I got an email today.  It was one of those you dream about getting. So here it is (with permission)...

Hey Garth, long time no talk!! Hope all is well your way!

Just a heads up: I have the 2nd round of my interview tomorrow for a High School Art position. They are requiring I teach for approx. 20-30 min. and I am using the lesson plan I developed in your class. It's a lesson that requires the students to collaborate on a drawing with another student overseas via Skype, email, and Google Docs... I created a new prezi for the lesson, uploaded it on my class Wiki, and will be able to "show it off" tomorrow... 
I am really geeked out about it, because during the 1st interview they mentioned they are currently in a period of transitioning to a policy of "bring your mobile to class". They are all about integrating tech. into the classroom  and I hope I impress them not only with my knowledge and ability as an art teacher, but my openness and familiarity with emerging tech. and its' application in the classroom.
 
Thank you for making the Technology class at the UofA the best education class I  attended!!! 

Wish me luck!
Sincerely,
Joshua

Now, I remember Josh.  He was a very engaged student who wanted to learn all he could.  He was and is awesome--someone I would be very happy to have working in the building with me.     However, what is really cool about this email is the fact he wants to high light his tech skills for an art position.  Not just high light them, but use them in the interview process (google docs/skpye/prezi/email).  That takes guts and it shows something to the people he is interviewing with: He is willing to take "risks" and find what works to engage kids in the world they are living in.  I am proud of him and I hope the people watching his lesson today see the value and scoop him up.  He will impact education for years to come.   

Good Luck, Joshua and I hope tomorrow you have an art job!!! 

Welcome! 
Below you will find the PowerPoint Garth and I will use today.  Please feel free to search the PowerPoint and the web while we talk.  Ask questions, challenge our beliefs and take what you hear back to your buildings.  Our contact information is in the PowerPoint, as well.  Do not hesitate to Tweet, email or call us in the future.

A few weeks ago Garth and I talked with some people attending some PD through SiOtA. We were discussing the digital textbook the students have worked on for seven or so years. As is almost always the case during these things, a thought came to me.  We have all heard of the $1,000 pencil problem, in fact I think that has become so cliche and outdated that it isn't even worth discussing further.

The way I see it, the new problem is the $1,000 textbook. I'm referring to the push of districts to create ebooks...of all sorts. Now it may not cost $1,000 up front, but when you factor in (1)device to create, (2) PD to train people to create, (3) time invested in creating, and so on, you very quickly see the cost of ebook. Just like digital pencils, the problem with ebooks is that they do not change teaching and learning. So WOW your kids get to their textbook via a device instead of physically flipping pages. What's that?  You can push updates as curriculum and standards change, NEATO!  You say this eliminates the excuse of "forgetting" your book, GOOD for you!

Okay, enough with the dry whit. What's the point of ebooks in your school?  ....If you answered anything about 21st century skills, cost efficiency, or CCSS then you shouldn't be making an e-textbook.  The creation of digital content was awesome in the hands of teachers up to about three years ago. The curve we are quickly falling behind is allowing students to crate digital content. Our students should:
1. Own their learning
2. Leave a legacy
3. Publish original content
4. Go back, possibly years later to edit and reflect on their work
5. Collaborate, write, draw, link, connect, correct
And so fourth.

Digital textbooks should be created by students, for students and with students on mind. They should not receive points, grades or any other tangible rewards for their efforts. They should be sold on the idea that there is an intrinct good to learning.  Students née to be motivated to help others and leave digital footprints worth following.

If your district is considering considering ebooks please think about a few things:
1. Who owns the content?
Are you using an app or paid service. If you are then there is a good chance your intellectual property is no longer yours. 2. Who creates the content?

Should teachers be involved?  Should students be involved?  How much will be done by each?3. What is the purpose?

Are you creating a new culture of teaching and learning? Do you just want to save money?  Are you giving students ownership of their learning? 

-Mike

A few weeks ago, Garth created a thinglink of his classroom.  I decided it would probably be cool to have my room up there too.