMMIT IN IFRANE, MOROCCO, JULY 19-25, 2009. Innovative Technologies and Cross Cultural Dialogue For Quality Education. Participants from 45 countries are already registered: Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, France, Brasil, Canada, Spain, UAE, USA, Japan, Mali, Mexico, Oman, Netherlands, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Indonesia,Taiwan, Slovenia, Tunisia,Turky, Kenya, Morocco, Azerbaijan, Argentina, South Africa, Lebanon, Yemen, Israel, Belarus, Suriname, Nepal, Malaysia, Palestine, Iraq, Uzebekistan, Thailand, Pakistan, Georgia, and Poland.

    Can’t make it to Morocco? Join the Conference Forum and Youth Summit Forum for ongoing discussions and updates.

    Sylvia

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    New project-based tech literacy curriculum – TechYES TLC

    Thursday, May 28th, 2009

    Well, we’ve been working like busy little bees for nearly a year and it’s finally time to make the big announcement! We are releasing a new product – TechYES Technology Literacy Curriculum (or TechYES TLC) in June.

    tyonlinegroupIt’s been a long time coming and a lot of hard work, but we are finally getting near enough to the finish line that we can begin to share things publicly.

    TechYES TLC is all online, with nothing to install or download. It’s completely new and (we hope) the best, most engaging project-based technology literacy curriculum out there. It’s geared towards middle school, just like our TechYES Student Technology Literacy Certification model, but it goes deeper than just certification.

    Engaging, student-centered activities
    In the five years since we created the TechYES – Student Technology Literacy Certification model, we found many schools in search of new curriculum to use for their technology classes. Not satisfied with existing technology curriculum, they want to give students a more engaging, student-centered experience using a project-based, constructivist philosophy and 21st century tools.

    This is the big idea behind TechYES TLC. Units include:

    • Web safety, netiquette, cyberbullying, ethics
    • Internet searching, copyright and citations
    • Peer mentor training
    • Digital publishing – presentations, word processing, visual literacy
    • Web publishing – websites and wikis
    • Online collaboration – email, blogs, RSS, networks
    • Media literacy
    • Graphics – photography, drawing, art, animation
    • Audio – editing, podcasting, music
    • Video – production, editing, digital storytelling
    • Computer programming
    • Simulation and modeling
    • Web 2.0

    Each unit contains multiple activities and mini-projects, all with resources, teaching tips, and extension activities. Included are training and support, with suggested pathways to customize the units to fit multiple timelines such as rotations, block schedules, trimester, semester, year-long, even multiple years.

    Technology literacy reports and project tools
    And it’s not just lesson plans, there are online tools that support projects and authentic assessment:

    • Individual student project planning and evaluation
    • Blogs and wikis for students to document the progress of their technology projects
    • Customizable reports that track student progress towards technology literacy certification
    • Plus the Generation YES special brand of support (the TLC) for our schools

    Permanent license means a sustainable solution
    By the way, for those of you with your eyes on the bottom line, this curriculum is available as a permanent site license. No renewal fees, all future upgrades included.

    There is much more information on the website, and we’d be happy to start giving online tours after NECC in June. If you are going to be at NECC in Washington DC, be sure to stop by our booth and see it live!

    Whew! It’s been a long road and a lot of hard work, but we are so very proud of TechYES TLC. We hope it finds its way into many schools!

    Sylvia

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    Only a few seats left for Northwest Constructivist Celebration

    Wednesday, April 29th, 2009

    If you are located in the Seattle area and want to spend a day learning about creativity, constructivism, and technology, be sure to check out The Pacific Northwest Constructivist Celebration.

    Pacific Northwest Constructivist Celebration
    Saturday May 16, 2009
    Puget Sound ESD (Renton, WA – Seattle area)

    Participants will enjoy the day’s activities, complimentary creativity software and a hearty lunch all for just $55. This event is a joint effort between the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the Northwest Council for Computer Education (NCCE), and the Constructivist Consortium.

    Dr. Dennis Harper, founder of Generation YES will be there too!

    Go to www.constructivistconsortium.org for more information and to register. There are only a few seats left so don’t delay!

    Sylvia

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    Part 2: What Makes a Good Project

    Tuesday, April 28th, 2009

    Appearing this month in Creative Educator magazine is Part 2 of the article series What Makes a Good Project by Gary Stager.

    In Raising our Standards, Developing Projects that Endure, Stager argues that good projects meet higher standards than those found in state mandated lists of curricular objectives.

    I suggest that educators plan and evaluate student projects based on a loftier set of goals. Teachers should embrace the aesthetic of an artist or critic and create opportunities for project development that strive to satisfy the following criteria. Is the project:

    • Beautiful
    • Thoughtful
    • Personally meaningful
    • Sophisticated
    • Shareable with a respect for the audience
    • Moving
    • Enduring

    Read the article online here, or download the PDF here.

    I recommended Part 1 in this blog post last November, and highlighted the other excellent articles (still free, still online!) found in that issue here.

    Sylvia

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    Teach students that education can change the world

    Thursday, December 11th, 2008

    Ferreñafe, Peru

    The XO laptop developed by the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) organization is an “education project, not a laptop project.” I think this would also make a great lesson for students in the developed world about how children live and learn in poor, developing countries.

    The OLPC wiki has lots of field diaries, videos, and stories that would be very appropriate to share with students and start a conversation about education around the world. This isn’t a “isn’t it sad how poor they are” lesson, it’s a lesson about how much education means to people even when they seem to have so little. Start here.

    Go the next step
    OLPC does give you the opportunity to simply donate money, and if your students feel strongly about helping, they could plan a fundraiser. Schools could also get some of the XO computers for themselves in the current Give One Get One program, but there are some caveats I pointed out in this blog post, Should your school participate in the XO G1G1 program. If your students are gung-ho, though, do it!

    Kick it up a notch
    Many young people around the world have contributed directly to the OLPC effort whether they actually have an XO laptop or not. There are suggestions for participating on the OLPC wiki including offering to answer tech support emails, translating, hosting or participating in local events, developing applications, and more.

    • A student club can help develop new activities and participate in the XO community. People around the world are working on these open source activities, collaborating, and sharing. Teach students what it means to be a global citizen. Programming is NOT hard; it is well within the capability of many high school students and some middle school students. Even if you don’t have an XO, there are emulators that allow you to program for them.
    • Join or start a local XO support group. They already exist in New York, San Francisco and Washington DC.
    • Have a code jam. Perhaps a local Linux users group would help out.
    • Do a presentation or pass out flyers at a local community event. OLPC offers ready made templates for you.
    • Ask students what they would like to do to “change the world” for youth seeking an education in developing countries. Students need to understand that education is not a “zero sum” game, meaning that if other countries get better at educating poor children, we all benefit.

    I’d love to hear about what youth have done to help support the OLPC effort!

    Sylvia

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