Education can at times represent a bloated concept. It seems top heavy and sluggish, too slow to adjust to the changing times. Technology- the fitness coach, looking for ways to make sure the fitness program is as efficient as possible. If used properly, technology is capable of trimming the fat and making the learning process more efficient.
Showing posts with label education. Show all posts
Showing posts with label education. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Action Resrearch Definition
Action research is a reflective process of progressive problem solving led by individuals working with others in teams or as part of a "community of practice" to improve the way they address issues and solve problems. Action research can also be undertaken by larger organizations or institutions, assisted or guided by professional researchers, with the aim of improving their strategies, practices, and knowledge of the environments within which they practice. As designers and stakeholders, researchers work with others to propose a new course of action to help their community improve its work practices...Wikipedia
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
assessments
I just created a performance assessment. These type of data collection tools can revolutionize learning opportunities in the traditional classroom and within virtual learning environments. Redirecting our focus by understanding the value of these assessments will create learning opportunities that are defined by 21st century standards.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Extendin the academic year
President Obama is raising an issue about the number of hours students spend in school. Obama suggests that the current academic school year is reflective of at time when the majority of Americans were farmers. The extra hand on the farm was valued more than an extra hour in school. He is suggesting that school hours be extended, so American children are better equipped for competition in the global workforce. The increase in hours will either suggest an extension of the school calender or a reduction in the number of days children have off in the summer. This may be a tough issue to push down the political pipeline. I think Obama will have to back this proposal up with some strong incentives for those relevant stakeholders to support this decision.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
learning a thinking process
The foundation is non formal learning.
In light of creative problem-solving, you must be open-minded to the fact that there may be more than just one solution to the problem. And, you must be open to the fact that there may be solutions to problems you thought were unsolvable.
Maybe the reason we cannot solve our problems is that we have not really taken a hard look at what the problem is. Here, trying to understand the problem and having a concrete understanding of its workings is integral solving the problem. If you know how it works, what the problem is, then you have a better foundation towards solving the problem. This is the basis for learning. Getting an understanding of the issue before putting forth solutions.
Not trying to make the simple statement of what problem is. Try to identify the participating entities and what their relationships with one another are. Take note of the things you stand to gain any stand to lose from the current problem. Now you have a simple statement of what the problem is.
In light of creative problem-solving, you must be open-minded to the fact that there may be more than just one solution to the problem. And, you must be open to the fact that there may be solutions to problems you thought were unsolvable.
Maybe the reason we cannot solve our problems is that we have not really taken a hard look at what the problem is. Here, trying to understand the problem and having a concrete understanding of its workings is integral solving the problem. If you know how it works, what the problem is, then you have a better foundation towards solving the problem. This is the basis for learning. Getting an understanding of the issue before putting forth solutions.
Not trying to make the simple statement of what problem is. Try to identify the participating entities and what their relationships with one another are. Take note of the things you stand to gain any stand to lose from the current problem. Now you have a simple statement of what the problem is.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Mobile technology
Mobile technology provides a great platform for educational opportunities. Asia and Europe are taking the lead in providing educational opportunities to young people with cell phones. Is this possible? I think that the US should explore all opportunities regarding education and society.
http://www.edweek.org/dd/articles/2009/01/09/04mobile.h02.html
http://www.edweek.org/dd/articles/2009/01/09/04mobile.h02.html
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
school construction
The House measure that passed last month introduced $14 billion dollars for school construction. This bill didn't get any Republican support. The Senate's bill negotiated a reduction in the amount of money provided for school construction. Basically, the money in this recovery bill was removed in the Senate's version in order to appease Republicans. I wonder how many of those Republican politicians have children or grandchildren enrolled in public schools? I am not sure about the logical argument put forth by these Senators regarding their decision to remove funding for school construction.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
States Slow to Embrace Online Testing
How are we still having this conversation in 2009? Our ability to move a state assessment test to an online platform is being hindered by cost. The article stated that students would need brand new computers to carry out this task successfully. How can implementing a straightforward testing platform be an issue for America in 2009? The information below is a description of a computer that can be purchased for under $100.
Optiplex GX260 SFF Pentium4 Desktop PC sys Pentium 4 1.7Ghz 512MB DDR 40GB HDD CD-ROM Gigabit LAN 6 USB 2.0 ports P4 Drivers and applications CD included. upgrade to 2.4GHz
Optiplex GX260 SFF Pentium4 Desktop PC sys Pentium 4 1.7Ghz 512MB DDR 40GB HDD CD-ROM Gigabit LAN 6 USB 2.0 ports P4 Drivers and applications CD included. upgrade to 2.4GHz
If these systems are purchased in bulk, the price may be even lower.
After purchasing the systems, a spike in bandwidth can be expected once the new networks with more power systems are connected. How much will that cost? Who will be responsible for managing this kind of integration? Outside consultants will be expensive. The in house technology department should be fine, if the expectations for the technology team are clear. Another obstacle mentioned in the article deals with managing test integrity. Making sure students don't cheat shouldn't require an extra $100,000 government grant. A group of well organized assistants should be able to handle this.
After purchasing the systems, a spike in bandwidth can be expected once the new networks with more power systems are connected. How much will that cost? Who will be responsible for managing this kind of integration? Outside consultants will be expensive. The in house technology department should be fine, if the expectations for the technology team are clear. Another obstacle mentioned in the article deals with managing test integrity. Making sure students don't cheat shouldn't require an extra $100,000 government grant. A group of well organized assistants should be able to handle this.
In my opinion, if these are the issues that hinder us from moving our educational system into the 21st century, then how could we possibly be ready to lead the world in this new knowledge economy?
Sunday, December 7, 2008
educational infrastructure
Community College Week
Competition from abroad is placing complex pressures on adult educators. The global requirements and education demands for American citizens are more technical in this age of globalization than ever before. America has to build an educational infrastructure that is easily accessible and relevant to adult learners, while delivering 21st century learning opportunities with a focus on constructivism. Adult learners will have to use non formal and formal educational experiences to stay competitive.
Competition from abroad is placing complex pressures on adult educators. The global requirements and education demands for American citizens are more technical in this age of globalization than ever before. America has to build an educational infrastructure that is easily accessible and relevant to adult learners, while delivering 21st century learning opportunities with a focus on constructivism. Adult learners will have to use non formal and formal educational experiences to stay competitive. Tuesday, December 2, 2008
"SMART"
"SMART" is a clear organized approach. Simplicity can be powerful, when it is strategically used to bring about a specific outcome. SMART is that simple but powerful cognitive tool. It can be used as a great guide when organizing objectives for a project. This is a good concept to focus on by instructional designers- because they must strike a balance between a pragmatism and creativity in progress toward a solution . Having a simple but relevant concept like "SMART" in your toolbox can help with striking this balance.
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