Online Writing Assessment Across South Dakota
With approximately 40% of high-schoolers learning in 1:1 environments and statewide use of an online writing assessment program, South Dakota is taking important steps toward the digital future of education. We connected with South Dakota Director of Assessment Gay Pickner to find out more.
SmartTech Roundup
Blended Schools & Tools Who needs a hard-drive? New Google Chromebook “gets it right” and, with plans to offer a steep discount to schools, might answer the call of blended-curious districts. Alabama moves ahead! Thanks to H.B.165, the Alabama Ahead Act, participating high school students and teachers will have better access to electronic textbooks and mobile learning devices.
Dear NSF, Here’s a Plan to Boost Math Achievement
NSF and U.S.ED are gathering input to shape a $60 million math R&D initiative. They should invests half the money in a series of grants that study math motivation and the other half in classroom trials and prizes.
Digital Learning is Critical for Move to Learner-Centered Instruction
Preparing all students to succeed in today’s increasingly complex world requires a shift from a teacher-centric culture to learner-centered instruction that recognizes students’ individual learning needs, according to a new report from the Alliance for Excellent Education. The report, Culture Shift: Teaching in a Learner-Centered Environment Powered by Digital Learning, examines the support that educators and schools will require to implement genuine teaching practices that are personalized for each student.
Summers Are For Learning
Had I grown up in the early part of the 21st century, I believe I would have gravitated toward learning how to code. I liked math, and I liked solving problems. Maybe I would have found the wherewithal to apply for a grant to study with Girls Who Code, which was founded to reach under-served girls interested in STEM.
MentorMob: What’s On Your Playlist?
A few months ago, I discovered MentorMob (MM), which allows any user to create “learning playlists” to share or open up to other fellow learners who might want to add or edit the content in the playlist. The end product is the ultimate learning tool for students, especially when the playlist is populated with high-quality content, including visual, audio and interactive elements.
Common Core Will Save Not Cost Billions
Common Core State Standards lift expectations and create opportunity to compare results and share tools—a terrific set of benefits that America will reap for years. Fordham released a report today on the Cost of Implementing the Common Core. They concluded that states could save about $1 billion if they take full advantage of digital assessments and materials.
Infographic: How to Spend Your Summer
Summer is fast approaching. When the last bell rings and students head home for the summer months, many students experience what research is calling "summer learning loss," which largely contributes to the growing achievement gap in the U.S. The infographic below outlines effective ways students can brush up on their studies, skills and knowledge over the summer through internships, jobs, volunteer work and independent study.
Nearpod: Go Mobile While Presenting
Nearpod is like the Join.me for iPad presentations - but better. I haven't seen a mobile presentation tool quite like this. I've seen iPad browser sharing tools and even presentation managers, yet nothing with the suite of tools Nearpod offers.
Should corporations run publicly funded online schools?
Private enterprise should be eligible for statewide operating contracts for public schools and programs. Private companies have the unique ability to provide quality services at scale. Private enterprise has three unique benefits compared to government agencies and nonprofits. The ability to raise and invest capital is critical to building quality content and learning platforms--investments that can easily exceed $100 million. The ability to rapidly respond to increased demand and operate at scale is another key advantage. The third benefit is the ability to manage to outcomes--data driven decision making combined with operational flexibility.