The 21st Century Learner

It is not always easy to understand what 21st century learning is, or what it looks like.  I think this video gives a great look at what the 21st century learner can look like.  Think about how your own learning experience was growing up....how is it different from today.  I am excited as I feel the learning is so much more involved and fun today!

Sharing knowledge in a very creative way!

I just had the opportunity to see this video.  I thought I would share as I thought it was informative and creative.  It really shows or models ( I think) exciting ways to relay information or knowledge.

Hope you enjoy!

Educational Research

I have been away from blogging for far too long!! Busy with life and more courses, it is hard to find the time for a new post.
I am currently taking an educational research course and the book we are using is amazing. Yes, I did say amazing and educational research in the same sentence :)
I have never really thought about how much went in to research, the different types of methods, validity, etc. etc. I wanted to share this book as I think it is great for first time researchers.
Educational Research, An Introduction, by Meredith D. Gall, Joyce P. Gall and Walter R. Borg is really a great introductory book.  It is very informative, but easy to understand.  They provide great examples or cases to describe different methods or topics.  I will have to say that I am glad to have added it to my library for future reference.
Let me know what you think :)

Bringing 21st Century Learning to Your Classroom

I really liked the idea of this video. I would love to blog in the classroom!!

TPACK - Are you familiar with this model?

I wanted to share this model/image of TPACK, Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge because I feel it gives a clear view of how to incorporate technology with the content pedagogically.  I think most people initially struggle with the integration of technology, thinking it is something all on its own.  Really, technology (when used properly....I think) is best used when it is integrated into content areas.

It is funny, when I think back to when I was in high school....which wasn't that long ago :) "Computers" was a class.  I believe we learned the basics, had typing tutorials (thank God, as I know how to type), but there wasn't any curriculum from other areas integrated.  I guess back then, just using a computer was the technology.

Now, I think sometimes the basics are forgotten and we jump right to the advanced lessons.  I still have students ask me how to get on websites....not even knowing what the "E" for Explorer is.  I have stopped taking for granted that all students know their way around a computer.  I have also stopped assuming that all teachers know how to incorporate technology into their teaching of content/curriculum in a meaningful, effective way....hence the image above.

For lack of trying to say this better myself, I have included a quote from a website I found very helpful in understanding TPACK.  "True technology integration is understanding and negotiating the relationships between these three components of knowledge. A teacher capable of negotiating these relationships represents a form of expertise different from, and greater than, the knowledge of a disciplinary expert (say a mathematician or a historian), a technology expert (a computer scientist) and a pedagogical expert (an experienced educator). Effective technology integration for pedagogy around specific subject matter requires developing sensitivity to the dynamic, [transactional] relationship between all three components."  ( http://tpack.org/tpck/index.php?title=TPCK_-_Technological_Pedagogical_Content_Knowledge)

I just thought this was very helpful and I thought I would share :)



(image from http://tpack.org/)

Animoto

Animoto is another one of my favorite programs to use. It is online, and free if you sign up for an educator account. The educator account allows you to create longer movies, otherwise you are limited to 30 second movies.

It is a great way to put a slide show of images and text together...with music. You can remix the images as many times as you like until you find what you are looking for. I find it very user friendly and easy to share with others.

Just a note, if you want to add text, it has to be on a slide without an image. Up until now, I have not been able to find a way to add text to an image. I think some people prefer Movie Maker because you can add test to images. I prefer Animoto because it shuffles the images in several different ways and creates something great.

I find when I first start using these programs, it is good just to play around and experiment with what you can do.

I have created several Animoto videos/slide shows and have been happy each time.

Think how great it would be if you made one with your students. Maybe take pictures throughout the year and put them all together in Animoto, burn a DVD and give to each student as a year end gift....just a thought :)

Xtranormal

Xtranormal

City Project

I was unable to embed the video that I created for a project I did with my students, so I provided the link....hope it works. 

So I am always talking about engaging the 21st century learner, but I never actually included examples that I do.  I was reading Terri-Lynn's Blog  (fellow grad student) last night about Photostory 3 and realized, "hey, I use that too."  Then I started thinking about all the fun resources I do use. 

Xtranormal is a lot of fun!!!  It is a program that allows you to create movies simply by adding text.  They have a variety of settings and characters and even some movements you can add to your characters.  I have used it with students as an introduction to a unit.....see the city project link, but I also have created some just for fun.  Try it out!  Maybe instead of another e-mail, you can create a movie for someone :)

Enjoy!!

I just appeared in Google!!!!!!

I think all the hard work blogging just paid off!!!!  I was looking for some new videos on engaging the 21st century learner.  I went to my google search button and put in "videos on engaging the 21st century learner."  I, well my blog came up second in the search!!!!  I think this is one of those moments that I may require a seat belt :)

Five-Year-Olds Pilot Their Own Project Learning

Check this out. Truly amazing what students can  and will do when given the chance!

I have not been able to embed the video, but here is the link,
Five-Year-Olds Pilot Their Own Project Learning

This video is true reflection of what students can accomplish when they are engaged. I think it is a shame that students are not given more opportunity to be active in their learning.  Students want to learn and explore, they want to inquire and investigate. 

All you need to do is watch the students in the video, they are all involved in meaningful learning.  It is obvious that they are truly enjoying what  they are doing.  They are having fun too, while learning.

Wouldn't you want to learn like this if you were 5, any age really?  What will last longer, their experience creating the planes and being part of an airport, or if the teacher was simply to read or recite what it would be like to travel to Brazil???

I think this is an excellent example of what engaging the 21st century learner looks like.

How Technology Is Changing Schools

I am a little behind in my reading.  I was recently catching up on my Educational Leadership magazines.  One article that I came across was in the April 2010 issue.  "For Openers How Technology Is Changing School."  I could not find a copy to link, sorry.  The article is about the effect technology has on school and how it is changing the way we learn.   

The focus is about continuity of learning and how some schools are now providing blended learning options.  Online lectures, posting course content and homework online, phone conferences, digital textbooks, blogs, etc. etc.  "The wealth of information available online is also changing teaching practices." 

Students and teachers alike are changing the way they can access information and resources.  Technology allows both students and teachers to collaborate in a way that was not possible before.

From my experience, taking online courses has been amazing.  There is no other way I would have been able to take courses towards my MEd had there not been an online option.  I work full time, have a young son, family, there would be no time. 

The flexibility I have with online courses allows me to be able to watch my lectures while I make supper, work on my discussions while my son is napping, and do my readings in the back yard while my son is playing.  There is no commute to and from a university, it is great.  The people I have met in my classes are amazing.  We have rich discussions, even more so than if we were in a classroom.  I think most people contribute more online then they would in a class environment.

Now, I will say, the one challenge to online learning is that you have to be very disciplined.  I don't have a set schedule so I have to work whenever I have extra time.  I think some people think online learning is easier....so not the case.  It may be easier to fit into my schedule, but that is it.  I really have to plan my time wisely, keep up on readings, and discussions.  I also had to learn how to use Blackboard, Elluminate, and of course, blogging :)  For me, this has been one of the most positive learning environments I have been part of. 

Just have to share!!! IO Intelligence Online

I haven't blogged in a while as I am sick :( and working quite rigours on a paper :( 

While I was doing research for my paper today, I concluded that there is so much information, resources, philosophies, approaches, websites, etc. etc. out there!!  My head is about to explode.  How is one person supposed to know that all of these resources exist?  I now understand that one of the benefits of being part of a group or an online virtual community, allows you to share information you may not come across on your own.  I believe IO may be a virtual community that I would like to be part of :)

Currently I am doing research for a paper on Project Based Learning.  I am interested in engagement and 21st century learning...just look at my blog :)  I find Project Based Learning is an excellent approach for engaging the 21st century learner.

I just (literally) came across an article that was talking about teachers using IO, or Intelligence Online....just what I need!!  It is a personal workspace for teachers that provides support, lessons, everything you need to get started when designing projects. 

The foundation of IO is the work of the Galileo Educational Network Association. Galileo's proven methods have been developed and refined by Dr. Patricia Clifford and Dr. Sharon Friesen over a 20-year period.

IO - Intelligence Online

I have just signed up for my free trial, and possibly a membership if it is everything it claims to be.  I will for sure continue to blog about this as I think it looks like an excellent resource for teachers to create engagement in their classrooms.  Who wouldn't want help in designing projects, creating meaningful learning experiences, and engaging students?

That is about all I can write for now as I have yet to try this site for myself.  I have included the link (above) and hope others sign up too.  I will let you know how it turns out!

Hope it is everything I have been looking for!!

Am I still learning?

Really, it is almost bed time and I just realized how to add a picture!!!!  I can not believe that I am getting excited over this :)  I don't think I will need a seat belt, but pretty darn excited.
The picture is of my mom's bungalow (well you can't see the bungalow) in East Bay (Cape Breton, Nova Scotia).  I grew up spending my summers there, and still love it!!  Nothing to do with engagement or 21st century learning....but now I can add pictures!!!!

Teaching Teachers to Teach 21st Century Learners

Yes, another video! I personally love watching videos (good and bad) because I feel I always walk away with something. I don't know if I am just a visual learner, if the music or people catch my attention, or if that is simply my media of choice?? Whatever the case, I will include lots :)
I have to include this video as I think it is an excellent continuation of what I was blogging about earlier...if we can motivate teachers??
This video opened my eyes as to why some teachers are not willing to change, why some want to, but don't know where to start, and that change should be required.
Teaching needs to change in order for our students to be prepared for the future. We have to teach our 21st century learners, using 21st century teaching.
I wrote a blog a while back that also included a video of what students want (blogs, e-mail, iPods, wiki's, etc.). When was the last time a student asked, "Please, can we do one more worksheet? One more lecture?" Just saying, maybe if we listened to what our students wanted (in means of learning) we could have one rich learning environment.
I know there are lots of teachers currently teaching our 21st century learners and doing an amazing job. I am just not sure how much change in teaching styles is happening, and I think there needs to be a lot more.
I am not trying to be critical by any means, I know teaching is a very hard job! It is a lot of work, constantly changing, more demands, students, parents, admin., report cards, paper work, etc, etc. How high can the plates be stacked? I know one of the reasons I went into teaching was because it was a profession I knew  would constantly be changing.  I knew I would be a learner for life...there would never be a dull moment, and there hasn't been one so far :)

How do we motivate teachers?

A video I think everyone will enjoy...I hope!

From what I hear, the blogs you don't plan, tend to be pretty good....here's hoping!

So, I would like to know  how we motivate teachers? Can we motivate teachers? If we know students need to be engaged, need to be motivated, need to become a 21st century learner, how do we motivate teachers to motivate their students?

Now, we all know some students that have enough motivation and will be able to inquire more at home, on their free time do some extra reading, etc. What about the rest of the students, who will motivate them?

It is almost like this just occurred to me, students need to be engaged, what if the teachers don't feel the same way I do about engagement?? We all know some teachers that like things the way they are, they don't want change, don't agree with technology, think worksheets are the be all and end all. Is it possible to engage and motivate teachers? How?

I recently watched a video that really made me think more about motivation. Up until recently, I would have never dreamed about going back to school. If someone paid me, or paid for my school, I just wouldn't do it....I wasn't ready. It goes to show, motivation has to come within. I could not have been motivated by any amount of money, anything I can think of to spend every extra minute studying, reading, writing....blogging :)

One day I started looking at different websites, different MEd programs, and here I am. I guess I just realized that up until now I wasn't ready or motivated. What changed, I have yet to pinpoint it, but it was definitely something I did on my own.

So in saying all that, can we really try to change the unmotivated teacher before they are ready?? Still trying to figure that out.

Is your library engaging?

So I have been part of a library committee recently. Our focus is to bring the current library into the 21st century!! Now, I never really gave much thought to the library and the importance, if any, of it being current. To be honest, as long as it had the resources I was looking for, I was happy.

Now after much reading, a bit or research and some library visits, I now understand. After seeing some libraries that are moving into the current times and some that want to change for the better, I feel I have been missing out. I love to read and truly value a library that has lots of great materials. I just never stopped to think of the layout, the colors, student work, books, audio books, iPods, e-readers and e-books….just to mention a bit. It is amazing how much a library can offer.

There is much to be said about a library, or as some now say “learning commons.” I guess some libraries are moving towards being learning commons and starting to offer a variety of services. I can honestly say; I have been learning lots.

Think about the struggling readers, do they want to read? In most cases, the answer is no. Now, they don’t want to read because they are struggling. What if they could get a new iPod with some audio books? How cool would they look listening to an iPod? That is what most students want….to fit in. Now, picture the student with a physical copy of the book, listening to the audio copy from the iPod, following along. Are we engaging a struggling or reluctant reader? I would have to say it’s a start.

Now, think about the students who just aren’t interested in reading. What if the school library had e-readers and e-books? Wouldn’t it be fun to play with the new technology? Would it also be a start to introduce a new way of reading? Are we moving to the 21st century?
Leather coaches, bright overstuffed pillows, art work, painted chairs (by the students), open spaces, e-books, e-readers, iPods, Smartboard, newspapers, “pub” style tables and chairs, computer stations, and much more. Does it sound like an environment that you would like to be in? Relax? READ? Learn? Study? Is this type of environment better than the old library with rows of books, no open space, all one color, not very welcoming?

When I think 21st century, I don’t just think about how we learn or the resources and technology we use to learn. I think about the learning environment and what it looks like. I think the updated library plays a huge part in moving towards 21st century learning.

Any thoughts or comments? Is it just me? Was I the only one who never really stopped to think about the library getting an upgrade?

Doesn't take much!

If I am talking about engagement, I will share a little story.
Up until seconds ago, I could not for the life of me embed a video. A fellow teacher (we share an office) just showed me how to embed a video and I literally jumped out of my seat!! Yes, he did look at me in surprise as he didn't realize why I was so excited. He was very happy to have helped and my excitement was evident.
I have just been really happy with my "blogging" experience, I am engaged, trying something new and meaningful and learning lots.
Honestly, if I was writing a paper, I am wondering what would have made me jump out of my seat....literally??
It doesn't take much to get students, including myself, to become active in their learning.
See what can make your students jump out of their seats today.

Gagne's Nine Events of Instruction

According to Robert Gagne, there are nine events that activate processes needed for effective learning. Gagne believes all lessons should include this sequence of events:
1.  Gain attention
2.  Inform learner of objectives
3.  Stimulate recall of prior learning
4.  Present stimulus material
5.  Provide learner guidance
6.  Elicit performance
7.  Provide feedback
8.  Assess performance
9.  Enhance retention and transfer


Okay, was I the only one who was not framiliar with this?  Maybe this never made it to my long term memory or I am having trouble retrieving the information.  Anyhow, I really thought this was something neat.  Take a look at this video, it helps in explaining Gagne's Nine Events of Instruction.
Gagne's Nine Events of Instruction


Now in this video one of my favorite parts was when it asked you to remember your best learning experience.  I really want to know how many people recall a "sit and get" lesson, or some boring lecture, or even reading a "manual." Most people recall something that was exciting, different, hands on, something they could realte to and maybe a "real life"experience. 
I think Gagne was ahead of his time :)

If we see that it works, why aren't we doing it???

Learning in Today's World

I am curious when I see a video like the one above, why aren't we teaching more like this?  If we see something that works, that our students enjoy and are engaged in, why don't we do more?  I am not saying there is no project based learning being done, but is there enough?  Why isn't there more?

I am very interested in student engagement and what that looks like in the 21st century.  I find Project Based Learning is an excellent example of how we can engage our 21st century learners.
Students need to be engaged in order to have meaningful learning.  Students need real life experiences, they need to make connections.

I do understand that creating projects and engaging learning environments takes a lot of time and work.  I also realize that the learning that takes place is so worth the time and effort put in to creating such a rich learning environment.

Project based learning allows ALL learners to experience meaningful learning and make real life connections.  It is what our students want and need.

Work during recess??

I just wanted to continue talking....or should I say blogging about the Calgary Science School.  I guess it is not enough to simply say that it looked like I imagined, or it was everything I thought.  I guess for me, I know what I mean.  Others may want to know why it made such an impression.
Just a few of the examples that really impressed me were:
One of their teachers was showing us how all the student laptops could be monitored.  They have no filters at their school....imagine that.  They allow their students a chance to prove that they are responsible enough to choose appropriate websites...but they can be monitored.  Anyhow, it happened to be during recess when we were looking at students that were using their laptops, 9 in total.  Every single student was on task, doing work, I couldn't believe it, that is engagement.  I was just so impressed to see how all students were doing what they were supposed to be doing.
Another really neat thing about having the teacher being able to see all the student monitors/screens on a master screen, was to help.  If a student was having problems, the teacher could watch what the student was doing, then send a message if the student needed help.  I think I talked about the class that was creating pinball machines (I believe using the program Phunball??), the teacher can take over the students laptop and show them an example.
I really got the feeling that the teacher was more of a facilitator.  The students were in charge of their learning and the teacher was their to help in any way that was needed.  There was no "sit and get."
One more really neat practice that we saw was for phys.ed.  The teacher actually video taped the students during football.  The students were then able to watch the video, record their comments over the video, and assess themselves.  They did this every year so they were able to look back and see if they improved and what may still need work.
So I guess they are just a few examples, but I hope it helps you visualize why I was so impressed.  For me, I thought it showed excellent examples of how to integrate technology in a meaningful way.  I was also impressed by the amount of team work/group work and collaboration that was evident. 
Until next time :)

What does a 21st century classroom look like??

I talk a lot about engaging the 21st century learner, but what exactly does that look like? What type of activities would the students be doing? If they were in a classroom, what would that look like?


I had the opportunity last week to visit the Calgary Science School. I have always heard of the Science School, and to be honest, just figured they did a lot of science. It didn't take me long to figure out it was more than just science at that school.

I feel that I was able to get a first hand view of what a 21st century classroom should and would and could look like, but an engaging classroom too. It was wonderful to see how truly engaged the students and teachers were in their work. There were some students and classes working on their laptops, some doing project or inquiry based learning, and some getting ready for an upcoming dance performance. It was an excellent opportunity for me to really visualize and experience first hand how an engaging classroom could look. It actually went above my expectations.

I am not saying students can't be engaged in other environments, but this is what I wanted to see. I feel I have a better, clearer understanding of what the 21st century learning classroom can look like.

I was inspired, not only by the students work, but also with the collaboration among teachers. I could not believe how willing their AISI teacher and their educational technologist (which I think every school should have :)) was to share their information, lessons, ideas, projects, etc. I was so happy to know that I could call, e-mail or even drop by if I had questions in the future. I think it says a lot when people are so willing to share their resources.

It was an incredible learning experience for me. Check out their website!

Calgary Science School

Book Talk

I try not to read too many educational books; however, every now and again something catches my eye :)


I am a member of the ASCD, and a while back they sent out the book Curriculum 21 Essential Education for a Changing World, edited by Heidi Hayes Jacobs. Something about the first paragraph, “Can you honestly say that your school’s curriculum and the program you use are preparing your students for 2015 or 2020? Are you even preparing them for today?” grabbed my attention…to say the least.

Now, I am not going to do a book review, but I must say, this actually got me to stop and think about what it is we are teaching, and how we are teaching it. The book gives insight to some of the following: Content and assessment, Program structures, Technology, Media literacy, Globalization, Sustainability, Habits of mind, and much more. It is a really good book.

It is what I like to call, “an easy read.” I mean, you can read a bit, put it down, and come back to it later. I know I was able to get some great ideas and it is one of those books that just gets you thinking. Even if you can’t make huge changes, it makes you aware of some very important ideas.

It talks about how students know how to upload, download, and remix music, photos, videos and movies. How students can participate in virtual reality games, text and instant message, and much more (p.134). It asks where students are learning all this. In school? Now, I am not saying that I have never worked with students downloading a photo (1 or 2) or uploading from the school camera and so on. Students are capable of so much, they can fiddle with these tools and figure them out….it engages them.

Do you know how long it takes me to send a text message?? I am embarrassed. Most students can just type away, or text away. I need to know, are we doing a disservice to our students by NOT being able to keep up?

Now the book also talks about digital portfolios, curriculum mapping and other tools that I know most schools are using. So I know, or at least I think we are heading it the right direction.  How do we keep up? There is so much to know and change does take time. Are we changing fast enough?

I know I came to a page (p.24, if anyone has the book) that listed some resources (technology) and I was actually checking them off. Interactive whiteboard, check, did that. Wordle, check, did that. Online courses, check, doing that right now :) There were also a few that I hadn’t used yet such as electronic field trips. I will say, I went straight to Google to see what was out there for field trips. Now, I may never do an electronic field trip, but I am now aware that they exist.

I will be honest; there is a lot of new information coming my way, as a teacher, in my new position, and now in my MEd program. There is no way I can know everything; however, I do want to be aware. I at least want to learn what is out there, I can then choose what I will and can use.

A Vision of K-12 Student Today

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A-ZVCjfWf8

I will start to include books and articles I am reading on this topic, but I did have to share one more video (for now).  When I think of 21st Century Learning, this video came to mind.  I have always considered myself to be a really good teacher.  I have tried project based learning, hands on experiments, tried to get my students to become problem solvers, even used technology.....so I thought.

Using the computer lab at least a few times a week, I figured I was way ahead of my time.  I then got a Smartboard, look at me now....Mrs. Technology.

I then accepted this AISI position, wow!!  My head still spins most days with the information I am learning.  I look at the signs the students are holding up in the video, they are true.  Most teachers haven't tried blogging, or podcasts, or wikis, or even e-mail.  I know in my position I have been lucky enough to learn hands on all of these exciting tools.  In my previous positions, I am not sure I would have had the opportunity or the time to venture out and learn any of these. 

I can't be critical to teachers who have not had the opportunity or support to venture out and try these new and exciting ways to communicate and share.  I know that if it wasn't for my current position, I would still be taking baby steps.  How can we encourage more teachers to try new things?  Is change that difficult? 

How do teachers keep up with the needs and wants of their students?  In the video, it is evident that students want to share and learn in more than one way.  They want to use technology, they want to be engaged.  As educators, is it our obligation to keep up with the changing needs of our students?  Is it even possible to keep up with all these changes?

More of "Fun Theory"

For anyone who enjoyed the previous video, piano staircase, visit the site below.  The Fun Theory

is dedicated to thinking that the easiest way to get people to change their behavior (for the better), is to make it fun.
http://www.thefuntheory.com/

As I mentioned earlier, I truly believe if students are engaged and having fun while they are learning, it is for the better.

Think of a time when you were learning something new, was it exciting and fun?  Maybe boring?  Were you engaged?  What is it that makes us want to learn?

I think that the 21st century learner has more opportunities to be engaged because of the resources we/they have available.  Computers, Smartboards, iPods, podcasts, visual literacy, movie making, text to movie programs, they are just a few of the tools that come to mind.

I know as a teacher I am very excited when I get the opportunity to do something different with my students.  I always like to shake it up a bit and try something new. 

Fun Theory

After talking about engagement, I had to include the link for this video, the piano staircase (youtube).  I feel it is the perfect example of what can happen when people are having fun. 

The most memorable learning experiences, for me, are when you are engaged, having fun, really enjoying what it is you are learning. 

When I think back about my students and when they seemed truly engaged, it was when they were having fun while learning. 

I hope you enjoy this video, I know I did :)  I really wish I could have tried this staircase.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lXh2n0aPyw

Next Generation Learning???

Well, I am officially trying to add my first link :)  I have never stepped so far out of my comfort zone....ever!!  One of my fellow AISI teachers sent me the link for this video, thought I would share.

I think the entire video my mouth was open, stunned....does this really exist??  I can't imagine what it would be like to teach in an environment like that.  Do you think the students are engaged?  Looks it. 

Now, I also asked myself, "If this is every day  for these students, how would you keep them engaged over time?"

I really hope to get feedback on this one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dBT9mmizL8&feature=player_embedded

Student engagement....according to me.

The whole reason I decided to blog was really to learn more about blogging.  Also, because I have chosen to blog on  how to engage the 21st century learner, I will be killing two birds with one stone, sorta speak.

Now, I am going to start by giving my own definition or explanation of what I think student engagement is, what 21st century learning is, and how to go about engaging the 21st century learner.  Remember, these are my thoughts and beliefs. I will do the research to see if I am correct, and in what areas.  Should be interesting.

I think for today, I will focus on student engagement...according to me.

Now, when I think of student engagement, it's easy...right?  You simply look at the student, their faces tell all.  I know whenever I am in a classroom, computer lab, and even thinking about previous experiences, you can just tell.  I know when I look at students or work with students if they are engaged, but is me saying, "I just know," enough?

I think back to the projects or lessons I did with my students.  I remember the worksheets, or me lecturing, or even having an "okay" discussion.  I remember, not all students were listening, not all students were participating, not all students were "engaged."  How did I know??  Well, some were looking around the room, some were playing in their desks, some were looking at the clock praying for the bell to go, even hoping for a fire alarm :) 

Now, I also remember the exciting projects I did with my students.  I remember when the recess bell rang, no one wanted to go out for recess!!  Can you believe it, students were asking to stay in at recess to continue working.   "Student engagement," the best.  If they were not engaged, they would not want to stay in....right?

I think of myself as a learner, I know when I am "engaged."  When I go to a conference, I am either engaged, or taking 10 "bathroom" breaks.  Now, don't get me wrong, I know not every single lesson, project, discussion, speaker, etc. can be 100% engaging and wonderful.  I do think we need to try our best to engage our students or audience because otherwise they may be walking away with only half of what is being said.

I also assumed in the past that any time technology was involved, students would be engaged for sure.  Now I know that you can't just put a student in front of a computer or smart board, or some other type of technology and expect engagement.  They need directions, guidance, explanation of why what they are doing is purposeful to their learning.  It, meaning what ever it is they are doing, has to be meaningful to them.  I ask myself now, what will or can they learn from this?  What will they understand at the end of this lesson? 

I know I am in front of a computer LOTS, and I am not always engaged.  When I say "engaged" or "engagement," I mean it in the terms of something meaningful.  There need to be a purpose, a learning experience.  I know I am "engaged" when I watch an episode of Real Housewives of Orange County, but I can't say it is "meaningful" to me as a learner :)

I obviously can go on forever, this is just a start.

I can't wait to start the research as I am sure my definition of "you can just tell," or "just look at their face," will not be in any research??  Or, maybe it will

Until next time!

Here it goes!!!

So, here is my first attempt to blog.  Well actually it is my second attempt, the first time was with a different program/site, not great.

I am starting my first course for my master's degree, so nervous.

Now, I had an option to write either an 8000 word essay, or create a blog.  Well, the essay was my first pick, because it is safe....I know how to write an essay.  The blog takes me well out of my comfort zone!!!  However, if I am going to make the best of this program and my first course, I want to step outside my comfort zone.

I have decided to blog about engaging the 21st century learner, elementary students in particular.  I hope with this blog to learn a lot about the importance of student engagement and technology in the 21st century, and how they link together.

I will share lots of my thoughts and ideas, but will also include articles, videos, readings, whatever I can find that will help with this topic.  I also hope to hear back from people on the same topic so I can further my understanding.  I really hope to have several view points and much feedback.

Now this is just a short introduction of why I am creating this blog.  I will hopefully add my thoughts, ideas and information several times a week.

Hope you enjoy!!