Joining the 21st century!

PHOTOS: My work spaces-my classroom, and my living room, PLUS the list of agreements that the 6th graders created as their "class culture"...good stuff!! =)

I know, I am about 10 years too late! Actually, I am on an academic quest to encourage fellow teachers and administrators to consider how they can add 21st century "skills" to their core curriculum. These skills include creativity/innovation, problem solving/critical thinking, tool using (technology and other tools), collaboration, and global thinking just to name a few. Click on the above to access a well-written article from Time Magazine about these skills.

During these first months back in VZ, I have focused mostly on academic adventures more than other adventures. I am researching and preparing both a paper and and presentation for the Latin American educators' conference being held in Brazil in March. My topic is the one I described above. Not only have I been reading thousands of pages of research and ideas about this subject (on both sides of the issue), I have also been learning a slick new digital presentation program called Prezi. You can check it out by clicking on the word. I feel very Tech Savvy now (even my son declared that I was after watching my prezi-complete with embedded videos!!!!).

Another academic project I have tackled is co-writing a full year curriculum for pre-AP English students in Colombia-which has already been adapted for AP language students there AND for AP literature and World Literature students here in Venezuela. My friend and former colleague has documented our work on her blog. Click here to see the masterpiece and supporting materials titled "The Collection". Our discussions via email and Google Docs have been one of the most amazing experiences in collaboration for me! Our ongoing exchanges about the actual implementation are augmented by the fact that my friend/colleague, Laura, is also implementing the curriculum right here. So we discuss student motivation, depth of learning, roadblocks that come up, assessment, and so much more-in real time.

True to my nature, I couldn't leave well enough alone so I am also revamping my entire curriculum this year for grade 6. Take a tour around the website (click there) I have created for the class- complete with calendar of due dates, links, rubrics and many "extras". I am trying to go to a "paperless" classroom where students communicate with me by email, submit assignments by emails, get learning help online, and access assignments online. I am not completely there yet, but am having fun exploring the possibilities.

So, if you need me...I'll be learning some new techy tool, researching, blogging, collaborating across nations, and generally being an "education geek". Oh,....and enjoying every minute of it!! Let the adventures continue!