Alan November

I watched both of Alan November's conferences and enjoyed each of them.  He spoke right on cue with what the District is trying to get us to do now, which is allowing the teachers to facilitate and put the students in charge of discovering information and sharing it with other students.  They can do this with using Google Docs, podcast (which I have no idea how to do since I don't even own an IPod), and other collaborative means.  We need to change the classroom dynamics.  I plan on using Google Docs this year and having an account for each of my students.  I plan on allowing them to use the computers in the classroom to do their writing and research.  I especially liked the idea of using Google even more and setting up research material for the students to use for special research projects.  This will narrow down the information for them so they do not become overwhelmed, and I can ensure the material is appropriate before they use it.  My goal is to establish high performing work teams for more successful students.