Saddened by the Ugg Boot Ban
BTW
This has been an excellent learning experience for the students and we feel that this will set the stage for lifelong fitness. I really feel sorry for those students and teachers in Pottstown Middle School who are talking about the Ugg boot ban instead of teaching and learning in today’s world.
February 8, 2012, 9:44 pm
Filed under: Change Agent, Leadership | Tags: cell phones, change, Leadership, Physical Education, physical education classes, School Policy, schuylkill river trail, ugg boots
Filed under: Change Agent, Leadership | Tags: cell phones, change, Leadership, Physical Education, physical education classes, School Policy, schuylkill river trail, ugg boots
BTWPhoto on Flickr by UggBoy/UggGirl
As I was running on the Schuylkill River trail last week, I could not help but think how sad the recent ruling to ban Ugg boots by the Pottstown Middle School in PA was. I just don’t understand it. What do the Ugg boots have to do with a cell phone policy at school?
BTW – While running I was using my phone to to track my pace and time, listen to music and to take pictures of the rowers on the river.
We have worked through the cell phone debate at Graded and we understand that, as a mobile device, cell phones have a place in the classroom. Our policy states, “Cellular phones may be used as educational tools with the permission of a classroom teacher. Otherwise, the use of cellular phones on campus is prohibited except for in the student center, cafeteria and hallways during breaks. Unauthorized use of cellular phones will result in the confiscation of the phone and the phone will be delivered to the Assistant Principal.”
Once we realized that the teacher has control and that he/she can work with the students to determine how they can be used educationally, we were heading in the right direction.
Case in point, in our 10th grade physical education classes there is a huge emphasis placed on fitness and our students have created online portfolios to help them with their learning. They track their cardio vascular workouts by recording distance, time and heart rate, they record their strength workouts by recording reps and weight. They set personal goals and all of this information is recorded in Google Docs and they periodically write reflections and get feedback from their teachers. One of our teachers, Sueli Valades (sueli.valades@graded.br) has been having the students use their cell phones during their workouts. So, how are these tools used?
- Students record their data during the workout in their portfolio.
- Students take photos and/or video of their workout and then they are able to look at their technique. The feedback is immediate and they can make corrections right there on the spot.
- Students listen to music while they are working out. Pretty important since studies have shown that music can lead to better workouts.
This has been an excellent learning experience for the students and we feel that this will set the stage for lifelong fitness. I really feel sorry for those students and teachers in Pottstown Middle School who are talking about the Ugg boot ban instead of teaching and learning in today’s world. Leave a Comment
Why everyone raves about Educon 2.4
February 1, 2012, 12:20 am
Filed under: Instructional Leader, Leadership | Tags: Conferences, Educon, Learning, Personal Learning Networks, Professional Development
Filed under: Instructional Leader, Leadership | Tags: Conferences, Educon, Learning, Personal Learning Networks, Professional Development
Photo by assorted stuff
I had the pleasure of attending Educon 2.4 this weekend at the Philadelphia Science and Leadership Academy (SLA) and I was not disappointed. I went because I’m passionate about conversations on learning in today’s world and to gather ideas on how to organize a first-class learning experience. Graded will be hosting the Innovate 2013 Conference in Sao Paulo, Brazil January 19 – 21, 2013 and our planning is underway. So, why is Educon such a great learning experience for participants?
- SLA truly is a special place where all members of the community have a common vision and they are focused on learning in today’s environment. There is a solid foundation in place and they are continually working on improvement. The learning is connected to today’s world, students work on real life problems, they create for a larger audience, and the community is tight. They are walking the walk.
- Educon attracts educators who are passionate about their work to make teaching and learning relevant for today’s students. The presenters are excellent and the participants take the conversations to a higher level. Everyone can be challenged during the weekend. Pretty amazing that so many leaders in this field attend since everyone pays their own way.
- The two panels were on Innovation and they brought in a diverse group of experts to present. The fact that the first six weren’t educators was plus. Imagine hearing from the following people.
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- Dan Barcay – Lead Software Engineer, Google Earth
- Alex Gilliam - founder, Public Workshop
- Zoe Strauss - artist, photographer, innovator.
- C. J. Taylor - Professor, U. Penn GRASP Robotics Lab
- Phoenix Wang – Co-Founder, Startl
- Moderated by Dr. Frederic Bertley – Vice President of the Center for Innovation in Science Learning, The Franklin Institute
This type of opening was much better than having one person as a keynote.
- The structure provided participants with 90 minute sessions and time in between sessions for conversations. Friday was an excellent time for visiting the school and starting up conversations.
- Participants were eager to meet new faces and to develop relationships. This is not a conference for those who want to sit alone at lunch. You have to be prepared to mingle with new friends.
I have to thank the SLA Gang for creating this wonderful learning experience and we hope that the Innovate 2013 Conference can offer South American educators a similar experience.
