Top 10 iPad Apps for Science Learning
The iPad is a great educational tool, and it has a variety of useful apps for learning all types of subjects. There are many great apps for helping students of all ages learn and explore scientific concepts.
Shift Your Classroom: Small Strategic Steps
For most of my teaching career, I’ve been a pretty traditional teacher (even now I slip back into that mode sometimes). However, as I went through the motions of trying to “teach” my students, something didn’t feel right. My students seemed to learn things only for the exam, were focused on the mark, not the learning that was supposed to be taking place. When the unit or semester was over, they dumped all their notes and assignments. Frustrating.
Q&A: ‘OK, Computer’ With Tom Vander Ark
The interview that follows addresses issues in the debate over refashioning the U.S. public school system through the adoption of new technologies. As with other American institutions widely perceived as failing or just getting by, the debate around K-12 public education has been increasingly shaped by considerations of technological innovation and the role of entrepreneurship and private-sector involvement.
Vinod Khosla Asks, ‘Will We Need Teachers Or Algorithms?’
Silicon Valley investor Vinod Khosla published "Will We Need Teachers Or Algorithms" on TechCrush this week, an article that argues we make poor use of teachers' and students' talents and training in the United States.
SmartTech Roundup: Gamification, Platforms, Tabs & eBooks
All things edtech every monday; Vinod Khosla on gamification; ST Math boosting blended gains; tablet news including early trouble Aakash, the super cheap Indian tab; platform news including some movement toward competency tracking and attempts to monazite clicks.
Blended STEM: LEGO Education Combines Discovery, Invention and Presentation
Boomers grew up with the colorful building bricks first developed by LEGO® in 1932. Decades of product extensions aimed at older youth created an extensive catalog of hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) exploration. In 1997, through a joint venture with science supplier Pitsco, Inc., LEGO Education formed to develop innovative K-12 learning solutions around a wide range of STEM skills.
Former WV Governor Pushes for ‘Blended Learning’
Bob Wise, Alliance for Excellent Education and co-chair of Digital Learning Now, was in Olympia Washington last week advocating for blended learning and the 10 Elements of High Quality Digital Learning.
Review: Encouraging Social Innovation Through Capital
In Encouraging Social Innovation Through Capital: Using Technology to Address Barriers Kim Smith, Bryan Hassel, and Julie Petersen explore how technology can help "steer capital toward the organizations and approaches that have the greatest impact." The paper is the fourth in a series on Innovation for the Public Good, sponsored by Rockefeller.
Touching the education elephant
Here's a list of 10 interesting education-related experiences from the past week. I’m intentionally casting a wide net, but it’s all focused on innovations in learning. Blogging helps me make sense of what I’m experiencing. What’s your personal learning plan? How are you making sure you get multiple touches at the education elephant? How are you making sense of it all?
Festival Inspires Students in STEM Education and Careers
USA Science and Engineering Festival Expo and Book Fair, hosted by Lockheed Martin, takes place April 28-29, 2012 in Washington D.C. for high school and college students who are looking for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) career opportunities and inspiration.