Great retreat. Inspiring, motivating. These words keep echoing: "Our kids are on the technology playground and we are not on recess duty - Your kids need you!" Kevin Honeycutt
Great Skypes with some of the best. Thanks to Darren, Kelly and Jethro (and PJ for the chocolate!) Great to meet all of you and discuss issues.
"The internet is not about the information, "looking up stuff" - its about the social connection - its about people." Dean Shareski and his dogs!
Everyone seemed to say "It's not about the technology. It's about the kids."
I've often heard that a great teacher needs nothing more than a chalkboard and a piece of chalk! I agree. AND I have seen how technology can amplify the curriculum and engage kids in the process. Kids who are not usually engaged. Technology is their language.
David Warlick and Dean Shareski both emphasized that we taught kids how to BE taught – sit still, take notes, listen. The shift is this. We must teach kids how to teach themselves. We can model our own learning. I really think its OK to learn the technology with our kids, problem solve, mess up, figure it out and model our learning. Celebrate the glitches and never give up! Show kids how you find the answers to your own questions and fill in your own learning gaps.
I am excited to meet with principals and check out our schools. I am especially impressed with all of you and your areas of expertise and willingness to work and share ideas. I'm talking to all of you CSDEMT's out there.
