If we want to be effective in using data, we need to be informed about what is going on in the world of education. To that end, I have been working on a Twitter list--some reliable resources that might keep me up to date as to what's happening in the world of education. In creating my list, I took a global perspective or top-down approach. I first added links to sites such as the U.S. Department of Education, the National Education Association, and the Alabama State Department of Education. Though we may not have gotten into the business of education with politics in mind, it doesn't take long to realize that it is a part nonetheless.
From there I added sites to educators, administrators, and organizations that, I believe, have value for us as educators and educational leaders. Among my favorites are Todd Whitaker, Mike Roberts, and Ron Clark. They consistently tweet about useful topics and information. I also included a link to my school system's own technology coordinator, Susan Poling, as a way of closing the loop.
In deciding whom to include, I used those people and groups, first, that are considered experts and/or who are widely known. I also looked at followers of those I follow. Finally, I looked at what the people or groups were tweeting about to see whether or not they had relevance to me and my interests.
One of the things I learned in creating this list is what kind of tweeting is helpful. While posting comments about what is happening may be informational, it is not nearly as helpful as including links to direct sources of information. I also learned that one great way to find others who share our interests is to look at who's following those whom we follow. Sadly, the last thing I learned was that everyone I love doesn't have a Twitter account. I believe strongly in the power of Professional Learning Communities but could not find the DuFours anywhere on Twitter. I did, however, find people who tweet about PLC's, so it will be interesting to see what they have to say.
I hope you find this list useful and helpful as you think about your own goals. If you know of great sources of information, please share! Sometimes the most effective professional development is collegial sharing.
ED 529 Twitter List
Monday, March 5, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Data don't fail me now
New school concept: Use technology to teach
Old school concept: Reading, writing, arithmetic
The perfect blend: Using technology to track data and show evidence of student learning
In my ED 529 technology class, we have been reading about how Web 2.0 has the power to change schools. Chapter 9 was dedicated to sharing ideas for new schools. I was engaged by two ideas for new schools that Solomon and
Schrum (the textbook's authors) mentioned. One was based on the
article by David Warlick—where teachers blog and use class wikis, media
specialists use shared spreadsheets to map curriculum, administrators keep
online calendars and weekly blog entries, and the superintendent uses a wiki
site for the district’s improvement plan.
I think we’re seeing pockets of this in education now, but when it’s all
put together it sounds very powerful to me. It is my hope that I can become effective in helping teachers use data. I think new technology has made using data to guide instruction even easier. What I had originally intended was to use common benchmark assessment data (which can easily be obtained from Prosper software) to help teachers write SMART goals for their students. They would then share information about their progress toward their SMART goals via a wiki. Participation in the wiki would mean that there were no restrictions to sharing information--no concerns over lack of common planning times, no concerns over not being able to stay late for meetings or come early to meetings. Nay, nay. Our teachers are much like our students. They conspired together to put one person in charge of the wiki, thereby eliminating any chance that they would read about each other and be inspired. Another administrator foiled!
But I'm not done! They may have won the battle, but the war is far from over! I may have to go back to move forward, but here's an article that can help me on my journey:
From Educational Leadership--"Why Teachers Must Be Data Experts"
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