Mission and Vision Statements

We are at a point where we begin to think seriously about our learning vision statement. The mission statement should be the current NCHS mission statement. Agree?

There is an overarching strategic vision for technology application which encompasses the learning vision, but which is more generally formulated for all aspects of technology in the school building. This, too must be addressed as we look at goals and develop ways to reverse engineer our way to their fruition.

I have posted in the Program Planning and Evaluation page of the wiki some thoughts to get us started. As mentioned there, the National Educational Computing Conference (NECC) has published new lists of standards (2008) for teachers. Meantime please share your thoughts through the wiki or here at the blog.

Fortes in Fide

What is this "Web 2.0"?

The term "Web 2.0" is widely used to describe a major paradigm shift regarding the Internet. It's implications are vast and apply in many sectors, especially the business community. Our glossary is a good place to get an idea of the concept. Our focus is clearly on the impact of Web 2.0 concepts on education. Therefore, in order to promote more clarity and cause less confusion, i will use the term "21st century teaching and learning skills" or simply, "21st century skills".

Steve Hargadon in his blog gives us a great overview of what is going on. See what you think.

Sue Summerford presents her Classroom Hotlist as a reference to the the breadth of the movement. Kind of overwhelming; isn't it?

Related Links:
Wiki as Textbook
Wikis at Boston College
Web 2.0 & Social Networking

Fortes in Fide

Some Major Assumptions for Consideration

• The plan we for see for NCHS is to be world class and distinguish the type of education provided at NCHS.
  
• Patrick J. Finn's work:
  First, there is empowering education, which leads to powerful literacy, the kind of literacy that leads to positions of power and authority. Second, there is domesticating education, which leads to functional literacy, literacy that makes a person productive and dependable, not troublesome.
  
• The Web 2.0 paradigm shift is real, powerful, pervasive and viral.
• No plan for technology usage in teaching and learning can ignore Web 2.0.
  
• The plan must be collaborative in nature with all members participating as a community. This is essential for shared ownership and enduring commitment.
  
• All participants must be reasonably well grounded in the 21st century teaching and learning skills implicit in Web 2.0.
• The creative process and the participants work must model a 21st century teaching , learning process.
• Our group is disparate in nature, but each member brings unique and important insights to the table. Many members have worked for years in the Information Science and Technology fields and are well aquainted with 21st century digital tools. We will find strength in the diversity of the group.
• Both the blog and the wiki serve important functions in our working process.
• The moderator authority stems for the committee leadership and the consent of the members.
  

Fortes in Fide