Just in Time Learning

Put something out there and be amazed. I had my own snackbyte moment today. A couple of weeks ago I posted the previously mentioned slideshow to Slideshare. Within a couple of days I received messages back from the site that the slideshow was added to a supercool effective practices of Web 2.0 teaching group. I also got word from a teacher who claimed to have had a moment with fellow teachers when they were talking about Moodle and the slideshow popped up in the group at the same moment.

I realize it's my own trade in attention economy, but I have to blog about this!

So did this teacher, who is called maggiev on Slideshare. Please read her post here.

The best part is the chat log included. You can read the whole thing at Maggie's blog post and the conversation begins about different tools, including Moodle...

Scroll to the bottom of the transcript for the 'just in time' moment.

The force is out there....and it's pretty strong.

Free, like Free Kittens!

In my experiences with sharing the good news of Moodle, I find I am often trying to explain the concept of something being free of licensing fees, but still requiring a certain infrastructure and level of support to be successful. Today on WizIQ, I received a message from a fellow Moodler which let me to this slideshow by Sandeep. Promoting Moodle as 'Free (like Free Kittens)' really captured this idea. I share that slideshow with you now. What I like the most is the slide which shoes the different types of support you need. For my own slideshow attempt at the same topic, please see this on Slideshare.

This is my 1st official utterance! -Syd staged this with her flashlight & a toy.

Holly Rae

Mobile post sent by hollyrae using Utterz.  Replies.

Silent 'Film'

I found this on Slideshare (which I really enjoy, btw) and it has no sound. I really don't know what Alan Levine would narrate...but there are some nice visual moments here as relates to Web x.0 and education. I also like it when slideshows are dominated by visuals rather than text. Anyhow, enough with the intro...

| View | Upload your own

P.S. Must pick up the CogDogBlog feed.

Social Networks create Distance Learning possibilities

Professionals gather at conferences to network with experts, learn about state of the art practice, and share what they are learning. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the value of this professional networking could be extended online?

Of course. And it is.

Congratulations, NACOL, on your Western Conference social network on Ning. Delightfully designed by Glenn Moses.

Visit NACOL Western Conference


What a way to celebrate National Distance Learning Week - joining a social network of professionals interested in networking about online learning. In the words of pbwiki, YUM! that was easy. Ning is actually ad-free for education now (thanks, Julz for the info). Join a professional social network this week, or create your own!

To the beat of a 'distance' drum

Online learning tools are used in many different ways. Educators often play their distance learning drums to a unique beat, playing up their strengths, improvising at times, but always listening for subtle changes in tempo and mood. When distance learning jams come together, the community can be a powerful source of inspiration - harmonious collaboration. This week, NMSU is celebrating National Distance Learning Week with a number of different distance learning events and RETAMoodle Open House. Please extend our invitation to all of the distance learning drummers you know.

Kickin' Curriki

Julz has been promoting the idea of wikified curriculum for, gee, ever? "Why must we reinvent the wheel?" Well, someone finally put the words and ideas together and so voila:

Curriki (http://www.curriki.org/)

Browse and smile. Become a member...hey, while you're at it, apply for a grant ($500-$5,000) to create master content and make the world a better place!

A great widget for teachers, learners & just about everyone...

There is always some amount of excitement that comes with finding a new cool little tool or widget. Of course, as soon as you think you've seen what's out there you come across a list like that at:

Learning Activities

And then you just find something new (to you) ...and the ideas flow... Check out Voice Thread...widgets for your blogs, MySpace, Facebook...How fun!

Go meditate @ church of the customer

Jackie Huba rocks - check her out. She has brought the message of customer evangelism to the VSS conversation. The way that social media is changing marketing must inform educators or we risk making some major mistakes. My concern? When Jackie asked who knew the term social media, there were really only a small group of hands raised. No doubt people know the tools, but it is Julz & I who (as we co-mo-blog) have relected throughout our work on how there is no social network to connect all of these people who are supporting the vision of NACOL! Where is our online evangelist community?

Keynote with Susan Patrick

The future is now - virtual schools are transforming education worldwide. It is our job now to get it done here.

NM eLearning Roundtable

Our VSS experience begins with the New Mexico eLearning Roundtable.

Dr. Carmen Gonzales introduced us to a variety of advocates to eLearning from Kentucky, New Mexico, Hawaii and other areas.

Our introduction to NACOL was provided by Bruce Friend, who shared with us an overview of the national learning trends in online learning. His background with what became Florida Virtual School began in 1996! Bruce expressed that he is pleased to see the work in New Mexico and the parterships, sharing, and collaboration that develops through events like the Virtual School Symposium. He reminded us that we are going to have to take innovative leaps toward transformational development. If you were to paraphrase his final message, you might say "If all we are going to do is replicate what already exists, we shouldn't even waste our time." Transform the system!

John Watson explained to us an overview of data from all states about the spread and growth of online programs. Right now it seems that reporting is an area where all states and districts need improvement. Overall there is so much diversity in types of programs that it complexifies the overall reporting process. Along with this was a discussion of Colorado's experiences and lessons learned through the Trujillo Commission.

Dr. Kemi Jona brought to our meeting an up to date overview of science labs and online learning. WOW. As a person with a science content teaching background I can honestly say I am amazed by the possibilities. The rapid development of remote experimentation, science data networks, and internet connected science devices. The partnerships in place at Northwestetrn in Chicago involve global parterships. He pointed out the relationships within NM that support this type of science instruction development (LANL, NASA, SNL and the universities). My own reflections on this connect to the ability for teachers to connect their students to authentic, real world science with a collaborative and global focus. Students must be able to practice the processes of science. This speaks volumes about the need for professional development in online learning which is content specific.

Jennifer Carroll from Kentucky Virtual Schools offered an overview of the statewide learning network development and where the network is now. Kentucky has extended their network from K20 into lifelong learning and established important professional networks to allow for communities of eLearning practice. She highlighted the importance of a common ground CMS as a way share resources, training, and resources. It also supports the dual-credit options and blended course development.

Wow. Great start to the conference & the conversations that must continue!

Wake up, you're in Louisville!

Killer hotel, amazing city, great food & incredible NM contingent! More live from NACOL 07 tomorrow.