MTIMoving to the next levels!

Tom WelchInternational Center for Leadership in Education

January 8, 2009

Review of the Project• Unique Endeavor• Joint Project between MTI and the ICLE• Project reflects the goals– New approaches– Nonlinear– “Version” orientation

• Expectation of change in the design/practice– Increasing complexity

• The project will increase in scope and size• Focus on carving out new opportunities for

student learning

•Where are we now at MTI?• Gaming committee• Student involvement• Grant searches and submission• Zon initiation• Ongoing work

What’s going on elsewhere?

• Explosion in gaming from the vendors– Remains a relatively strong market– Xmas was a boost in this industry– Wii popularity going through the roof• Personal• School

• No slowdown in use by school-age population– This drives continued focus

• Continued strong attention from a research and professional base– New academic works – reports and books– New books planned• Prensky

• Looking for examples of where students –and NOT the teacher – use whatever technology is available– Opportunity for MTI students to relate

experiences– Opportunity for MTI faculty and administrators to

relate thoughts, impacts, etc

• Scan of popular learning sites confirms this– Classroom 20.com

• Importance of Florida Virtual’s gaming project– Industry leader– National footprint– National implications

• Need to see this as part of larger trends– Be aware as you read and listen to the popular

press• Growth of online learning• Increased financial pressures on public schools• Ready for the shift of priorities in the reauthorization of

NCLB with the new administration

– Growing international connectedness

• Other factors occurring outside of the school walls– Open Source momentum– iPhone apps

SO?

• Implications for MTI– Keep active on this front– Keep connected– Forge new connections• Other education communities around the world• Business partners

– Keep tracking the data!– Keep talking with students

Stay committed to making it happen for MTI students and staff,

not just waiting for it to happen*!