Why Do You Use Twitter?

Student Plagiarizing: Internet Addiction or Poor Preparation?

In response to Anastasia Rubis: 'Tis the Season, for Student Plagiarizing:

I say, "I agree that this has nothing to do with Internet addiction. It has more to do with us (educators­) not properly preparing our students for how to do real research and write effectivel­y without plagiarizi­ng. Sometimes, professors ask students such obscure questions that the students just don't understand what they're being asked to do. In an effort to sound very academic, professors can tend to confuse students. Often, phrasing a task as simply as possible will yield the most thought-pr­ovoking responses. I've always felt that if an answer can be Googled, then we're probably not asking the right questions."

This doesn't absolve students from unethical behavior, but I do believe students who plagiarize feel trapped and if better prepared would have a better understanding of their options.

What do you say?

'via Blog this'

Conferences and Online Safety 101

Image Source: free-clipart.net

If you are attending ISTE 2012, or any conference for that matter, there are many things to look forward to and be excited about. It's easy to get enthusiastic and when you use Twitter as much as I do, it's easy to forget to also think about safety. As conferences start rolling around, it's fun to follow hashtags whether you attend in person or not. People will follow #iste12, for example, for session discussions, resources and sometimes to find out WHERE PEOPLE ARE.

Warning #1
I don't meant to be sexist, but it seems that men are not as concerned about this, so this is especially for women. Don't PUBLICLY announce on Facebook or Twitter what hotel you will be/are staying at. A few years back, I had someone who follows me online show up at my hotel to meet me. It was not a mutually agreed upon meeting, I was not expecting this and he must have known where I was staying due to me being too public about my whereabouts. Silly me. I'm sure he meant no harm, but it scared me. It is good to know that hotels are NOT supposed to give out any information about whether or not you are a guest at their hotel to anyone. I now check with the hotel about their policy on this when I check in. Another FYI: They are also NOT supposed to say your room number out loud to you when you check in (unless visually impaired).

Warning #2
If you live alone, and you have enough of a web presence for others to know this, don't announce your departure and arrival times. This means your home may be unattended.

Warning #3
There are likely to be parties or meet-ups. Think carefully about where you are going, who you are traveling with and whether or not you really want your location Tweets public. Use DMs or text messages whenever possible; especially if a meet-up is at someone else's rental or hotel. This one is for men, too: Think about whether or not you are "outting" someone else's hotel or housing location.


Butt Into Someone Else's Business
This blogpost came about because as I was searching around Twitter about an upcoming conference, I noticed someone had Tweeted how excited she is about attending and where she will be staying. I am not linking to the Tweet, nor did I capture a screenshot; doing either would only publicize her Tweet further.

When I see these Tweets from women I know, I will usually simply suggest that they not publicly announce their housing location and they may want to delete the Tweets. It's only a suggestion and they're certainly free to do whatever they want. Normally, I try not to butt into other people's business but I do think we need to look out for each other. I always waver as to whether I should say anything or not, but then I think about the fact that I would greatly appreciate it if someone did that for me.

A note about Facebook. As you may already know, Facebook is well known for frequently adjusting their privacy settings. Even with notification, users are often confused. You may want to check your privacy setting on Facebook and be sure that IF YOU WANT your photos, posts, likes, and comments elsewhere available only to friends or even posted on your wall at all, then that is actually what is set. Also, be sure your Twitter and FB passwords are secure. Click here for a helpful video from Common Craft on using secure passwords.

What do you think? Am I overly cautious? Should I mind my own business? What are your safety tips for attending conferences?

I look forward to your comments.

While you're thinking, if you're not already creeped out enough, you may want to try this live action interactive Facebook connect experience, Take This Lollipop.

Disclosure Statement: Common Craft has provided me with a free membership to their service with the understanding of no obligation on my part. I believe in the power of simple explanations such as those used in the videos created by Common Craft. When I use them in my posts, it is my personal choice with no benefit to me other than providing a valuable service to my readers.

Happy New Year from JibJab

Happy New Year, from JibJab!

Why I'm OK With The Edublog Awards: An Open Response

This began as a comment on Vicki Davis' blog. After finalizing the comment, it seemed more appropriate to bring the response over here. 


Vicki begins:

"Been pondering on rewards and awards. The inevitable onslaught of upset people after the EDublog 2011 award finals has begun.  But some have asked why we should even have awards in education. Shouldn't teaching be reward enough?" ...Please read the entire post here.

Thank you for this post, Vicki. As you know I was very much engaged in that conversation on Twitter with Joe and most of his quotes on that blogpost came from me. I was upset during the conversation, but as I look back at the timeline of that exchange, I'm still very proud of the way I attempted to articulate my point of view. I think it was a respectful exchange and I agree that diversity of opinion is often lacking in our online circles. I understand what Joe means about losing followers. It is true that any time you get controversial, you risk insulting people. The only people I've unfollowed because of such conversations are those who resort to bullying, demeaning others and actual unethical behavior. (You, and many reading this probably know who I'm talking about.) Additionally, I'm aware that I lose followers all the time for many reasons. Probably because I tend to be a Smart Alec on Twitter and inevitably offend someone. I am who I am, and most people who follow me know that I can have a bizarre sense of humor, at times.


Anyway, I'm glad you posted this because it's been on my mind and I just hadn't felt the energy to write my own post about this and you've said it all beautifully. 

My bottom line with the whole thing is this: Let's celebrate the things others are excited about; even if we're not. If I stop and pick up a dollar off the street; don't tell me all the things that I couldn't possibly buy for a dollar. If someone invites me to a party, don't tell me it's because they felt they HAD to include me. If a friend shows you their latest stylish purse, don't tell them you are aware that it is a fake. (However, if your friend had spinach in her teeth; you'd BETTER tell him/her!)

I don't see the harm in these awards at all. I was nominated for Lifetime Achievement and didn't even place. Big deal. It was a true honor to be nominated. Does that mean that someone who wasn't on the list isn't amazing? Come on....

The Gloves Are Off

My team at work had their Wiki (iPad in Education) nominated for Best Educational Wiki. THAT got me VERY excited and I attempted to promote it actively. Very few people are even aware of that wiki. I personally did not build it, nor do I do the research and grunt work to maintain it. Before the nomination, I had not promoted it on social media and neither has anyone else. Popularity contest? Maybe, but not in this case. People who are implementing iPad programs in their schools are finding the Wiki very helpful. It's not just a list of favorite Apps. It includes solutions to really big problems that we all face such as how to buy Apps for tons of iPads at once. Dealing with teachers/administrators using the Mail app, yet sharing their device. Other things Apple didn't think about initially. There's even an implementation planning guide for schools thinking about buying iPads. (Too many buy devices first, then decide what to do with them.)

The iPad program in my district has been very controversial, and any "badge" or award or other recognition will do a lot to help this program move forward in a positive way; ultimately helping thousands of children. The big decision makers like external recognition. We all do. 

So, when we go around saying this is all BS, we should stop to think about just HOW important some of these award programs might be to the individuals, groups or organizations and how they DO help. 

Thanks for allowing me to ramble. I just may have to write my post now, after all.

...and so I did.

Have We Met?

It's been a really long time since I've blogged about Twitter. Mostly because Twitter has become so mainstream that there's almost no need for folks like me to keep spouting the benefits of its use. I've pretty much figured out that either you "get it" or you don't. The process of trying to convince people to give it a try, when they've already made up their minds that Twitter is a waste of time, is well... a waste of my time. Don't get me wrong; I still strongly believe in its use for networking and fun but I've evolved to the point where it's just too exhausting trying to drag in reluctant people only to find them two months down the road, having given up.

Having said that, I have no problem sharing that Twitter has changed me in many ways. Using Twitter has made me think very carefully about social networking in education and allows me to speak intelligently about its use in the classroom. Twitter has also afforded me the opportunity to make some connections that have led to some life-changing events and opportunities, as well as friendships. All would definitely not have happened outside of this use of social media.

Why the sudden urge for a big Twitter Group-Hug? Dean Shareski posted a Tweet this morning that got me thinking:

There are so many people that I've connected with over the years that it's really difficult to remember our first connection, but I'm going to try. I'm deliberately only naming a few because if I try to name everyone who is important to me online, there would be way too many and I'll likely leave out someone very important. Please don't be insulted if I forget you. Leave me a comment and remind me of how we met.

I challenge you to write your own blog post doing the same. Be good to the Blogosphere and be sure to link back here and also reference Dean in your post; then challenge others to do the same and link back HERE and to YOUR POST. 

Here is when I met Dean for first time.

• NECC 2008 Dean Shareski- I remember following Dean's tweets and reading his blog, but don't think we actually connected in person until meeting in the Bloggers' Cafe at NECC in 2008. Dean was charming and acted like he knew me; I knew he didn't. That's ok, he made me feel welcome and that was the point. Since then, I've worked with some of Dean's university students, he's presented here at our district conference (and will again this year), and have worked together many other times. Dean is truly the "voice of reason" and one of my personal cheerleaders. Most notably though, he brings me Ketchup Chips, from Canada, every time he sees me. (Don't forget them in March, Dean.)

Mark Wagner and Joyce Valenza 2009

Joyce Valenza and Mark Wagner - EdubloggerCon 2009- It was an un-session that Mark Wagner was conducting on how to Jailbreak your iPhone. Joyce was brave enough to let us all watch as she went through the process as Mark explained. I broke out my Flipcam and filmed the whole process and later on edited it for Mark and sent it to him. Since then, Mark and I have connected at future conference and Joyce and I have also connected at many conferences and have enjoyed a few dinners out, vendor parties and good times.

Here I am with Teryl; about to get lassoed. 

Teryl Magee - Here is an interesting Twitter story: Teryl and I followed each other on Twitter and we knew we were both DEN Stars but beyond that we really didn't know each other very well. One day, Teryl Tweeted that she needed a roommate for one night at FETC. I called a mutual friend from Discovery (DEN) and asked about Teryl and his response was that we would LOVE each other. So, I took a chance and Teryl and I met for the first time at FETC and that night shared my hotel room at FETC. Since then, we have been great friends and have shared many hotel rooms, drinks and laughter. (I love you, Teryl!)

Rob Bayuk and me

• Rob Bayuk - Rob followed me on Twitter and reached out to me to guest post on his TeacherTech blog over at Microsoft. I'm pretty sure it was when he was running a contest where he had a few edubloggers compete for the most comments. I think Vicki Davis was one of them, but I don't think that is where she and I first connected (thus her name on the list at the end). Since then, Rob asked me to judge the  US Partners in Learning Forum and then again, recently the Global Forum. Both were amazing events for which I will forever be grateful to Rob and all the folks at Partners in Learning. And it all started on Twitter. 

Hall Davidson treats me to an In and Out Burger

In and Out Burger - My first time in California was at the Innovative Learning Conference (2008) and all over Twitter my friends were telling me I HAD to try these awesome burgers. Verdict? Meh! But my companion was great fun.

Speaking of the Innovative Learning Conference, it was there that I met two amazing women who have had an impressive impact on education. Carol Anne McGuire and Colette Cassinelli. Carol Anne and I met through some mutual friends at Discovery Education, she was also the closing keynote at ILC and we connected right away; spending much of our free time at ILC romping around together and staying in touch since. 

Me and Colette Cassinelli

Colette and I were first online Twitter pals, but met in person at ILC and have since worked together to give a presentation at ISTE and continue to stay connected, as well. 

Me and Rushton Hurley in 2009

Rushton Hurley and I met at FETC in 2009. This may not follow Dean's rules because I'm pretty sure we connected in person first and since stay in touch online. Rushton is one of those people I can listen to speak all day long and never be bored. He's a fascinating person and wonderful storyteller. He is also very funny and insightful. Rushton has since presented at our district tech conference and will be our opening keynote this year in March. (Rushton and I have a ritual of meeting at FETC each year and having dinner at a local Hookah restaurant. It's a long story that only Rushton can tell well, but our first visit there had us all laughing hysterically and fearing for our lives, at the same time.)

Now I need some help. There are lots of other people who's relationship I value greatly but I just can't remember how we first connected. Help me here. If you're reading this (and even if your name isn't listed below), please tell me in the comments how we met in person or first connected online. (P.L.E.A.S.E. forgive me if you're not on this list and should be. Feel free to kick my butt on the comments.) 

• Chris Lehman
• Angela Maiers
• Chad Lehman
• Dennis Grice
• Karen McMillan
• Jeff Utecht
• Alec Couros
• Karl Fisch
• Kathy Schrock
• Kevin Jarrett
• Ken Shelton
• Lisa Parisi
• Lucy Gray
• Michelle Baldwin
• Michelle Bourgeois
• Patti Harju
• Paula White
• Peter Reynolds
• Terri Shay
• Richard Byrne
• Beth Still
• Scott McLeod
• Scott Floyd
• Steve Hargadon
• Vicki Davis
• Bud Hunt
• Bill Ferriter
• Will Richardson
• Katie Morrow
• Gordon Shupe
• Alfred Thompson

Readers: I challenge you to write your own blog post doing the same. Be good to the Blogosphere and be sure to link back here and then challenge others to do the same and link back HERE and to YOUR POST. Leave me a comment letting me know that you've written your own blogpost about this please. Thanks!