http://podpirate.edublogs.org - A place to organize my random thoughts on teaching.- Wed, 26 Mar 2008 04:54:53 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en After the phenomenal success of our 6th grade class participation in World Maths Day, our class had an in-depth discussion on what motivates middle school students to take an active role in learning.  From this starting point our discussion trailed off to discuss what the ideal school of the future ... http://podpirate.edublogs.org/2008/03/25/6th-grade-ell-students-embrace-voice-thread/ The use of technology in education varies from state to state, school site to school site, and from classroom to classroom.  The definition of technology in education is as varied as its use in schools. Tech savvy educators are constantly amazed at the state of technology at their school sites, ... http://podpirate.edublogs.org/2008/01/13/use-of-technology-in-school/ Time for a little fun. Thanks to all my Twitter friends, even those that ignore me and choose not to follow me.  Twelve Step Twitter Program – Twits Anonymous (TA)  Admit that you are powerless to Twitter.  Your life has become unmanageable ... http://podpirate.edublogs.org/2008/01/10/twitter-12-step-program/  For that last few years I have been a quiet observer surfing the education and edtech blogosphere. Cautiously, I introduced my classroom students to the idea of communicating through blogging to enhance their writing and communication skills.  In typical teacher fashion I created a closed network full of rules, regulations, ... http://podpirate.edublogs.org/2008/01/07/social-networking-whats-the-big-deal/ Empowerment is an incredibly complex topic.  I was not completely satisfied with the scope of the information in the readings from my Masters program.  As an educator I wanted a much more powerful and broader definition.  The empowerment of students in academics for me needed a stronger definition.   I came ... http://podpirate.edublogs.org/2007/12/17/empowering-students/ by; Brian Van Dyck My world as an educator changed forever after reading Marc Prensky's article: Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants  .  That was six years ago.  Since that day I have immersed myself in Education Technology training. As a middle school teacher I have had the pleasure of watching these Digital Natives explore ... http://podpirate.edublogs.org/2007/12/09/digital-natives-have-invaded-my-classroom/ You have arrived at PodPirate Island.  Welcome ashore.  This blog is dedicated to anything that will advance student learning.  Feel free to share your comments on education and life.  Welcome to Edublogs.org.  http://podpirate.edublogs.org/2007/12/09/hello-world/