paradise unplugged

ok

…am starting to think school a bit more clearly now.. foggy thinking not twisted thinking just yet

I have a couple of Q’s

1. Does/will SS3 have a data projector?
2. On Tuesday can we book up some time for you to work with me on getting the IST classes (plural – yes JP’s as well) started on an entry for Pangea Day comp? maybe we could chat about this on the to the sloped campus?
3. Can you have a look at Jamie McKenzie – fno.org….he is in Australia in T2 and has some spare dates & I was thinking about our “run to paradise” conference….etcetc…Bill had him workshop in Mackay in 2006 & both he & Graham say JK is really worth getting in. Maybe we can approach DE in Melbourne about sponsoring?
4. http://edublogs.org/campus/ have we considerd this already?

TFT Response:

Alrighty, so 2008 is here and we’re pumped up ready to go……

1. I hope you mean SS1, SS3 is a very bland room without any ICT stuff at all (yet). SS1 doesn’t have a Projector. It was actually never considered (I probably should have thought about that). We can talk to CD and see what she thinks.
2. SS has just purchased some new Video Camera’s so this should be a breeze. Imagination will be the limit here.
3. Sounds good. DE should be the first call. Then we work out the rest of the Conference Content. I do like the “Run to Paradise” theme.
   
4. Have looked at it. There are a few options here, we can discuss this at some stage (on the way back from the “slopey site.”

I have a really good feeling about this year. It will be a year of change, a turning point. We can make it happen.

 I saw this article on Edutopia and it follows on from that discussion I had last year with regards to renovating the 20th century classroom so that it is better for 21st century learning. 

The idea cropped up again in recent conversation this time with regards my St4 Core for 2008.  I want to teach them for the 21st century BUT, as you know, there are a number of ‘must-do’s” in place that I have to dance around. (not sure if its the “tango”, the “cha cha” or a beautiful “Viennese waltz” … no, no, of cause … it HAS to be the twist!!)

I have the summary of ideas below. I have in mind that I will set this as a task for the students – Problem Based Learning style. Together we’ll redesign their Core classroom. Who knows, with any luck, we’ll have 4 designs and will be able to rearrange the deckchairs each term! So will you have a look and make some recommendations about how to approach some parts of it with them?

SIDEBAR: 10 Ways to Out think the Box

1. Discard the mental model: Remember that the classroom “box” exists not only as a physical place but as a mental one as well. Determine to get rid of an outdated idea.

2. Assign a group project: Have your students research school design to figure out an alternative way to furnish the box.

3. Develop an “activities matrix”: Decide which of the eighteen learning modalities (search for that term on our Web site to find the list) can be reasonably accommodated in the classroom spaces.  (I haven’t been able to find these & have sent them an email to ask. Failing this I can use the skills development ideas & syllabus outcomes I already have for the class)

4. Soft is good: Make sure the plan includes soft seating — beanbag chairs, cushions, a couch, and upholstered chairs are all worth considering — for a less rigid feel. 

5. Pretest the design: Using graph paper and templates for furniture, examine the various ways the room can be arranged to facilitate different modes of learning.

6. Raise funds, get used furniture, seek merchant donations: Develop and implement a plan to raise money for new furniture, or (better still) approach local corporations and other businesses for donations of their used furniture that matches what your desired plan calls for. Ask your local home-improvement store to donate paint and equipment to build display boards, shelves, windowsills, and so on.

7. Make it green: Use this project as a conscious exercise in environmental responsibility by choosing indigenous materials, connecting with outdoors and nature (if possible), and expending minimal resources.

8. Do it yourself: If students build it, they will love it, take care of it, and feel the satisfaction of passing a new environment on to future classes.

9. Down with walls: If you have a bit of renovation money, take down some walls to facilitate team teaching, create social space, and break out of corridors.  (oh yesssss!)

10. New space, new practices: Let your teaching style, and the way students learn, take advantage of what you have created.