Wednesday, June 19, 2013

1:1 Success Indicators

Sharing desired outcomes for our 1:1 program.  Building an idea of success around these goals/statements.  Hoping to get some feedback...

The success of our 1:1 program is measured against the skills needed to excel in a rapidly evolving global society.  The notion of what it means to be college and career ready has been reshaped by a world where access and connectivity are becoming ubiquitous.  By placing connected devices in the hands of students learners possess the autonomy to:

CREATE
COLLABORATE
EXPLORE
and
SHARE WITH THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY.

Indicators of success for the 1:1 program are linked to a student’s ability to create, collaborate, explore and share. Definitions for these core digital age skills are provided below.

CREATE
Students and Teachers will “make” content in ways not witnessed in the past and offer product/solution in ways not conceived before.

COLLABORATE
Students will connect with others and develop PLNs.  As a result, problem-solving will become a collaborative endeavor in which students have to effectively work in teams/groups to realize a solution.

EXPLORE
Students will tackle complex problems and  use the DISCOVER research process to gather evidence needed to make informed decisions.

SHARE WITH THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY
Students and Teachers will communicate ideas to both local and global audiences.

I Can Statements

CREATE
Students and Teachers will “make” content in ways not witnessed in the past and offer product/solution in ways not conceived before.
  • I can be a trusted source of information
  • I can produce relevant content not only for myself but to be consumed by a public audience
  • I can create and publish authentic products
  • I can participate in the feedback loop by providing critical feedback and be accepting of constructive suggestions

COLLABORATE
Students and Teachers will connect with others and develop personal learning networks (PLNs).  As a result, problem-solving will become a collaborative endeavor in which students have to effectively work in teams/groups to realize a solution.
  • I can connect with others who reside both in the building and district and with individuals who exists outside the school district
  • I can expand my personal learning network
  • I can activate my personal learning network to assist in the problem-solving process
  • I can listen and honor others’ viewpoints
  • I can fairly contribute and allow others to contribute equitably
  • I can build consensus from multiple viewpoints.

EXPLORE
Students and Teachers will tackle complex problems and  use the DISCOVER research process to gather evidence needed to make informed decisions.
  • I can define a thesis or identify research problem.
  • I can develop empathy through observation
  • I can gather data/information, and verify the sources of this information.
  • I can organize and analyze this information in order to draw conclusions.
  • I can effectively express my conclusions, supported by data/information.
  • I can reflect on the process and identify successes and weaknesses, and use these to inform future research

SHARE WITH THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY
Students and Teachers will communicate ideas to both local and global audiences.
  • I can articulate thoughts effectively and clearly through multiple modes of communication
  • I can adjust style and vocabulary to meet the needs of my audience
  • I can publish products for varied audiences
  • I can accept feedback and make adjustments

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Defining Success- Connection Between Learning and Running

From Bud the Teacher:

So I wonder about cultures of learning that could look more like cultures of running. Learners are all on the same trail, or at least similar ones, but we make it down the trail at different speeds, with different plans for how to get there. And our schools and learning cultures should be helping us to get better, to improve, without too often requiring that our success be defined by how the elites in our culture perform. And I wonder how we can build tools and resources that can help us to set, track, and achieve our goals more than the goals of the elites in our midst. As a runner, I’m comparing my today self against my yesterday self, and aiming for my future self to be in a better place than the today self I’ve got right now. So long as I move along a trajectory of improvement, one set both by me and by the folks organizing the races – plotting the starting and finish lines, making sure the cars stay out of the course, and ensuring there are plenty of resources and water stations along the way – then I’m moving towards success.


Monday, June 3, 2013

Worth Watching

Came across these two videos today.  Definitely worth a few minutes of your time.

DJ Fresh & Mindtunes: A track created only by the mind (Documentary) 


 If Students Designed Their Own Schools...