Archive: 2012
Physical Activity Proves a Vital Function in Cognitive Ability in Recent Studies
Physical activity among today’s youth in the United States has been on a steady decline while learning disorders like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and others are on the rise. Scientists have yet to draw a direct causal link to physical activity and learning disorders; however, research is showing an increasing correlation between physical activity and its affect on learning and behavioral disorders.
Badges Will Be Big
We need a great Common Core-aligned merit badge system that motivates and recognizes achievement. It should be free and open. Badges should be awarded based on multiple forms of assessment. Badges should be linked to multiple forms of instruction. Badges will be a core component of emerging learning platform ecosystems.
What Would You Do With Endless Internet Bandwidth?
The theme of the CoSN 2012 Annual Conference was to “reimagine learning” and the keynote speakers and concurrent session presenters all provoked us to do just that. From my conference experience, none was more provocative than the session, “On The Horizon: Harnessing Emerging Technologies In Education,” with Larry Johnson, CEO of New Media Consortium.
Jobs for the Future Launches Project On Student-Centered Learning
Jobs for the Future (JFF) recently released three papers as the beginning of a series in its new project "Students at the Center: Teaching and Learning in the Era of the Common Core." The first three papers focus on: What student-centered teaching and instruction looks like; How school districts can approach student-centered learning; and The brain function behind effective learning.
SmartTech Roundup: New Developments in Learning
Apptastic Khan Academy recently released an iPad app for its STEM-related videos. Angry Birds is coming out with Angry Birds Space, a new app that may actually hold some educational value around STEM topics in physics and math. Sesame Street is back – on apps!…
10 Ways Big Data Will Improve Learning
The shift to personal digital learning will soon swamp our schools with more data than teachers ever dreamed possible. More and better data will inform educational decisions, lead to better public policy, and will boost achievement. It's time for schools, districts, and states to begin planning for Big Data.
12 Findings on Mind, Brain & Education
Mind, Brain, and Education is the first in a nine paper series from JFF called Students at the Center. Like all of JFF's work, the series focuses on helping students from all backgrounds graduate ready for post secondary education and the 21st century knowledge economy. Student-centered learning, according to JFF, provides "flexible learning experiences that enable students at various levels to build toward mastery of a common set of core skills. A commitment to addressing the individual needs and goals of each student is at the core of the model.
Good Work: Attitude is Everything
Of the things you can control as a leader, your attitude may be the most important. Attitude makes all the difference, and it is up to you. Be conscious about your attitude. More specifically, be conscious about how other people perceive your attitude. With a positive attitude you will sell more, teach more, convince more, and be a better friend. Attitude is everything.
Staff Picks: mLearning, ePortfolios, intellectual work & Rethinking ED
Tom Picks “Celling a Great Idea” Tom says, “I agree that the flip from bans to widespread daily use will happen fast and that the BS era (before smartphone that is) will soon seem like a strange and distant past.” Caroline Picks “Technology…
Middle Schoolers Flash Mob for Reading
Sedgwick Middle School in West Hartford, CT created and published a flash mob dance on SchoolTube to encourage reading to the tune of the hit Black Eyed Peas song "I Gotta Feeling" in their own rendition "Gotta Keep Reading." It's evident that the middle schoolers in this video are having a lot of fun expressing how much they love reading. This would be a fun tune to play before in-class reading time to get students excited and focused on reading.