Coming to the wire

Graduation is a mile away. Still going, still going. But soon!

From where does global change derive? How can we use global change to promote deeper learning across the globe?

Change derives from ideas generated by people anywhere and everywhere. Whether the change becomes global depends on the communication of those ideas. Once the barriers of language, culture and geography are overcome, and it has passed "the muster" to be accepted as both workable and worthy the idea can then influence change on a global level. The original idea may likely have undergone a degree of change from its inception. Communication is key.

Just as the invention of the printing press and the subsequent "renaissance of learning" it made possible; the transmission of ideas through books and postings advanced the knowledge, culture and societies of the pre-industrial globe. Later inventions of telegraph, radio, television and microwave communication made it easier to place yourself personally in a global perspective. It was still a limited means of gloabl change. Not everyone could publish and distribute books and ideas. Not everyone could be on television or use radio to reach masses of people. Global change was left to governments and the wealthy. "Grassroots" global change was like the griots of Africa, limited to word of mouth.

The Internet has made possible that grassroots global change that has previously been only a dream. An idea created by a school child in Asia or a factory worker in Indiana can be easily viewed by hundreds, even millions of people around the world.

How can this be used to promote deeper learning across the globe? At the moment it still can. The "longest journey begins with a single step" The "deeper learning" can begin with an email message, reading a blog posting by a soldier in Iraq, a journal of rain forest deforestation by villagers in Borneo or a video posted on YouTube about a massacre in Rwanda. It can be taking an online course from a prestigious university, or sharing ideas with like minded professionals in groups like LinkedIn. Wikis, blogs or Moodles, hundreds of ways and more every day. Best of all, so far, it's not the "party line" of any government. If "we-the people of the Earth" can keep it that way, free and unfettered, then global change can continue to occur. Communication is key. "I may not agree with what you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it." **

**-this is usually attributed erroneously to Voltaire but some research indicates that it was actually Evelyn Beatrice Hall aka (SG. Tallentyreka) in reference to Voltaire's attitude-The Friends of Voltaire 1906) Certainly a noteworthy historical referent and global communication specialist.

Can you fight the wind?

If the change is right it will occur. Sometimes you're just the one who plants the seed, you don't get to see the harvest. It reminds me of Johnny Appleseed, popping seeds into the ground. He doesn't see them grow but someday when he gets old he might be back by and able to enjoy the shade and a tasty snack from his planting.

How can authentic learning tools improve student engagement and deepen learning? What does the

How can authentic learning tools improve student engagement and deepen learning? What does the

apprenticeship model tell us about learning?

Authentic learning tools act to mimic real life experience. Too often much of student learning is seen as being outside of experience. What use is this going to be to me when I am not in school. To be authentic means simply to be real. To apply the scaffolding model to the learning: if it isn;t real, it won't be retained or used in the long-term.

Apprenticeship is the ultimate in job learning-for good reason. All the theory in the world cannot prepare you for your first day in a new experience. Knowing what a pen, pencil or computer is, being able to recognize a keyboard, learning to add up columns of numbers, will only in the most basic and general terms allow you to be able to suceed.

OMET statements revisited

I have read some very nice replies to my "masters application statement revisited" posted in BlackBoard. Thank you Brandy and Jessica!

I am still reading through them but I just read an awesome and insightful post from one of the techies in the program. Rita. In her's she discusses how she has changed and how she looks upon her work and co-workers. I too have discovered that I have had to change and let go a little in order to lead better. I like her statement that "you honor their brilliance" Reminds me of the poet Kao Ch'i who said "An ideal government should cultivate these values, should honor brilliance, should encourage talent." The ideals being characteristics of leadership. It is something I am trying to get people I work with to become-not programmed users of technology, but leaders and innovators of their own self growth through finding ways to make technology meaningful so that it will be embraced rather than feared and despised.

Hope for Technology in Education.

Below is a note from a teacher I have been working with. She has been doing projects all year with her students in elementary. The laptops she is using are older and "memory-challenged". Additionally, after an entire year of projects they have gotten fragmented and are not performing well. They need to be reimaged. Not wanting to lose the time for re-imaging, I have suggested several simple solutions. What is really cool is that one solution I discarded because I thought it would be too complicated, is the solution the teacher came up with on her own.

• Well, I solved the iMovie problem. I don't really understand what is causing the problem, the drives do have 12.53 gb of space. We are going to record in Garage Band on my computer, export an MP3 file and Import it into iMovie. It works and may even be a better way to go.

Good for you! The biggest problem with technology in education often is not the technology; it is a teacher who just gives up entirely when they encounter a glitch. If it is important to a students education, (and it is...), you work through it. "The best laid schemes, ( or lesson plans) o' Mice an' Men, Gang aft agley...".

Greatest Hopes and fears-virtcamp

re:OMET
My biggest fear
I am most worried that this program is setting a secret goal-molding us all to someone's vision. When we get there we're supposed to be happy that we're different. I am not easily led. I've seen and used all the tricks and I admit it's hard to play along. It's a good shake up though. As long as it's not just a continuing set of gimmicks and hat tricks.

my greatest hope

That my experience, and input will change that path and everyone as well. That i will be able to use my experince here and the credential "capital" it will provide to make effective AND positive change in the use AND development of tgechnology in schools.