Archive: 2013
How Online Learning Prepared Me for University Life
Choice is a basic fiber of Western Civilization. Today, a growing number of students and parents when given a choice are leaning towards virtual learning experiences rather than the more traditional options. As a graduate of an online public school and a current member of the class of 2014 at the University of Washington, I have spent some time reflecting on the ways I benefited from having the option to attend an online school and the unique ways it prepared me for college.
Smart Cities: Twin Cities is no Wobegon but on the Rise
A Literacy Specialist in the Eden Prairie School District said, “I am thinking about the thousands of iPads being handed out to kids right now in districts around the Twin Cities and I’m curious to see what we will be able to do with them and to what degree we will be able to differentiate for our students.”
States Report Challenges in Their Race to the Top
Last week, the Department of Education released reports for 12 Race to the Top grantees, detailing their progress (or lack thereof) on transforming education at the local level. The reports highlight the second-year work and accomplishments and challenges of implementing new information systems and the required tougher evaluation systems and related collective bargaining agreements.
The App Chat: 4 Questions Parents Can Ask to Bridge the App Gap
mojo-hiLately, I’ve been struck by how parents talk about their kids’ use of technology. Some are mystified; others are fearful. Some parents, in particular, seem completely flummoxed by how to begin a conversation with their children about social and other media that constitute the learning environment in which children gain interpersonal and communication skills.
Encouraging Innovation in Curriculum: Strategies for Support and Implementation
Educators strive to equip students with the tools necessary for enlightenment, self-empowerment, and success. Once students begin their college experience, it becomes the responsibility of that institution’s professors and administration to prepare those students for future endeavors.
US ED Reports on Grit, Tenacity & Perseverance
The U.S Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology (OET) posted a report for public comment: Promoting Grit, Tenacity, and Perseverance: Critical Factors for Success in the 21st Century. The report examines factors that can promote students’ capacity to strive for and succeed at fulfilling long-term and higher-order goals and persist in the…
Students Thrive in Blended Math Program
by Jane Roberts, first appeared on Commercial Appel on 2/15 Early afternoon math class at Presbyterian Day School (Memphis) looks unusually like a think tank. Wifi work stations are scattered around a large room. Boys of all ages are working individually or in groups. Some are sprawled…
EdTech 10
Love was in the air this week. President Obama showed love for Early Education and STEM in this week’s SOTU. Research revealed that aspiring teachers are showing more love for technology more than practicing teachers. And, as always, there’s a whole week’s worth of news to love right here in this our EdTech 10. (Think of it as our version of heart-shaped chocolates.)
Gates Foundation Launches Literacy Courseware Challenge
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will be making grants of up $6 million to organizations that develop software that supports students in "mastering literacy skills for writing, writing to read, and writing to learn."
Neuroscience Symposium
MIND Research Institute, the makers of ST Math are hosting a Neuroscience Symposium: The Neural Foundation for Learning Math in Los Angeles, Calif. on Wednesday, February 20th. ST Math is a visual based blended learning math program. Founder Matthew Peterson will lead the events of the day with a hands-on experience for the audience.