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Generation YES Express
November 2009
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Greetings,
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For decades, there has been little argument about the need of technology professional development for teachers. In fact, 25% of Title II (D) EETT funds (for many schools the main source of funding for technology) must be directly used for professional development. Yet how many substantial changes in schooling have resulted from this effort?
Educators need to examine both their formal and informal practices as they move towards 21st century learning. Schools need to involve K-12 students not only in the developing these practices but also make students the cornerstone of their professional development efforts. This week I will be working with teachers and students in 45 New York districts implementing the NYSSTL model doing just this. I know that these NYSSTL students will be making a real difference in their schools assisting teachers and their peers use technology in classrooms.
We need to stop pretending that "sit and get" professional development works and start doing what does work -- building strong learning communities that include students.
Forward...Dennis
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Constructivist Celebration @ NYSCATE
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 Well, it's official, there will be a Constructivist Celebration in partnership with the annual NYSCATE conference in Rochester, NY.
It will be a day-long pre-conference workshop on Sunday, Nov. 22, at the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, NY. Gary Stager will host the day, and just added, Peter Reynolds of Fablevision, best-selling children's book author and animator, will provide an inspirational closing keynote.
The Constructivist Celebration is an opportunity for you to let your
creativity run free with the world's best open-ended software tools and
enthusiastic colleagues who share your commitment to children,
computing, creativity and constructivism. You might think of this
stimulating event as a spa day for your mind and soul! Every registrant will receive free creativity software and a TechYES mini-kit. See you there!
This will be an amazing event in an amazing venue! For more details and registration, see the Constructivist Consortium registration website.
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Adding Student Support to Your Tech Plan - Free Whitepaper
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This time of year, many districts are revising their technology plan and want to make sure it includes student involvement and leadership. Download the free Generation YES Whitepaper Adding Student Vision to Your Tech Plan. The white paper includes: - Models of student action and leadership
- Sample language for technology plans
- Guidance on connecting goals to action items that will be effective
- Step-by-step plans for incorporating student leadership programs into district plans
- Supporting research
>>See all free resources at the Generation YES website |
| New York State Student Technology Leaders (NYSSTL)
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 This week, teachers, Digital Learning Specialists and, of course, students from 45 New York schools will be hard at work planning the expansion of the NYSSTL model of student leadership in secondary schools. Based on the successful TechYES and GenYES models of student empowerment, NYSSTL teaches middle and high school students to be leaders as they help teachers with technology and mentor peers in technology literacy.
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| Calling All Laptop Schools..
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Are
you a laptop school? Want to share best practices, ideas, and resources
with other laptop schools? And hear a killer lineup of keynote speakers?
Then come to Irving, Texas Nov 13 & 14! The Irving 1:1 Symposium
is the premiere event for 1:1 schools to share and learn alongside
other laptop schools around the country, plus, hear great speakers like
Gary Stager, Marco Torres, and David Thornburg.
Sylvia Martinez will be there too - sharing some examples of GenYES students who support their school's laptop programs. Hope to see you there!
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| More New York News
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This is a busy month in New York! Generation YES will be at the annual NYSCATE conference November 22-24, 2009. Besides the pre-conference Constructivist Celebration, Sylvia Martinez will be presenting on Games in Education, Technology Professional Development, and appearing on a panel on Web 2.0 in Education. Two NYSSTL advisors, Denise Krohn and Leanne Grandjean, will be presenting student work from NYSSTL schools on Sunday, Nov. 22. If you are at NYSCATE, we hope you consider attending these sessions. And come by booth 622 and say hi! |
Students, Parents and Teachers Can Share Their Opinions on
Schools with Local and National Leaders
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The 2009 Speak Up Survey is Open Now Through December 19thEvery year, Project Tomorrow surveys U.S. students about education, technology and student aspirations. This year, more than 300,000 students, parents, and teachers are expected to participate - and you should be one of them! The 2009 online survey - open now through December 18th for all K-12 students, parents, teachers, pre-service teachers and administrators offers the largest collection of authentic, unfiltered input on education and technology from those 'on the ground' in the schools. Don't miss this opportunity! 2009 Speak Up Survey
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| Ed-tech Blog Roundup
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In the last newsletter we did a "back to school" technology tool list that turned out to be very popular! This issue, we are showcasing some of the blogs we like ( besides our own GenYES blog) about education reform, student voice, and technology. Bridging Differences Diane Ravitch and Deborah Meier This
blog is a treasure. These two experts disagree about much in education.
But they have a cogent, civilized conversation about it in their posts.
It's what every conversation online or off should aspire to be. Stager-to-Go Gary Stager
- opinionated, outspoken advocate for children and authentic technology
use. Says things that need to be said, but are typically only whispered
to your closest friends.
Blue Skunk Blog Doug Johnson - funny and real, authentic librarian/technologist voice from the trenches. Practical Theory Chris Lehmann
- Principal of the Science Leadership Academy, Chris grounds his
innovative leadership and ed tech ideas in a deep understanding of
pedagogy, progressive teaching, and ethics.
Learning is Messy Brian Crosby - real stories that illustrate the ups and downs of the classroom.
YoungerWorld Adam Fletcher -- The blog connects to a number of incredible resources all focused on supporting youth voice.
Classroom 2.0
- Actually, this is a Ning social network, but contains blogs and forums. It's a great environment for teachers new to ed tech and looking to expand their personal learning network.
ASCD Newsblast - a thoughtful selection and commentary on education headlines. We'd love to see more blogs from GenYES and TechYES students and teachers! Send in your links and we'll put them in the next email newsletter. |
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