Inspired by Pam Moran’s excellent example, I thought it would be appropriate to resurrect one of the most heartfelt posts I’ve ever written. Since sharing this open letter three years ago, my love and appreciation for great teachers – everywhere – has only grown. There is no profession more impacting. Thank you, teachers, for all …
Author: D Draper
Ed Tech rocks. When it doesn't get in the way of learning.
Why the Haters Hate: CCSS Edition
The more I analyze the contentions of those advocating for no common standards, the more I’m convinced of two important truths. Those who rationally oppose typically do so because: They didn’t play a role in creating the standards and would, therefore, have them shift. They misunderstand, resist, or ignore the critical role schools play in …
When Should You Buy Your Child a Smartphone?
A few days ago, I did a riff off this Dan Tynan article – When Should You Buy Your Child a Smartphone? – in a brief interview for one of our local news outlets. I was hoping they would post our segment online (like they sometimes do), but apparently different news days produce varying quantities …
The Struggle Between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivators
I began the morning today reading Larry Cuban’s interesting comparison of the ideological differences of some teachers that use and don’t use Class Dojo. 1 In his post, Cuban discusses the intrinsic and extrinsic motivations students have for behaving the way they do, and cites a Lepper, Sethi, Dialdin, and Drake study (1997) that offers interesting insight …
My Take on the Proposed 5th R of Openness
In 2007, David Wiley introduced the world to the 4Rs of Open Content: Reuse – Use the work verbatim, just exactly as you found it Rework – Alter or transform the work so that it better meets your needs Remix – Combine the (verbatim or altered) work with other works to better meet your needs …
Toward Improving the Instructional Use of Technology
I’ve appreciated the discussion taking place over the last few days regarding SAMR, and am impressed with the variety of opinions and pressures resulting from varied local implementations. Stop the SAMR madness. Wow. — David Jakes (@djakes) February 24, 2014 Because my district has yet to “shove SAMR” down teachers’ throats, I didn’t realize how invested …
That Time When SAMR Gets Us Into Trouble
There’s a lot of talk out there about SAMR these days (the model, not the rifle, although both are kind of cool). See what I mean? Combined with other models, you might even end up with this: Or this: Problems occur, however, when educators instinctively attempt to the climb the hierarchical ladder. In one such …
Tonight Show Genius
To start your Thursday, two quick clips from Jimmy Fallon’s new slant to The Tonight Show… From this first clip, it’s hard to beat the lesson Will Smith teaches about leadership. Near the two-minute mark, Will teaches Jimmy that The Tonight Show (has been and) will be a success because people, caring, and relationships matter most. People …
Planning for 1:1 Technology Access in Utah
The Public Education Modernization Act (HB 131) was introduced today in the state of Utah. To discuss the bill and the vision behind it, House Speaker Becky Lockhart spoke with one of our local media outlets during the lunch hour. Unlike many of the 1:1 plans we seem to be seeing these days, this one …
Pay Attention 2014
The talented Ann Oro has developed an update to the original Pay Attention video I created back in 2007. As I watched her updated version, I was struck by how many things have changed in so little time. Since 2007, I’ve taken a new position in a new school district. This alone has translated into …