Understanding and Creating Professional Learning Networks (Video Abstract)

This video abstract on developing professional learning networks was created as part of my participation in the graduate course Learning Technologies & Organizations at the George Washington University. Hanraets, I., Hulsebosch, J., & de Laat, M. (2011). Experiences of pioneers facilitating teacher networks for professional development. Educational Media International, 48(2), 85-99. doi:10.1080/09523987.2011.576513 O'Brien, M., Varga-Atkins, […]

Posted by milesmac on November 6th, 2013 | No Comments Posted in #GWETL, big ideas, Research

Touching story of integration and an insightful teacher aide

Middle years Halloween dances are loud, energetic, and smelly. Almost every student is there, dancing and shouting conversations over the thump thump of the music. Near the back of the room a teacher aid moves in front of a severely disabled student: blind and restricted to a wheelchair. She holds the arms of the chair […]

Posted by milesmac on November 29th, 2012 | No Comments Posted in Pedagogy

#eduwin Changing student self image through positive talk

There is always one. Sometimes more. The challenging kids that show up with reputations and rap sheets. My strategy is to talk up a positive year, right from the start. Focus on the good, build up the image of a positive individual, delight in achievements, focus on the feeling of legitimate accomplishment. Use lots of […]

Posted by milesmac on November 20th, 2012 | 1 Comment Posted in Pedagogy

Cdn Aboriginal Lit. for middle years makes Residential School issue accessible

In preparation for a Middle Years Aboriginal Literature meeting, I read My Name is SEEPEETZA by Shirley Sterling. Seepeetza is an aboriginal child separated from her stable, successful, and loving family at age 12 to attend residential school. In that joyless and sterile environment, she is exposed to ridicule and abuse. She chronicles a year of her […]

Posted by milesmac on November 1st, 2012 | No Comments Posted in Speed Reads

Media Literacy Must Include Social Media

After reading only the first paragraph of Emily Gover's article, "The Importance Of Education In A Facebook World" I hit an intellectual wall I knew I had to get over if I was to be effective at helping my students navigate the murky waters of social media. She encountered a story posted by a friend that […]

Posted by milesmac on October 25th, 2012 | No Comments Posted in Pedagogy

Stories from the School Parking Lot

The car pulls up to the middle school entrance. A parent and her child - one of the ones that can be a challenge sometimes, one that takes that extra effort to really appreciate. He leans over, gives his mom a kiss on the cheek. She smiles and cups the back of his head with […]

Posted by milesmac on June 15th, 2012 | No Comments Posted in Pedagogy

Poetic Reflection: Who is the Learner Here?

I began my teaching career 1991 in a remote school accessible only by air. I was full of optimism and a belief in the transformative power of education. Believing that I was the agent of change and that the world was just waiting for me, I set out to bring hope and a brighter future […]

Posted by milesmac on April 30th, 2012 | 1 Comment Posted in Pedagogy

Amazing story of interpersonal giftedness

Picture this: a new student arrives mid year, emotionally scarred from past traumas, social service files inches thick and an obvious fish out of water in this new school. Looking different than everyone else at this middle school, her body language screams out rage mixed with fear and the threat of something bad if you […]

Posted by milesmac on January 14th, 2012 | 5 Comments Posted in Pedagogy
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