Tips by Tony

Here are just a few of the articles I found interesting over the past several weeks:

• Cheating?

  This article is in response to another article regarding student cheating, asking if perhaps we need to redefine what is or isn’t cheating.

  While it is true that cheating has always been an issue and will always continue to be an issue, for some time now I’ve been having conversations with colleagues about the difference between cheating in school and the nature of how we get our work done. Based on the parameters of what we consider cheating to be, I think I could be accused of cheating just about everyday day of the week at work.

  Can you imagine if your weren’t allowed to reference anything to get your job done at work, but had to do it all from memory? Yet, that’s exactly what students are expected to do.

  At work, we have documents on our computers, binders full of information, the Internet, meeting notes, etc. We learn how to organize and retrieve that information quickly in order to do our jobs. In school, we don’t allow students to do the same, and punish them if they try. Odd. One of the comments on the original article had a good idea: give each student a half sheet of paper to use during the test. The act of creating the cheat sheet will involve studying. Great idea.

• Managing Social Media Risks

  Good advise for organizations looking to use social media. Also applies to individuals.

  The risks organizations face as a result of participating in social media are real, but so too are the benefits. Don’t let risk blind you from taking advantage of the transformational communication opportunities that arise from social media.

• Making the Case for Cell Phones in Schools

  An oldie but goodie about why cell phones should be allowed and encouraged in schools.

  He is incredulous that we punish the tools and not the person. That he can’t take a pair of scissors on an airplane and yet, scissors are a standard item in every classroom in schools. And yet he can take a cell phone and use it openly and freely anywhere and yet the cell phone is what is banned in most schools.

  The article goes on to list 10 good reasons why cell phones should be allowed in schools, and ideas for how to “deal” with cell phones. (Hint: just like we “deal” with scissors.)

• Building a Personal Learning Network (PLN) on Twitter

  Sandy K shares the process she went through building a PLN on Twitter. Good reflection on the process she went through and what she learned along the way.

  The Personal Learning Network (PLN) that I’ve built on Twitter over the past couple of months has become an amazing resource for learning about what’s going on in the educational technology world. I was excited when I had an opportunity last week to present using Twitter as a tool for personal learning to some of my colleagues. Although I knew I wouldn’t have time to share everything I’ve learned or done over the past couple of months with them, I wound up reflecting back in some detail on my own journey as I prepared for the presentation.

• The rise of digital textbooks

  A look at how one school district is switching to “living texbooks” as poar tof 21st century learning.

  The main reason the school wants to switch to digital textbooks is a financial one, explained Saunders. Besides not having to buy new books, “it will help with replacement costs when books are lost or damaged.”

  Saunders said digital texts will help keep items fluid as well. “Once a book is printed, until the next edition is in print, you are stuck with that current text. With technology, [textbook] items can change as quickly as a download of new information.”

• 
  Multiple Pathways: Bringing School to Life

  What is a “multiple-pathways” school> Read this article to find out.

  These two California high schools are among of a growing number nationwide exploring a “multiple pathways” approach to their curricula. The core elements of multiple pathways, and the learning principles that support them, include rigorous coursework infused with practical applications, high academic expectations, and detracking. These and other curricular, structural, and school culture elements have long been recognized as having merit in efforts to enhance student motivation and learning. What distinguishes multiple-pathways schools, however, is that they emphasize and extend student-adult relationships—both within the school and outside of it, with members of the larger community—as a way of weaving exemplary practices into a coherent school reform.

Who/What I’m Following on Twitter

Added in the last week: @tee62, @englishteach8, @FluffTheBunny, @englishraven, @SimpleCEO, @Mary_a_Myers, @mrpkup, @RussAdams, @pepepacha, @bwwojci

Related posts:

1. Monday Morning Roundup (8/31/2009)
2. Monday Morning Roundup (8/24/2009)
3. Monday Morning Roundup (08/10/2009)
4. Monday Morning Roundup (5/4/2009)
5. Monday Morning Roundup (08/17/2009)
6. Monday Morning Roundup (07/27/2009)
7. Monday Morning Roundup (5/3/2010)
8. Monday Morning Roundup (9/14/09)
9. Monday Morning Roundup (5/11/2009)
10. Monday Morning Roundup (10/12/09)