NWP Tech Initiative Podcast (11-17-07)

Well, I have finally been able to take some time to work up the podcast from the NWP Annual Meeting that I started a few weeks ago. This conversation took place in the context of the Tech Initiative meeting on Saturday morning and, like all NWP conversations, helped me think about our work and how we might refine it in the new year. More notes from the session can be found on our wiki.

Two points to consider as you listen to the conversation. First, Inverness Research Associates did a nice job of framing the conversation around four dimensions and seven propositions, which I list below.

Second, this was a conversation held in the larger context of a full-morning meeting, and in the even larger context of the last three years of the NWP's Technology Initiative. So, as you listen, know that this group has been thinking about these issues for a long time. For us at RCWP, it gives us lots to think about in terms of where we want our work to go next. For other sites that may not have started with tech work yet, it can be overwhelming to think about all these issues, so don't let this list get you down. Instead, use it to guide your thinking about where you are and where you want to be in terms of technology and literacy.

All in all, this was a good conversation, and I appreciate the many NWP colleagues who allowed me to record them for this podcast:

• Heidi Mick
• Rita Sorrentino
• Paula Parson
• Dave Boardman
• Katherine Ramage
• Lynne Anderson Inman
• Darla Keatley
• Bobby Cummings

NOTE: The items below come directly from handouts provided by Inverness Research Associates.

Develop Site Capacity: Dimensions to Explore

• Knowledge of writing and technology
• Professional development design and programming
• Development of teacher consultant leadership
• Interacting with school and district contexts

Propositions about the Teaching and Learning of Literacy in the 21st Century

• The powers of technology exist alongside challenges and vulnerabilities.
  
• The world of technological innovation moves at a different pace than the educational system.
• Technology is integral to the discipline of writing today and is here to stay.
  
• Knowledge of the discipline (writing) is essential for wise use of technology to teach in the discipline.
  
• Technology amplifies aspects of teaching and learning writing (e.g., audience, voice, equity and access, publication, collaboration).
• Technology challenges assumptions and approaches to assessment of writing.
• New language associated with the use of technology to teach writing is emerging.
  

Saturday in NYC

Well, we are nearing midnight on Saturday and this is the first time that Aram and I have found a reliable and affordable internet connection at a Food Emporium. There is clearly too much to write about and try to get it in all tonight, but there are a few things that I think are worth noting about the past few days.

First, I have noticed, especially in NWP circles, that the conversations about tech and writing no longer require any bit of a prefacing about why and how we should even think about using technology. It is simply an assumed part of the conversation. Contrast that with two years ago in Pittsburgh or a few years back in San Francisco, and I think that our field has come a long way in a short time. From the looks of the NCTE program, the argument about why tech is important still needs to preface the main ideas of the presentation (as evidenced in one session I attended today), but I think that the change is now fully underway.

Which leads to point two. In a small group conversation I had with other Lead Tech Sites teacher consultants today, we developed a central question from our lengthy discussion (which I hope to post as a podcast later) and it cuts to the heart of the matter:

Within the context of new state requirements for teachers and students to use technology in the service of literacy, how can writing project sites affect school policy and infrastructure that continue to block internet sites and applications as well as other opportunities to compose in digital environments.

Well, the store is closing, so that is all I can post for now. More when I get another reliable connection. Safe travels to all who are heading home today and tomorrow.

NYC, Here We Come

Well, it's that time of year again.

Our dormant blog will light up over the next few days with posts from the 2007 NWP Annual Meeting and NCTE Convention. Here, we show our enthusiastic smiles as we wait in the Lansing Airport.

Melissa and Jill just arrived, too, so perhaps we will get ambitious and record a podcast before our flight leaves. If not, there is some time in Detroit to catch up, although they don't have free wifi (yeah, Capital City Airport!) so don't expect to hear it until much, much later.

We hope that everyone else traveling tonight and tomorrow has a safe trip and we look forward to seeing you under the lights of Broadway.