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Rob Zdrojewski

RobZtraining.com

Don't Ban & Block--Empower & Engage Students with 21st Century Learning Tools! Rob Zdrojewski

Technology Education Teacher and Director Amherst Tech TV Program. Workshop Presenter, Tech Consultant, and Mobile Learning Advocate. My Blog: http://RobZtraining.com

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Edmodo Summer Workshop WNY Teacher Center

Edmodo

Join me this summer for an exciting 4-day workshop on "Using Edmodo In Your Classroom".

More info and Register HERE

Course Description:
So you know the benefits of facebook, but are you wondering how can social networking benefit your classroom and yet still be safe?  Learn why Amherst Middle School teacher Rob Zdrojewski has abandoned his boring teacher website in favor of using Edmodo as a free “digital learning platform” to engage students and parents.  We will examine how teachers can use this digital learning platform with their students and how Edmodo can serve as a Professional Development tool for teachers.  Learn more about the many great features at edmodo.com and at Rob's blog at RobZtraining.com

Location:  Western New York Teacher Center, Erie 1 BOCES Campus in West Seneca, NY
Dates: July 17, 23, 24, 25 (12-hour workshop)
Time: 8:30am-11:30am
Fee: $84

About Edmodo:
Edmodo provides teachers and students a secure place to connect and collaborate, share content and educational applications, and access homework, grades, class discussions and notifications. Our goal is to help educators harness the power of social media to customize the classroom for each and every learner.

About the Instructor:
Rob Zdrojewski is a classroom teacher of Technology Education at Amherst Middle School NY.  Since 2001 he has enjoyed working with students using a project-based, blended classroom model that combines both face to face and online instruction.  As the Founder of School TV Made Easy, Rob has self-published a training DVD series and frequently consults with other educators on digital video production.  He presents at conferences nationwide on topics such as greenscreen video production, screencasting and safe online video hosting for schools.  He serves as an educational consultant and beta tester with companies such as SchoolTube, TechSmith and Edmodo.  Rob is passionate about passion based learning and is a strong advocate for the use of mobile devices in the classroom.  He recently completed a second Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership at Canisius College with an emphasis on digital learning.
Subscribe to Rob's teacher blog HERE.

Akron Schools Revises Internet Safety Policy: My Response (Buffalo News Article)

As a parent and public school educator, I was appalled to read in the December 12, 2011 Buffalo News article that the Akron Central School District is pursuing additional restrictive policies in regards to instructional technology.  The 20th century antiquated policy proposes blocking Internet content, streaming video sites and banning cell phones in school.  
 
I was under the impression that public schools were supposed to be in the business of preparing students with tools and skills for the 21st century.  Our fast paced, technology based, global economy demands mobile technology competence and responsible social media skills of our young adults.  The irresponsible proposal made by Akron’s District Administration and Board of Education members should be taken into careful consideration.  Are the decisions being made in the best interest of students or out of fear and technological ignorance amongst school leaders and staff?  Is it done out of convenience because of inadequate staffing in the loom of budgetary constraints?  

There are an abundance of innovative teachers out there willing and able to engage students in stimulating and intriguing lessons that “speak their language” by using modern day technology tools (i.e. mobile devices/blogs etc); however these educators are consistently  meeting road blocks imposed by districts lacking technology literacy, foresight and awareness.  It is like teaching geography without using a map-- all theory and no practical application.  How can you teach Internet etiquette, safety, and the proper way to leave a digital footprint when websites such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube are blocked?   Wouldn’t you rather have our students learn Internet tools appropriately under instructional supervision rather than learn life’s hard lessons experimentally?
 
I was pleased to find out that other Western New York school districts are coming to the realization that “banning and blocking” technologies from the classroom is not practical or successful with our 21st century students (see this Buffalo News article).  Principal Cesar Marchioli of Lancaster High School distributed a letter to parents this past September notifying them of the policy changes for student owned mobile devices.  He stated  that “...it is our responsibility to teach students how to properly use electronic information devices in a society where technology and its abilities change daily.  Because of this we feel that our policy of restricting possession during the school day is not reflective of current practice within American Society.”   He continued to report that in his building, teachers have full discretion on how mobile technology devices are used in the classroom.  Students are required to abide by the Acceptable Use Policy approved by the Board of Education.

Nationally, the trend to allow mobile technology and social media use in classrooms has increased dramatically since 2008.  In fact, the National Association for Secondary School Principals (NASSP) has released a board position paper that promotes the use of mobile devices and social media platforms.  Recommendations made by the NASSP suggest district leaders “reduce Internet filtering to maximize student access to online learning tools and to provide opportunities to exercise judgment in the selection of those tools.”  

I would hope that as Board of Education members and district leaders begin to review and revise their technology plans and policies they take into consideration the needs of our students now and in the future.  Ignoring, blocking or banning technology does not make it go away. The past is in the past and traditional teaching methods are quickly becoming less engaging  and effective for our students.  It is up to our educational leaders and teachers to provide our students with  the skills and resources to become competent, responsible, and informed users of technology.  Where better a place to get that education than in our schools?   Mobile technologies and social networking isn’t a passing fad we can ignore.  We should be preparing our kids for their future and not our past!

(All views and opinions are completely those of the author)

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