Archive: Jan 2012
Personalized Learning

Key Predictions for the K-12 Education Sector in 2012

Guest Author

As William Gibson has noted, “The future is already here – it’s just not evenly distributed.” Innovative districts facing the challenges of the “new normal” will increasingly step forward to adopt some of the most promising edtech innovations of the last few years, turning early stage proofs of concept into large-scale solutions that hold promise for helping teachers be more efficient with every child.
EdTech

Why Three Districts Chose Chromebooks Over Tablets

Tom Vander Ark

The Richland 2, Leyden, and Council Bluffs school districts think of students as producers not consumers. They think Chromebooks provide the perfect platform for writing, producing, collaborating, and learning and are implementing 1:1 programs this fall.
Personalized Learning

Review: The Networked Teacher

Getting Smart Staff

The Networked Teacher: How New Teachers Build Social Networks for Professional Support by Kira J. Baker-Doyle evaluates the ways online social networks are reshaping culture around personal learning networks and digital learning networks among educators today. Baker-Doyle delivers a strategic approach to utilize crowdsourcing to its fullest capabilities to deliver ongoing learning, answers, and advocacy for the classroom.
Personalized Learning

Q&A: How Can We Increase STEM Opportunities for Special Needs Students?

Getting Smart Staff

The upcoming ABC Family movie, "A Smile as Big as the Moon," brings teacher Mike Kersjes and Joe Layden's moving memoir about one special education class to life. Mr. Kersjes, a special education teacher for more than 10 years, shares the compelling story of how his class was the first group of special-ed students to attend Space Camp, a prestigious and competitive program at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.
Personalized Learning

Carrots, Sticks & the Bully Pulpit

Tom Vander Ark

Carrots, Sticks & The Bully Pulpit reviews the federal role is largely discouraging for those of us interested in advancing educational equity and achievement. The was some consensus among the bipartisan authors that “federal policy makers have trouble holding a steady course amid all the interests and politics,” and that the “federal government lacks the authority and tools to effectively play an active role in school improvement.” On a more positive note, there was also some consensus that the feds had an important and doable role in promoting transparency and that the president and secretary had a valuable bully pulpit role.
Personalized Learning

All About Relationships: CRM in EDU

Tom Vander Ark

There are a handful of big companies that really understand customer relationships in a deep way. A couple of them sell this expertise in the form of customer relationship management (CRM) software and related consulting. Wikipedia says: