EdTech

Are You Left or Right Brain?

Getting Smart Staff

Right brain versus left brain learning has been a longstanding debate among other science theories around learning styles. Yet, the bottom line is that different parts of our brains take on different functions and tasks to help us learn. Just as some might have stronger upper arm strength over lower leg strength, our brains have their strengths as well. Developing exercises that target these areas can improve our comprehension, retention and efficiency in learning new subjects.

Leadership

Good Work: Meeting Special Needs

Tom Vander Ark

Today I simply want to recognize and thank parents and teachers that work with students with special needs. Nature recently devoted a full issue to the subject of autism. There are some promising organizations attempting to meet special needs. But this blog is mostly a thank you card.
EdTech

Q&A: The Educational World Is Flat

Guest Author

Tom Vander Ark is an educational innovator who thinks like an engineer. He is currently the CEO of Open Educational Solutions, a partner in Learn Capital, and director of the International Association for K-12 Online Learning. Previously he served as President of the X PRIZE Foundation and was the Executive Director of Education for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He is a prolific writer and speaker, and in 2006 Newsweek readers voted Tom the most influential baby boomer in education.

EdTech

‘A Smile As Big As the Moon’ Airs ABC January 29th

Getting Smart Staff

ABC Network airs its Hallmark's Hall of Fame feature "A Smile As Big As the Moon," an inspiring story of a high school football coach and special education teacher who took a class of special education students to NASA's Space Camp, Sunday, January 29 from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. EST.

Personalized Learning

Educational Management Organizations: The Rest of the Story

Tom Vander Ark

The NCEP, issued its annual data compilation covering educational management organizations (EMO). While the summary sounds benign, I think it’s fair to say that the NCEP hates EMOs—especially the for-profit versions. This AFT funded report is not a sympathetic data compilation. From the ensuing stories it is clear that journalists were coached on attack strategies. EMOs have the unique opportunity to develop coherent academic models and support networks where everything works together to benefit teachers and students.

Personalized Learning

4 Characteristics of Education Programs That Actually Work

Guest Author

“Education” is a huge conversation, but almost all of the conversation is about the education problem. There is not a serious or mature conversation about solutions. Meanwhile lots of resources and, as important, attention, are going into an ever-changing, wide variety of programs which, it is hoped, will be part of some solution. How do we know when we’re looking at any given program, whether it can have game-changing impact on K-12 schools, or has no chance? I call the former, programs that “Actually Work.” Here I identify and describe four characteristics of any program that Actually Works: Scope,Results, Robustness, and Scalability. Failure at any one of these is failure to Work.

EdTech

The Alliance Addresses New Digital Learning Imperatives In K12

Getting Smart Staff

This month, the former Governor Bob Wise's Alliance for Excellent Education (Alliance) released "The Digital Imperative: How Technology and Teaching Meet Today's Education Challenges," a report showcasing the ways technology can better prepare students for college and career as an update to its report nearly two years ago.

Personalized Learning

Teacher-Led Blended Learning, Students Win

Guest Author

There are three moments that addict me to teaching. When students have “light up,” “light bulb,” and “lead” moments. Creating an environment that fosters the space for these is becoming easier as the tools at our fingertips continue to improve. I see technology as a cornerstone of education that can help bring to life content for students.