Getting to south Africa has proven to be a bit of a challenge. Not because of paperwork or documentation because that all went very smoothly. So glad we followed the South African Embassy process. That proved to be the best part of our overall paperwork. But, the time it takes on the flights and the […]
26 kids – 4 adults – passports and documents from a dozen countries. All clear! On the plane! Everything checked to destination. Life is good on the first leg of our adventure!
The Ambassadors gathered at school for our departure at 3p today and the mood was good. All was well prepared and every ounce of luggage utilized for the trip to meet the benefactors of their efforts. Clothing and other gifts were packed in every nook and cranny. So, as we now prepare for the long […]
I’m heading off tomorrow for an adventure with 27 of our high school students. After a quick board meeting, I’m on a plane to Africa to help out with our school building projects in Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. My thanks to all who contributed to this project both through the many activities throughout the year and […]
Published originally in December, Carol Dweck has extended her work to include this reinforcement of her concepts into the notion of “Getting to Yet”. From Sweden TEDx in September, she proposes the concept of a grade for a class being a “Not Yet” rather than a failing grade. The concept of growth mindset has not […]
At a session at International School of Prague as part of the Spring CEESA Conference. Discussion about the integration of technology and pushing the boundaries of our thinking on the topic. The SAMR model helps us to see the context of integration and the transformational aspects that we are all seeking:
The students in charge of this did a fabulous job!!
Initial thoughts: The initial question posited to the conference panel that I’ve been asked to address: Information Technology in school – Does it improve learning? Gathered some resources to begin to address this question and related topics: https://www.evernote.com/pub/chinazurfluh/technologyitems The key issue associated with answering the question revolves first around how you define improving learning. […]
AAS 5th Grade from Jon Zurfluh on Vimeo. Erin and her classmates entertain parents at recent gathering. BTW – All video done with iPhone and edited with iMovie on the iPhone. Amazing…
I know this is just a gadget on one hand, but for those with a science fiction come reality sort of mind, what are the implications of this? Are we preparing kids for a world with stuff like this? I mean really – Do the classrooms of today bear any resemblance to the technology they […]
These guys get it… Look especially at 25:40 for the key question on individualizing… Powerful – listen for the shoe story.
Schools are increasingly struggling with decisions on how to support the growing trends in technology adoption in a fast paced and constantly changing technology rich world. The number of schools moving toward greater access to technology is growing with exponential magnitude. The challenge is the cost associated with these adoptions and further compounded by the […]
I remember a similar video from Microsoft that takes a look at the future – not too distant – to conjecture on the state of the world associated with products already in the pipeline. I like to think of it as the nexus between StarTrek and reality. We’ve seen many crossover and successful products emerge […]
Jay McTighe, one of the gurus behind Understanding by Design, has posted this video on his recent encounter with failure. It speaks to the issue of leaders who are often marked by age that is associated with their experience. Even Jay is showing his age despite the fact that he is only 7 years my […]
To learn what Alan November believes a successful school environment should look like…
Update: Only had a few participants, but enjoyed talking about my topic and the powerpoint seemed to have just the right amount of data. Had some nice involvement, but it would have been even more fun with hundreds. 😉 Here’s the recording link: https://sas.elluminate.com/drtbl?sid=gec2010&suid=D.C0BBFA0A2D7CF1BE39A2A24C253474 I’m presenting today at GlobalEd10 in my first online Eluminate session. […]
A couple of issues are nagging on me and, as I watched an old TED video by Dan Meyer, some thoughts formed on why we are struggling with change and reform in schools (or anywhere for that matter). Dan quoted David Milch with the following when reflecting on the ills of a sit-com society: It […]
This explanatory video discusses ADHD and a variety of topics, but more importantly, it’s a valuable call to action against a different perspective on the needed reforms that should be taking place around the world. While I value that he has only touched on a few key topics, the references to globalization are critical to […]
It’s with both pride and gratitude that I’m able to announce our move to Moscow, Russia in July, 2011 as I take up the position of Director for the Anglo-American School of Moscow and St. Petersburg. As the largest school in the CEESA region, I’ll master the helm of about 1500 students on two campuses […]
I love the first day of school each year. This year, with dissertation work continuing, I again ushered my own two kids into school, but did not take the reins of a classroom or building. I miss it. I love the rain beating down on my umbrella while watching buses safely deliver kids to my […]