Disqus - Latest Comments for darrendraper

Re: The Problem with Curiosity

Darren Draper — Mon, 29 May 2017 22:28:26 -0000

From my perspective, it appears that wonder and curiosity still exist globally, but mostly in small pockets of often-commercialized ventures. Genetics and healthcare procedures come to mind as particularly innovative fields right now, but both motivated by finance.
A revitalized space race could ratchet innovation globally! I believe it's Canada's turn to lead out, hopefully before Elon's commercial dream becomes a reality. :)

Re: The Problem with Curiosity

Darren Draper — Mon, 29 May 2017 21:44:16 -0000

Interesting ideas here, Dean, and I agree that it's unfortunate how polarized opinion has become online. Civil discourse online has truly become a precious commodity.

For what it's worth, I'm not sure an emphasis on school's role in facilitating/promulgating curiosity is all that recent. Perhaps the trend is growing, but I remember hearing Michael Wesch lament our society's increasing lack of wonder back in 2012 or so.

Very interesting talk, if you have a minute.

https://www.youtube.com/wat...

Re: Social Media in 2017

Darren Draper — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 20:48:13 -0000

Excellent comment, George; thank you for taking the time to articulate your thinking. I agree completely with what you've written. Every educator *does* have an important responsibility to understand the world as it exists today, so as to best prepare students for the future world they will soon encounter on their own.

Keep up the terrific work! You're an exceptional presenter and have a real gift for captivating your audience. I was also impressed with how well you handled the audio issues during your first session. I've seen many presenters get rattled when the sound cuts out, but you appeared completely in control throughout.

Re: Will · Our “Undereducation”

Darren Draper — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 18:56:55 -0000

Wow. Very well said, Will.

Your post makes it hard for me to look at my own kids and deny that their own curiosity hasn't been killed by years of shooshing, folded arms, and fractions.

We must do better.

Re: Will · RIP Jay Cross

Darren Draper — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 18:37:47 -0000

Thank you so much for posting this, along with the link to Jay's post from 2003. It was fun to see shots of you and Tim Lauer.

Where have the years gone?

Re: When Convenience Trumps Tradition

Darren Draper — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 20:10:27 -0000

Thanks for your comment, Rick! It's great to hear how well things are going for you guys, as well!

Our most popular courses are core courses and then Computer Tech and Financial Lit, with ELA leading the pack. We just finished creating PST, however, and anticipate large enrollments in it - particularly from 9th graders.

Did you end up going with Canvas, or have you purchased another system for your courses/curriculum?

Re: Now open access: The Impact of Open Textbooks on Secondary Science Learning Outcomes

Darren Draper — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 16:36:34 -0000

This is great, David! Thank you for sharing.

In the spirit of openness/transparency, will you please share the steps your research team took to limit the impact of bias in your analysis and reporting?

Re: More Thinking about the Open Education Infrastructure

Darren Draper — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 12:51:44 -0000

I look forward to hearing more from you on this topic. Specifically, what do you mean by "Open Outcomes" and "Open Assessment?"

In my mind, I'm picturing common standards and common assessments, but I'm not convinced that "common" clearly equates with "open."

Re: And What Do You Mean By…

Darren Draper — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 17:26:40 -0000

I really like your list of definitions here, and think it's healthy for all bloggers/teachers/learners to articulate their biases.

That said, talk to me a little more about "student achievement." You mention there are multi-faceted ways to measure and showcase it, but shun the term "test." Would you be willing to list for me your top 10 ways to measure and showcase learning?

Re: Poster Session 101: Presentation Titles Matter

Darren Draper — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 09:40:42 -0000

Nice work, Sue! I agree that poster sessions can be some of the best. I like having the chance to ask questions of the presenters, and the customized feel that poster sessions provide.

Re: Poster Session 101: Presentation Titles Matter

Darren Draper — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 22:08:17 -0000

Hi Sue!

Yes, you're probably right. Presentation is a complete package.

Honestly, I felt bad for the guy on the right, because I know his message was genuine and even important. More than anything, I was surprised at how posed this scene appeared, even though I merely snapped the photo with no one even taking notice.
Missed you at ISTE! Hopefully next year.

Re: What It Takes For Public Schools to Move Forward

Darren Draper — Wed, 14 May 2014 12:49:03 -0000

"Have kids doing work that’s important to them instead of this antiquated notion of content.”

In other words, become comfortable with larger welfare populations? In other words, embrace Video Game Player as our most valuable profession in 2015?

Re: Why the Haters Hate: CCSS Edition

Darren Draper — Sun, 04 May 2014 09:04:40 -0000

Audrey,

Great comment. You've very eloquently placed yourself within both of my categories. I also love your recommendation to periodically revise the standards, and think increased transparency about the when and who behind revisions would be a very good thing.
With regard to your back-handed insult, is age a requirement for being a master teacher?

Re: Why the Haters Hate: CCSS Edition

Darren Draper — Sat, 03 May 2014 22:23:36 -0000

That's my take and I'm sticking to it. :)

What additional reasons have I missed?

Re: Teachers As Artists

Darren Draper — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 14:35:11 -0000

Interesting ideas, Dean. Thanks for sharing.

These are the questions I now have:

1. Why must science and art be dichotomous?
2. Is there no art to truly great science, and vice versa?

I've been telling students for years that my favorite thing about math is its aesthetic nature.

Re: When Should You Buy Your Child a Smartphone?

Darren Draper — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 10:09:44 -0000

Thanks for your comment, K.

Balance and communication with kids are key!

Re: Efficacy, the Golden Ratio, and the OER Impact Factor

Darren Draper — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 18:10:50 -0000

Didn't Bloom demonstrate that textbooks aren't the best resource to increase efficacy? Although impractical at scale, tutors are. The reasons they are more effective are complex, but I like to think that empathy and adaptability have something to do with it. (I've never met a textbook that truly understood how I feel.)

I've missed your take on Twitter, Jen. Come back soon.

Re: | Ideas and Thoughts

Darren Draper — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 20:30:37 -0000

That's an interesting idea, Bill! I like it. With a little Wordpress voodoo, I think I could even make that happen for you.

For what it's worth, mine would probably say, "Yikes! Go for it!" and then I'd continue to rely on categories to let people know when I'm really trying to push THEIR buttons.

Re: The Future of Learning is Anchored by History: Why education is less about technology and more about behavior

Darren Draper — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 15:01:33 -0000

Interesting ideas - and I mostly agree - but there's really no such thing as "unlearning."

Tom Woodward said it well recently:

http://bionicteaching.com/u...

Re: Clarifying the 5th R

Darren Draper — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 14:17:24 -0000

How firm are you on the concept of ownership, David, rather than mere access? To me, it makes more sense when the right retained through openness is continual access, given the complexity of issues surrounding ownership.

Here's a great example from this morning's news that illustrates the messiness of open + ownership.

http://www.insidehighered.c...

Re: My Take on the Proposed 5th R of Openness

Darren Draper — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 12:58:05 -0000

I've loved the concept of forking since I was first introduced to Github. How would forking work in an open arena, without a central clearinghouse, and for erudite users? Is there a CC-simple way to apply licensing while also distributing forking data down the line?

For what it's worth, Bill also brings up several interesting points here:

http://funnymonkey.com/blog...

Re: | Ideas and Thoughts

Darren Draper — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 16:05:06 -0000

First, I love the slide! Such a great example of how we sometimes miss the important things in life because we're caught up in whatever else might be out there.

Second, what's a "schneide?"

Re: That Time When SAMR Gets Us Into Trouble

Darren Draper — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 16:35:13 -0000

Several great points, Rick. Thanks for sharing.

Re: Toward Improving the Instructional Use of Technology

Darren Draper — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 13:51:48 -0000

I love it, Doug! Couldn't agree more.

Re: Startup Weekend Provo

Darren Draper — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 09:31:26 -0000

Great project and stellar example of collaboration, Jethro! Thank you for sharing.

I went with a vinyl fence years ago and haven't looked back. :)