Flat+Classroom+Workshop

Workshop Description:
Embrace emerging technologies, global collaboration and 'flattened' learning modes while developing a systematic approach to including Flat Classroom Projects in your curriculum.

**Purpose and Objectives:**
This workshop will allow participants to be immersed in how to run a 'flat classroom project' and to engage in flat learning modes and global collaboration as a pedagogy. A hands-on approach will allow participants to explore, discuss and model 21st Century tools and the '7 steps to flatten your classroom' methods based on the award winning flat classroom projects. (See http://flatclassroomproject.org)

Tools will include Web 2.0 applications such as wikis and Ning, social bookmarking and online multimedia. In addition virtual participants will provide opportunities for virtual classroom interactions. Multimedia creation and how it can be used to support differentiated outcomes will also be featured.

This workshop will be modeled on the successful Flat Classroom Workshops held in [|Hong Kong] and Mumbai over the past year with a specific focus on developing strategies for participants to develop their own or apply to join and be successful with an existing flat classroom project in the future.

**Content:**
(this workshop is designed as a 10-hour professional development course)

• Flat Classrooms and 21st century teaching and learning • What does a 'flat classroom' mean? How do we recognize one? How can you create one? • What are 21st century skills? What does a 21st century classroom look like and what does it do? • Global Projects and integrated/embedded curriculum • A review of characteristics of best-practice global projects and methods to find projects appropriate to your learning needs • A look at what it means to embed global collaborative projects into the curriculum
 * Introduction: 30 min**

Planning and managing a Flat Classroom Project • A review of essential requirements and logistics to run a Flat Classroom Project
 * Pre-Project management: 30 min**

This section provides a hands-on overview including development of Web 2.0 skills.
 * Seven Steps to Flatten Your Classroom: 120 min**

• The 5 phases of connection - an overview of essential elements of being a connected educator • How to create a PLN (Personal learning network) and explore online connectivity • An introduction and review of social networks and networking in education and how to integrate them into the classroom • An overview of generic Web 2.0 tools used in Flat Classroom Projects
 * Connect**

• How to foster an online learning community - teacher and student engagement strategies • A detailed look at skills and tools needed for asynchronous and synchronous communication
 * Communicate**

• How to be a responsible digital citizen - a review of issues • Solutions for safety and privacy when collaborating online
 * Citizenship**

• How to be a reliable and successful online contributor - mastering RSS, social bookmarking and wiki's • Breakout sessions for skill development at different levels • How to manage the extended project community: peer review, expert advisers, judges, researchers • How to develop strong collaboration skills amongst students and teachers
 * Contribute and Collaborate**

• Determining participation outcomes • Providing accessible media for assessment
 * Choices**

• Digital storytelling - How to integrate this powerful practice into a project • Managing multimedia online - Strategies for working with multimedia formats and sharing resources around the world
 * Create**

• How to assess and acknowledge student achievement - Review of authentic assessment methods • How to run student and teacher summits - Strategies for reflection and showcase sessions
 * Celebrate**

Hone in on essential skills to use and manage in a classroom tools that put engagement and power in the hands of learners. Sessions cater for beginners and advanced users.
 * Web 2.0 BootCamp: 120 minutes**

Participants are immersed in a 'flat classroom' project that puts into practice the 7 Steps and includes virtual participants as team members and expert advisors. Final multimedia artifacts will be 'judged' by an international panel culminating in an Awards Ceremony in Elluminate virtual classroom.
 * Hands on Project: 5 hours**

Julie Lindsay, Beijing, China
Julie Lindsay, MA Music, MA Educational Technology Leadership, ADE, Member of Horizon Report Board of Advisors 2008-2010, ISTE Ambassador, co-founder of Flat Classroom Projects, Conference and Events. Currently E-Learning Coordinator at Beijing (BISS) International School, China, is an enthusiastic, global-minded education leader and innovator. Originally from Melbourne, Australia over the past 10 years she has been teaching and leading the use of technology in schools in Zambia, Kuwait, Bangladesh, Qatar and now China. Her wealth of diverse work experience is complemented by Masters of Arts degrees from La Trobe University in Melbourne and George Washington University in Washington, DC. She is also co-winner with Vicki Davis of ISTE's SIGTEL's Online Learning Award 2007 and Taking IT Global Best Online Learning Project 2007 for the Flat Classroom Project.

Julie is recognized worldwide for her innovative programs using a wide array of Web 2.0 tools to transform learning for the emerging digital, "world-is-flat" educational landscape. From ubiquitous mobile technology programs to the Flat Classroom Project Julie brings front line experiences to share with teachers, school leaders and policy makers alike. Julie is a frequent presenter on the world stage, she is a tireless volunteer leader for professional associations (including being a member of ISTE's International Committee and Membership Committee), and she is an inspiration to colleagues and collaborators demonstrating just how different world-class education will be in this 21st Century. Julie blogs at E-Learning Journey's ( [|http://123elearning.blogspot.com] ). More information can be found on Julie's digital portfolio. ( http://julielindsay.wikispaces.com )

Vicki Davis, Camila, Georgia
Vicki Davis is a teacher and the IT director at Westwood Schools in Camilla, Georgia. Vicki co-created award winning international wiki-centric projects, including the Flat Classroom project, the Horizon project, Digiteen, Net Generation Education and Eracism with teacher Julie Lindsay. These projects have linked more than 3000 students from both public and private schools in such countries as Austria, Australia, Bangladesh, China, Japan, Spain, Qatar and the US. These collaborative projects harness the most powerful Web 2.0 tools available including wikis, blogs, digital storytelling, podcasts, social bookmarking, and more. Vicki blogs at the Cool Cat Teacher blog ( [|http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com] ) which won the 2008 Edublog Award for Best Teacher Blog and is currently ranked the top teacher blog in the world according to Technorati. She was named a pioneer in Open Source Virtual World Technology in October 2009. Vicki is a Google Certified Teacher and Discovery S.T.A.R. Educator. Vicki is also a freelance writer and conference presenter. Full bio information. http://coolcatteacher.wikispaces.com/

Julie and Vicki have been featured in various media for their flat classroom set of projects, including Thomas Friedman's, The World is Flat, Don Tapscott's Book, Grown Up Digital, Curtis Bonk's Book The World is Open, Suzie Boss and Jayne Krauss' Reinventing Project Based Learning, Lawrence Peters' Global Education, and media outlets such as the Wall Street Journal, and the Boston Globe. They also run the Flat Classroom Conference and international workshops globally. More information at [|http://flatclassroomconference.ning.com] and [|http://flatclassroomconference.com]