Technologically Literate

I am blown away by this.  I hope we can get this around to shine some light on it.  Good catch Jim.

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

[TIPS] Pennsylvania wants to ban cell phones in schools

Get this:

“Section 1. Section 1317.1 of the act of March 10, 1949
11 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, added
12 December 22, 1989 (P.L.749, No.103), is amended to read:
13 Section 1317.1. Possession of [Telephone Pagers] Electronic
14 Devices Prohibited.–(a) The possession by students of
15 telephone paging devices, commonly referred to as beepers,
16 cellular telephones and portable electronic devices that record
17 or play audio or video material shall be prohibited on school
18 grounds, at school sponsored activities and on buses or other
19 vehicles provided by the school district.

First of all, why is the STATE involved in what is arguably a LOCAL issue? Second, why are people who have NO CLUE about this topic even involved in the conversation? Who are they? “INTRODUCED BY CRUZ, MAHONEY, SAYLOR, READSHAW, SABATINA, THOMAS AND KORTZ, MAY 18, 2007″

To be fair, they DO make exceptions for student volunteer firefighters or students with medical conditions.

Simon says, “Pennsylvania, take two giant steps backwards.”

Here it is: http://snipurl.com/1llp9

In February of this year, I was moved to action by a visit to Pennsylvania’s Ed Tech Conference dubbed PETE&C.  Meeting and talking to people like Jim Gates spurred me to start blogging.  It was there that I saw a tremendous opportunity to bring online/open source tools to the students and teachers of DuBois.  Without PETE&C I am positive that I would not have the energy or passion to finish my masters or to continue helping other teachers.  Thank you administration and Title 1 funds.

Well, in typical Pruitt fashion (I am notoriously impatient when I get rolling)I have already submitted a proposal for 08′.  I am prosing a 3 hour “pre-conference” session on DV in the classroom and with 8 scant months to prepare I am already going overboard.

“So what?” you may say.  “So, I am already nervous!” I would reply.  I am writing this to reflect on some of my ideas and to hopefully hear what others would want out of 3 straight hours with me.  After all, that’s what the social networking is all about, right?

The only draw back is, if your here, you probably have a good idea about editing and posting video. So, put yourself in one of your teachers shoes.  One that is interested in DV, but not sure how to go about starting. 

My thoughts are, as a teacher and tech coach, I want to first do a good job of connecting the use of DV to rich, authentic learning.  With the proper amount of time, student produced video projects have to power to delve deep into the high-order thinking skills that are so prized today.  I will discuss project-based learning, group dynamic, and self-directed learning all in the context of Mr. Bloom and Mr. Gardner.

The meat will be reserved for three (so far…I am open to suggestions) methods of creation and online posting of videos.  As a PC based school, I plan on covering Windows Movie Maker/PhotoStory, SplashCast, and Jumpcut.  I figure that is a good cross-section. 

Finally, I will cover uploads and embeds using TeacherTube, hopefully finishing with time to work on a short version of the Internet Safety Video unit that I use with my 7th graders. 

Wheww! I feel better already.

I have personally witnessed the power of posting a students work online.  My second period was blown away by one student video being viewed 7000 times in a month.  It changed the way they approach projects in my room and that’s what I hope to share. 

If you have any input or reference material I would love to hear/read it.  Remember…I only have 8 months left…Wow, I’m a wreck