2008 Convocation on Public Education
Children today encounter a world very different than the one in which their parents and grandparents grew up. With advances in technology and communication, their lives are filled with electronics and instant access to information.
Why is it then, that our educational systems still use outdated methods of teaching these modern children?
Prominent educator, consultant and author David Warlick captivated a crowd of about 250 Houston-area educators and community leaders about the importance of integrating technology in the classroom with his keynote address, 'Our Students, Our Worlds'.
In addition, five Houston area school district superintendents -- Wanda Bamberg (Aldine ISD), Michael Feinberg (KIPP), Duncan Klussmann (Spring Branch ISD), Abelardo Saavedra (Houston ISD) and Guy Sconzo (Humble ISD) -- discussed the future of education.
Sessions from the event were webcast live and archived on Ustream; watch David Warlick's keynote address, or listen in on the superintendent panel discussion. You can also read transcripts of online chats that took place among up to 55 remote observers from all over the U.S.
Thanks to Waltrip High School Literacy Coach Stephanie Sandifer for webcasting the event, and for posting this event recap on her blog, Change Agency. Stephanie shares these tips for educators who want to bring the 21st Century into their classrooms:
- Locate the "early adopters" in your district/schools and bring them in to a conversation around change — recruit them to help spread change virally.
- Start reading blogs — two good places to start include the LeaderTalk blog and this wiki page with links to tons of education bloggers.
- Decide on one or two 'changes in your own practice' that you can implement tomorrow as a way to model change from your leadership position. Start your own blog or put your technology plan/school improvement plan on a wiki and invite staff members to contribute to developing the document. (Don’t know how to do either of those two things but interested? Contact Stephanie and she'll be happy to help you get started.)
Links from the Convocation
'Our Students, Our Worlds'
David Warlick's keynote address and online handouts
Overview, Reflections & Links
from blogger and high school literacy coach Stephanie Sandifer
Reflections
from blogger and Spring Branch ISD Trustee Mike Falick
Webcast - David Warlick Keynote
