Life-Long-Learners

I must admit that I look forward to reading the regular Saturday’s “Random Acts of Kindness” page in our local Winnipeg Free Press newspaper. With all the drama and sensationalism, that is often dispensed through our news media, it is so refreshing to read about individuals who do good deeds for others without any thought of thanks in return.

For this month’s “Teacher Feature” remix or mashup, I thought that I’d attempt to accomplish two tasks – one to inspire and one to remind:

Teacher Feature #28 – Aesop – April, 2013

Following the inspiring pattern that I have established in my previous 27 “Teacher Feature” remixes, I blended a powerful message with a complementary Creative Commons licensed photo, together with its Flickr address. However, I also took the liberty of including a reminder for teachers and students that, each year, the last Thursday in April is reserved as “Pay It Forward Day”. Unfortunately, due to family commitments, I have not recently been blogging as regularly as I would like. As such, I missed giving adequate warning this year of the very powerful teaching opportunity of the “Pay It Forward Day”. It is hoped that teachers will print out this image reminder, or at least mark their calendars well in advance, to take advantage of this teaching opportunity in future years. Perhaps, Aristotle said it best … “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”

Take care & keep smiling

Larger Image: Brian Metcalfe’s Teacher Feature “photostream”
http://www.flickr.com/photos/life-long-learners/

This month’s “Teacher Feature” displays the results of my “Image with a Message” activity. I believe that all students, regardless of subject area, should be able to use technology to accomplish the following three basic tasks:

• search the Internet critically;
• enhance projects with images from Creative Commons; and
• give appropriate credit.

Teacher Feature #27 – Jesse Jackson – March, 2013

To create this combination visual display, I first searched through a variety of motivational quote sites. I particularly like resources such as “Brainy Quote”, “Motivational and Inspirational Quotes”, or “World of Quotes” because it is possible to search for quotations by topics such as “Education” or “Teaching”.

Once, I had selected this powerful quotation by Jesse Jackson, I then began using the Flickr Advanced Search mechanism to search for Creative Commons licensed images that I could “modify, adapt, or build upon”. I entered the terms “reach” and “hand”, into the upper Flickr search field, and was delighted to find this powerful “Reaching Hand” image by Brett Sayer. I downloaded the “large” size of this Creative Commons image and recorded the Internet URL address for giving proper credit.

Although there are many ways that Jesse Jackson’s quotation and the Internet address could be added to this image, I chose to use PowerPoint. I simply start with a blank slide and inserted the downloaded image into the slide format. Once the image was positioned appropriately, I inserted text boxes to contain the quotation, the individual, and the Flickr credit address.

The last step in the process is to use PowerPoint’s “Save as > Other Formats” and pick “JPEG File Interchange Format (*.jpg)” under the “Save as type” category. On the next screen, one need only select “Current Slide Only” and save the resulting remix image to your computer.

Once I publish the remix in a blog post, I usually try to remember to go back to the site of the original Flickr image and enter a comment thanking the individual for sharing her/his creative images with me through the Creative Commons process.

I trust that some readers may be able to use this “Image with a Message” activity with their own students.

Take care & keep smiling

Larger Image: Brian Metcalfe’s Teacher Feature “photostream”
http://www.flickr.com/photos/life-long-learners/

Wow … the month is almost over and I have yet to share my monthly “Teacher Feature”. I’m always looking for educational quotes that I can add to my random “Quote of the Day” displayed in the top right corner of my blog. I recently came across Tom Bodett’s quotation which really resonated with me:

Teacher Feature #26 – Tom Bodett – February, 2013

As educators perhaps we might strive to make our teaching more engaging and life-like. Having participated in two Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), I realize that there is considerable difference from the way I learn today and the way I prepared past lessons for students and teachers. If we closely examine how students learn outside the classroom though searching online and sharing and collaborating with friends, perhaps we can improve their classroom learning experiences.

Take care & keep smiling

Larger Image: Brian Metcalfe’s Teacher Feature “photostream”
http://www.flickr.com/photos/life-long-learners/

For my January, 2013 “Teacher Feature”, I thought that I’d remix a famous Vince Lombardi quote with this very appropriate Flickr image from Jeffrey Cuvilier which he shared with a Creative Commons license.

Teacher Feature #25 – Vince Lombardi – January, 2013

I encourage educators to demonstrate the hard work that goes into teaching. Students and staff need to realize how much extra time is invested as innovative risk-takers explore how technology can engage students and improve learning. Furthermore, it is important that students understand that their teachers do not “always have the right answers” and that educators are on their own learning journey. If youngsters see teachers hard-at-work, in a more transparent learning model, it is hoped that, in time, these same students will develop their own work ethic and be successful.

Take care & keep smiling

Larger Image: Brian Metcalfe’s Teacher Feature “photostream”
http://www.flickr.com/photos/life-long-learners/

Technology empowers students. Certainly this brief sentence contains three important words. However, when creating this month’s “Teacher Feature”, I remembered “three little words” that will help reduce teacher stress while empowering students. It is recommended that teachers start responding to student questions, for which they don’t know the answer, with the three little words … “I don’t know”.

Teacher Feature #24 – Stephen Heppel – December, 2012

Undoubtedly, for some teachers, such a confession will be difficult. Especially if they have prided themselves on always knowing everything about their particular subject area(s). However, with technology invading our homes and our schools, it will be impossible, for even the most tech-minded individual, to always have the right answer. Therefore, I recommend that each teacher become more transparent and acknowledge students more frequently with “I don’t know … but if you find out, I’d love for you to share it with me”. With such feedback, the individual pupil is empowered as the traditional teacher’s and student’s roles are reversed.

In order to survive the barrage of questions posed by inquisitive Early Years students, some teachers direct their young students to “Ask three, before me.” What an amazing catch-phrase! This strategy asks that students search for answers in other ways as opposed to always relying on the teacher. Not only does it take pressure off the teacher, it also encourages students to learn new problem-solving techniques. Teachers, who are hoping to infuse technology into their classrooms, cannot know all the myriad of details about each software application. Neither can they know how to accomplish all tasks on each particular gadget in a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) classroom environment. Rather, empower the students to collaborate and problem solve as a community of learners. Such action will benefit them when they are employed in the real world.

I was very lucky to be exposed to such a “real world” learning experience when I enrolled in the popular “Digital Storytelling” course offered by the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia. This massive, open, online course (or MOOC), affectionately known as “DS106” (www.ds106.us), ran for 15 weeks and exposed me to the realities of learning in the 21st century. No, there were no recommended textbooks nor required software applications. Neither were there specific handouts on how to create GIFs or a special effects using Photoshop or Gimp. Although the instructors worked hard, they did not take ownership for creating up-to-date instructions on how to accomplish a task using different versions of Photoshop. Rather students were empowered to search Google for “Photoshop tutorials” or communicate with others taking the course to learn how certain tasks were best accomplished. Furthermore, students were encouraged to share their creative assignments providing “behind the scenes” insights into how their projects were accomplished. Following the “ABCs” of DS106, students were encouraged to “Always Be Creating” and “Always Be Commenting” on other students’ work so that a true sharing and learning community could be fostered.

• Can you move towards harnessing technology in your classroom?
• How can you become less of a gatekeeper of knowledge and more of a facilitator of learning?
• Are you willing to be more honest with students by saying “I don’t know”?
• Would you be willing to explore one new educational application each month?
• Could you connect with other educators to form a Personal Learning Network?
• Will you encourage students to explore creative ways that technology can empower them?

As the year 2012 comes to an end, I want to wish all my readers and friends a warm Seasons Greetings and finish this post with three little words … “Happy New Year”.

Take care & keep smiling

Larger Image: Brian Metcalfe’s Teacher Feature “photostream”
http://www.flickr.com/photos/life-long-learners/

My wife and I recently visited our younger son in California. As part of our San Francisco experience, we decided to take a Segway tour through Golden Gate Park. Before we were allowed to take control of this “pogo stick on two-wheels”, we were given thorough safety instructions on how to control this unique device. One of the instructor/leaders provided a rather animated and polished demonstration of the do’s and don’ts when controlling a Segway. It was her performance that sparked my initiative to create this month’s Teacher Feature.

Teacher Feature #23 – Gail Godwin – November, 2012

Part way through the Segway tour, we stopped for a few minutes rest and we had a chance to ask this leader if she had a teaching background. She indicated that, in past, several of her Segway clients had asked if she had a background in theater. Interestingly enough, we were the first to ask if her demonstrated skill-set came from an educational background. She admitted that she did work with special needs students and we all agreed that a significant portion of good teaching is in the theatrics of the delivery style.

Take care & keep smiling

Larger Image: Brian Metcalfe’s Teacher Feature “photostream”
http://www.flickr.com/photos/life-long-learners/

As Halloween fast approaches, many are busy carving jack-o-lanterns. However, for this month’s Teacher Feature, I thought it might be beneficial if educators reflected for a moment on how they influence and shape the future.

This month’s powerful educational quote comes from Vicki Davis whose creative ideas, resources and sharing are tied closely to her educational nickname of “Cool Cat Teacher”.

 Teacher Feature #22 – Vicki Davis – October, 2012

Vicki first caught my eye about five years ago when she co-created the “Flat Classroom Project”. I recommend that readers investigate Vicki’s resources on her “Cool Cat Teacher” Blog. Of particular interest will be her “Top 10 Posts” (found by scrolling down the right-hand column) and her “Freebies”.  To keep up-to-date on the latest ideas and innovations that Vicki shares, make sure you follow her on Twitter as (@coolcat teacher).

Thanks Vicki for sharing your inspiring quote, your wealth of resources, and your important reminder that … teaching is, indeed a noble calling.

Take care & keep smiling

Larger Image: Brian Metcalfe’s Teacher Feature “photostream”
http://www.flickr.com/photos/life-long-learners/

At the start of a new school year, the following “Teacher Feature” remix, seems quite appropriate. It portrays how our students initially stand on the threshold of a each new grade with the opportunity to learn new ideas and concepts to prepare them to become  responsible citizens of this 21st century. In addition, this image speaks to me of the responsibility that we, as teachers, have to help open doors and encourage students to navigate wisely as they acquire knowledge on their path to becoming life-long learners.

Teacher Feature #21 – William Blake – September, 2012

On a much more personal note this remix image and quotation reminds me of two very important important individuals in my life. My father, who was very wise and learned much from the “school of hard knocks”, often said “You must be ready to answer the door, when opportunity knocks.”

Undoubtedly, our younger son Chris, believes in Gramps’ advice as he stands on the threshold of a significant career relocation. After having spent four months in a Silicon Valley tech startup incubator in early 2011, Chris has decided to return to California as a software engineer for a company in San Francisco.  He will be certainly be missed by his family and friends but Chris believes in the Tom Stoppard quote “Look on every exit as being an entrance somewhere else.”

We know he will be successful and we wish him well in his new adventure!

Take care & keep smiling

Larger Image: Brian Metcalfe’s Teacher Feature “photostream”
http://www.flickr.com/photos/life-long-learners/

With the school year fast approaching, I thought that I would share the following image and quotation remix with readers as part of my regular monthly “Teacher Feature”:

Teacher Feature #20 – Ralph Waldo Emerson – June, 2012

Take care & keep smiling

Larger Image: Brian Metcalfe’s Teacher Feature “photostream”
http://www.flickr.com/photos/life-long-learners/

My previous two blog posts alerted teachers to the unique educational opportunity afforded students on Thursday, April 26th. For the past few years, the last Thursday of April has been designated as “Pay It Forward Day”.

Teacher Feature #18 – Charles de Lint – April, 2012

Teachers should investigate the wealth of educational resources that are available on the Pay It Forward Day web site. Furthermore, the inspiring YouTube video entitled “Watch this…. You will definitely share this……mp4 is one that can be used to stimulate classroom discussion about the “pay it forward” process.

When I reflect on my youth as a Wolf Cub and Boy Scout, there are two important phrases that I still remember. They are both simple ideas that, if practiced by many, can have profound impact on both the environment and people in general.

The fist scouting phrase that I do my best to practice is “Always leave your campsite in better condition than you found it.” The second phrase is the final line in the Cub promise and states ” … do a good deed to somebody every day.”

It is this idea of “doing a good deed” or “paying it forward”, without expecting thanks, that has such potential and power. I hope that you as an educator share this important “pay it forward” message with your students and that they take action to become better citizens through doing a good deed.

Take care & keep smiling

Larger Image: Brian Metcalfe’s Teacher Feature “photostream”
http://www.flickr.com/photos/life-long-learners