I've taken a hiatus from writing to concentrate on some coursework in Administration, Supervision and Curriculum Development. This week's events have made me feel the need to write.
When young people die, there is no heart in a community that remains untouched. Everyone experiences loss sooner or later, as that is how life works. You are born, grow up, grow old and then die. It is a cycle that we expect. When the cycle isn't complete or happens in an other than expected manner, it is up to the adults in the community to help children cope.
Losses that are sudden and violent like this week's bombing in Boston, tend to really affect our youth, whether it is the catalyst that drives them into deep withdrawn depression or they are trying frenetically to make people smile.
Below are some resources that I collected to help teens and parents cope with loss and mental health issues.
http://www.webmd.com/balance/helping-teens-who-are-grieving
http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/emotions/someone_died.html
http://www.dougy.org/grief-resources/how-to-help-a-grieving-teen/
Stress Management for Teens
http://www2.aap.org/stress/teen1-a.cfm
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/Pages/Helping-Teens-Connect-With-Their-Community.aspx
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/Staying-Cool-When-Things-Heat-Up.aspx
Resources for Parents following Traumatic Events
http://www.ed.gov/blog/2012/12/resources-for-parents-following-traumatic-events/
No one can expect tragedies caused by terrorist events. All we can do is cope and move forward. One day at a time. Today, I plan to hold my children a little closer and spend some time in a garden.
~AMA
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Sunday, January 29, 2012
New Tools
One of my "new" favorite tools is voki. I used this tool to create an introduction to databases for students in my library. "Hey, that looks like you!" Showing up may be half the battle, getting them to pay attention to your content is essential for learning.
I know other people may already use this tool regularly but I found it to be very easy and a real attention getter for my students so I wanted to be sure that other educators reading this blog will be able to integrate it into their content areas.
In case you haven't found their site, 4teachers.org offers free generators for quizzes and rubrics along with a host of other online content. Did I mention that these tools are free?
Short post, but good things need to be shared!
I know other people may already use this tool regularly but I found it to be very easy and a real attention getter for my students so I wanted to be sure that other educators reading this blog will be able to integrate it into their content areas.
In case you haven't found their site, 4teachers.org offers free generators for quizzes and rubrics along with a host of other online content. Did I mention that these tools are free?
Short post, but good things need to be shared!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Technology in Education
Building a network in the cloud sounds like a great idea, less overhead, better structure, easier access, right? The problems lie in making sure that the cloud is accessible for all children, that everyone has access to a device with broadband capability.
Along with access students and their teachers would need training in how to access all the programs needed for learning in their classroom, whether the class is in a physical space or out in the virtual world.
One suggestion I have heard is linking businesses with government programs that provide benefits for children who are living on or below the poverty line. Putting aside the fact that no one is supposed to know who those children are, there is the real possibility of stigmatizing a child when they show up with a new tech toy from a "sponsor" that their friends know this student couldn't possibly buy. Can't you hear the conversation? Where did you get that? Who did you steal that from?
I've talked a bit about the technology divide that we currently experience in our country. Tech gear is to our current generation as Calvin Klein jeans were to mine. The only way to avoid that kind of attention is for schools to provide technology for their students, like businesses provide computers for their workers. If we need to have "sponsors" they should be providing or underwriting gear for the whole district.
Businesses should be looking to partner with schools. This is where their next generation of workers are coming from, don't they want them to be ready to work when they apply? Many point to government saying they should provide for our students. I don't believe that to be true. Public education is a shared cost, it's an investment in our future. Tax-payers, government agencies and businesses should be investing in education technology in equal shares.
My two cents.
-AMA
Along with access students and their teachers would need training in how to access all the programs needed for learning in their classroom, whether the class is in a physical space or out in the virtual world.
One suggestion I have heard is linking businesses with government programs that provide benefits for children who are living on or below the poverty line. Putting aside the fact that no one is supposed to know who those children are, there is the real possibility of stigmatizing a child when they show up with a new tech toy from a "sponsor" that their friends know this student couldn't possibly buy. Can't you hear the conversation? Where did you get that? Who did you steal that from?
I've talked a bit about the technology divide that we currently experience in our country. Tech gear is to our current generation as Calvin Klein jeans were to mine. The only way to avoid that kind of attention is for schools to provide technology for their students, like businesses provide computers for their workers. If we need to have "sponsors" they should be providing or underwriting gear for the whole district.
Businesses should be looking to partner with schools. This is where their next generation of workers are coming from, don't they want them to be ready to work when they apply? Many point to government saying they should provide for our students. I don't believe that to be true. Public education is a shared cost, it's an investment in our future. Tax-payers, government agencies and businesses should be investing in education technology in equal shares.
My two cents.
-AMA
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Getting Ready for Summer
So once again we are nearing the end of another school year. I don't know about the rest of you but I've been flat out since March. Testing, getting the lab cleaned up, shelf-reading, weeding, helping students with projects, working with teachers to coordinate research and library time... Needless to say it's been crazy!
This particular article is for new librarians. Something you ought to consider is developing an end of the year check list of items that need to be completed before you leave.
Inventory: now I know this can be a daunting task, especially the first time and if you work alone it can be difficult. Call a library friend with similar software, make sure you understand the process. If you don't have someone in your professional network who can help, check the web for instructions on how to inventory using your library software.
Create an Annual Report: start with what went right this year, include circulation numbers, the number of people using the library space, database usage, important additions to the collection and any losses you've experienced. Examine the threats to your program, what is keeping you from really getting things done? Include quotes from library users, both good and bad. What opportunities do you have to improve services? Include pictures of people using the library. Use graphs to report statistics. Try to find the positive.
Clear out things that are broken, or unused. Most libraries have a motley collection of broken junk. Get rid of it, send broken equipment out to be repaired. Remove broken furniture. Clean like your mother is coming to visit. Make that your Mother-in-Law...
Start lists of what you need for next year. Clean out your files both physically and virtually. Prepare new folders for next year.
Being organized will keep you from feeling overwhelmed when the new year starts. Finally your library is clean, your shelves are read, your desk is clear. Take a picture, because it starts all over again in a few weeks!
-AMA
This particular article is for new librarians. Something you ought to consider is developing an end of the year check list of items that need to be completed before you leave.
Inventory: now I know this can be a daunting task, especially the first time and if you work alone it can be difficult. Call a library friend with similar software, make sure you understand the process. If you don't have someone in your professional network who can help, check the web for instructions on how to inventory using your library software.
Create an Annual Report: start with what went right this year, include circulation numbers, the number of people using the library space, database usage, important additions to the collection and any losses you've experienced. Examine the threats to your program, what is keeping you from really getting things done? Include quotes from library users, both good and bad. What opportunities do you have to improve services? Include pictures of people using the library. Use graphs to report statistics. Try to find the positive.
Clear out things that are broken, or unused. Most libraries have a motley collection of broken junk. Get rid of it, send broken equipment out to be repaired. Remove broken furniture. Clean like your mother is coming to visit. Make that your Mother-in-Law...
Start lists of what you need for next year. Clean out your files both physically and virtually. Prepare new folders for next year.
Being organized will keep you from feeling overwhelmed when the new year starts. Finally your library is clean, your shelves are read, your desk is clear. Take a picture, because it starts all over again in a few weeks!
-AMA
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Differentiated Instruction
We separate children and group them according to ability all the time. Children who learn slowly or who need teachers to give them choices are often labeled as Learning Disabled or Emotionally Handicapped and taken to the Special Education Room for intense interventions. On the other end of the spectrum are the children who learn quickly, they are labeled as bright or gifted and put into Honors Classes or Advanced Placement classes. Then there are the children that learn neither quickly, nor slowly but just move through the paces. They are put in the "regular" classes and rarely get opportunities to shine.
Everyone in education knows that children learn in different ways, at different times and need different forms of input in order to truly learn new material. We know that, but we spend a great deal of time and money trying to fit everyone into one type of learning. Children are not supposed to be one-size-fits-all and neither should our classrooms. So how do you differentiate? Do you continue to separate children and stick labels on them?
Children need a blended learning model. No child should have to be separated from their peers because of learning disabilities or because of their ability to complete tasks quickly. Educators need to move to an inclusive model with handheld devices powered by Classroom Management Systems. With a well developed CMS one teacher can post lessons that are differentiated for all the children in their class. Enrichment activities are available for a child who finishes first, but are also available to the child who needs more time. Children who have trouble with an assignment can send a message to their teacher, who can respond privately to the child. Maintaining teacher and student privacy while giving the extra help needed, on an as needed basis. Teachers can monitor the time on task, create polls to see who understands the materials, adjust lessons for students and create portfolios of student work that show growth over time.
This model of learning is the future of education.
There are classes and schools that are doing this now. Real schools and teachers who are using social networking and classroom management systems to enhance student learning. In schools using this model, students are engaged and actually enjoy learning. Say good-bye to apathy, get blended!
-AMA
Everyone in education knows that children learn in different ways, at different times and need different forms of input in order to truly learn new material. We know that, but we spend a great deal of time and money trying to fit everyone into one type of learning. Children are not supposed to be one-size-fits-all and neither should our classrooms. So how do you differentiate? Do you continue to separate children and stick labels on them?
Children need a blended learning model. No child should have to be separated from their peers because of learning disabilities or because of their ability to complete tasks quickly. Educators need to move to an inclusive model with handheld devices powered by Classroom Management Systems. With a well developed CMS one teacher can post lessons that are differentiated for all the children in their class. Enrichment activities are available for a child who finishes first, but are also available to the child who needs more time. Children who have trouble with an assignment can send a message to their teacher, who can respond privately to the child. Maintaining teacher and student privacy while giving the extra help needed, on an as needed basis. Teachers can monitor the time on task, create polls to see who understands the materials, adjust lessons for students and create portfolios of student work that show growth over time.
This model of learning is the future of education.
There are classes and schools that are doing this now. Real schools and teachers who are using social networking and classroom management systems to enhance student learning. In schools using this model, students are engaged and actually enjoy learning. Say good-bye to apathy, get blended!
-AMA
Sunday, March 6, 2011
"Why would anyone need instruction in digital literacy?"
One of my favorite Twitter Pals asked last week, "Why would anyone need instruction in digital literacy?" Some people might think that Digital Natives, (defined here as anyone under 25) do not need instruction in digital tools or on gathering information when there is clearly so much available to them. Which probably sounds like a really good idea to those people who think that we no longer need educators either. While some digital tools are indeed intuitive and there is a vast amount of information available online, children still need someone to teach them application, theory and ethics.
Let's just start with the tools themselves. In the last five years alone we have gone from desktops to laptops and then handheld devices. The devices are not only getting smaller, but lighter and more compact. Also more powerful. You can now access online tools and games from almost anywhere you can get a signal. Teaching students to integrate new tools into their learning is essential for continued growth and development as learners. Helping them to apply those tools into learning situations will teach them to be adaptive in real work situations when they graduate.
Since students can receive information anywhere, this means that learning doesn't have to begin and end with a school day. Most students I know are becoming hybrid learners. They don't just learn in the classroom, part of their learning is done online. Secondary schools and Universities are putting their lectures online as podcasts. Students can watch these podcasts from some of the best teachers in the world about subjects they are interested in, but when it comes time for them to explain what they have heard, most will not be able to. Why? Because just hearing and seeing is not enough. Students need to interract with a teacher in discussions, enforce content of an online lecture through reading and apply new learning to a product so that it can be synthesized into their experience. In theory students can get all the information they need to create something, but without instruction will they?
Finally let's talk ethics. Children are dying in our country because we underestimated the power of Internet Communications. Sexting, Social Networking, Cyberbullying...All of these opportunities for students who have not been told that something is wrong to get themselves in deep trouble. So my question is, "Why wouldn't anyone need instruction in digital literacy?"
-AMA
Let's just start with the tools themselves. In the last five years alone we have gone from desktops to laptops and then handheld devices. The devices are not only getting smaller, but lighter and more compact. Also more powerful. You can now access online tools and games from almost anywhere you can get a signal. Teaching students to integrate new tools into their learning is essential for continued growth and development as learners. Helping them to apply those tools into learning situations will teach them to be adaptive in real work situations when they graduate.
Since students can receive information anywhere, this means that learning doesn't have to begin and end with a school day. Most students I know are becoming hybrid learners. They don't just learn in the classroom, part of their learning is done online. Secondary schools and Universities are putting their lectures online as podcasts. Students can watch these podcasts from some of the best teachers in the world about subjects they are interested in, but when it comes time for them to explain what they have heard, most will not be able to. Why? Because just hearing and seeing is not enough. Students need to interract with a teacher in discussions, enforce content of an online lecture through reading and apply new learning to a product so that it can be synthesized into their experience. In theory students can get all the information they need to create something, but without instruction will they?
Finally let's talk ethics. Children are dying in our country because we underestimated the power of Internet Communications. Sexting, Social Networking, Cyberbullying...All of these opportunities for students who have not been told that something is wrong to get themselves in deep trouble. So my question is, "Why wouldn't anyone need instruction in digital literacy?"
-AMA
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Why Librarians Don't Want To Be In Charge Of Educational Technology
A friend of mine recently posted a blog entry on why librarians should be in charge of technology in schools. In larger school districts I believe that Doug Johnson is right there needs to be a Chief Information Officer and that should be Librarian, with an Information Technology background.
Knowing that I've been bitten by the tech-bug you would think that I would agree with his assessment of the situation. While this may work in big school districts, I don't think it will work out well in the smaller school districts for three reasons.
#1 In a small school district the librarian's focus should be on 21st Century Skills.
While this includes digitial communication and the ethical use of information resources, a librarian needs to be able to focus on literacy. Literacy in this case in not just technology lingo. Literacy can mean the difference between students becoming skilled thinkers or Luddites.
#2 Technology demands need to be the center of someone's attention in the smaller school district.
If the librarian is attempting to teach, collaborate with other teachers on their curriculum needs or work on a special project with school administration while having to fix or fulfill all the technology needs in a school, their focus cannot be student centered. Technology is a demanding discipline that requires serious maintenance.
#3 Being a model for 21st Century Skills in a small district requires a certain amount of glamour.
Implementing and developing professional training for colleagues regarding new technology is a big part of being a role model. Running ethernet cables, setting up equipment, fixing fried motherboards, cleaning spilled coffee out of a keyboard is not glamorous nor does it provide people with a positive view of 21st Century Technology. Not to say that in a pinch, we can't do that. I have and will continue to pitch in when our tech department needs assistance.
Though I agree with my friend that this is where our bigger school districts need to go, I think the smaller school districts need to forge working partnerships with their technology oriented cohorts. Modeling student technology needs for the Information Technology department and helping them understand our pedagogical reasons for implementation of technology in education.
My two cents.
-AMA
Knowing that I've been bitten by the tech-bug you would think that I would agree with his assessment of the situation. While this may work in big school districts, I don't think it will work out well in the smaller school districts for three reasons.
#1 In a small school district the librarian's focus should be on 21st Century Skills.
While this includes digitial communication and the ethical use of information resources, a librarian needs to be able to focus on literacy. Literacy in this case in not just technology lingo. Literacy can mean the difference between students becoming skilled thinkers or Luddites.
#2 Technology demands need to be the center of someone's attention in the smaller school district.
If the librarian is attempting to teach, collaborate with other teachers on their curriculum needs or work on a special project with school administration while having to fix or fulfill all the technology needs in a school, their focus cannot be student centered. Technology is a demanding discipline that requires serious maintenance.
#3 Being a model for 21st Century Skills in a small district requires a certain amount of glamour.
Implementing and developing professional training for colleagues regarding new technology is a big part of being a role model. Running ethernet cables, setting up equipment, fixing fried motherboards, cleaning spilled coffee out of a keyboard is not glamorous nor does it provide people with a positive view of 21st Century Technology. Not to say that in a pinch, we can't do that. I have and will continue to pitch in when our tech department needs assistance.
Though I agree with my friend that this is where our bigger school districts need to go, I think the smaller school districts need to forge working partnerships with their technology oriented cohorts. Modeling student technology needs for the Information Technology department and helping them understand our pedagogical reasons for implementation of technology in education.
My two cents.
-AMA
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