Mandatory Edcamp Experiences

The Edcamp model is creeping into districts looking to offer PD experiences that leverage the wisdom of the group, that facilitate the exchange of ideas, and that build professional networks throughout the organization. I've been involved in a few such events and have done some preliminary research on the topic. Now, a colleague and I […]

What is an Edcamp? A Brief Introduction.

Those were the days: my great aunt's recollection of school in the 1920s

My Great Aunt Doris was a school teacher. She has long since left us, but she wrote a short booklet of family memories back in 1983. One of those recollections, titled, "School and Careers", always struck me as both funny and sad and I have always wanted to share the story with others. Here is […]

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, […]

Interface Design Considerations for 3D and Augmented Virtual Learning Environments

This research paper was written as part of my participation in the graduate course Computer Interface Design for Learning at the George Washington University. Introduction Emerging technologies broaden the range of tools available for users to communicate, create, and access information. Display devices are no longer limited to computer monitors, projectors, speakers, and printers; the keyboard, […]

Distance Education Annotated Bibliography

I wrote this annotated bibliography as part of my participation in the graduate course Critical Issues in Distance Education at the George Washington University. Annotated Bibliography: Distance Education Use of three-dimensional (3-D) immersive virtual worlds in K-12 and higher education settings: A review of the research Hew, K. F. and Cheung, W. S. (2010), Use […]

Instructional package for delivering a "Creating a Twitter PLN" workshop

Introduction This package (PDF; 1.7mb) was created in fulfillment of course requirements for 6401 Instructional Design at George Washington University under the instruction of Prof. Ryan Watkins as part of the Graduate Certificate in Education and Human Development in eLearning. We were challenged to proceed through the instructional design process from beginning to end on […]

"Digital Schools : How Technology Can Transform Education" by Darrell M. West: Speed Read

"Digital Schools : How Technology Can Transform Education" by Darrell M. West I called these posts "speed reads" because I really zipped through the book, skimming and scanning and synthesizing my own understandings into the statements below. I trust that readers will use the comment block below to correct me if I have erred in […]

Instructional Design: Overkill or Good Practice

For the next couple of years much of my time will be spent on coursework as I have enrolled in George Washington University's Graduate Certificate in eLearning, the first step toward completing the Masters Degree in Education Technology Leadership. In the spirit of learning in public, I plan to use my blog as a thinking […]

Augmented Reality in the Classroom

Augmented Reality My latest obsession is Augmented Reality. For the least year I've been getting my head wrapped around what it is, how it works, what it can do, how I could use it in the classroom, and understanding why it's more than a passing fad. Augmented Reality (AR) blends our personal sensory experiences with digital […]

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