Computational Thinking: A Digital Age Skill for Everyone

http://www.iste.org/learn/computational-thinking

Technology and the Common Core: What is Wisconsin DPI Working on Right Now?

What is DPI working on right now?

 - Agenda 2017 supports digital learning, innovation and career and college readiness
 - Wisconsin Digital Learning Plan
 - Wisconsin Digital Learning Advisory
 - WISELearn digital learning repository (maybe connected to Smarter Balanced Assessment)
 - Open Education Resource Project
 - National collaboration on search meta-tagging project for effective searching
 - Keyboarding and computational skill awareness to meet increased technology demands of all grades
 - Vetting resources for alignment with Common Core State Standards and coordinate state efforts for implementation of quality learning materials
 - WI Digital Learning Day Activities

Julie Mathiesen's Load-Bearing Walls of Education

Weight Bearing Walls for Tinkering with Transformation: 
• Grade Levels
• Courses/Curriculum
• Class Periods/Bell Schedule
• Students assigned to Classrooms
• Textbooks
• ABC Grading System/Student Evaluation
• Learning Happens in Schools/Space
• Learning Happens in nine Months/Time
• Report Cards/Informing Parents
• Paper and Pencil Orientation

Which load bearing walls can we change, shift, substitute, eliminate?

Pranav Mistry: The thrilling potential of SixthSense technology

Source: http://www.ted.com/talks/pranav_mistry_the_thrilling_potential_of_sixthsense_technology.html

Next Generation Learning Community

History in a Minute

http://revision3.com/melodysheep/ourstoryin1minute via Melody Sheep

How do the attributes of the "Connected Educator” 

relate to the characteristics of the PLC?

Being “connected” is all about developing a Personal Learning Network (PLN) which informs your Professional Learning Community (PLC). The "Connected Educator" creates a PLN that provides pathways for: seeking out, following, sharing with, contributing to, and relying on groups that have common interests.

“Education” loosely defines the common interest that we as educators share, however, there are many aspects of education which might be one’s focus at any given time (i.e., organizational culture, curricula, materials, learning styles, technology applications, research, assessments, etc.). The importance of developing a PLN is that this network webs in many directions allowing one to make connections with those interested in the specific component about which information is desired at that moment. Each member of the PLN brings unique experiences and interests which allows connections to be made based on these. One is able to tap into and explore rich resources that others bring to the table due to their own interests or experiences on the topic. The more “connected” an individual becomes, the more likely there are people somewhere in the network who have knowledge, understanding and experience with a given topic in which an individual finds him or herself interested or in need of information.

Being a “contributor” to the conversation is the best way to develop this network. Sharing of one’s own ideas, opinions, experiences and resources helps others who are looking for this type of information.  If one is contributing, this individual is being noticed by others in the group and is more likely to be “followed”. Creating followers and following others builds the PLN, thus opening one up to a larger base of contributors.  A “connected educator” should desire to build an extensive Personal Learning Network in order to have ready access to those with common experiences. This will allow the individual to both validate their own experiences and grow from suggestions provided by others in similar situations or with related knowledge.