Posts by Tom Vander Ark
EdTech
Ready for Inspiration? Check Out DIY Stories
Yesterday DIY.org launched a Stories section featuring videos of real kids using DIY.
Leadership
California Educator Named 2013 National Online Teacher of the Year
News Release from Southern Regional Education Board Atlanta — March 7, 2013 — Renee Citlau of Anaheim, CA, an online teacher at Cypress High School and a lead online teacher for the Anaheim Union High School District, has been named the 2013 National Online Teacher of the Year, an honor awarded annually…
Personalized Learning
SXSWedu Halftime Report
The Getting Smart team is live from Austin, TX this week covering the SXSWedu conference. The event, in its third year expects up to 5,000 attendees this week, a large jump from the 800 its first year. We took a break from breakfast tacos for a first half recap.
EdTech
Metaskills: Five Talents for the Robotic Age
Marty Neumeier teaches companies to innovate. He shared lessons learned in his new book Metaskills: Five Talents for the Robotic Age. Neumeier sees machines taking jobs that don’t require creativity, humanity or leadership.
EdTech
Edmodo Adds Staff, Makes Acquisition to Enhanced Student Experience
Edmodo, the leading social learning platform, announced the acquisition of Root-1, developers of OpenMinds. COO Crystal Hutter said, “The acquisition will allow developers to focus on the student learning experience and for teachers to customize for what she’s teaching.” In short, it will be “easier to build cool experiences” on Edmodo.
EdTech
Portfolio Provider Pathbrite Lands Another $4 Million
Pathbrite, announced today that it has completed a $4 Million Series A2 financing round that extends the $2.5 Million Series A financing round announced in June 2012. That brings the total raised to $8 million. Pathbrite is the leading provider of portfolio services to K-12 and…
Leadership
Smart Cities: Columbus
Two promising developments stood out on two trips to Columbus last month. The first is the four term Mayor’s Education Commission focused on revitalizing Columbus City Schools. The second is first ring suburban districts charting the path forward.
Personalized Learning
Managed Instruction vs Teacher Autonomy
Urban districts trying to ensure consistent rigor in every classroom have implemented programs of managed instruction--a common curriculum, shared lesson plans, pacing guides, periodic assessments, and associated professional development. While these programs can feel stifling, they often lead to incremental improvement.
EdTech
Learning By Doing: The Neurology of Math
“Schemas are context-sensitive connections that help us understand,” said Matthew Peterson, Chief Scientist and co-founder of MIND Research Institute at a recent Neuroscience Symposium. “Experiences that build and apply these connections are called learning.”
Personalized Learning
Reynoldsburg Schools Attracting Rave Reviews
Yesterday I visited the Reynoldsburg Schools in Columbus, Ohio and had a chance to see the great work being done in the schools that is drawing attention not only statewide but nationally. In this piece by the Columbus Dispatch the schools’ efforts at innovating around STEM and career and college readiness was highlighted with a visit from U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education Deb Delisle to tour the innovative programs.