53:01 minutes (12.13 MB)

We had a great discussion with James Sigler

1. James Sigler shared his background and how he started video-conferencing, including some pertinent points

• It involved serendipity and a willingness to try something new, rather than a technology plan...

2. Why do it?

• Our guest and host shared about the learning connections they've made, and students make using this
• We discussed the standards, like NETS Communication and Collaboration and looking on how our students are communicating with authentic audiences.

4. The It's Elementary team share their experiences

5. And shared barriers to effective implementation or sustainability, blocking and coordinating schedule/time zones came up as the big issues.

We then threw it open and had the audience join in.

Our Next show will be on Monday June 9th, Year in Review. What were your sucesses and challanges? What are your plans for 2008-09? Visit our Blog at http://itselementary.edublogs.org

Chat Below

I have been fortunate to participate in a number of blended workshop presentations where I am live with a group and members of the EdTech Community join in virtually.  Yesterday I had 3 sessions and Jeff Lebow and Lee Baber joined and contributed. Arvind came in for one (for some reason people from NYC have great credibility).     I think this is a powerful support that the community can offer individuals who are trying to bring Web 2.0 tools and practices to their school communities.  We are never a prophet in our own land but when my participants heard the voice of Lee echo in the room as she described her work and Jeff L. talked about the communities that have been grown out of WB, they paid attention.  I felt like my credibiltiy went up.  The glazed eyes of people lost in the terms and concepts became more alert listening to the powerful stories.

I think this has potential as a model and resource to people who are trying to start this work in their schools and districts.  As we go forward, maybe we can articulate and package this type of work so that others in and outside our community may use this as a professional development opportunity.

Jeff Flynn - Ann Arbor, MI

JL proposes an alternate date for the webcastathon, Cheryl tells us about her new job, Dave talks about hardware and software he's shopping for; and Jen takes us on a tour with Vyew.

Thanks too to Paul and Bud and all those who joined us in the chat room.