The ISTE10 Newbie Project is Underway! Meet this Year’s Newbie:
Back in April I wrote a post that appeared here on ISTE Connects which was titled “Demonstrate the Power of a Personal Learning Network: Help Send a Newbie to NECC.“ The post turned out to be incredibly popular and brought a lot of attention to the “Newbie Project.”
When I announced the Newbie project in April I thought it would be a one time event. It was really intended to be an experiment to help prove that there is an up side to social networking. Richard Byrne was the original Newbie. His blog, FreeTech4Teachers, was the top resource sharing blog last year. My strategy was to blog about it a few times then have my PLN spread the word. I crossed my fingers and hoped that we would get to our goal of $1500. Exactly two weeks after I first blogged about the project we hit the goal after VoiceThread made a huge donation. If they had not stepped forward I am not sure we would have met the goal.
In the weeks leading up to the conference people started asking me if I would repeat the project. Once I realized that the Newbie Project was popular enough that it could be used to make a real difference there was no question I would do it again. My biggest challenge was figuring out who would be the best choice to be the Newbie for 2010. Whoever it was going to be would have big shoes to fill! I spent lots of time mulling over the people in my PLN, but just like the year before, there was one clear choice. I decided Jason Schrage would be the Newbie for ISTE10. Please check out his blog, Connections.
At the time I selected Jason I was not really sure what direction I wanted to take the project. I decided that I wanted to capture Jason’s passion and curiosity. I wanted everyone to have the opportunity to be inspired by him much like I had been. I decided the best way to do this was to have him blog about his experience throughout the year. To give back to his PLN, Jason will write about his experiences on a regular basis throughout the year. He will serve as a mentor to teachers around the country.
I want people to have the chance to get to know Jason before we officially kick off the drive for donations. However, if you are excited about this project and want to make a donation now you are more than welcome to do so. The donation link is on both Nebraska Change Agent and Connections. Please consider supporting the project by adding a badge to your blog or website. You can also help by telling fellow educators about the project. I created some cards that you can print and distribute as well to help promote the Newbie Project.
If you want to learn more about Jason then please keep reading. I recently had the chance to interview him and here is what he had to say:
Where were you born?
Naval base in Groton, Connecticut.
Could you tell me about your family?
Married with two wonderful boys. One is two and the other is four.
Tell me about your interests outside of school.
Love outdoor adventures and just being outside – primitive skills, fishing, hiking camping, canoeing. I also enjoy practicing martial arts.
Educational Background:
SUNY Oswego- Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education (Social Studies)
SUNY Cortlans – Master’s degree in Outdoor and Environmental Education
Who is your employer and what is your position?
Horseheads Central School District – 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher
How long have you been teaching?
Started teaching in September of 1998
What is your favorite unit/topic and why?
WWII – The WWII Teach-In Day. Growing up my grandparents often talked of this period in history – Studying WWII reminds me of them – Its almost like honoring them.
What are some ways that you are currently using technology to enhance your classroom?
I use a course management system called Tool Box Pro. I utilize it for almost every assignment. Students also use Tool Box Pro to take tests, write their individual blog, and edit the class wiki.
We use Gaggle for email communication. I also have used VoiceThread, Promethean Activ Studio, Activ Vote, PhotoStory3, UStream, and Elluminate.
What are some of your goals for the school year?
To do more video conferences with other classes and experts as part of my lessons. I am thinking about finding a motivational speaker to visit with my students about study skills and the importance of being a self-motivated learner.
I might also use videoconferencing to connect with another classroom to prep for the NY State exams. l also could use IVC to bring in someone who is an expert on their subject – Another k-12 teacher, professor that can relate to the kids, or a museum curator to talk about a topic.
What are several things that you are looking forward to at ISTE 10?
- Meeting people in my PLN
- Learning new cool web 2.0 tools
- Sharing ideas and learning from others
- Being around other highly motivated and excited individuals
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