Comments on: NECC 2008 My Final Thoughts

By: eplybon

eplybon — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 02:11:08 +0000

Beth,

Thank you for your post! I’m glad you found me because of Durff’s challenge.

It is amazing to me that someone would actually refer to the tools as “fluff” and use them because they are fluff, rather than using them for relevance! Unfortunateley, I see that kind of thing much more than I see the tools being used in engaging and relvant ways.

I remember learning the lesson early on – one day I decided to let one of my classes spend the whole class period on computers so that the rest of my classes could get caught up with them. I basically gave them a list of websites that had educational games and puzzles on them and told them to enjoy. They HATED the class period! They whined about how they hated wasting their time and I learned my lesson right there – we think the kids want to goof off and play, but they know they are supposed to be learning and it sends a really bad message to them when we do “babysitting” kinds of things instead.

Again, thank you for your post!
Elaine

By: Beth Still

Beth Still — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 01:51:42 +0000

Taking Durff’s 2nd Network Challenge and found you on Twitter when I searched for “virtual teacher.”

I really like the RICE acronym. I believe everything in the classroom should have relevance. I am fighting an uphill battle trying to convince one of the new teachers at my school (there are only 4 of us!) that technology needs to be seamlessly integrated not just thrown in somewhere just for the sake of using it. She even refers to the tools as “fluff.” I am going to share your thoughts with my coworkers and I will subscribe to your blog. Thank you for the great ideas!

By: DEN Blog Network » NECC 2008 - A look back

DEN Blog Network » NECC 2008 - A look back — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:00:57 +0000

[...] Speaking of the DEN in SL LC’s session, they rocked the house! And there were more than just a few blog posts about it. In fact, Beth Knittle of the aforementioned LC has a post well worth reading about what the DEN in SL means to her and Elaine Plybon chimed in with her own post about her experiences presenting at NECC on her DEN blog as well as on her personal blog. [...]

By: eplybon

eplybon — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:29:23 +0000

Michelle, I’m very sorry I didn’t get to see you too! Everything was such a whirlwind! Hope all is well with you!!!

I do see lots of excitement from teachers over some technologies that, while definitely cool, have some questionable impact. Some of those technologies could potentially have the necessary impact, but only if used in a way that promotes learning. We do always have to remember the content (curriculum)!

By: Michelle

Michelle — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:00:33 +0000

Elaine,
So sad I didn’t get to see you at NECC last week. I was there among the thousands of folks. Wanted to say how much I love the RICE acronym….since I have a different perspective these days (in a school district, working with teachers), I actually might make my “C” stand for Curriculum. Many times at NECC I saw great uses of technology for “technology sake.” What we believe is to make sure teachers are providing opportunities to incorporate technology WITH the curriculum they should be teaching. That is our goal! Take care!

By: mrsdurff

mrsdurff — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 17:26:52 +0000

Elaine, I think you explain it very well. You made a connection (& I think this was all David thought it was) and then you communicated with that connection about weather (which David didn’t see). The next step in relevance for any of us would be collaboration.
My eyes have also been opened wider than I expected and I am really disappointed in puerile behaviors that were/are observed.

By: eplybon

eplybon — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 13:54:10 +0000

Lor, I was at NECC for the first time this year, but it did seem for me that it was more about making connections than anything else.

Jacqui, my feelings about teaching have changed since using SL (and other means of networking with teachers), because of the connections I’ve made with teachers from other locations. In Texas, we all tend to get into a teaching for TAKS mode and for me, maintaining connections with teachers who are really passionate about teaching helps keep me on the right focus. It also gives me ideas and helps me share my own ideas with others. Interactions in SL specifically seem more meaningful, probably because, as Abbie Brown said, there is a person (albeit an avatar) standing there looking at and reacting to me in real time.

Thank you both for your comments!

By: Jacqui Derby

Jacqui Derby — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 04:31:21 +0000

I am thinking about David W’s statement and I think he may be thinking to shallow. I think that SL goes beyond the network.

It sounds like SL has you thinking differently about the way you teach and it has enhanced your excitement for teaching. Something doesn’t have to have an immediate and direct impact on your teaching instead it can have an indirect impact and this is harder to assess. Since you have begun taking part in SL how has your feeling about teaching changed?

By: Lor

Lor — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 23:00:21 +0000

I’m still trying to sort through my NECC experiences. This NECC was a very different one for me. First because of the excitement of meeting you, Beth, Nancy and Fred and others who are part of my PLN. Second because of presenting, and third because I didn’t go to as many sessions, but instead took part in great conversations, knowing that the sessions were archived and I can go back and view them.

I love your RICE acronym and the meanings behind the letters.