Posts by Tom Vander Ark
10 Tips for Developing Student Agency
Student agency may be as important an outcome of schooling as basic skills according to a new Harvard study. "The Influence of Teaching Beyond Standardized Test Scores: Engagement, Mindsets, and Agency" makes 10 suggestions for teaching.
#YearInReview: End of Standards-Based Reform, Rise of Maker
The passage of ESSA marks the end of standards-based reform and the rise of maker is a sign of more student learning and personalized learning.
Project-Based Learning Models the Work World
Why we need to do a better job of preparing students for a project-based world. The importance of the art of breaking down complexity for a team to get their arms around and linking the parts together to create something where nothing had been.
Things Are Getting Complex, Use Design Thinking to Simplify
A thoughtful design thinking process uncovers individual and team biases, builds mental models and change theories–the team gains appreciation for systems work and how impact might be produced and scaled.
Google for the Win: The Ascendence of Chromebooks & Google Apps
Chromebooks now make up more than half of all devices in U.S. schools, up from nothing in January 2012 when they hit main stage at FETC. Google's Chromebooks make up 4.4 million of the 8.9 million devices sold to schools this year. 30,000 Chromebooks are activated every day.
Bay Blends Advance Personalized Learning
When it comes to innovation, the Bay Area is a great place to see a wide range of schools doing great things. From public options for montessori to design thinking models that challenge traditional school, we were inspired to see the options that are available for students in the Bay Area.
Building Habits of Success and Measuring What Matters
Good habits are at least as important as basic skills when it comes to success in college and work. The ability to apply creative know how in new situations is at least as important as historical and technical knowledge.
Education for Change: Epic Turn Around in Oakland
Using points, badges and levels to track progress, students at Epic in Oakland embark on their own "Hero's Journey" in an innovative blended middle school with a game-base UI.
10 Innovative Features of Summit Public Schools
Summit Public Schools are diverse innovative high performing secondary schools. They are making their platform and training available to partner schools. Learn more in 12/10 webinar.
School Networks Scale Innovation
By matching design, technology, professional learning, networks can provide a short cut to coherence and performance. Networks providing relevant services at a competitive price continue to grow in size and impact. Networks like New Tech Network are growing by using a combination of three strategies.