Log on: Remember me
Powered by Elgg

Craig Hicks :: Blog Archives

January 2008

February 04, 2008

I have been experimenting with a variety of open source applications during the last few years. The ESU is currently running Moodle (Learning Management), Elgg (Community Building & Blogging), WordPress MU (Blogging), phpESP (Survey), and Gallery (Photo Storage). The whole open source community is very intriguing to me. The creators of this software are willing to share what they have developed. There are open source options for nearly any application you may currently be running on your MAC or Windows machine.

The open source environment has now moved into the course development arena. One of the first items I became aware of is the Free-reading.net site. Free-Reading is an "open source" instructional program that helps teachers teach early reading.

The long term success of the open source environment requires the contribution of a large community of people.  The technology is in place to allow anyone that has an interest to become an active contributor.

Posted by Craig Hicks | 0 comment(s)

February 16, 2008

Given the rural setting of the region served by ESU 13, the use of web 2.0 tools to create professional learning communities has real potential. Many of the schools we serve are very small, and a grade level or subject area teacher may be the only person in that district with that specific assignment. The region is also very large, and demands a real sacrifice in time and travel to attend scheduled meeting. If teachers in the region are willing to make the commitment to participate, a variety of professional learning communities could be developed. I have been encouraging this type of professional communication for about a year, with very little movement. As I continue to post entries and read numerous other edubloggers’ posts, it is amazing to see the opportunities this technology could provide. Once teachers become comfortable sharing with others from the region, they may expand their vision to include educators from around the world. I did a little research on bloggers in my blogroll, and even in this limited list, found this group of bloggers really does flatten the world. We all have the opportunity to participate in professional learning communities with anyone, anywhere, anytime.

Posted by Craig Hicks | 0 comment(s)