Tennessee DEN

(Thanks to RJ Stangherlin for posting this on the Pennsylvania DEN Blog) 

We had a Leadership Council webinar last evening, so I would like to share some of the important reminders and information from Lance.

Without a doubt, the DEN Tech or Trear Fall Virtual Conference was an astounding success. We held the same numbers of attendees as we had last year. But–and here’s the good news–we grew our Live Event sites and numbers.

Want to be a DEN GURU? That would step you up to Level 4 in DEN. You ask, what are the “levels.” And the answer is:

1. DEN
2. DEN STAR
3. DEN LC
4. DEN GURU.

There are advantages at any level, but if you step up to GURU (up to 5 people will be chosen this first year), you will have noticeable benefits that set you apart. Perhaps the largest benefit is that Discovery will take you, free of charge, to a national convention. Application deadline: November 15, 2009

This brings me to the big event I really want to push because completing this one is easy and a lot of fun. You can make a podcast or a video telling how you use Discovery Education resources in your classroom. Doesn’t have to be a big deal project–keep it short and simple (the KISS philosophy) and then upload it. Fun, fast, and a FREE Discovery hoodie, limited edition is in the mail to you. And just in case the idea of uploading to Media Share daunts you, this upload is to a simple spot where Discovery will mine your golden uses. Do it today, because the deadline is November 15.

Some of my best friends are actively engaged in pursuing the MS in Instructional Media offered by Discovery Education and Wilkes University. I remember the kick-off two years ago at the National Institute. We were even offered 3 credits for a minimal fee to begin the degree work with our week’s intense completion of learning. Although I am not one to regret decisions, I often wish I had made the choice to study for this degree. Keeping in touch with my friends who were the first class to begin this program, I can tell you that the subject matter is extremely engaging, timely and worthwhile.

This summer I had the good fortune to follow the China Adventure. What an amazing trip this was, packed with singular experiences that only could be found in a Discovery Education adventure. Nothing beats repeating a good thing, so the China and Australia trips are encores. New to the venue are the Arctic, Anarctica, Costa Rica, and Ecudor/Galapagos Islands. You will definitely need to have your prospective students fund raise, but if you get 5 students to sign on, you as their teacher travels free.

Not exactly Fast Five, but there you have it, a synopsis of some of the best and time-sensitive offers from Discovery. - R.J. Stangherlin (PN DEN LC)

It is New Year’s Eve and time to consider what is coming up in the world starting tomorrow.  Yesterday, our TN DEN LC met in Knoxville to discuss training possibilities and Days of Discovery for 2009.  I have to say, I think we have some fantastic things in the works.

As we get activities finalized, be sure to find them here on the blog.  We are looking at possible dates in Chattanooga, Knoxville, Nashville, and yes, even Memphis!

You can make these “successful” events by attending one near you (and bringing friends along!).

In the meantime, here are some webinars from Discovery coming up in January.

Dr. Tim Tyson on EdTechConnect January 21st at 7 PM EST

During this webinar, he will share a glimpse of what he sees when he peeks into the Classroom of Tomorrow. A fresh look at what is now possible, this webinar may well challenge some of our current thinking about school structures, roles, and relationships.  Wow.

Shining Stars Webinar- January 6 at 7 PM EST

If every teacher is a Rock STAR, then this is your chance to shine! During these webinars, we will be featuring Shining STARs from around the DEN. Best practices, new technologies, collaborative projects… Come see what STAR Discovery Educators are doing around the world and learn from their experiences!

 Lights Camera, Publish! - January 13 at 7 PM EST

Come see ways to share your videos and learn from others. We’ll take a look at the American Film Institute’s ScreenNation, TeacherTube and a few of the winners in various education video contests.

Builders Tips & Tricks: Student Access Anywhere - January 20 at 7 PM EST

Host, Dennis Swain, says, “Did you know that you can quickly, safely, and easily share Discovery Education streaming digital media directly with your students on a one on one basis, and track their progress? The Builders include Assignment Builder, Quiz Builder, and Writing Prompt Builder. After demonstrating how these powerful digital media integration tools are utilized, I’ll review quick tips and tricks that make these tools even more accessible. I’ll finalize by creating a live quiz to email out to attendees to demonstrate how to share digital media directly with your students from anywhere they can get internet access.”

Discovery Education Science - Elementary school - January 9 at 1 PM EST

Discovery Education Science is the new online digital curriculum supplement for elementary and middle school science education. Enhance science instruction with up-to-date, standards-based resources coupled with a real-time assessment tool that allows educators to monitor student progress and recommend resources based on a students’ individual need.  I have to say, DE Science is fast becoming one of my favorite tools ever.

Discovery Education PowerMediaPlus - January 16 at 1 PM EST

This webinar will provide you with a guided tour through the many resources that PowerMediaPlus has to offer and how you can leverage it to increase student learning in the classroom.

I think that will keep you busy for January!  If you participate in one of these webinars, be sure to post a comment below to let us know what you thought!

And have a Happy New Year!

Okay, this is way cool!  Check out the site Sun In Motion.  There are lots of cool videos that show sun spots, sun flares, and other interestingly scientific sun activities.  I don’t really have a use for this site in my classroom, but I thought it was fantastically super!

I think your kids will find looking at the sun a totally new experience (not that you want them looking at THE sun!).  You can see the electromagnetic fields at work up close and personal.

Let me know what you think.  And welcome back to school (that’s another blog!).