Topics + Approaches l
Tools + Guidelines l
Suggestions
The online [synchronous, multidirectional, voice, text,
...] sessions alternate each week among
Stakeholders' Dialogues,
Clothing the
Emperor Interviews, and
Quick-LTAs.
Stakeholders' Dialogues
Representatives from groups that have
strong but different interests in "Dangerous
Discussions" topics - topics that are
significant, controversial, and
tractable. Our goal is to
engage participants in mutually
beneficial discussions, and, when
possible, help them build something
together, to improve teaching and
learning – with technology.
Interviews -
Clothing the Emperor
In these interviews we accept the
challenge of dealing with issues that
have been distorted by hyperbolic claims
from and about competing groups; groups
that have become entrenched in overly
polarized and opposing positions. We try
to reveal simple truths and useful
options that may be disappointing to
those who prefer the more dramatic and
polarizing claims of zealous advocates
of innovation – or the equally
hyperbolic claims of their opponents who
resist such changes most avidly. We are
committed to providing starting places
that are both interesting and useful
enough to repair the damage that often
results from more exciting and illusory
activities.
We want our work to be more useful than
useless, more harmless than harmful.
Quick-LTAs
These sessions are designed
especially for the “I-am-not-a-techie”
educator with limited time and for those
responsible for helping them. In no
more than 15 minutes, participants will
learn to begin use a
Low-Threshold
Application/Activity (LTA) for
improving teaching, learning, or
communication with information
technology.
An LTA
is a teaching/learning application of
information technology that is reliable,
accessible, easy to learn,
non-intimidating and (incrementally)
inexpensive. Each LTA has observable
positive consequences, and contributes
to important long term changes in
teaching and/or learning. The potential
user (teacher or learner) perceives an
LTA as NOT challenging, not
intimidating, not requiring a lot of
additional work or new thinking.
During
the remainder of the hour, participants
are encouraged to try the LTA offline
and/or ask for further clarification and
instruction. If time and audience
interest permit, we will offer
explanations of additional closely
related LTAs.
