Speaking to an audience comprised of government officials, business leaders and leading educators of bullying prevention, Cartoon Network unveiled the official title of the campaign—STOP BULLYING: SPEAK UP—which will serve to educate and empower young bystanders to take action to reduce/prevent bullying.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Speaking to an audience comprised of government officials, business leaders and leading educators of bullying prevention, Cartoon Network unveiled the official title of the campaign—STOP BULLYING: SPEAK UP—which will serve to educate and empower young bystanders to take action to reduce/prevent bullying.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
The Art of Listening
Recently a colleague shared a TED video with me, Evelyn Glennie Shows How to Listen, which, to me, illustrates a very good example of the 'art of listening'...
Listen carefully.....
When I first listened to the video my attention was really on other things- my mind was thinking about what could I post that would help my many teacher-friends who will be returning to work to begin a new school year soon. Of course, I wasn't listening- my mind was thinking about technology and about a million other things...
But, after closely listening to the video I realized how much of its' message relates to teaching. One of the most important tasks of any teacher is to really listen to our students and how we learn so much about being a teacher and about our students through listening & reflection; how we have to listen to ourselves to do what we think is the best way to support students in their learning, and how everything we do, little or big, has an impact on our students' learning and their lives.
As educators, we know that teaching is not just about teaching content, but about our passion for teaching, the relationships we build with our students, and how important it is to transfer our passion for learning to our students in those relationships. This video reminded me that teaching is not just about the technology we use, but so much more.
So begin this school year by listening to your students and yourself. It may take you and your students to unbelievable places.
Listen carefully.....
When I first listened to the video my attention was really on other things- my mind was thinking about what could I post that would help my many teacher-friends who will be returning to work to begin a new school year soon. Of course, I wasn't listening- my mind was thinking about technology and about a million other things...
But, after closely listening to the video I realized how much of its' message relates to teaching. One of the most important tasks of any teacher is to really listen to our students and how we learn so much about being a teacher and about our students through listening & reflection; how we have to listen to ourselves to do what we think is the best way to support students in their learning, and how everything we do, little or big, has an impact on our students' learning and their lives.
As educators, we know that teaching is not just about teaching content, but about our passion for teaching, the relationships we build with our students, and how important it is to transfer our passion for learning to our students in those relationships. This video reminded me that teaching is not just about the technology we use, but so much more.
So begin this school year by listening to your students and yourself. It may take you and your students to unbelievable places.
Monday, August 09, 2010
Twitter- Addicted to Learning
When I read “In Defense of Twitter” I thought “geesh did I write that? Recently a Facebook friend commented, “I gave up the Twitter thing. I'm not interesting enough to twitter AND fb.....” So I too have had to explain and defend Twitter to non-professionals and teacher-educators since I first started using the SM tool over 3 years ago. In Spring 2009 I gave 11 presentations in the UAE about using Twitter with students as a suggestion from my own students after I created a project introducing them to using Twitter as a new way to learn. I do see Twitter as a very useful learning tool; others see it as a way to self-promote themselves, their product, or their trade.
At first use I wondered why people were using Twitter; why would I want to use a ‘gossip’ tool or find out when people are “....having coffee at Starbucks in Santa Monica?” Then I figured Twitter out and began using it as a learning tool for my own professional development. How can teachers afford travel and going to conferences to learn, bearing time away from the classroom and the expense, when we can use Twitter for the times we can’t?
Learning to use Twitter for my own professional development has changed the way I work and learn. And as I repeat and I tell others “Facebook is for people you already know, Twitter is for people you want to know.” Aren’t there learning professionals, writers, nerdy techies, or others you would love to have dinner with and talk about something you love? Well that’s what Twitter is like to me. When I read a person’s tweet stream it’s like having a dinner conversation with them without having to leave my home. I can pick their brain and ask questions - WOW – and they reply with a RT (retweet), mention, or a direct message! When I got my first direct message I was shocked, but when I got a my first direct message from Howard Rheingold -@hrheingold -a guru in teaching & learning and author of Smart Mobs I was ECSTATIC- Howard Rheingold talking to me personally? And I’ve made some new friends to have dinner with like @dajbelshaw and @Black_Tomato. I am still in awe of the possibilities of what you can learn from others in Twitter. Every day with Twitter is a new learning adventure; you never quite know where you are going to go....
Thus far I have created a very small list (compared other Twitter users thousands) of professionals I follow. I am a passionate educator- passionate about using technology to enhance learning, and a passionate traveler. Blending my 3 favorite things- teaching, technology, and travel- I created lists of people to follow and to learn from. It’s really simple technology, seriously.
This summer I am doing a little experiment with social media tools. As an avid user and promoter of many new media tools including LinkedIn but never having been a real fan of Facebook I am blending my Twitter professional followers into a personal Facebook account (while managing my personal data privacy). Being passionate about teaching and learning is something my Facebook friends know about me personally, so why not spread a little learning onto them? Hopefully we will all learn a lot from my little experiment! I know I am learning a lot more about them.
Twitter never has let me down, every time I read a tweet from someone I follow I learn something new and it’s a great feeling to learn something new.
...Follow me @maranca
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Power Point vs Prezi
My students decided that Prezi was so good they taught me how to use it ....seriously.
So now having learned how to 'harness' the potential of Prezi I think it is something a lot of educators should be learning how to use this summer. Once you use it, as my students told me, you will see the difference between the two tools.
This "PowerPoint to Prezi" presentation will walk you through it.
But then, again, it's also "how" you use the tool. Create your Prezi presentation to question and make your students actively think during the 'lecture' period; stop and let them 'do'. Go back to your Prezi presentation for a summary to pull your students back together and wrap up the 'lecture'. You can capture their imagination with photos or videos to extend their learning as they leave the classroom....
Of course, Prezi does seem to lend itself as a constructivist tool, just in the way it forces you, the teacher, to you design your presentation. It forces you to think logically through your 'lecture' or briefing period and have all your resources in one place. By using a tool such as Prezi, you become a better teacher because of your own thinking and reflection.
Its not about the technology, its about you becoming a better teacher !
So now having learned how to 'harness' the potential of Prezi I think it is something a lot of educators should be learning how to use this summer. Once you use it, as my students told me, you will see the difference between the two tools.
This "PowerPoint to Prezi" presentation will walk you through it.
But then, again, it's also "how" you use the tool. Create your Prezi presentation to question and make your students actively think during the 'lecture' period; stop and let them 'do'. Go back to your Prezi presentation for a summary to pull your students back together and wrap up the 'lecture'. You can capture their imagination with photos or videos to extend their learning as they leave the classroom....
Of course, Prezi does seem to lend itself as a constructivist tool, just in the way it forces you, the teacher, to you design your presentation. It forces you to think logically through your 'lecture' or briefing period and have all your resources in one place. By using a tool such as Prezi, you become a better teacher because of your own thinking and reflection.
Its not about the technology, its about you becoming a better teacher !
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Present Your Portfolio on the Ipad
Oftentimes when I was interviewing for positions I wondered what would be the best way to present my portfolio during the interview. Being that my work is online and on files on my laptop should I bring my portfolio on a flash drive to share with the interviewers or bring my laptop - with hopes that they would be able to connect my laptop with their wireless?... hmmm, when I read the post, Present Your Portfolio on the iPad, I knew the interviewing tables have turned in my favor.
In her post Ana talks about using Keynote for your Portfolio and making adjustments for it display properly on the iPad. But don't limit your thinking to just Keynote, think about using Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro for your Portfolio or Prezi. With a Wifi data plan & your iPad you are in control... you have the files, you have the Wifi; YOU are in control.
When you're the one interviewing, you want to be in control.
In her post Ana talks about using Keynote for your Portfolio and making adjustments for it display properly on the iPad. But don't limit your thinking to just Keynote, think about using Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro for your Portfolio or Prezi. With a Wifi data plan & your iPad you are in control... you have the files, you have the Wifi; YOU are in control.When you're the one interviewing, you want to be in control.
Social Media Gets to Work
The Korn/Ferry Institute, a leading online voice in talent management and leadership issues, features publications on its site that are great resources.
The latest publication "Social Media Gets to Work" tells how social media has come of age in the business world and how businesses are learning to leverage this new tool.
Social Media tools are still often misunderstood and many people don't understand the differences between Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, but in the decade ahead, social networking "know-how" and social networking strategies will be “must haves” for chief executives and their key leadership staff if they are going to compete globally.
The latest publication "Social Media Gets to Work" tells how social media has come of age in the business world and how businesses are learning to leverage this new tool.
Social Media tools are still often misunderstood and many people don't understand the differences between Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, but in the decade ahead, social networking "know-how" and social networking strategies will be “must haves” for chief executives and their key leadership staff if they are going to compete globally.
"The executives who surround themselves with social
media talent and knowledge will be at the forefront
of this important business revolution."
media talent and knowledge will be at the forefront
of this important business revolution."
Download the PDF from Korn /Ferry
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Open Letter to my 10 Daughters
Over the past two years I have been involved with the education of 10 young women in the Middle East. These women are a group of genuine, talented, creative learners thirsting for knowledge, with a tremendous desire to do their best. Each one beautiful, inside and out. Highly competitive, yet they share and care for each other with deep love. I feel blessed to have been put in their path to guide and shape them into what they have become today.
These women have made great strides in their learning, and their accomplishments have astounded me. Coming from classrooms where rote memorization was the practice they have learned to be constructivist thinkers- to be able to think on their own; though sometimes they longed for someone to just tell them the answers so they could just do it. But this is no different than for all educators really. Don’t we all long for someone just to tell us what ‘works’ so we can do it? Five years ago they stepped into this teacher-education program as 'newbie babies' - today they are extremely knowledgeable, creative, vibrant women capable of holding many different career roles dealing with teaching, technology and learning, whether it be in business or schools.
They have kept me very busy over the last two years thinking of ways to help them think ‘outside the box’, to challenge them, and to help them become critical thinkers. Their Action Research Project Exhibition rivaled that of any Masters degree program in the US. They were able to meet the challenges that faced them and succeed. They gave me the best goodbye gift at their Action Research Project Exhibition, I could have not been more proud of them and their success stories.
Now today I have more challenges for them. Don’t become complacent, or think you have finished learning. This is only the beginning. Don’t mourn the loss of your constant companions -your classmates. Now that you have time, go and learn more, be with your dear classmates virtually. This is a perfect time to do the project ideas you put aside to complete your course assignments.
Here are a few suggestions to continue learning-
DEVELOP a Twitter PLN. Continue to learn from others. Twitter gives you the perfect tool to build an online professional learning network to have conversations with people you don’t know, but would like to. Location doesn’t matter, you can live in Ajman and connect with educators worldwide.
DEVELOP an RSS Reader. Find the sites and blogs to continue learning from; bring the information to you in your RSS, so you don’t have to go ‘looking’ for new ideas constantly. Let the technology do the work for you. Google Reader is still my favorite reader and I add new ‘finds’ each day. Build a collective intelligence through sharing with your classmates in Google Reader.
EXTEND your learning. Learn Online. Take Moodle classes online to learn more and share what you know. Build your Delicious or Diigo accounts.
LEARN something new. Second Life Education areas, find some online gaming sites and challenge your classmates to meet you online. Think about the possibilities of these new virtual learning environments and tools in education.
JOIN. Online PLNs such as the Educators PLN and the Global Education Collaborative. Learn from experienced educators, but remember to contribute.
DESIGN. a Professional Blog. Share what you know and continue to share as you learn more.
READ. Books. Get a Kindle, iPad , or a smart phone– download books and READ.
WATCH. Movies Ahh! ….there is much to learn from movies and listening to them in English will improve your English speaking skills.
DREAM. Dream BIG.
My dream - en’shallah- is that you continue to grow, learn, become more knowledgeable and wise, and in turn “be the change” that education needs. Your children and the world will benefit from your efforts.
Thank you for being a part of my life's journey!
Thursday, March 04, 2010
The Shortie Awards: Student Film and News Festival
via www.shortie.org
The Shortie Awards: Film & News Festival is the premiere film festival for students ages 7 to 18 and their teachers!
Established in 2001, The Shortie Awards: Student Film and News Festival recognizes original digital media productions created by student filmmakers, ages 7-18, and their teachers. The Shortie Awards focuses on nurturing imagination and choice making in students.
The Shortie Awards is part of MHz Networks' Education Department. The event grew out of the Department's EAT (Education Arts and Technology) program for young filmmakers in the Washington D.C. area and has since blossomed into a national and even international event, featuring submissions from all over the world.
Last years competition received nearly 400 entries, created by close to 3,000 student filmmakers, from 23 states throughout the U.S. and 13 countries including: Canada, Cuba, Spain, Italy, Finland, Denmark, UK, UAE, India, Poland, France and Kenya.
Many more of the Shortie Awards videos are also now available to view on YouTube. You can watch past winners and finalists, filmmaking tips and tricks, the best broadcast news programs, and much more.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Apple iPad: Magical & Revolutionary
All the frenzy recently over Apple's iPad has educators wondering "if" the new device has as educational purpose rather than just providing a means for users to consume news and information.
Apple calls the iPad a "magical and revolutionary device." I am still wondering about the magical and revolutionary. Of course, as an avid reader and educator in need of books while living in remote places where adequate libraries are not nearby the iPad does appear to be magical because of its' ability to download and store many books in digital format. Having a library in your hands instantly would seem like magic to some. But then that's not much different than the Kindle, is it?
But when I start thinking about the iPad pedagogically, that's where I don't think I have enough information yet as to th iPad's capability to enhance or extend the learning of students. I haven't had one in my hand, but it would be good to begin imagining how it might be used.
Also, using the TPACK Model of Technology Integration helped me to put this new device's use into a different perspective for educators. We should be thinking of ways the iPad can support content and pedagogy, rather than whether we are disappointed in the new product's features.
Yes the iPad would be helpful for developing countries' schools to put a whole library of books quickly into the hands of students. And, yes information is powerful. It would help students quickly access journals, articles, and newspapers to talk about current events or historical events. My own students would love the availability of many books they don't have quick access to.
Yes the iPad does have a larger interface that would make playing educational games better for students ergonomically. It would be definitely easier for younger students to play MMORPGs on a larger screen.
An iPad could provide opportunities for students in the field to upload pictures to Flickr, post to blogs, and contribute to Wikis -provided there is Internet access. Definitely the iPad will play a big role in mobile learning and cloud computing will become more advantageous with the wide spread use of these devices. So my mind is just beginning to formulate some ideas about how the iPad could fit into education.
It may seem magical to some, but revolutionary- I 'm not so sure about. It will take more research on the product and time to decide if it is revolutionary for technology integration into educational purposes.
Apple calls the iPad a "magical and revolutionary device." I am still wondering about the magical and revolutionary. Of course, as an avid reader and educator in need of books while living in remote places where adequate libraries are not nearby the iPad does appear to be magical because of its' ability to download and store many books in digital format. Having a library in your hands instantly would seem like magic to some. But then that's not much different than the Kindle, is it?
But when I start thinking about the iPad pedagogically, that's where I don't think I have enough information yet as to th iPad's capability to enhance or extend the learning of students. I haven't had one in my hand, but it would be good to begin imagining how it might be used.
Also, using the TPACK Model of Technology Integration helped me to put this new device's use into a different perspective for educators. We should be thinking of ways the iPad can support content and pedagogy, rather than whether we are disappointed in the new product's features.
Yes the iPad would be helpful for developing countries' schools to put a whole library of books quickly into the hands of students. And, yes information is powerful. It would help students quickly access journals, articles, and newspapers to talk about current events or historical events. My own students would love the availability of many books they don't have quick access to.
Yes the iPad does have a larger interface that would make playing educational games better for students ergonomically. It would be definitely easier for younger students to play MMORPGs on a larger screen.
An iPad could provide opportunities for students in the field to upload pictures to Flickr, post to blogs, and contribute to Wikis -provided there is Internet access. Definitely the iPad will play a big role in mobile learning and cloud computing will become more advantageous with the wide spread use of these devices. So my mind is just beginning to formulate some ideas about how the iPad could fit into education.
It may seem magical to some, but revolutionary- I 'm not so sure about. It will take more research on the product and time to decide if it is revolutionary for technology integration into educational purposes.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Planning a New Semester
Back now from semester break and looking at all the new ideas to use with my students in the next semester. So many to choose from, I have decided to use 1 new tool a week with my freshman- just to expose them to what's out there.
Which ones will I use? Well recently I joined in an online course "Easy Web 2.0 tools that you can use in your classroom" offered by SEETA, South Eastern European Teachers Association and facilitated by Nik Peachey. Nik is incredible! with an abundance of tips and ideas for ESL/EFL teachers using technology in the classroom. I joined in for the camaraderie and ended up learning a lot more than I expected and inspired to try out some new technologies. These are just some of the new tools I learned about from Nik and the others participants that I plan to use this semester:
Back in the early years of BlendedEdu we set out to tell our readers about all of the new web 2.0 tools until the number of these tools massively exploded and with so many bloggers taking on that role that now we let the others tell you about the great new tools and we focus more on "how-to" use these new tools in some of our posts.
Try one of these tools with your students and let me know how you have used them.
Have a great second semester.....and try to enjoy the ride.
Which ones will I use? Well recently I joined in an online course "Easy Web 2.0 tools that you can use in your classroom" offered by SEETA, South Eastern European Teachers Association and facilitated by Nik Peachey. Nik is incredible! with an abundance of tips and ideas for ESL/EFL teachers using technology in the classroom. I joined in for the camaraderie and ended up learning a lot more than I expected and inspired to try out some new technologies. These are just some of the new tools I learned about from Nik and the others participants that I plan to use this semester:
Back in the early years of BlendedEdu we set out to tell our readers about all of the new web 2.0 tools until the number of these tools massively exploded and with so many bloggers taking on that role that now we let the others tell you about the great new tools and we focus more on "how-to" use these new tools in some of our posts.
Try one of these tools with your students and let me know how you have used them.
Have a great second semester.....and try to enjoy the ride.
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