METC 2010: Sessions

Wednesday, Feb. 10: 10:50 - 11:40 AM
What is the greatest fear for teachers and schools when they give students access to the Internet? Inevitably, almost everyone focuses on the online predator. Yes, students need to be aware of these potential dangers, but more importantly, students need to be aware of potential dangers through negative interactions with their peers and classmates. How does your school or district address this issue? Is this a school issue or a private issue? Let's take a closer look at the differences and similarities of cyberbullying and traditional bullying. Let's begin to address strategies for dealing with this exponentially growing problem. While there are many similarities with traditional bullying, the differences make cyberbullying exponentially more problematic and difficult for the long term. School districts and teachers need to have concrete strategies and a comprehensive plan. This presentation will make an argument that cyberbullying is a very serious issue that has to be addressed in school districts while also suggesting concrete strategies as your district looks at implementing a anti-cyberbullying plan.

Wednesday, Feb. 10: 1:00 - 1:50 PM
Yes, emerging technologies have great potential. But how do we make them work in our schools today? This session explores the implementation of a multi-dimensional digital space with three components-a course/teacher space, a student-content creation space and a knowledge commons that supports both-and examines how they support the development of learning literacies. See how one school district used two readily available tools, Moodle and Google Apps, to create a dynamic digital learning space. Come prepared to evaluate these three spaces within the context of your climate and culture and learn how such a space can support student learning.

Wednesday, Feb. 10: 2:20 - 3:10 PM
Liven up learning by using simple tools like iPods and blogging applications. Students independently use iPods to learn new material, review important concepts, and extend learning. Students use communication and collaborative skills as they create blogs that engage and empower them to integrate technology skills as they become 21st Century learners.

Wednesday, Feb. 10: 9:45 - 10:35 AM
Bring the excitement and challenge of Robotic design and programming into your classroom. STEM concepts are made practical for today's students by using LEGO WeDo or NXT Mindstorm kits. Activities can be structured so that ALL students can experience an appropriate level of challenge and success with these engaging, hands-on activities. Students will develop problem solving and team building skills important for the 21st Century.

Wednesday, Feb. 10: 3:25 - 4:15 PM
Schools are stuck in the 20th century. Students have rushed into the 21st century. How can schools catch up and provide students with a relevant education?" This workshop session allows participants to understand teaching, learning, and assessment strategies for working with the digital generation.

We must train our teachers to use the new Digital Tools and include connections that are "Global, and Authentic". We must teach our students to be self-directed and make a meaningful connection to the community. Digital kids need learning to be relevant, meaningful, and applicable now. If we empower our students to make a legacy, we will "Change The World."

All educators must learn to meet the demands and challenges of 21st Century learning. Digital Tools can provide 21st Century skills that involve: Writing, Speaking, Visual, technical, and Personal Development Skills.