Kim Cofino
Originally from the US, Kim is an enthusiastic and innovative globally-minded educator. Kim has been teaching internationally for over 10 years, first in Munich, Germany, then in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, next at the International School Bangkok in Thailand, and currently at Yokohama International School in Japan.
As an Apple Distinguished Educator, her work focuses on helping core subject teachers authentically embed current and emerging technologies in the classroom to create a global and collaborative learning environment. Her inquiry-based, constructivist approach to teaching utilizes project-based learning experiences developed using the Understanding by Design process combined with the MYP Technology Design Cycle.
Kim regularly consults with other international schools interested in implementing 21st century learning, has been profiled on a number of educational websites and journals, is a member of the K12 Horizon Report Advisory Board 2008 – 2010, and is a regular presenter and keynote speaker at conferences and professional development sessions throughout Europe, Asia, and the United States. Her professional blog, Always Learning, is an invaluable resource for teachers seeking examples of authentic student engagement.
Jeff Utecht
Jeff Utecht is an international educator, educational technology consultant and author. He has worked internationally since 2005, prior to that he worked in Washington State. Currently Jeff is working as the High School Technology and Learning Coordinator for the International School Bangkok and as a freelance consultant.
Additionally, Jeff is the technology consultant to EARCOS (East Asia Regional Council of Overseas Schools) and has consulted for Web 2.0 companies on educational issues. Jeff is a main coordinator for the Learning 2.0 Educational Technology Conference in Asia. He has consulted with international schools and conferences globally. Jeff regularly shares his thoughts on education and technology on his blog, thethinkingstick.com.
Jeff has recently released his first book titled: Reach: Building Online Communities and Networks for Professional Development, and has written and contributed to other writings as well. To learn more about Jeff, visit www.jeffutecht.com.
Dear Kim and Jeff,
I am currently working on an Educational Leadership certificate program through SUNY which will be credits towards a Masters degree. At this time I would like to request to take the first class you are offering at EARCOS in March. Our school is currently in the process of unrolling a 1:1 program and I feel this would be beneficial to me.
If I am allowed to attend, could you clarify the following questions:
Is this class everyday/all day for the 3 days, the 24, 25 and 26?
In addition to attending the sessions, is there an activity/project or written activity that will need to be completed to gain the credits? In other words, what would be the requirements to gain 3 the ADE 634 credits?
If these credits would be applicable to my program, I hope I can join you at Kota Kinabalu!
Sincerely,
Debbie Iseri
Hi Debbie,
Let me answer your questions below:
Is this class everyday/all day for the 3 days, the 24, 25 and 26?
No, the class is an all day pre-conference on the 23rd. You will then go to the regular conference and reflect on your sessions. These reflections on a blog that we will set up during the pre-conference will be your ‘paper’ for this course.
In addition to attending the sessions, is there an activity/project or written activity that will need to be completed to gain the credits? In other words, what would be the requirements to gain 3 the ADE 634 credits?
You will have to write a minimum number of blog refections during and after the conference. Kim and I are still hashing out the details but I would say it would be in the neighborhood of 6 blog posts. We have a rubric we use to grade with and will explain everything the during the day long pre-conference.
If these credits would be applicable to my program, I hope I can join you at Kota Kinabalu!
Us too!
Hello
I am interested in joining the online cohort.
I am not clear id this course in 5 parts leads to an actual qualification or is it an learning course?
If it is a certificate how will it be assessed?
Also I am aware but not currently using many of the tools you will be covereing. I am not a total novice but nor am I a tech head … is this for me?
regards
Meryl
Hi Meryl,
I am not clear id this course in 5 parts leads to an actual qualification or is it an learning course?
Yes…the Certificate is through SUNY and the State of New York and is called the Certificate of Educational Technology and Information Literacy. The 5 courses are three grad credits each for a total of 15 grad credits which meets state requirements.
If it is a certificate how will it be assessed?
Instead of writing and end of course paper we have participants write weekly blog entries that reflect on that weeks essential question or something they have learned or tried in their own classroom. The blog posts are graded using a rubric we’ve created. Also each course has a project requirement that is creating a lesson using the skills and knowledge participants have learned in their own classroom. Have a look at some of the blogs on this site and you’ll get a feel for course expectations.
Also I am aware but not currently using many of the tools you will be covereing. I am not a total novice but nor am I a tech head … is this for me?
You’re the perfect teacher for this program! We do spend time learning the tools, but we go much deeper than that and look at pedagogy, copyright, and actual ways to use these tools with students in the classroom. I think you would find this course challenging….most do.
Hope this helps!
Jeff and/or Kim,
I’m interested in a two of the classes described in the cohort which begins at the March EARCOS conference. What if I was only interested in taking the first 2 sessions? Would that be possible?
Thanks,
Hillary
Possible: Yes
Recommended: No
Kim and I created the 5 courses to build upon each other in both skill and knowledge. So if you take course 1 & 3 and skip 2 you’ll be behind in prerequisite skills needed to complete course 3. Also, part of what makes this program work is learning within a community setting. We try very hard to keep the community together for the sack of learning.
Dear Jeff and Kim,
I am an experienced 14 year professional who enhances lives in MS LA/SS and grade 5. I have a high interest in integrating more technology within my discipline and pursuing a Masters in Ed Tech. Currently, I use SMARTBoard and wikispace as well as other forms of technology with my students. I work at Pasir Ridge International School (ISS managed school), in Balikpapan, Indonesia (Borneo), and our leadership team is wanting to adopt more technology into the program (i.e. laptops, smartboards, blogs, etc.) to enrich students’ learning in the classroom. I have signed up to register for the Coetail course (Thurs 20 Jan) and am awaiting confirmation. Please consider my candidacy for this course.
Hi Brent,
You’re on the list – we’ll send out a general e-mail soon (we’re almost up to our max of 50 people).
Kim
I’m very interested in this program. I’m just finishing a masters degree with SUNY and have checked to see if these credits will count towards that – I checked and they will, provided I have not taken the course number before – could you forward me the course titles and numbers so I can check?
A colleague is wondering if he must attend EARCOS to participate?
Thanks so much,
Lauren
Hi Lauren,
The course numbers & titles are all listed here.
Yes, you must attend EARCOS (and the pre-conference) to join the online cohort. The first course will be the foundation for the rest of the courses.
Kim