New Jersey

(NEW YORK- July 28th) – The Siemens Foundation, Discovery Communications and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) have joined together to inspire student achievement in sustainability through a comprehensive education initiative, the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge. Announced today, the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge is an unprecedented partnership between three industry leading organizations that are committed to educating, empowering and engaging students, teachers and communities in environmental sustainability.

Kicking off the 2008 school year in September, the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge
is the first and only national K12 sustainability education initiative aligned to state education
standards and uniquely tailored to match students’ growing comprehension abilities throughout their
school aged years. By partnering with Discovery Education, a division of Discovery Communications, which provides scientifically proven, standards based digital media tools and resources to classrooms nationwide, and the NSTA, the largest science teacher organization in the world dedicated to improving science education and increasing student learning by engaging all teachers of science, the Siemens Foundation will serve as a pioneer in recognizing sustainability efforts within the K12 education system.

“As a leader in environmentally relevant businesses, Siemens knows the answers to tomorrow’s
critical environmental questions are in the minds of today’s students,” said James Whaley,
President, Siemens Foundation. “Uniting with Discovery Education and NSTA complements
Siemens’ commitment to the future and to those who are going to create it. We look forward to
unleashing this tremendous reservoir of potential through the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge.”

“Education and the environment have always been part of Discovery’s core mission and we are
proud to be a partner in encouraging students to learn about and create sustainable solutions through the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge,” said David Zaslav, President and CEO, Discovery Communications.

“The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge will engage science teachers and allow
students the opportunity to think like scientists, learn more about key environmental issues, and to develop critical thinking skills that will help them to make informed decisions regarding stewardship of the planet,” said Dr. Gerry Wheeler, Executive Director, NSTA.

Designed to equip students in every grade level with the tools and inspiration to develop innovative green solutions for schools, homes and communities, the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge will transform participants into active citizens for a greener tomorrow. The program begins by helping young students understand the basic concepts of sustainability and why it’s important to protect the environment. At each subsequent stage, the concepts expand to engage students beyond their classrooms, into their communities and to the global world.

·K-2:

• My Classroom: Introduce students to the importance of “being green” and provide opportunities for active learning and engagement.

· 3-5:

• My School: Inspire students to think beyond their classroom — using science and math skills to take their school “green.”

· 6-8:

• My Community: Empower students with tools to apply the Scientific Method to real world “green issues” in their local communities.

· 9-12:

• My World: Connect students with real world scientists as they tackle today’s “green challenges” — moving from insight to global action.

In September, the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge launches with a national middle
school competition where teams of students will identify an environmental problem in their
community and will research and recommend a reproducible environmental improvement program. Teams will then provide an explanation about how other communities across the country can launch similar environmental improvement programs.

The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge will expand to kindergarten and elementary
school students in 2009 and to high school students in 2010, complete with standards based
lesson plans and teacher materials, student projects and prizing to foster learning, team work and problem solving around sustainability.

For more information about the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge, visit
http://www.wecanchangetheworldchallenge.com.

About the Siemens Foundation:
The Siemens Foundation provides over $4.5 million towards science, technology, and engineering and math initiatives annually. Its signature programs, the Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology and
the Siemens Awards for Advanced Placement, reward exceptional achievement in science, math and technology. By supporting outstanding students today, and recognizing the teachers and schools that inspire their excellence, the Foundation helps nurture tomorrow’s scientists and engineers. The Foundation’s mission is based on the culture of innovation, research and educational support that is the hallmark of Siemens’ U.S. operating companies and its parent company, Siemens AG. For more information, visit www.siemensfoundation.org.

Right now we are sitting in Hall Davidson’s opening keynote for the 2008 DEN Leadership Council Institute- It’s in your Pocket: How to Use Cell Phones in Your Classroom.

Qustion: What do YOU do in your classroom with cell phones?

Answer (for most of us): Mostly take them away!

Here are a few of his main points:

• Although the debate about cell phone use in schools is a good one, if we continue to try to ban them we are just fighting a losing battle. Why? Of all the stakeholders in our students’ education, who will be most vehement about ensuring those students have cell phones in their pockets? PARENTS!
• Who forbids cell phone use? The Taliban, and a High School near you (Even Fidel Castro came around!)
• 60% of U.S. homes don’t even have a land-line in their house anymore. One student said: “”Why should I have a phone where I’m not?”
• Education follows Business- Nokia (largest cell phone maker in the world) is currently rolling out IP video technology. There business plan is all about allowing buisness to know what’s going on in there buildings. They expect to see almost a 400% ROI in less than 15 months.
• Education Technology can follow business model by using video to control the outflow of information from their schools in a positive manner & allow everyone to know the GOOD things going on in our schools.
• Cell Phone Video can track students location

Some Mobile Media Solutions for Education:

• Qik.com allows live video feed from your cell phone (doesn’t work on all cell phone types yet- but it will soon…)
• Gcast.com can podcast phone conversations automatically to the web. What a great tool for primary source interviews!
• Jott.com can post text messages automatically to your Twitter account
• Polleverywhere.com will instantly take polls & post the results for you. The results even do live updating as you view them- very cool!
• You can update your mobile setting in YouTube to post video automatically from your cell phone.

Hall’s closing message about our students & cell phones: OUR “non-work” time has been “ruined” by mobile devices, why shouldn’t there’s be too?!

Right on Hall- Let’s get students to start to use mobile media tools in school for good, not just for “evil”

In downtown San Antonio, Texas, the 2008 National Educational Computing Conference (NECC) kicked off June 29 with a keynote speech by celebrated author James Surowiecki and a challenge to radically change education.

Now in its 29th year, NECC is hosted by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), and is the largest educational technology conference in North America.

In keeping this year’s event theme–”Convene, Connect, and Transform”–ISTE President Trina J. Davis challenged attendees to really transform education through the use of technology, not just implement small changes. Davis described five ways attendees could make a difference in their schools:

1. Become powerful advocates for change. Regardless of who inhabits the White House next year, educational technology must play a more prominent role in our national education policy, Davis said–and educators should do everything they can to ensure that it does.

2. Share your knowledge and your passion. Help others take steps to ensure their growth as teachers, Davis said–so they can help students grow as learners.

3. Showcase your work, and students’ work, in innovative ways. Invite parents and community leaders into your schools, Davis said–or take students’ projects to them with the help of podcasts and other technologies.

4. Dream big. Have high expectations for your students, Davis said, because the possibilities that educational technology offers are “endless.”

5. Use all of the resources available to you as you try to effect change.

“Collectively, we can have a real impact around the globe and be effective change agents,” Davis concluded.

AS I read over this call-to-action, I can’t help but smile to myself as I think about how DEN members are doing each and every one of these things on a DAILY basis!

Keep on fighting the good fight everyone

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Liberty Science Center is about to open Wildlife Challenge, an amazing new outdoor experience.  It will open on July 14. Young students can visit Wildlife Challenge this summer to test their survival skills like never before!

“Could you make it as a wild animal living among the streets, sidewalks and sewer pipes of the urban jungle? Find out in our first-ever outdoor adventure exhibition. Scurry like a squirrel, burrow like a rat and soar like a falcon as you explore the challenges that face city wildlife every day. Designed with fans of Liberty Science Center’s former Touch Tunnel in mind, Wildlife Challenge is an adventure and exhibition rolled into one great experience. It’s free with the purchase of an exhibition ticket.”

I’ve become very interested lately in a project called the Intrepid Classroom: a self-proclaimed exercise in EduPunk.  In short, “communities creating and using inventive teaching and inventive learning for themselves without the aid of paid professionals. Education Everywhere.”

Intrepid Classroom is a place where students of all ages from around the world can go to meet each other, share ideas, and decide what they want to learn to help the world. The goal is to focus on the following topics: conflict resolution, global sustainability, peace activism, music and art as agent for social change, technology as a tool for social justice, but they are open to any other topics that readers suggest. The hope is to create a fluid, organic curriculum that engages all participants.

Here’s the latest “assignment” posted in the classroom:

“Do a bit of research about DIY and the punk ethics and see what you can produce to show you understand the concept of punk as it relates to your learning and education. Use any tools you have at your disposable both digital and old school, then present your work on the Ning, the wiki, youtube, or your own blog. Don’s ask for clarification, don’t ask for what is acceptable; don’t ask anything just do it. Create!”

Curious?  I sure was, and I’m glad I followed up.  Check out these links to find out more:

The Intrepid Classroom:

• Blog
• Wiki
• Ning

There seems to be some really interesting thinking going on here & I’m excited to see students OWNING THEIR OWN LEARNING!

Are you searching for the perfect way to have some fun while enhancing your career as a science educator? NSTA’s Conference on Science Education in Charlotte is the solution. Join us Oct. 30–Nov. 1, 2008, for an informative getaway. You will build your content knowledge, hear the latest in cutting-edge research, participate in hands-on workshops, and also enjoy social functions, field trips, exhibitor giveaways, and networking events. Save the most on conference registration when you register by September 19.

• Journey back in time to experience everyday life in Pompeii the day before it vanished. Discovery Place, Charlotte’s premier education center for science and technology, is featuring “A Day in Pompeii.”
• Don’t miss the NSTA Exhibit Hall, with more than 500 of the world’s leading science education companies and organizations, showcasing the most current products and technologies. Bring a friend and an extra tote to help carry all the giveaways you can take back to your classroom.
• Get to know your colleagues as you Brave the Waves at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Participants will explore the hiking trails, rock climb, or sit back and enjoy the scenery at a café overlooking the park.
• Make your conference experience count! Document your professional development with an NSTA transcript of attendance. Earn one graduate credit with 12 hours of program attendance through Framingham State College.

To register, visit www.nsta.org/charlotte.

Napster, which is now a LEGAL, paid music site, has recently reinvented themselves with a new 4.5 Version. It contains 6 million MP3 format copy-free songs. Thats right- High Quality (256 mb) mp3’s that are UNPROTECTED (That means you can easily get them onto your ipod) & Copyright FREE!

No monthly membership fee- just 99 cents per song- sound like a familiar price?

I think this helps explain why iTunes has started offering additional material for it’s users like iTunes U.  Whatever the reason, this kind of competition just ads up to more variety & media resources for all of us- Hooray!

Background Information: While natural disasters, like the recent Cyclone that hit Burma, are not totally predictable, or preventable, one thing we can certainly all be doing more of is urging people to take environmental concerns, such as global warming, seriously and to make sure that we, ourselves, are responsible stewards of our environment. After all, the Earth is not ours to do with as we please.

“The only one who has the right to destroy this land, is the one who created it.”

-”Chief Joseph” Nez Perce

I’m working on a digital storytelling project with my students right now that we’re calling “The Footprint Project”. Its aim is to increase awareness about our individual Carbon Footprints. When we’re finished, I’ll share my reflections with you all!

A few mornings ago, I discovered that one of my favorite new tools,Diigo, was down for a bit when I tried to enter a group discussion and received the above message. Were they buckling under the pressure of global educators? Was this the beginning of all my die-hard Del.icio.us colleagues saying “told you so!” No…the reality is more unfortunate.

Diigo is a global company with headquarters in Reno, NV and a R&D center in China. About 3 weeks ago, the Reno area experienced a 4.7 earthquake, and someone joked that it was probably because of how well received the latest Diigo release has been- all the cheering had the earth shaking.

Then, on Monday, May 12, at 2:28pm Beijing time (6:28 GMT), a major earthquake (7.9 on the Richter scale) jolted southwestern China’s Sichuan Province. That’s like 600 megatons of TNT explosive, or the energy released by the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption (Wikipedia)!

Diigo’s R&D center is based in Chengdu, which is only 90 km from the quake’s epicenter. Maggie Tsai, one of Diigo’s head team members, said:

“When the quake hit, our whole team was still in a heated discussion on features in our regular international conference meeting (yes, we work very long and odd hours, and skype / gtalk are wonderful must-have tools …) All of a sudden, very loud rattling sound came through. Our team in Chengdu said calmly over skype, “There is an earthquake, we have to get out of here.” So I thought, well, it must be another one of those small tremors, so I kept skype connected, hoping to hear from them again soon. Fortunately, we were able to connect with our Chengdu team a few hours later, and learned they are all safe and sound.”

Fortunately, all of the Diigo team members are fine, but they are now temporarily housed in the ground floor of a hotel, with a very unstable internet connection, so Diigo development will be slowed down for a while. The good news is that their regular operation is all based in here in the US, so service will not be interrupted. That’s music to my ears, since I’ve become seriously addicted to my Diigo toolbar very quickly!

As of this morning, reports say over 19,000 people have died as a result of the quake, and many are still buried under collapsed buildings or are missing. Especially sad is that many children were in school at the time and were buried under the rubble of their collapsed school buildings. I know I speak for the entire DEN community when I say that we pray for the rescue of as many of these precious souls as possible.

The reason I was able to quote Maggie Tsai is because of the strong personal learning network I have been able to proliferate in the Diigo Community. That’s how I found out that they were affected by this disaster- yet another example of how our global connections are shrinking the physical miles that exist between us all.

It’s times like this that we need to take a step back & be thankful for the people in our lives. So, to all of my Twitter, Diigo and most especially my DEN friends, I’d like to say

THANK YOU FOR BEING.

Diigo is appealing and urging people to consider donating & helping those affected by the Earthquake tragedy in China. For more information, please visit the American Red Cross.

“As a child, I knew how to give. I’ve forgotten this grace as I’ve become civilized.”

- Luther, Staning Bear, Oglala

I’m going to make sure I hug my Husband & Son as soon as I get home tonight & tell them I love them. Life is short, Make it Count!

Spread the word! | RSSDay.org via kwout

The Constructivist Consortium was formed in 2007 by leading educational technology publishers, and is committed to student empowerment, creative applications of computers, and the availability of high-quality open-ended materials.

Gary Stager, Executive Director of the Consortium, has put together a recommended reading list. Check out his picks at:

http://constructivistconsortium.org/books/