Recent NY Times opinion about 21st Century education "Education needs a Digital-Age Upgrade by Virginia Heffernan.

A new book by Cathy N. Davidson is coming out called "Now You See It."

Lots on my mind during the summer months

Here is a link to my other blog - I posted about the Save Our Schools rally in Washington DC on Saturday.

Here is a letter to the Boston Globe from Nancy Carlsson-Paige about the coverage of education policy.

I've been thinking quite a bit lately about what being a teacher means to me. So last night I pulled out my copy of "The Courage To Teach" by Parker J. Palmer. It's the type of book that helps rejuvenate the spirit. Below is a passage that struck me last night:

"In contrast to the strained and even violent concept of vocation as an ought, Frederick Buechner offers a more generous and humane image of vocation as 'the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet.' In a culture that sometimes equates work with suffering, it is revolutionary to suggest that the best inward sign of vocation is deep gladness - revolutionary but true. If a work is mine to do, it will make me glad over the long haul, despite the difficult days. Even the difficult days will ultimately gladden me, because they pose the kinds of problems that can help me grow in a work it is truly mine."

I don't know about "world's deep hunger," but I do understand in a biological sense that we each have a niche. I teach my students about the interconnectedness of nature and how each organism how a role to play in their environment. My niche is a teacher. We are all connected. My role is to help my students find their niche.

Twitter

Well, I've finally done it - signed up for twitter. I actually think it might have potential in the classroom. I see students getting on and asking each other questions, asking me questions, sharing links, etc. It could be potentially really cool.

Classroom assessments for 21st Century

We have been discussing rigor, relevance, and creativity in the Upper School lately, and I found this article in the new issue of Teacher PD Sourcebook. It's called Classroom Assessments for A New Century. I think it has some great ideas all focused around real problems and using technology to have meaningful discussions aimed at problem-solving.

21st Century Student

I saw this on TechSavvy Teacher. It raises some pretty good questions - post a comment to let me know what you think.

Summer to me

I made this video using animoto! It was pretty simple to use - I had to keep taking away pictures....who know 30 seconds was so short! :-) I also was disappointed I couldn't use music from iTunes, but I completely understand!

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

I just want to say how much I am enjoying this project. It is so great to explore all these neat programs and be able to do it on my own time. I was reading an article this morning about professional development for teachers and one of the things they mentioned was how valuable and meaningful professional development can be when teachers have ownership over it. To me, that is what this is all about. We are teachers after all - dedicated to teaching AND learning - and being able to take ownership and responsibility for our own learning is key! Isn't that what we keep telling our kids!?!??!

Also, I want to encourage people to check out other folks' blogs - there are some really cool and exciting things people are doing - please leave comments! It's fun!
I hope everyone is enjoying their summer and staying COOL!

Good Reads

I joined Good Reads today! It's this great website that catalogues books you've read and you can rate them and add reviews. I really like it becuase it also helps me find books that I might like! It's free and fun!

www.goodreads.com