Wisconsin

On November 2, 2009 approximately 600 Verona Area School District staff and administrators had an amazing “Day of Discovery”.  Steve Dembo, from Discovery Education, was the featured keynote speaker for three outstanding presentations.

He started out the day with a thought-provoking session in the morning called “Learning to Speak Native: How education is being transformed in 140 characters or less.”  He began by explaining how the amount of information online keeps increasing while the barriers to accessing it continue to decrease. He also showcased how thousands of teachers are providing access to free lessons every hour of every day and how we could access these lessons. He emphasized that educators who create a personal learning network will always have the resources they need to stay ahead of the curve.

The second keynote presentation he did was called “The Native Lifestyle“.  In this fast paced, session, Steve pointed out how web 2.0 tools are being utilized, and shared some of his favorites along with some concrete examples of how they could be used in the classroom K-12.

If that were not enough for one day, we had lunch and then the high school staff was treated to one more presentation called “A Day in the Life of a Discovery Educator.”  Steve took us step by step through a day in the eyes of a 21st century digital educator.  From the moment we get to school until the last bell rings.  He showcased how digital media rich lessons can be used in all curricular areas to meet the needs of all learners. While doing so, he also demonstrated and highlighted the features of the Discovery Streaming site.

This was by far one of the most engaging staff development days I have ever been a part of.  By the noon break, many of my staff were already checking out microphones, trying to access the websites from the morning’s sessions, and just really, enjoying the information that Steve shared.  I would highly recommend every district have a “Day of Discovery” with Steve Dembo.   – Rita A. Mortenson, STAR Discovery Educator, Educational Technology Coordinator

Steve’s presentation was thought-provoking and practical.  By early evening I had already received three emails from teachers who had successfully used Web 2.0 tools that he demonstrated.  They were proud of their accomplishments and excited to integrate them into their curriculum. – Bill Lemberg, STAR Discovery Educator, Educational Technology Coordinator

In my opinion, Steve hit a home run.  He inspired our staff.  He gave practical ideas for using technology.  And he challenged us to use tech solutions in ways the original creators hadn’t even thought of.  – Linda Christensen, Director of Instruction, Verona Area School District.    –blog post written by DEN Star Rita Mortenson

Join other educators as thousands around the country participate in the DEN Virtual Conference on Saturday, October 24th.  If you’re looking to attend in person, you can participate in New Berlin, WI.

The Discovery Educator Network (DEN) Virtual Conference provides an opportunity to learn powerful ways to integrate digital media and Web 2.0 tools into your instruction as well as discover an abundance of resources to expand your own professional learning network.  And, it’s free!

You are invited to an in-person event hosted by the Wisconsin Leadership Council, with support from the School District of New Berlin.

Virtual Presentations Include:

Can I Help You With That?                         

The Student as Collaborator, Creator and Director

Do You Have the Audacity to Podcast?

Thinking Outside the Slide

Putting the Bling in Your Builders              

What on Earth is a Gloggle?

Be Nice and Share: Publishing Your Media-Infused Projects for the World to See

Hands-On Sessions:

 SMART Board

Web 2.0 Tools

Building a Professional Learning Community

 

Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.

 

For more information and to register visit:
 https://lrougeux.wufoo.com/forms/den-fall-virtual-conference-new-berlin-wi/

 

For a schedule of events, visit:

http://blog.discoveryeducation.com/blog/2009/10/09/tech-or-treat-dens-fall-virtual-conference/

If you have any questions, please contact Rachel Yurk at rachel.yurk@nbexcellence.org

Looking for a flyer to hand out to colleagues?  Download this one.

Saturday, October 10th marks a Day of Discovery you just might be interested.  Join fellow educators in Chicago at the Shedd Aquarium for a great day of learning.

This link provides you with more information about the schedule of events as well as a link to register.

If you follow the DEN National Blog, you could find this information here - but you might not, so I’m sharing it again with my Wisconsin friends and those in other places.

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This post was originally published by the spectacular Steve Dembo.

Summer School Archives

We’ve been busy converting and uploading all the archives from our incredible Summer School webinar series. While we still have quite a few to go, nearly half the webinars have been posted and are ready for you to download and share them with others!

As they get converted, we’re posting them here, so check it out and let us know what you thought of the series!

I didn’t attend, but heard a lot of great things about the Discovery Educator Network National Institute that was recently held.  The DEN National Institute for 2009 took place from July 13-17 at the Headlands Institute just north of San Francisco in the beautiful Golden Gate National Recreation Area.  Participants has the opportunity to connect with colleagues from all over the country and discuss the best ways to use media in the classroom.

A lot of great resources were shared during the week.  If you’re interested in checking out the list, please visit this blog.

I’m sorry to say that heavy storms last night have caused damage at Friday’s Front Row and Miller Park.  In addition, they do not have power.

There, we have the CANCEL the scheduled event for today.  We will keep you posted if and when the event is rescheduled.  Thank you to all who registered in advance.

If you’re going to be in the Milwaukee area in late July, or have nothing to do the week of July 27-30 and want to come to Milwaukee, consider attending the Milwaukee Digital Media Conference.

From the conference website “The Milwaukee Digital Media Conference is a hands-on collaborative conference. Participants work with instructors from The Stephens Group to utilize 21st Century Skills in order to create relevant real-world products.

This year’s conference will be held at the Milwaukee County Zoo, July 27th-30th (9am-4pm). In this year’s conference we will be exploring the use of digital movie editing VoiceThread, Intel’s Seeing Reason Tools, Skype, Google Maps and social networking tools to support learning. All comfort levels with technology are welcome to attend.”

I’ve heard great things about this conference, which was held at the Milwaukee Public Museum in a previous year, and encourage anyone who is interested to register and attend.  I’ll be there as well, learning from many of the educators who will be in attendance.

In an earlier post, we told you about a little get together at Friday’s Front Row at Miller Park.  If you are planning on coming to the event, we need you to RSVP so we know numbers ahead of time and can get food ordered.

Please RSVP here - https://discoveryed.wufoo.com/forms/wisconsin-miller-park-den-event/

Looking for a great professional development opportunity?  How about a FREE day of professional development?

Participate in the DEN Virtual Conference on Saturday, April 25th at New Berlin Eisenhower High School. Here you will have a chance to have fun with other great teachers and immerse yourself in a great learning experience.  The day will begin at 8:30 and wrap up at 3:00.

If you can’t make it to N.B. Eisenhower, you can still participate from the comfort of your own home - just click on the link below.

DOWNLOAD this DEN Virtual Conference Flyer about the event to post in your Teacher’s Lounge or to share with your colleagues.

 For more information, a schedule of events, and to register, click here.

Do you have anything going on March 22nd through the 24th?  Hopefully you’ll join me, other DEN members, and countless other educators at the Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association’s 2009 Spring Conference.

 Check out this link on WEMTA’s website about the conference.  There are going to be great sessions, informative speakers, and most importantly, opportunities for you to network with like minded colleagues. 

 Hope to see you there!