Technologically Literate

That’s a terrible question.  We all know what bad professional development is, but it continues to happen all over the world.  I spent Monday and Tuesday leaning a new e-grade book and I couldn’t help thinking of the ingredients that make-up a poor experience. 

1.  Rushed (Having to use or re-teach material/software within a week)

2.  Errors!  (A training model that is poorly constructed and functions sporadicly at best)

3.  The Unknown (District application is still a week away, what is it going to look like?)

4.  The Presenter (Most software people don’t speak in normal everyday terms, nor do they have the the fortitude to stick with “non-techies”)

5.  Local Knowledge (Teachers are partial to certain functionality in grading, the presenter should be somewhat prepared for how the audience works)

The list could go on and on.  Why are teachers being trained before the tech department?  Why would you show your audience the entire system in three hours?  It is extremely aggravating all around.  The bottom line is when things like this happen you leave people with the option of not adapting.  “It didn’t work,”  I didn’t get it,” “I’ll never have time to learn all that.” 

I realize sometimes time is an issue, but as the old saying still goes, “poor planning on your part does not constitute and emergency on mine”.  We will get it done.  We have a great staff and we always mange to shine no matter what is handed to us.  I just hope that in the future more voices are brought into the mix of professional development and system change.  All of this could have been avoided with a short conversation.

I didn’t learn much about our new grade book, but I did learn a valuable lesson.       

Is this convenient or what?  Not only can I attend K12 this year, but I will offer up my DV presentation too. 

Since Jeff added smiley faces I will link to his post.  http://www.thethinkingstick.com/?p=504.  There you can get all the information you need on October’s K12 Online Conference.

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