Top LYS Tweets from the Week of March 27, 2011

Since I’ve started my “Embrace Bootleg Technology” enjoinders, when I am on campuses people are starting to show me the little things they are trying to do. That’s the key. Start trying little things. Bootleg technology will change the way we do business, but not overnight. Just think, 20 years ago we all carried extra quarters in our pockets for the pay phones. When is the last time you used a pay phone? So this week, try a “Flash Lab” (my new term). What’s a flash lab? Instead of taking all your kids to the computer lab for some contrived activity, have the class pull out their cell phones, I-pods, and I-Pads and have them research some current event that is tied to the content you are teaching that day. They make super computers by simply linking a bunch of regular computers together. Imagine what could happen when you let every student in your classroom have focused access to the little computer that they are currently hiding in their purse, pocket or backpack. Embrace bootleg technology now.

A number of you in the LYS Nation are now using bootleg technology devices to follow Twitter. If you haven’t done so yet, we want you to join us. To let you see what you are missing, here are the Top 10 LYS Tweets from the week of March 27^th, as tabulated by the accountants at Price Waterhouse.

1. We just approved the final cover art for the book, "The Fundamental 5: The Formula for Quality Instruction"! The book drops within 90 days!

2. Don't have enough graphing calculators for your students? There's a free graphing calculator app at the App Store. Bootleg technology saves money!

3. LYS Bootleg Tech Update: In an LYS Middle School (Title I -very poor) – kids are using cell phones to research in class. 85% have a phone. The rest of the students share with a partner.

4. In a HS classroom where three students are trying to convince themselves the Styx was a cool band. "Kilroy was Here,” refutes that argument.

5. Morale follows performance. Performance does not follow morale. It's the difference between causation and correlation.

6. Dr. Susan Hull and Dr. Doug Killian share my personal “Superintendent of the Week” award.

7. I'm a fan of the Hippo!

8. Corporal punishment is a short cut that precludes effective student management. Why is this still a debate? Does revenge feel that good?

9. Just read article where a teacher laments that the state doesn't value her PhD. It doesn't and shouldn't. It values her students' performance.

10. I'm a fan of KIPP. But KIPP doesn't play by the same rules. This is the real lesson for other schools. "Change the rules to fit your vision."

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...

Follow Sean Cain on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation