Place Based Education
Posts by Guest Author
EdTech
The Green Schoolhouse Series – 21st century learning classrooms
It used to be educationally valuable to use Styrofoam balls to create a fairly basic representation of the solar system or to study simple earth science through a paper mache volcano craft project. Likewise, chalk and erasers were precious tools of the trade for teachers, while yellow number two pencils and plastic protractors were the standard of choice for students. Lunch hall dining used to consist of fast-food quality meals--but not anymore.
EdTech
5 Cool Things About Online Education
Early in life, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. My mom and grandma were teachers, and I fully intended to join the ranks in a traditional classroom setting. I hadn’t heard of a virtual charter school before, but I’ve always been intrigued by technology, so I decided to check it out. After doing some research, I came to the realization that not only did I prefer it over substitute-teaching for a year but also that there actually wasn’t anything else I would rather do.
Personalized Learning
Could Teacher Evaluation Initiatives Power Down Technology-driven Innovation?
Teacher quality is arguably the largest policy shift in education today and will have a lasting impact on our public education system. Legislatures across the country are hammering out systems intended to improve, reward, and redistribute quality instruction – including teacher evaluation systems and systems to differentiate compensation.
Personalized Learning
Yes! A Productivity Agenda!
In a recent report (and a wave of blog posts) it is clear that Bruce Baker takes offense at the current discussion around improving productivity in public education.
EdTech
Budget Cuts Leave Some Students Tongue-Tied
On Jan. 20 the Department of Education announced plans to cut $27 million in funding to foreign language programs around the country. The money comes from the now defunct Foreign Language Assistance Program (FLAP), which doled out three- or five-year grants to charter schools, school districts and states.
Personalized Learning
A Bold Approach to Cultivating Tomorrow’s Teachers
Denver is on the leading edge of a national movement in teacher preparation—one that is has the potential to transform our classrooms and unlock a key to success in our schools.
Personalized Learning
Technology Transforms Teachers Into Master Chefs of the Classroom
A teacher is like a chef of the classroom, creating recipes for learning, devising experiences for students the way an expert chef composes a dining experience. A skillful teacher processes an almost constant stream of micro-decisions, juggling many lessons, as they plan, carry out, and adapt.
EdTech
Idaho Parents, Students Show Support for School Choice at the Capitol
Hundreds of parents and students attended today’s 2012 Capitol Day event in Boise. Run annually by the Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families, the day stands as a fun and educational way to introduce children to the workings of state government and the legislative process.
Personalized Learning
Digital Learning Day Is More Than a Pajama Party
As with many school choices, digital learning has a perception problem. The kids are lazy. The parents are lazy. They want to sleep in. They want to play video games. They want to listen to music. They're anti-social. They're taking the easy way out. The reality is so very different from the whisper campaign to discredit a rapidly embraced choice for parents and students for whom a one-size-fits-all system just didn't – fit all.
EdTech
The Coming Education Revolution
In the worst economy since the Great Depression, Americans are struggling to earn a living, raise their families, and get an education. How will Americans adapt to learn, work, and connect in the future? A new book with findings from Apollo Research Institute describes how technology and the new job skills that will be required in the 21st century will transform higher education.