01.31.12

01.31.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Very excited to have spotted another weather vane - this time the favored dolphin, nicely weathered, too! :) It is always such a delight to discover something for which you are searching. I'm hoping I can share (and initiate) that same enthusiasm tomorrow when introducing the research process to ninth graders! ;) 3rd Ave S & 5th St, Naples, FL

01.30.12

01.30.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

A fallen sea grape leaf shows off its brilliant color - Florida beach's version of fall/winter, which brings drier and cooler temperatures. Subtle change...not evident in today's 80 degree temperatures...but change is often somewhat latent and, certainly, relative! Our changes don't have the same transformational qualities as those north of here - hmmm, sounds like the kind of 'change' our educational policies are claiming! 4th Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL

01.29.12

01.29.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Silent, patient, stoic - the great egret is a beautiful bird, especially in this pose. Like most herons, it amazingly tolerant in its quest for food and will remain still for long periods of time - at least enough to get the lens focused! I can take a lesson in such endurance! Freedom Park, Naples, FL

01.28.12

01.28.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

The gulls were skittish this evening - perhaps due to the changing weather, as evidenced by the turbulent waters and overcast skies. They would settle in and then fly up and back for a slightly repositioned location. The backdrop of muted sunset colors and occasional reflection of such in the sandy shoreline was a powerful draw - just another evening along the southwest coast of Florida...

Observing the bird's behavior is reminiscent of the change process, where people tentatively try something new, but then revert back to the ease and comfort of 'old'. Without that push and persistence, the change may not even occur, but it can be a very s-l-o-w process...as we certainly know in the world of education! 3rd Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL

01.27.12

01.27.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Florida oranges ...likely on their way to a processing plant for juicing. Glad I just saw this one at the gas station instead of being stuck behind it on the two lane highway...not only are the trucks hard to pass, but they also send off a distinctive odor (scent of oranges + diesel = 'phewy')! Fortunately, I can juice my own oranges and grapefruit, but know that this agricultural product is an important one for our State.

Thinking of resources, I'm re-prioritizing 'self-initiated learning' as the most significant thing we can facilitate in our learners...no matter what age. At the conference, some one stated that there were approximately 100,000 educators who used twitter to some degree. Though not stated, I believe the assumption is that they use it in some way to increase their own learning. The number seems huge, but, of course, it is just a drop in the bucket of the millions of teachers in the world (Wolfgram Alpha indicates more than 50 million primary and secondary, so still missing postsecondary in that total). Are they using another resource for continued professional development? Is it even technologically oriented? How can teachers be relevant to their student's future if they are not learning themselves (and hopefully, modeling in 21st century way)? Okeechobee, FL

01.26.12

01.26.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Spanish moss was dripping from this live oak tree. Such an unusual plant! Although it may resemble a moss and have moss as part of its name, it is apparently from the bromeliad family - rather curious....and seemingly contradictory, as well.

Isn't it funny how some things can be both so easily understood and as 'clear as mud' simultaneously?!? My brain is churning with new thoughts and ideas after jam-packed conference days and exhibit wanderings. Just when I absorb the concept of something new, or even re-packaged, a diversion sends me in another direction. Heidi Hayes Jacobs mentioned the oft-heard mantra, "The focus should not be on the technology tools, but the learning." and then she noted that, in fact, the focus does need to be on the technology! Study the technology so deeply that one discovers the proper use for that tool as it relates to learning! So, I 'get' it and then I don't...the reflective state will continue to churn these things about! :) near Lake Poinsett, FL

01.25.12

01.25.12, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Sunrise on the way to the first session of the day, Google's Eye Opener Keynote, at FETC...and with such a busy schedule at the Convention Center, that is all I saw of the sun today! With their recent announcement of the demise of Picnik, thought it was appropriate to try out some of the tools I never had a chance to use, even as a Pro user.

Michael Wesch was a highlight this morning as he shared his views, through his cultural anthropologist lenses, about the impact of media on our world, with the mantra of moving "from knowledgeable to knowledge-able" (i.e., be able to sort, analyze, criticize, etc). As he mentioned, though, we can't stop there, we need to create 'wonder' if we are to capitalize on the new media. Thought-provoking session with important, though unanswered, questions to ponder and act upon. Universal Blvd & Convention Way, Orlando, FL