Discussions

Your Name and Title:

Martin H. F. Gonser

School, or Organization Name:

NYC DoE

Co-Presenter Name(s):

Area of the World from Which You Will Present:

Metro - East Coast (NY or DC)

Language in Which You Will Present:

English

Target Audience(s):

All

Short Session Description (one line):

Explore the possibilities of facilitation and learning with the “text-generation” using their [contemporary] tools.

Full Session Description (as long as you would like):

This session will demonstrate and introduce the potential to go beyond the expected intent for many mobile and digital devices and their apps. Included will be a model of apps, their desktop counterparts and a “learning adventure”. Use of local devices and tools can be used parallel for those who might not have internet access yet participate in the learning process. These tools will continue to assist in building on best practices with greater sharing possibilities without geographical boundaries. Learning and sharing will continue to grow and increase and the tools are only an avenue to access and not a panacea or replacement for current methodologies and needs.

As many individuals are using "smarter" devices, the options for 24/7 collaboration and interactions are becoming less restrictive. The mobile device "revolution" has built a path for us to become less concerned with which devices we have to communicate and collaborate. Rather these tools will let us focus on the learning process and how the application of prior knowledge, skills and sharing will help us grow as a global community. 

These advances and changes are actually reinforcing proven concepts and activities currently employed by many colleagues. The adaptation of google-docs allows for real time collaboration and grouping of students by levels, project roles or components of homework-sharing. Additionally evernote is another method by which to share knowledge and review creativity. An added benefit of these tools is access for review and presentation through sharing to other community members and parents, further building bridges to include the entire community of stakeholders in the education of the younger generation. THe sharing of documents also encourages correspondence parallel to the pen pal concept. It also allows for colleagues who might not have shared previously to relate their needs to each other. Technology is a tool and a method or action that brings pedagogy to all who might have not have had equal experiences. 

Despite the many changes in the tools, we generally continue to think, create and understand in the "brick and mortar" mindset, while applying the new tools to the process. The tools ought not to be "added" to the mix as a stand alone, rather as a As it is important to use prior knowledge and learning, we must also seek and apply the unique opportunities for learning to the table. This concept will assist to also address the needs of adaptive learning styles and conditions within classrooms, medical leaves, unforeseen absence from the classroom and the "home schooler". Other needs can also be addressed with these tools, gaining access to the educational process 24/7.

One major aspect is the convergence of cloud based documents, including google docs. This is just an example of how we go beyond the restrictions of "traditional" technology and open true collaboration without geographic restriction. This also precludes the "binding" or tethering to a standard workstation. Students have collaborated with classes in the same building, others in the district and across the nation and globe. These projects included text based documents, multimedia presentations and other 

Other aspects are the apps that are growing at a fast pace, for multiple OS platforms (current major leaders include: Android, iOS, BlackBerry and MicroSoft) Many developers are building for these platforms, however some platforms have a greater share of apps. We will explore and examine some of the possibilities for these apps and their prospects. 

In addition to the tablets and other smart devices, digital readers are becoming devices which are expanding beyond their initial conception (web-apps/browsers). Although limited, these devices will assist in bringing or bridging the collaboration process to more, as cloud-based documents and other interactive tools will no longer be dependent on the actual device [platform], rather on the connection to a central (non-local) web-based server, which are gaining a broader user base and wider accessibility. These devices also have the possibility to be tethered for downloads and truly making them mobile learning stations and further reducing the geographic and technical restrictions for practical use. Again as the availability of these tools and familiar devices increase, their content will be accessible at any time, will have the capability of adapting application to the requirements of any learning space, thus sustaining Individualized education needs.

Websites / URLs Associated with Your Session: