November 2005
Digital Video
Morning and Afternoon Sessions
with David Vanesselstyn
at (the school formerly known as) Southampton College

From my log entry:
Kyle Pecks vision for the re-invention of our educational system is the best idea I have heard for how to change what is broken while at the same time, taking full advantage of what technology has to offer us. In addition, Dr. Peck proposes an inclusive process that calls on people currently struggling within the existing system to help shape the vision for the re-invention. His best guess presented in the visually rich graphic organizer is presented as a jumping off point for others to shape and grow.
Having attended a previous program in this series presented by Long Island University and Computer Logic Group (Milton Chen in fall 2004) as well as Kyle Pecks session at the recent NECC conference in Philadelphia, my expectations for this TEAM workshop were high. I was not disappointed.
Dr. Peck began with a truly inspiring video clip of a teacher-presenter discussing the day her Principal told the entire faculty that they must teach the rest of the day using only a bag of feathers. From this comical and engaging beginning, we went on to explore the current state of education, 21st century skills, children as digital natives, and more. At the break, we were asked to discuss in small groups whether or not students/children today are different, if yes, what do we do about it, and/or if not, what do we do about it?
I was able to discuss this question with several TEAM members (Kathy & Bruce) as well as a nursing school instructor and a C.W. Post science professor. Our diverse perspectives and opinions made for a lively conversation. We all had different answers to the question posed by Dr. Peck and I found I kept changing my mind. What was most exciting to me was the moment that someone said, Before we go and change everything, shouldnt we look at what is already being done that is worthwhile? Someone should report on that. I found myself blurting out, Well, GLEF does that! Just go to edutopia.org. Then I had this strong desire to get GLEF, TEAM, Kyle Peck and ISTE to go somewhere for a kind of Camp David summit to hammer out this re-invention once and for all.
Over the summer, after my NECC encounter with Dr. Peck, I decided that we needed to close all schools for a year and release all the people involved (students, teachers, administrators, parents) to work on the re-invention and only the re-invention. The kids could go to some kind of fun camp for the year. They wouldnt really lose because when they returned to school the following year, they would experience a much more effective education. I know this is an outlandish idea, but I cant get out from under the time pressure and taxing multi-tasking required for us all to continue to do what we do and re-invent at the same time. When are we supposed to breathe? Also, we need to meet/collaborate with other busy people to really get this thing right. Sure technology can help, but a huge one-year online and in-person retreat would be much better.

November 18, 2004
Milton Chen at C.W. Post
Presented by TEAM and Computer Logic

From my log entry:
I enjoyed the content of this presentation. It was exciting to be able to hear such an important speaker in the field of technology and education. I really enjoyed learning about the music program at Bay Shore (Beyond Band). It was great to know that some of what we are learning in TEAM is actually happening at a public school on Long Island . Just listening to the teachers describe it was inspiring.

Some of Milton Chen’s quotes and references were so true: “A technology is only a technology for those who were born before it.” (Seamore _________ MIT Media Lab) and that bit about people who read email online vs. people who print it and read it and save the paper copy.

I also perked up at the mention of James Comer. I was glad to be reminded of a previous interest in his educational model. I want to revisit it now that I am again immersed in educational philosophy and oh-so-much older and wiser than my undergraduate years.

I am sorry that I wasn’t able to take advantage of the luncheon afterwards. I think it would have been very exciting to talk to Milton Chen face-to-face. I was especially interested in his work with PBS and creating programs for them. I wanted to ask about the show “Between the Lions.” It takes place in a library and includes a character named “Click” who is part regular mouse and part computer mouse. It is geared towards pre-school and kindergarten.