Listing

 I've spent time with one question swimming around in the back of my head:  What direction should I move in next week?

I though about this all day and decide it's time for a list post.

1.  Figure out the apps.  There are a few I'll probably never use, but I want to get into the few that are out there and solidify my understanding.

2.  Impact learning with Glass.  This might be a big one but I'd like to find at least one way that students can learn with the assistance of Glass.

3.  Networking.  I'll be at the WISN conference at the end of the week (we're presenting) and I'd like to connect with other educators and get their feedback on ways we can use this in school.

I read through the postings on the Explorers site for educators.  Doesn't sound like any are talking too deeply about how it can be used.  Maybe I'm looking to hard for it and it will just come about as I gain more experience.  Right now I'm really looking to project-based and hands-on learning as the environment for this tool since a traditional classroom so far eludes me as it's purpose.  In a 1:1 environment at the HS it's hard to imagine Glass being useful.

Received an email from a technology education teacher about using Glass to make some POV instruction videos.  I'm curious and interested to see how this works out and may be contacting him early in the week to give it a test run.  It's going to be a great test for the screencast as well.

Glass, Uninterrupted

Today was a busy day.  Being home sick on Thursday made much of the daily routine I have pile up for an extra day.  There was time, however, to experience Glass and reflect on it in a whole different way.

First, the normal stuff.  I was in the auditorium for the dress rehearsal for the spring concert.  Being the husband of an elementary music teacher I have the opportunity to fill in when I'm needed.  I got a good lesson and a couple of good pics from up in the booth looking down at the stage.  I found a limit for Glass that is common in most cameras; low light plus bright stage equals poor image.  Overall so far I've been very impressed with the picture quality, I guess I'm getting used to it being a natural reflection of what I'm seeing so I was surprised it didn't turn out.  Kudos to the human eye, its abilities are difficult to replicate.

I also had time to reflect on technology in a different than normal sense.  On occasion I consult in the district for different technological needs.  A situation occurs and I'm asked for my opinion on the best and least intrusive technology to ensure the continuity of education for students that are otherwise unable to keep a consistent schedule.  I had one of these opportunities today and, as I talked with all parties involved in the situation I couldn't help but think about the usefulness of Glass in certain situations.

Right now, the easy go-to thought is for someone who doesn't have use of his or her hands.  Glass isn't ready for that; there's a touch pad on the right side that requires attention.  Many things can be done without it, but not everything.

So I thought about what Glass really is about.  I've compared it to a camera, computer and cell phone.  I've commented that I don't want to replace any of those thing and thought about what it actually does.  So I did a little research and came across a posting on the Explorer Community site that put it into perspective for me.  Glass isn't supposed to be a distraction, it's supposed to free us from distraction.

I know what you're thinking "Yeah, right.  A computer on your head with a display isn't a distraction?" This posting I read really did put it plainly.  I hear complaints all the time that people (it's not just kids you phone addicts!) are spending more and more time on their devices.  I'm a perfect Pavlovian proof.  My phone dings, vibrates or rings and I'm conditioned to pull it out and look at it.  I can't help myself.

Google Glass is supposed to free us from that by connecting us in a more natural way.  Still not convinced?  I spend very little time on my phone any more.  Good example:  I was in the HS office looking to talk with the principal.  My phone rang and I was able, on voice command, to answer, have a phone call (Mom asking about the spring concert) and continue my search without a phone stuck on my ear or with me fumbling with my nearly indestructible case.

How can this affect education?  Seamless integration of the information stream.  Students can remain engaged with the world while accessing information.  There's a worry that the HUD will get in the way, but it doesn't.  It really doesn't.  It's a little weird at first, but once you get used to ignoring that it's there, it allows you so much access to many of the things we already do without reaching for the phone.  Or computer.  Or tablet.

I've definitely changed my focus a little and will now look to examine this little device as a life-enhancer rather than a distraction.

Glass is Half Full

More time to think about Glass.

I've spent time today on the Explorer's community looking at the posts from other explorers and thinking about the Glass hardware.  When I first got it I handled it with kid gloves.  Looking at this thin, fragile device in my monstrous hands I wondered how long my investment would last.  I've worn glasses off and on for nearly 30 years and I've broken my fair share.

I'm happy to say it's been very durable.  I'm a sharing kind of person, so there have been countless children (down to Kindergarten) who have experienced my Glass.  Sometimes they walk around with it and other times they just take a quick picture, return it and then they're off again.  My only trouble so far has been that I've lost the earbud and the bone conduction speaker in the headset gets distorted.

I have a few suggestions I'll share with Google as I continue with this trial.  First, Sport Glass.  Maybe a more flexible frame and waterproof (or at least resistant) computer.  I look at my phone and I'm using an OtterBox Armor case.  Shock proof, water proof and, unfortunately, mostly soundproof.  I bought it because I'm that guy that drops his phone, uses it in the boat and gets it wet (sometimes submerged) and is generally hard on equipment.  It isn't because I don't value it, but I use it.

If Glass is going to have a place in education, an I believe inevitably it will, then the device itself is going to need to be flexible.  Maybe Google plans to let the after-market commercial companies worry about this, but I think about it.

I posted a question on the Explorer forum about contacting Google with a proposal about using this with a class to really collect some data.  I hope I can get a good response since this is the direction I need to go with it.

I also wrote an article yesterday and finished it today that will be published in the community newsletter.  I wonder if I'll need to present my findings to the community formally, maybe at a School Board meeting.  Either way, I've had nothing but positive conversations with people as I'm out and about regarding the device.

Had a nice email and compliment from one of my former students regarding the blog.  It reminds him of Creative Writing class.  How nice!  I've always had a passion for writing and now I get to be the person featured in a lot of the Science Fiction I've read; the one with the computer on his head.

Looking Glass

Long ago, well before my time, people referred to a mirror as a looking glass.  At least that's my impression of it largely based on literature and contemporary media.  Being the reflective, introspective person that I am, I apply this to Google Glass in the form of an 11 year old daughter stealing it from me and filming me while I present a lesson on using Garageband to the SOAR Charter School students.

This is a great way to see things through the eyes of your students.  I've only included a short clip; I felt as though the full 9 minutes was a great way for me to reflect, but you'd get the gist of it in a fraction of the time.  At one point in the full video I go sideways.  I'm told it was so my head would no longer get cut off in the video, but I think she got bored and started to fall asleep.

There was an article I read online about Google Glass in schools.  I thought about this when I watched my video.  The article addressed the concerns and potential issues of Glass in the classroom because it suddenly made education transparent.  I agree with the author that education is becoming more transparent.  After all, what are all the standardized tests for if not to determine effectiveness, progress and productivity in public education?  I discussed this with another educator and we agreed that there's a good chance some of the things said or done could be taken out of context and viewed as negative when, in reality, the statements or actions were innocent or innocuous.

Interesting line of thought.  We also agreed that the transparency shouldn't be something to be feared but rather accepted.  After all, if an administrator or community member walked into your room you wouldn't (or shouldn't) want to change what you're doing.  This may very well be a window into the future of what education is going to become.  Unfortunately, this puts a lot of stress on a teacher.  Good or bad?  Too early to decide, but definitely worth discussing and thinking about.

On the other side, it's also a potential window into the structure and dynamics of the classroom.  How do the students interact?  At what point are they engaged in the lesson?  Are there behavior issues?  Once again, more discussion.  Maybe even some trial runs to reflect on.

This 9 minute look into my own teaching style, the way I interact and how the students literally view me leads me to reflection and maybe even alteration.

When I finally got my Glass back (wasn't easy) I took a break, visited the other classroom and got to meet my first fat-tailed leopard gecko.  It didn't try to sell me insurance.

Stay tuned for more information and discussion about my grand idea to work with SOAR staff members to hit Google up for an entire class set (45) of Glass to really try it out with the charter school.

Secret Agent Glass

Today I spent a considerable time in the morning talking with another school district who was visiting.  Much of this conversation involved explanation about our program, the path we chose to follow in getting where we are and advice about collaboration with other districts.  This is great advice and boils down to "don't reinvent the wheel, see what others are doing and model yourself after their success."

With Glass I don't really have this luxury.  There are others using Glass in education but I haven't come across too many that are looking at it specifically as a teaching tool.  Maybe I'm not searching enough and that can be the focus and direction I take when I'm without Glass and my colleagues are experiencing it for themselves.

For now, though, I'd like to reflect on the science fiction side of Glass.  I've been compared to everything from a Cyborg to the Terminator (maybe one and the same) and heard reference to science fiction as well as action adventure/spy novels.  I guess this really speaks to the connection between the two.  Someone dreams up a world where people are using this type of technology for a variety of different things and then someone else creates the technology from that dream.  It makes me think about the importance of visionaries and out-of-the box thinkers.  Without them we'd struggle to innovate.

We need this innovation in schools and I see sparks of it every day.  Children hold in their hands, hearts and minds endless possibilities; ones I haven't and probably never will think of myself.  Items, tools, like Glass are there for us to use and share and dream about.  When I introduce students to this phenomenal tool I see many of them start that dreaming and thinking process.  I love that look!  It inspires me to continue to nurture curiosity and support radical thinking.  I'm not going to get on a soap box about testing and argue one side or the other, all I'm saying is we need to continue to foster it and support it.

I'm going to SOAR charter school again tomorrow.  One of the things I like best about it is seeing students that are immersed in and supported for their unique ideas.  I'm not saying other classes don't offer these opportunities, but it's awesome to see how rampant it runs up there.

I'm not a super spy and to those who are concerned that Google Glass will be inconspicuous and invade all sorts of privacy, open your eyes.  I can't walk into a room without half of the room looking at me and questioning what's on my head.  Maybe if Google made contacts . . .

If you're an interested and avid reader, take the time to read Arthur C. Clarke and Stephen Baxter's The Light of Other Days.  In short it looks at the loss of privacy in society and society's reaction to that loss.  Much of it goes much further than what Glass could ever hope to achieve, but Glass opens the door and the discussion about what we should expect as technologies outrun our laws.

I didn't post any pictures specifically because I don't want Glass to become a one trick pony.  It has so many other wonderful possibilities that I don't want to limit my postings to the visual realm.

Passing Glass

This morning started out with weekly roundtable meeting in the staff development room.  No one showed for help so I spent time getting myself ready for the WISN conference and working on the presentation.  I had Glass sitting on the table next to my computer while I worked and started to think about the next step.

Shortly after returning to my office I contacted one of our science teachers about being my lab rat for an initial hand-off and trial in her classroom.  We met and discussed the proposal and she happily agreed.  Two weeks from now I'll reset Glass to factory default and let her use it for two weeks.  We figured that this will give her enough time to plan some lessons, we'll meet again so I can get an idea of how she's going to use it and then I'll direct you to her blog as well as keep posting (maybe not daily) on my blog.  I'd like, during that time, to also interview some of her students and see how they're reacting to it.

I finally captured a 10 second video of typical student reaction to my explanation of Glass.

As you can see in the video there's a mixture of excitement and stunned looks as they try to wrap their heads around the concept.  Anyone at the table who wanted to was welcome to try it on.  For some it worked right away and for others Glass didn't cooperate.  Maybe Google has used a little AI and given it a personality and preference.  Doubtful, but people already have a hard time believing I didn't take it straight from Star Trek.

My day was cut short as I took my youngest to the doctor for her cast.  Had a brief but informative discussion with the doctor and medical assistant about Glass.  His biggest concern was privacy and what Glass would mean in school and, I'm guessing, in his profession as well.  I asked for permission and took some pictures of him at work.

It was snowing.  I didn't take a picture because I'm tired of winter and have 3 feet of snow still in my yard I can look at if I miss it.  I did take the time to stop for a little long-awaited maintenance.

It brings me back to one of my original thoughts about Glass in education.  There are a lot of demonstrations teachers can record first-person point of view and share with students.  Once again, though, it's using the camera and microphone.

In the doctor's office (2.5 hours waiting for a 15 min appointment) I figured out using the screencast feature on Glass.  I guess I was expecting it to show what I see and was surprised that it only showed what was visible on my viewfinder.  It figures when I think about it, but to utilize it in the classroom it's going to have to be done while video recording.  Interesting to see how this works out since it's battery will only last 45 min or so recording video.  Time will tell.

Rest and Reflection

I woke up this morning thinking that there would be nothing I was doing today that was worth writing about.

Not true as it turns out.  I did put in a day of rest, spending most of the time camped out on the floor in the living room watching Netflix.  I guess maybe it's that time of year or maybe my mind and body was just begging for a reset.

I don't sit still very well, so I still built a robot. (@NPSDtech on twitter for a pic)  I must have eaten at some point since there were crumbs on my shirt.  The rest of my family was away so I could watch whatever I wanted without interruption (we only have one TV, no cable or satellite and 3 channels).  Winding down for me generally plays out this way.

I still had plenty of time to reflect and that reflection turned in the direction of Glass.  I started this journey as an Explorer looking to evaluate Glass for education and I've done that just about every day since it arrived.  Today was no different.  I'm looking to the next phase and trying to decide where that should go.  First, I needed to evaluate where I'm at and what I've done.

Introduce Glass - Done. I've been in every school in the district with it and presented it to anyone who asks.  I've been very specific about letting them come to me rather than have teachers and students think I'm forcing it on them or bragging about it.  Seems good so far.

Play with Glass - In progress.  I've figured out much of what I want to use it for, some is working well, others need some more time.  I've mastered the camera, video, music, games and internet searches.  I still have other components I need to work on (see below).

Incorporate Glass - I don't even notice it's there any more.

Now my list of upcoming agenda items:

Instruction - I want teachers to try it and provide feedback.  There's a bit of a learning curve and to accurately do this I need to let them have it for several days.  This is where coaching's going to come into play.  I need to create some kind of application (maybe there's a better word, but I'm going with this).  Teachers who would like to try it out for instruction need to show me there's more to it than the "neat" factor.  I'm thinking a conference where we can talk about it, Q&A and brainstorming.

Professional Development - We've kicked it around in our discussions about using Glass for PD.  As a reflection tool, being able to go back and look at it is enlightening (sometimes nauseating) and beneficial.  If this would be an acceptable way to submit video for National Board or similar it would be valuable.

I'm sure there's more and I'll continue to seek them out.

On a side note, I had a very nice conversation with three community members at the grocery store earlier this evening about Glass.  They were interested, excited and responsive to my explanation.