Gifted and Talented in the 21st Century

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. 

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.

I just returned from the CAG/T conference in Denver.   So many ideas …

Joe Renzulli and Sally Reis were great keynotes.  Sally’s presentation on the impact of GT programs was truly motivational.  The question that keeps popping into my mind is how do we prepare this generation of GT students to achieve greatness in a world we can’t even envision yet.  What are the skills that GT students need to have to be successful in the world and truly make a difference.   

Ben Wilkoff offered a presentation on Academies of Discovery and integrating technology into the classroom.  It was a great presentation and offered so much to think about.  Check out his site http://academyofdiscovery.wikispaces.com  I’ve just added Ben to my RSS feed and can’t wait to learn more about how he teaches.   

Using technology with the gifted has amazing potential.  My head is buzzing with new ideas and new questions to ask.

In 2002, my then 10 year old son, was working on report on the State of
Idaho for school.  He enjoyed learning about the state but when it came time to write the report, he was struggling.  Each attempt at creating the paper was frustrating and the end result did not represent what he knew about Idaho.  Matthew had enjoyed computers immensely and had been teaching himself various programming tools.  I suggested to him that perhaps he try designing a web site for his state and hand it in along with his paper.  He was immediately excited and spent every free minute of the next week working on his site.  It was amazing.  The site was well written, easy to navigate, and filled with pictures, links to other sites on Idaho and very fun to use.  Matthew’s 5^th grade teacher was amazed.  Up until this point Matthew had been a great math and science student, but a struggling reader and writer.  His project demonstrated his abilities in ways that a paper never could.  He was no longer the average student, but seen for his gifts and talents.  We later had Matthew evaluated by the Gifted
Development Center and learned that Matthew was both high gifted and suffered from a vision processing disorder that could be easily addressed using vision therapy.  Matthew’s early experiences with technology allowed him to demonstrate his giftedness in ways that were just not showing up using more traditional products.

Technology is an exciting learning tool for most students, but for gifted and talented students it represents the opportunity to engage in deep and complex thinking on a wide variety of topics.  Technology allows for the process of large amounts of information with speed and efficiency.  Most importantly technology provides opportunities for constructivist based learning opportunities where students engage in authentic interactions with content.  The Read-Write Web has created numerous opportunities for differentiation appropriate for gifted and talented students. 

I received my Masters in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Gifted and Talented Education in 2005 from the University of Connecticut.  I have worked as a Gifted and Talented Advisor in BVSD and I am starting a private educational consulting practice focusing on the needs of gifted and talented elementary and middle school students.  My area of focus is using technology to enhance the educational experience of gifted students.

I am a strong advocate for gifted educational programs and will help you navigate through the educational options to find what is best for your child.  I am also available for private tutoring designed to deepen and extend the student’s knowledge and interests.