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Tuesday, December 4, 2012

How Schools are Like Elephants and Remember Everything


One of my favorite note taking apps is Evernote. This free internet based software allows users to capture their thoughts, save their favorite webpages, collaborate with others, sync with other devices, and more. I know I haven't scratch the surface with this amazing Web 2.0 tool, so sure to visit their website for a complete listing of their services.

Evernote


Also, check out this video about how Evernote is helping Montclair Kimberley Academy students keep their information organized for class.



How can students use this software in your district? How can district staff can us this tool in your local area? Leave your comments below.

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Austin Trip with DBU


Dr. Robert Duron
Dr. Robert Duron
We had the opportunity to listen to Dr. Robert Duron, Deputy Commissioner of Texas Education Agency (TEA), who spoke at the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) summer conference. Frequently he stated how the leadership at TEA needs input from superintendents and other leaders in the school districts. He encouraged the audience to get involved in focus groups and the other opportunities to share their feedback with the educational programs TEA sponsors.

He stated, “you are our customers and we are have to support you.” He spoke with a lot of passion for education and kids. His statements were very surprising to me. I have always thought of TEA as a big, evil corporation who didn’t seem to care about teachers, administrators, or kids. I saw them developing rules and structures that were difficult to follow and created policies that were unrealistic to implement on a campus without considering how they affect individuals. I was very amazed by Duron’s statement that reflected the servant leadership qualities we have at Dallas Baptist University. Duron continued with other statements like, “we are committed to you all” and “we are glad to serve you”. He had me rethink how I’ve always thought about TEA.
TASA Summer Conference 2012

Later at a small group session, one our my professors helped to clarify the relationship between the state legislature and TEA. He explained that TEA is the educational will of state and works for them. So went the state creates a law regarding something in education, TEA is responsible for developing the policy.

We also had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Duron in a small group at TEA. He gave many pearls of wisdom for campus and district level administrators that I’ve heard many times. Ideas like be visible in the hallways and classrooms, set clear expectations for the people who work for you, etc. He also stated, “be confident and humble. You aren’t as bad as they say you are, and you aren’t as good as they say you are either”.

As a school leader, I must behave the same way with confidence and humility. Each day I have the opportunity to lead many groups of people such as students, teachers, parents, community members, and peers. I have a great deal of influence and authority in my position. I have to use both confidence and humility to do my job in order to lead others effectively.


My biggest take away from Dr. Duron was don’t be afraid to confront those who aren’t meeting your expectations. He encouraged us to know to confront others because it helps grow our staff members. Again with confidence and humility, confrontation is skill that can move our learning organization forward. Jesus confronted many people throughout the gospels. He confronted not only the Pharisees and the ungodly, but His own disciplines also—the individuals who were the closet to Him. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy” (Proverbs 27:6, ESV).

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Connecting with Social Media -TEPSA Summer Conference 2012

Listed below are the links I'm sharing with the school leaders attending the T.E.P.S.A. Summer Conference 2012. Also, the Prezi and video I shared it listed as well. Please let me know if you have questions about the materials here. You can leave comments below or contact me via email by clicking here.

My Prezi - Connecting with Social Media: Our 1st Year Using Facebook & Twitter
Video - Social Media from YouTube
Audience response system - Poll Everywhere.com

Campuses/districts using Facebook:
Campuses/district using Twitter:
Other links about social media:

Monday, February 6, 2012

Textbooks from Apple-Special Event

Here is the Apple Special Event covering textbooks on the iPad.

Friday, January 20, 2012

The Textbook Reinvented via Apple

Yesterday Apple announced 3 different products in New York at a special event: iBooks 2, iBooks Author, and iTunesU. Take a look at Apple's vision of textbooks on the iPad.


Thursday, January 19, 2012

Apple Announces Changes in Education

Apple held an educational focused event and introduced new products geared for digital textbooks by announcing iBooks 2. Here are the highlights I have gathered with the help of TechnoBuffalo:

  • Tapping on a books will bring up an intro movie
  • Databases will be added to textbooks that will allow for search
  • Media will be integrated into the textbook such as interactive graphics and videos
  • Students can tap on parts of a diagram and interact with them (i.e. part of an insect or explanations of the body parts)
  • Students will receive immediate feedback from the questions at the end of each chapter
  • Integrated notepad for note taking included
  • All notes and highlights can be turned into study cards...which can be shuffled for random testing
  • iBooks 2 is free


Also, a new tool for textbook authors called the iBooks Author. It will feature:
  • Templates for books like math and science
  • Drag and drop interface
  • Can drag in existing text files and add images...program will do auto-wrap
  • WYSISIG (What You See Is What You Get) interface
  • Can put in a slideshow instead of just one image
  • Will also work with Keynote
  • People of various skill level can use this
  • HTML5 support will be available
  • iBook Author is free
Additional comments:
  • Textbook store will be divided into grade level and subject
  • High schools textbooks will be $14.99
  • Apple is teaming up with Pearson, McGraw Hill, Houghton Miffin and Harcourt
  • Pearson will have two textbooks in the store today
  • McGraw Hill will have 5 books today
  • DK Publishing working on things like ABCs, dinosaurs and insect books
  • iTunes U now getting an app - teachers can push out notes, assignments and more
  • K-12 schools can join
Exciting information from Apple today. Stay turned from more updates as they come.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Changing Education Paradigms

This video was shared with our doctoral cohort last semester and it had a strong impact on how I view our educational system.

It encourages a need for change... How we can't have our students to go through the same educational system we had and expect them to be successful in this world.

The video is about 12 minutes long. Take some time to watch and give your comments below. Also, share this video with others and let them share in the experience.