A new kind of learning and teaching

We have frequently discussed how teaching and learning has changed over the last decade. This is just one site which shows how learning is transforming. This interactive website has material created by "experts" from Stanford, UC-Berkley, and other reputable institutions. Check out shmoop and see if you can find anything interesting to study. Is this something we want to investigate further?

How to write policy

Writing Policy

What makes a good policy? The difference between writing policy and writing an essay is in the supporting details. In an essay, supporting facts or details take up multiple sentences and work to make an argument stronger. When writing a policy, state the policy and supporting details/facts right in the same thought. You need to connect the policy to your logical argument.

Examples of policy: (1. state the policy) Absences and tardies are the incidents that occur when an employee is absent or not present at work during a normally scheduled work period. (2. defend the policy) Employees are allowed up to ten excused absences in a calendar year. All consecutive absences require a doctors excuse. (3. Refer to similar policies to clarify the current one) Vacation, sick leave, and funeral leave do not count as absences.

How to write policy:

1. State the policy (1 sentence)
2. Defend the policy (1-3 sentences)
3. Refer to similar policies to clarify the current one (1 sentence)
4. If necessary, provide a graphic or visual aid to increase your position on the policy

Writing policy is fun because it takes the best part of the writing process and justifies behaviors. No fluff allowed. If you want fluff and excuses, then writing policy is not for you.

1970's (CORE AM)

Visit the CBS News site. Pick at least one of the events and create a digital narrative from your event. For this assignment please try to use a site other than Animoto. You guys have been doing great things with Animoto, I just want you to try other tools, software, and sites. Examples of possible options are: Voicethread, slide.com, or Photo Story (on our Novell).

Your digital narrative should explain the event, causes of the event, and significance of the event. Let me know how I can help.

Connecting to Movies

We've been analyzing films for a Social Studies unit. How do you connect with the characters so far? How would you have fit in during the 1950's & 1960's? Could you have survived the mental institution and Nurse Ratched? Could you have survived the chain gang? Why do you think McMurphy and Cool Hand Luke didn't survive?

Please post a comment here or send me an email and let me know your thoughts. 

Educon

This past weekend, a major educational conference was held in Philadelphia. Here's a description of the conference: EduCon 2.0 is both a conversation and a conference. And it is not a technology conference. It is an education conference. It is a School 2.0 conference. It is, hopefully, an innovation conference where we can come together, both in person and virtually, to discuss the future of schools. Every session will be an opportunity to discuss and debate ideas -- from the very practical to the big dreams.
Unfortunately it was a weekend conference and we missed out on opportunities to participate in the discussion. Here's a few video clips from the conference:



My question to you is this: If you, the student can change one thing about public education, what would it be? Justify your answer and explain your thought.