Semantic Web

     I was blown away by the idea of a Semantic Web, the internet transformed how we obtain information but a Semantic Web would change what we do with the new knowledge. Every bit of content would be shared in a way to help make meaning out of piles of information. So how do we keep moving forward in education when technological change is so rapid.
     In chapter 12 HH Jacobs states "before we gathered knowledge to become intelligence now intelligence is measured by how well we apply knowledge to ask the right questions about how to solve the word's problems". If the Semantic Web becomes reality, which is on its way, we need to prepare our students with new skills and content; what we require needs to be revamped as students can find any information they need by asking the right question in a Google search.
     We need to use different technologies for assessment and teaching but more importantly students need to be solving problems and asking questions, especially if the web can bring all the data we ask for together. This harkens back to what people have previously stated, that students need hands on, real world, problem solving skills' they need to learn how to ask questions, what the right questions are to gain the outcome or product they are seeking.
    

Blog #3 Form to Function...

      Form should follow function - Simply stated but often ignored, a perfect question to ask,does form follow function, in regards to the structures of our school and how do we create "new forms".  In regards to time, I often hear teachers say they ran out off it, or they didn't want to start something new with the period ending eventhough the students were engaged. In regards to grouping, a younger student interested in environmental studies does not have opportunity to take the class because it is reserved for seniors and PG's. I have collegues who teach math but minored in Asian studies who would love to teach a history class. What is stopping our school from changing, fear, ignorance, tradition maybe a little of each?
     My school is in the best possible position to change and create a new version, especially as we are in the midst of the Strategic plan for our school. We are also a boarding school, which allows us to create a unique schedule, as students and teachers live on campus. For the first two years of High School students do not have choices on their classes besides art and music, why not offer more trimester classes and take an in depth look at areas they find interesting, have them create a class or choose a topic. In an independent school teachers do not need to be certified to teach a certain subject so having a math teacher take on a history class should be encouraged, if they have expertice in the area.
     Another aspect that schools needs to embrace is the virtual area. We are an international school, so the idea of connecting with schools in different countries to discuss their views on issues would create a global curriculum. We are fortunate to get the perspective of our international students but they only represent 21 countries, that leaves 175 other countries to connect with. The VLM are another way for our students to gain knowledge from experts, along with other virtual classrooms. This chapter  got me really excited about the what if's, the question than becomes how to gain support for change, I think that will be the biggest challenge.
    

Blog # 2 Curriculum Mapping

          In Curriculum 21 HH Jacobs discusses curriculum mapping and although I had heard the term, I had never seen or used the software. I found an article aptly named Curriculum Mapping 101 and figured that it would be a good place to start! Some of the ideas I liked around the mapping were that it had a vertical alignment curricula, this is important as my school want to focus more on collaborative cross curricular planning and implementation. Seeing the visual would better help them plan in their disciplines, this would aid in less overlapping and more enhancement of the material.

          Teachers play an active role in mapping; they are empowered and encouraged to be leaders and make curricula decisions. In a private school setting this independence is encouraged and demanded by most teachers. Mapping is never really completed but an ongoing process; teachers need to record, reflect, study and revise.  My school is going to be requesting formal documentation of curriculum, mapping maybe an excellent option. My biggest concern once the map is made has to do with the reflection, study and revise stage, teachers have so little time during the school year and I could see resistance.

        Overall I think mapping seems like a well thought out tool in helping to organize curriculum. The active role teachers’ play can only enhance what they do with their students and cross curricular activities, mapping also will make sure standards are being met. Being in a prep school teachers have very little free time, having classes 8-3, coaching 3:30-5:30, then office hours and duty 7-12:00 am.(once a week) Weekend duties every third week, plus games on weekends and countless meeting, being on all the time because you live with your students, plus your own family activities. I only add this because I feel it will help people make sense of some of the concerns or questions around implementation I may be addressing.

Blog # 1 Curriculum Experience

   My experience with curriculum has ranged from my first classroom out of college, to aiding our RSU's  alignment with the learning results, to homeschooling my daughters through Middle School, and now helping guide my current school with curriculum questions. Of all these experience creating a home school curriculum was the most challenging, informative and rewarding endeavor, it made me realize how little I really knew about curriculum development. My past experiences with curriculum had been driven by outside forces, homeschooling allowed me to step out of the box and experiment with new ideas.
   Having the freedom to choose content and not have time constraints allowed my children to delve deeply into subject areas they found interesting. I also did not have to worry about state testing which made my job much more enjoyable. To be very honest I did keep a lot of traditional curriculum components mostly out of concern that my daughters might not be prepared for a traditional High School and I did not want to be a home school teacher flunky.
   I am very excited to learn about the new trends in curriculum as my school does not have a set documented curriculum. I know that for public school teacher this must sound crazy, however, in the prep school world it is common. Teachers have a lot of freedom and because they do not have to teach to common core or other tests they can do as they please, to a degree. Our school is defining itself though strategic planning so this is the perfect time for us to implement a new and innovative curriculum into our school.