Gifted and Talented in the 21st Century » Enrichment

Need a Technologist?

mdeckstein — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 03:54:25 +0000

Will Richardson blogged today on a topic very close to home, “supplementing my kids education“. I have spent years supplementing my kids education, trying to keep them engaged in learning, even when school couldn’t. Technology is one major aspect of that engagement in our house. One of my initial blogs talked about my son’s first success in school, his first web site! This week he is working on a high school science project with classmates using google docs. Did they suggest this in school? No, he was talking with me about the problems of sharing a document with 5 other people and the frustrations of one person changing something but not emailing to everyone … You get the picture. Enter Mom, the technologist, as I’m now being called at home. Google Docs is now his ‘best friend’. If only schools would share the technology options with kids. Productiving, engagement and learning would improve drastically.

Google Docs and Survey Monkey

mdeckstein — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 03:18:57 +0000

I’ve been working with Google Docs and Survey Monkey today and find both to be great tools for the Enrichment 2.0 Network. I work with PowerPoint 2007 most of the time and am still finding it a bit frustrating working on a PowerPoint and then loosing the formatting and animations when I load it to Google Docs. My first attempt at a Google Docs presentation is a bit disappointing but hopefully they will get better over time. I really like Survey Monkey. I’ve set up a two surveys to get students started in Enrichment 2.0.

Enrichment 2.0

mdeckstein — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 03:27:17 +0000

Enrichment 2.0 is up and running in Beta Test Mode. Enrichment 2.0 combines the idea of a flat classroom with the Renzulli Enrichment Cluster model. Enrichment 2.0 is an internet based Enrichment Cluster utilizing collaborative, connected, authentic learning in student areas of interest. Students begin by completing two brief surveys to help identify their interests for enrichment and to identify their current level of readiness for interent based learning. Students enrolled in Enrichment 2.0 will gain experience using 21st Century skills such as analyzing information, collaborating, and remaining safe in our increasingly connected world.

Enrichment 2.0 is a private wiki and student will be accepted into the enrichment program after their identity is confirmed by a school district. The private nature of the wiki will allow young students to interact in the social network without fear of preditors. Internet safety will be stressed and older students will interact both on Enrichment 2.0 and in the larger open internet.

I am really excited about the possiblities for collaboration, connectedness, and high level content.

New Enrichment Network

mdeckstein — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 15:15:15 +0000

Dr. Reis presentation on Enrichment Clusters in Connecticut had a profound affect on my thinking this week. I also attended Ben Wilkoff’s presentation on the Academy of Discovery Model. I am trying a new model using a Social Network for an Enrichment Cluster (based on the Joseph Renzulli’ s Schoolwide Enrichment Model). By forming a social network, students from rural areas or in schools with limited funds for a full SEM program can participate in enrichment clusters. Students in the Enrichment Network on NING will gain valuable skills in utilizing 21st Century technology tools while exploring areas of interest. If your school is interested in having students participate in this beta version please contact me.