WebMetricsGuru » Buzz from SXSWi using Sysomos and Social Radar (without going there)

http://www.webmetricsguru.com/archives/2010/03/buzz-from-sxswi-using-sysomos-...

John Costilla
CompassLearning
940.312.3867 [mobile]
jcostilla [Twitter/Skype]

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Posterous autoload

Testing autoload from posterous to blogger / flickr. Cool.

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Who want an Easy Button?

I find this post by Will Richardson very interesting... not sure why... Just very interesting and thought provoking....

After watching this video and it's core marketing message on ease of use, it just seemed to dumb down the teaching and learning process in the classroom. I don't think I want a one size fits all or easy button in the classroom. Learning should be challenging and engaging and not confined to a central location in the classroom. Teaching and learning happen everyday and everywhere beyond the four walls of the classroom. As a former classroom teacher, all we had were computer labs, today teachers and students have iTouch, iPhone, netbooks, social media tools and many other innovative resources. It's a shame the message comes down to just making it easy. I don't think this is the right message either.

Thanks for posting this and seeking a deeper vision of teaching and learning.

Transformative Technology? Really?

So I ran across this Smart Ease of Use video in the course of one of our threads in a PLP cohort and I have to say, I can’t seem to shake it. I mean, maybe I’m missing something here, but if this is a vision of “transformative” technology, we’re in some serious trouble. Worse, if this marketing piece actually does the job and creates sales of Smart boards, we’re in even bigger trouble.

Is this really a vision of classrooms and learning that we aspire to? Is it all about being “easy”? And what does it say when the manufacturer of one of the most popular pieces of technologies in schools presents this picture for what teachers and students should be doing in schools?

Help me…what am I missing?

The New CompassLearning

So this week we celebrated our new beginning; a rebirth of an exciting mission - to deliver the best digital content for K-12 students, teachers and families. Don't know if I've shared this with you all before, but I use to work at CompassLearning back in the day - the Jostens Learning day. Sixteen years later, I'm back. I've never been more excited to be a part of something so truly amazing. The people that work here are absolutely the best at what they do, the development of new content is exactly what educators and students need for instruction and intervention. And now, the move to becoming a truly independent company with the leadership and alignment to key initiatives including college readiness, RtI, credit and grade recovery, adolescent literacy, this is truly a time where the "stars have aligned."

We just completed our two-day company wide meeting here in Austin where we got to meet our new owners and learn about their business and their mission. Look for great things in the coming months and road ahead. Arrrrr Mate.




CompassLearning sets a new course.
View Press Release.

A Speedy 2009

With a new year comes new resolutions and new beginnings. Among the many of my New Year's resolutions is to start blogging again. I took somewhat of a break after the transition to a new job, new school for the kids and a new city all together. 2009 proved to be a year of many challenges. Gab graduated and is off in college, AC entered the 10th grade, Caroline and John started public school and Grace got mom all to herself. Me, I seem to go where the wind takes me. My hope for 2010 is to get a better focus on my priorities.

So here is a quick (very quick) update on our 2009.



America and I wish you all a joyful New Year and one that is filled with many blessings. How fitting it was that today's reading at mass was one of new beginnings and new blessing of peace. This we wish for you.

Numbers 6: 22-27
The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!
The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!

Live stream with Ustream now available.

Yea! No more jailbroken iPhone with last weeks updater...

Yes, it happened: Live video streaming has come to the iPhone courtesy of Ustream.

In a move that many suspected would never happen — surely the carriers would loathe the increased data usage resulting from such apps — Apple has approved the Ustream Live Broadcaster application, bringing live streaming video straight from the iPhone to the uStream Web site and any embedded players posted around the Web.

The app works on 3G and Wi-Fi connections, supports yes/no polling of viewers, displays chatroom messages, serves up a viewer count, can transmit your location via GPS and allows you to adjust the resolution.

VSS09 Podcasts

Thanks to Miguel for posting and sharing!

Assorted Podcasts from VSS 2009

Sunday, December 06, 2009 Posted by Miguel

Access presentations/slideshows for Virtual School Symposium 2009

Here are a few podcasts--in no particular order and in OGG format--from the Virtual School Symposium 2009 Conference...sorry to take so long to share them. These were actually recorded by a colleague to whom I gave a digital audio recorder. Unfortunately, I didn't get much identifying information from her so I will count on you to listen carefully!

• Listen to Podcast #1 - This podcast discusses the use of mobile phones in the classroom. Shares the use of PollEverywhere. How to get out of the site-based model, lack of alignment to course design or quality assurance, no common learning experience for students because teachers innovated and went their own way, the importance of a cheerleader at the District level....
• Listen to Podcast #2 - Differentiating instruction in online learning by Jackie Mangieri. Resources online at http://delicious.com/docjmm
• Listen to Podcast #3 - Elements of course design and tools you can use to customize.....