The EdTech Posse is on Glu!

In Education, a refereed journal published out of the University of Regina, has moved to an open access, online format, and it’s first guest editor will be Alec Couros. It promises to ba a great inaugural issue, given Alec’s worldwide stature and reputation in open, connected and social learning.

Alec is calling for submissions for review. The deadlines are tight, but if you have something you’ve been working on, this would be a wonderful opportunity to publish with a highly respected scholar as your editor.

Dr. Couros will be launching this latest iteration of the journal as we continue and grow the conversation in education. Watch for the journal’s digital space to be launched in November of 2009.

Special Issue: Technology & Social Media – in education
To mark this important transition of the journal, a special issue will focus on technology & social media in education. Submitted articles should focus upon current theories, practice, or emerging trends and understandings within the context of teaching & learning, learning environments, or informal learning.

Some suggested topics are listed below:
- Social and participatory media (e.g., blogs, wikis, microblogging, video sharing) in teaching & learning.
- Mobile technologies, txting, or microblogging in learning, or implications for social justice & politics.
- Practical or philosophical discussions on open content or open educational resources.
- Implications & trends regarding open publishing & academia.
- Online communities as formal and/or informal learning environments.

- Openness and/or networks in teaching & learning.

- Case studies of successful technology integration into learning environments.
- Discussions of distance, online, distributed, or flexible learning models in practice.
- Changing views & frameworks of knowledge and implications for education.

- Social networks, participatory media, and the implications for information & media literacy.
- Personal learning networks (PLNs), personal learning environments (PLEs) or related frameworks.

- Other topics related to social media, technology, and education.

You can find the rest of the call for papers here.

I will be the guest editor of an upcoming issue of in education journal. Please consider submitting an article or feel free to pass on this call to others.
—
Editorial Call for issue 15/2 of in education (formerly know as Policy and Practice in Education)

In late 2007 the editorial board of Policy & Practice in Education made the decision to move the journal into a digital format. The rationale being,

in publishing research the intent is to reach as wide an audience as possible, publication costs have become insupportable, and competition is growing. We considered using the management and distribution services of a commercial publishing house, … however the notion of making knowledge more easily and broadly accessible suggested we look at open access publishing (Lewis & McNinch, 2007, p. 5)

To that end, from our current pdf print-based format, we are continuing to evolve the journal and with this forthcoming issue we will move more broadly into and across the digital landscape. However, that does not mean we will disregard the previous work of the journal from the past 15 years, but rather build upon and transcend those discussions, ideas and iterations. As we stated in our initial move to the digital format, the journal will continue to address issues, research and practice in the education of teachers, however we intend to augment the latitude and significance of the notion of education. As a result, we are inviting articles and reviews of works that not only explore ideas in teacher education, but also a broader and more inclusive discussion in education. We envision a discussion that also utilizes the ubiquitous growth of the digital arts and sciences in the everyday practice of living and how that (in)forms both formal and informal education.

With this forthcoming issue we are fortunate to have Dr. Alec Couros as guest editor and background coordinator. Dr. Couros will be launching this latest iteration of the journal as we continue and grow the conversation in education. Watch for the journal’s digital space to be launched in November of 2009.

Special Issue: Technology & Social Media – in education
To mark this important transition of the journal, a special issue will focus on technology & social media in education. Submitted articles should focus upon current theories, practice, or emerging trends and understandings within the context of teaching & learning, learning environments, or informal learning.

Some suggested topics are listed below:

- Social and participatory media (e.g., blogs, wikis, microblogging, video sharing) in teaching & learning.

- Mobile technologies, txting, or microblogging in learning, or implications for social justice & politics.

- Practical or philosophical discussions on open content or open educational resources.

- Implications & trends regarding open publishing & academia.

- Online communities as formal and/or informal learning environments.

- Openness and/or networks in teaching & learning.

- Case studies of successful technology integration into learning environments.

- Discussions of distance, online, distributed, or flexible learning models in practice.

- Changing views & frameworks of knowledge and implications for education.

- Social networks, participatory media, and the implications for information & media literacy.

- Personal learning networks (PLNs), personal learning environments (PLEs) or related frameworks.

- Other topics related to social media, technology, and education.

Length: Manuscripts, including references, tables, charts, & media, should range between 10-20 pages (2500-5000 words). As the journal will be primarily web-based, we encourage articles that leverage digital forms of expression and dissemination.

Style: For writing and editorial style, follow the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (2001, 5th ed.). References should also follow APA style.

Review Process: Authors are informed when manuscripts are received. Each manuscript is previewed prior to distribution to appropriate reviewers. Manuscripts are anonymously reviewed. Once all reviews are returned, a decision is made and the author is notified. Manuscripts should consist of original material, and not currently under consideration by other journals.

Copyright: Accepted material will be distributed under an appropriate Creative Commons license (non-commercial, attribution)

Cover Page (for review purposes): Include title of manuscript, date of submission, author’s name, title, mailing address, business and home phone number, and email address. Please provide a brief biographical sketch and acknowledge if the article was presented as a paper or if it reports a funded research project.

Abstract: Please include a 50-100 word abstract that describes the essence of your manuscript.

Software Format: Submit in Word (.doc), Rich Text (.rtf), or Open Document Format (.odf). Other media welcome through prior consultation

Deadlines: Abstracts should be submitted by July 31, 2009. Once reviewed, if your abstract is approved, you will be asked to submit a completed manuscript by October 1, 2009.

For all inquiries or submission information, please contact Dr. Alec Couros via email couros@gmail.com or by phone at (306) 585-4739.

Update: For those submitting abstract proposals, please use this form.

What a treat! The EdTech Posse had the pleasure of doing an episode with Howard Rheingold. Yes, the same Howard Rheingold who teaches courses in digital journalism at Stanford and social media at UC Berkeley, who is credited with coining the term “virtual community“, who was a founding member of The Well, who wrote Smart Mobs and gave fascinating Ted Talk on collaboration.

Rob, Alec, Dean and Rick thought they were going to interview Howard, but it was clear from almost the beginning that we were in for a conversation with someone who is an insatiable learner.

EdTech Posse Podcast 5.6 - In conversation with Howard Rheingold.

Dean, Rob, Rick, and I had the privilege of speaking with Howard Rheingold for our latest podcast. In this podcast we discussed “twitter, community, and the challenges of creating inquiry-based learning”. It was a great conversation where I think we all learned and reflected quite a bit, and I hope you enjoy.

Dean, Rob, Rick, and I had the privilege of speaking with Howard Rheingold for our latest podcast. In this podcast we discussed “twitter, community, and the challenges of creating inquiry-based learning”. It was a great conversation where I think we all learned and reflected quite a bit, and I hope you enjoy.

Twitter search and tagging is becoming increasingly relevant, especially in light of recent events in Iran. This timely video from Common Craft explains the basics of Twitter search, tagging, and trends. This may help people who are not currently on Twitter to understand it’s usefulness and relevance for capturing public thoughtstreams.

Twitter search and tagging is becoming increasingly relevant, especially in light of recent events in Iran. This timely video from Common Craft explains the basics of Twitter search, tagging, and trends. This may help people who are not currently on Twitter to understand it’s usefulness and relevance for capturing public thoughtstreams.

Rob Wall had a great conversation/brainstorming session with Dean Shareski and Alec Couros about designing a 3 week intensive summer version of an online course he will be offering this summer at the University of Saskatchewan. Alec and Dean share some of their impressive experience and wisdom from their courses at the University of Regina. If you take Rob’s course this summer, you can keep count of the things he borrowed from our mates on the Posse.

Episode 5.5: http://is.gd/OJst

I gave a keynote presentation yesterday titled “Harnessing the Power of Social Networks in Teaching and Learning” at the University of Delaware. Below, you can find the archived video and my slide deck.

I want to thank all of the good people at the University of Delaware who invited me, greeted me with wonderful hospitality, and let me be part of their excellent summer faculty institute. It was a terrific experience!

I gave a keynote presentation yesterday titled “Harnessing the Power of Social Networks in Teaching and Learning” at the University of Delaware. Below, you can find the archived video and my slide deck.

I want to thank all of the good people at the University of Delaware who invited me, greeted me with wonderful hospitality, and let me be part of their excellent summer faculty institute. It was a terrific experience!

The Department of Computer Science is hosting a talk by Robert J. Sawyer at the University of Saskatchewan. Here are the particulars:

Department of Computer Science Talk
Speaker: Robert J. Sawyer, Writer in Residence
Canadian Light Source, Saskatoon

Title: Webmind: When the World Wide Web Gains Consciousness

Abstract:
Can the Web wake up once its complexity has equaled or exceeded that of a human brain? What sort of consciousness might emerge under those circumstances? And what will be the impact on humanity when we are no longer the smartest things on the planet? Robert J. Sawyer is one of only seven writers in history — and the only Canadian — to win all three of the world’s top awards for best science-fiction novel of the year: the Hugo (which he won for Hominids), the Nebula (which he won for The Terminal Experiment), and the John W. Campbell Memorial Award (which he won for Mindscan). His just released 18th novel, Wake, details the dawning of consciousness by the World Wide Web. His physical home is in Mississauga, Ontario; online, it’s at: http://sfwriter.com

Date: Thursday, June 11, 2009
Time: 3:30 p.m.,
Place: Thorvaldson 271

This is a regular and welcome update to the list that has been maintained by Dr. Clayton R. Wright, crwr77@gmail.com for a number of years.

This list of selected events focuses primarily on the use of technology in educational settings and on teaching and learning. Only listings from July to December 2009 are complete as dates, locations, or URLs are not available for a number of events after December 2009.

One of the Associate Deans at my workplace has asked me to recommend five readings (e.g., books, articles, blogpost, etc.) that would help inform his understanding of current changes regarding social networks, knowledge, and technology in education. Rather than develop the list alone, I thought it appropriate to (at least attempt to) crowdsource responses from individuals in my network.

So, what readings would you recommend to an educational leader responsible for faculty development in a teacher education program? Any responses are greatly appreciated.

One of the Associate Deans at my workplace has asked me to recommend five readings (e.g., books, articles, blogpost, etc.) that would help inform his understanding of current changes regarding social networks, knowledge, and technology in education. Rather than develop the list alone, I thought it appropriate to (at least attempt to) crowdsource responses from individuals in my network.

So, what readings would you recommend to an educational leader responsible for faculty development in a teacher education program? Any responses are greatly appreciated.

(l-r) Cindy, Arcadio, Shaun, Xing, Jeff, Jay - not pictured: Linda, Ellen, Peggy and Constance

What a great day! I love convocation, especially because it gives us a chance to formally celebrate the accomplishments of our great folks in the Educational Communications and Technology Graduate Program at the University of Saskatchewan. We all dressed up in our academic gear and had a great time. It was also Dr. Jay Wilson’s very first convocation as a faculty member, so it was a terrific day for a lot of reasons.

Here is a set of photos from the event:

Congratulations to all of our fine students, and today, especially these scholars who received their M.Ed. degrees.

Jeff Kardynal: The potential of serious games for teaching high school construction technologies: A case study. Department of Curriculum Studies, March, 2009.

Linda Dunkley: Teaching environmental education in Saskatoon.


Shaun Loeppky: Web 2.0 tools in a blended learning environment.


Cindy Seibel: K – 12 parent portal: An implementation guide.

Xing Xu: Adapting to university studies in Canada: Self-directed learning modules for students at the University of Saskatchewan Language Centre.

Hong (Ellen) Du: English reading on the Web, collaborative interaction in Second Life: A multimedia supplementary with knowledge of early childhood education for traditional second language instruction.


Constance MacKenzie: An Interactive Computer Simulation Emulating Participation in Provincial Government

Peggy Jubien: Mobile technology in post-secondary education: A proposal for an online resource.


Arcadio Viveros Guzman: Online communication tool for sustainable forest management networking.


Jay Salikin: Portfolio in Educational Communications and Technology

Two exciting events. I asked if our grad students could also attend, and got an enthusiastic “yes.” So a special note to my graduate students: don’t miss this; it promises to be terrific. If you’re from not affiliated with the U of S and you’re interested, I suggest you phone Stephanie at the number below.

2009 Dean’s Research Lecture

“The Disaggregated Future of Higher Education or:
How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Internet”

Presented by
Dr. David Wiley, Brigham Young University
Thursday June11, 2009
10:30 am. - 12:00 Noon

Room18, Edwards School of Business
23 Campus Drive
University of Saskatchewan

Please RSVP (acceptances only) to Stephanie Griffin at (306)966-5927 or Stephanie.Griffin@usask.ca by Monday June 8

About the Speaker:
Dr. David Wiley is Associate Professor of Instructional Psychology and Technology at Brigham Young University, Chief Openness Officer of Flat World Knowledge, and Founder of the Open High School of Utah. He was formerly Associate Professor of Instructional Technology and Director of the Center for Open and Sustainable Learning at Utah State University. David has also been a Nonresident Fellow at the Center for Internet and Society at Stanford Law School, a Visiting Scholar at the Open University of the Netherlands, and a recipient of the US National Science Foundation’s CAREER grant. David is also the Founder of OpenContent.org. His career is dedicated to increasing access to educational opportunity for everyone around the world. David lives in Utah with his incredible wife and five awesome children.

Dr. Richard Baraniuk of Rice University is speaking at the Canadian Learning Commons Conference, Friday June 12 from 9:00 to 10:30 in the Neatby Timlin Theatre (Arts 241).

His presentationtation on “Open Access Learning” is open to conference attendees as well as anyone from the University community. Richard is the founder of Connexions, a free, open-source, global clearinghouse of course materials. His vision is to create a fee global online education system that puts the power of creation and collaboration in the hands of teachers worldwide.

Everyone is welcome for the keynote lecture - but please note that conference attendees will have an extended program and will need to register in advance. More details about the Canadian Learning Commons Conferece are available at http://CLCC2009.usask.ca

Here is yet another compelling reason why we should encourage posting student work to the Web. Enjoy this beautiful cover of Fleetwood Mac’s Landslide from elementary students of the PS22 Chorus in New York City.

From the comments, “What does Stevie think of this?” (although I can’t confirm validity – confirmed here).

Just got word from Stevie Nicks tour manager that she was completely blown away by the PS22 Chorus rendition of her song “Landslide!” He said she asked him to replay 2 times afterwards, crying each time she watched! Talk about humbling!! And the kicker?? She invited the PS22 Chorus to sing the song at Madison Square Garden for the upcoming June 11th Fleetwood Mac show!! Holy cow!!!

It will be interesting to see if the RIAA feels the same way.

If you want to know more about this group and their story, I’d recommend reading “Glee Club” from The Brooklyn Rail. From that story …

It’s unusual, but it works. In a school where more than three quarters of the students are eligible for free lunch, the lyrics of the song have resonance, and the performance is haunting, emotive, and delivered with far more soul than one might expect from a bunch of fifth-graders.

Catch this while it is real. Don’t wait for the movie.

Here is yet another compelling reason why we should encourage posting student work to the Web. Enjoy this beautiful cover of Fleetwood Mac’s Landslide from elementary students of the PS22 Chorus in New York City.

From the comments, “What does Stevie think of this?” (although I can’t confirm validity – confirmed here).

Just got word from Stevie Nicks tour manager that she was completely blown away by the PS22 Chorus rendition of her song “Landslide!” He said she asked him to replay 2 times afterwards, crying each time she watched! Talk about humbling!! And the kicker?? She invited the PS22 Chorus to sing the song at Madison Square Garden for the upcoming June 11th Fleetwood Mac show!! Holy cow!!!

It will be interesting to see if the RIAA feels the same way.

If you want to know more about this group and their story, I’d recommend reading “Glee Club” from The Brooklyn Rail. From that story …

It’s unusual, but it works. In a school where more than three quarters of the students are eligible for free lunch, the lyrics of the song have resonance, and the performance is haunting, emotive, and delivered with far more soul than one might expect from a bunch of fifth-graders.

Catch this while it is real. Don’t wait for the movie.

The Fall 2009 schedule of CIDER Sessions is now in the planning phase, and we are looking for distance educators interested in sharing their research related work with our online community. CIDER sessions are targeted at distance education researchers, graduate students, and practitioners. Each session features an active researcher talking about their project, methodologies used, and their results. The sessions are presented free of charge and recorded for playback from the CIDER site. If you are interested in presenting your research in a future CIDER session, please contact Lynn Anderson:
lynnlo@cogeco.ca

Our next CIDER session:

We would like to invite you to the next presentation in our series of free CIDER sessions. Our next session features a presentation and discussion with Dr. Jamie Rossiter, Department of Education, University of Oxford (currently at Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa).

Title: Adaptation of Online Courses for New Educational Contexts

One of the challenges in online learning is adaptation of material developed for one educational setting to be appropriate in another. Qualitative case-study research explored adaptation of online continuing education modules, developed by the Public Health Agency of Canada for public health practitioners. Two adaptations were studied: into the College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, and for practitioners in the English-speaking Caribbean. The first case involved adaptation for different learners, but in a similar culture. The second case involved similar learners, but in a different culture.

Results show that adaptation of existing online courses can be practicable, and may take less time and fewer resources to implement than creation of a new course. Benefits extended beyond immediate educational objectives to address strategic goals of both originating and recipient organizations.

When: Wednesday, June 3, 2009, 11am-12pm MDT (Edmonton)

Where: Online via Elluminate at:

https://sas.elluminate.com/m.jnlp?password=M.8B71B60F2931D029AC3837DC06B70D