Are U in the Tweet Matrix?

photo © 2009 Todd Barnard | more info (via: Wylio)

Using social media in class allows teachers stay in touch with students thoughts and understandings. For students, twitter offers another opportunity for them to express themselves, reflect and challenge each other.

I came across a tweet from @ipadeducators discussing a twitter matrix which really intrigued me. I looked over the matrix and instantly was excited to share it with educators as it’s a great way for teachers and students to see where they are at in using Twitter.

Here’s the matrix:

More resources:

1)   Interesting Ways to Use Twitter in Class by Tom Barrett

2)  Collect historical input such as that from the Twittering Grandma

3)  Historical tweets by Lincoln, Elvis, Anne Frank, Lewis & Clark, Lassie and even Black Beard!

4)  Every Monday, send out a critical challenge in tweet-form for students to complete by Friday.

5)   Summary – in small groups have students come up with a summary statement regarding a concept just learned in class.

6)  Inspirational tweet quote of the day – students could each take a turn finding a quote that matches up with content being studied for that day.

7)   High School ideas from TeachPaperless.

It would be great to have people share how they are using Twitter in their classrooms. Please add your thoughts!

 

An Authentic Forum on Democracy

photo © 2008 Infrogmation of New Orleans | more info (via: Wylio)

Wikipedia defines democracy as a:
“form of political organization in which all people, through consensus (consensus democracy), direct referendum (direct democracy), or elected representatives (representative democracy) exercise equal control over the matters which affect their interests.”[1]

Do your students know, truly know, what democracy REALLY entails?

In this age of global awareness, students and teachers have a unique opportunity to authentically understand democracy in action. They will be able to learn that not all countries think democratically in the same way as Canada and that even if a person has the most votes, they may not be elected.

What is happening in the world right now with regards to democracy?

The Irish general election will take place on Friday, February 25th, 2011. Basic facts about Ireland are found HERE, but specific sources of election-related information can be found at:

1) Wikipedia has a good overall explanation of this election.
2) The Irish Times have up-to-date information.
3) The Independent online Irish news.
4) Elections Ireland have the stats and details of this upcoming election as well as past elections.
5) Irish Examiner is another newspaper source found online.
6) BBC News
7) Twitter – IrishPolitics
8) Flickr – Irish Election posters
9) CBC News

In Ireland, democracy is said to protect the minority which is a different definition than what is found in Canadian politics. The most seats an Irish party can win in a particular constituency are 3 of 5 seats. Check out what each of the Irish parties are reporting:

1) Fianna Fail
2) Labour Party
3) Fine Gael

Enjoy this authentic real-time opportunity to discuss what democracy looks like in Canada in comparison with the Republic of Ireland. As well, it may be a good time to review the Irish political, social and economic climate, which lead up to this election!

 

Are You Born to Run?

 

Today is the day before our two day Teacher’s Convention and I am busily finalizing various projects, emailing, updating, calling, attending webinars, etc., since I will be out of the office until Monday morning (well, physically, that it is…..I still have my BB and computer devices at my disposal .) Yet, throughout this organized chaos I took 15 minutes to watch this TED Talks video by Christopher McDougall. It wasn’t a link sent to me but in my work this morning, somehow it popped up in front of me and it intrigued be even before I viewed it. Perhaps it’s because I like to run – I enjoy it even when the cold weather hits (however the ice and snow really have stopped this for me and I don’t enjoy the feel of a treadmill below my feet.)

 

Chris goes on to explain about a marathon runner from Ethiopia and a tribe who partake in running for pleasure, for physical well-being, with compassion and for competition.

 

What has running got to do with education?

 

In our work with students, teachers, administrators and parents, we are indeed running an ultra marathon of sorts. We need to insert compassion, competition and a desire to do better in what we do in education not just run off or around in circles.

Running is a social activity, it can be a cooperative yet competitive opportunity for us instead of a solitary one where nothing is gained nor learned in the process. Running reminds me of a quote from a senior high school student that says, “I feel like I’m on a road at a huge intersection with thousand of streets yet I’m at a loss. There is no one to tell me the way, no “911″ in the real world. You can’t just call up and say, “Hey, I need a destination, I need a place to go.” Even if someone did tell me where to go, I wouldn’t listen. Sometimes I feel like I’m going nowhere. Sure I’m on the Santa Monica freeway, but where am I going in life?”

What are we doing to discover ourselves and our desires into increasing the sense of community within the school environment?

I continue to work on my commitment to listening, learning and teaching about my journey in education, in my community and in the world that surrounds me. Maybe this is why Chris’ video “popped” up at me today. I needed a break to reflect on where I have been going, where I am at and what I want to do.

How about you?

 

 

Authentic Learning Experiences

photo © 2011 Takver | more info (via: Wylio)As a voracious reader of articles, blogs, magazines, tweets and books I continue to find opportunities to support authentic learning within the classroom. Yes, teachers have a curriculum to follow in Alberta however it is ALWAYS more engaging, interesting and relevant when we and our students can bring in the outside world straight into the classroom. The deepening understanding shown in the class conversations, debates and on the students’ faces really get me pumped that this relevancy is pertinent to their further understanding of themselves, their community and the world at large. Social media, 24/7 news and the internet have impacted their lives whether teachers like it or not. Let’s use these media sources to our advantage so that we have informed citizens, critical thinkers and collaborators!

What is all this excitement about?

Reading Zoe’s blog today and the results from her pre-service teachers was something that I could not let pass by without a comment and of course, a sharing session to colleagues! Not only did she change her lesson, but the lessons shared are OUTSTANDING and something teachers anywhere can use NOW and adapt for other uses. Thank you to Zoe and her students for getting me excited about:
1) Sharing these lessons,
2) Further pushing my thoughts about making learning authentic, and
3) Continuing to showcase the reflective process we should all partake in as lifelong learners!

Check out Zoe’s blog and Current Events Lessons (regarding the Egypt protests).