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= OLÉ: Orchestrating a Learning Ecology =

The Tango Lesson
(source) ( video source ) ||
 * [[image:/plugin_helper.php?plugin=external&name=x&code=%3Cembed+width%3D%22160%22+height%3D%22144%22+src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sonypictures.com%2Fclassics%2Ftango%2Fstillsclips%2Fclips%2Ftangoyoyoma.mov%22+autoplay%3D%22false%22+loop%3D%22true%22+pluginspage%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fquicktime.apple.com%22+scale%3D%221%22%3E%3C%2Fembed%3E&nofilter=1&sig=Ws1FQsxsXvzSABbamYO9]] || At the end of the day, there is only one way to dance tango: the way **YOU** like to dance it. And there is only one style: the one **YOU** choose to be your style; because a tango dancer never copies, never imitates, never conforms to an established pattern, never follows the trends, never talks about his dancing. A tango dancer dances .... out of a finite number of recognizable body positions for the couple, it is possible to improvise a countless number of patterns, steps and figures.

The 3 Steps of Tango
**First, a demo** AP Calculus AB: Without Bound ('08-'09) Applied Math 40S (Winter '09) Pre-Cal 40S (Winter '09)

**The Big Picture** How Will I Orchestrate It This Time? The Next Movement || One of the understated facts of dancing Argentine Tango is the availability of four feet and four cardinal directions where the couple can move. Simply put, there are only three steps in Tango: **the Side step**, **the Forward step** and **the Back step**.

With these three steps a couple could dance in straight lines or in a box, going forward, sideways, backwards, sideways, etc., etc. (image source) ||

What is a Learning Ecology?
Blogging, both personally and professionally, always brings to mind three metaphors for me: conductor, choreographer and gardener ...

An ecology is an environment that fosters and supports the creation of communities ... A learning ecology is an environment that is consistent with (not antagonistic to) how learners learn ... The Instructor plays the role of gardener.

Learning/knowledge is more than static content. It's a dynamic, living, and evolving state. Within an ecology, a knowledge sharing environment should have the following components: || • Informal, not structured. The system should not define the learning and discussion that happens. The system should be flexible enough to allow participants to create according to their needs.
 * What are the needs of a learning ecology? **

• Tool-rich - many opportunities for users to dialogue and connect.

• Consistency and time. New communities, projects and ideas start with much hype and promotion...and then slowly fade. To create a knowledge sharing ecology, participants need to see a consistently evolving environment.

• Trust. High, social contact (face to face or online) is needed to foster a sense of trust and comfort. Secure and safe environments are critical for trust to develop.

• Simplicity. Other characteristics need to be balanced with the need for simplicity. Great ideas fail because of complexity. Simple, social approaches work most effectively. The selection of tools and the creation of the community structure should reflect this need for simplicity.

• Decentralized, fostered, connected...as compared to centralized, managed, and isolated.

• High tolerance for experimentation and failure

(George Seimens: source) (image source) ||

Before the First Class — The Forward Step
**Thinks and Tools**

Branding: class tag and image

Organization: labels or categories

First Post: what will you say? (sample)

(more details here) ||
 * [[image:/f/Window.jpg width="240" height="170"]]Building the Blog **

• Blogger (to write the blog) • your email address • Google Translation Gadget • Cluster Map • Answer Tips Widget • SITMO Equation Editor • Add Labels Widget • Google Calendar Viewer • [|Wolfram|Alpha Widget Builder]

(image source) ||

Digital Ethics — Step Forward, Step Aside
**4 Points That Have Served Me Well**

(1) blogspaces = classroom spaces

(2) personal privacy

(3) your future self & your digital identity

(4) thoughtful linking

(sample post) ||

(create your own playlist or use mine ) ||

The Tango: Stepping Aside
**Organizational Mechanics ...**

Signing them Up ... adding authours

And Keeping Track ... The Scribe List ||
 * [[image:/f/tangoRave.jpg width="200" height="133"]]... and some Nuts & Bolts **

Get Rid of the Navbar

body { position: relative; top: -32px; }
 * 1) b-navbar { height:0px; visibility:hidden }

If that doesn't work try this:

code height:0px; visibility:hidden; display:none; }
 * 1) navbar-iframe {

code

Adding Permanent Links

... and other elements to your layout in Blogger. (image source) ||

La Marca

 * The subtle delay between the motion of the dancers is what creates the much sought after feline elegance of the dancing couple. You can't walk like a cat because you only have two legs. An embraced couple, combining both sets of legs can.

In essence, understanding the concept of **"I move, then he moves,"** if you are a woman, or **"she moves, then I move,"** if you are a man, is a significant step towards developing the natural sway and sensual motion characteristic of the Argentine Tango. || (image source) ||

Your Tango — My Backstep
**Food For Thought**

Kids: they dance before they learn there is anything that isn't music. ~William Stafford

- The Power (Fear?) of Transparency

- Learning to Swim || "the Tango begins with the posture and finishes in the legs". There is an anatomical and a psychological reason for paying attention to posture. From an anatomical point of view, finding a comfortable embrace helps the enjoyment of the dance.

The psychological aspect involves a positive winning attitude. **The dancers must believe they are the best they can be.** ~//Pablo Pugliese//

**Sample Letters to Parents** [|(image source)] ||
 * Elementary (example 1)
 * Elementary (example 2)
 * High School (example 1)
 * High School (example 2)
 * Classroom policy and letter to parents (Mrs. Simpson, Middle Years)
 * Sample Student Permission Form via [|Miguel Guhlin] **[Ed. Note: This link is broken. I'll have it fixed asap.]**