Edina Digital Age Learning

Recently, my department was approached about the possibility of testing out locking pouches to explore l imiting access to cell phones by students during the school day . To be honest, I was skeptical, because I knew that while it is clear, some students (and adults) are addicted to their device, I was concerned that students would not be able to complete certain tasks. (It is hard to take a video or picture for an assignment with a conventional, non-touch Chromebook, for example.) Students come to school today with d evices in their pocket that are more powerful than the computing power that put a person on the moon , and yet teachers sometimes want to ignore that reality. We know that there are many beneficial aspects to mobile tools for learning, AND, we know that for many people, even having the device in one's pocket can be detrimental to attention and impact learning .  A few staff at South View Middle School were interested in the idea of using the locking pouch. Rather tha...

A few highlights from this year's South View Middle School Service Learning Project. This year's event moved from the Media Center to the Gym, and over 200 people came to attend and learn from the students.  In this video by Claude Sigmund, Cool Planet Founder, Paul Thompson shares his experience working with the students. And in this video, Susana Valdez of the National Youth Leadership Council shares her thoughts on what she observed today: This event continues to grow, and I was impressed by how students incorporated digital age learning to collaborate and share their learning with the world. Later today, I'll add links to some of the student Websites.

Great Learning For the past 12 years, 9th grade Government students at South View Middle School have been involved in some type of Service Learning project. As you will see in the video below, the project, the product produced by students and the depth of learning that happens has evolved significantly. This year's iteration kicked off last fall in October, with a fair organized by Edina Service Learning Coordinator, Julie Rodgers Bascom, and media specialist, Cathy Heller. The students had a chance to meet with partner organizations that they might consider volunteering at, and to learn more about those institutions.  Once students were paired up with organizations, they spent the next 7 months volunteering time and talent, and documenting their learning on Websites and blogs. What was truly remarkable about this experience was to hear how it transformed students, and how most said that they would like to continue with some type of service into the future. ...

Last night we had Open House at South View Middle School , home of our first year 1:1 Laptop Learning pilot . We had a nice turn out and parents asked lots of good questions. They received the policy guide and forms they will need to bring with them next Saturday, when students will be coming to a final orientation prior to taking them home. Next week, students will be going through training on Acceptable Use, Proper Care, Personal Safety and File Management, then taking a "Driver's License Assessment" to earn the privilege of 24/7 access. Below are the presentations for each of the units. I'd love some feedback! Acceptable Use Proper Care Personal Safety