Digital Learning Now
EdTech
Part 2: 36 Smart Ways to Use Smartphones in Class
In continuation of last week’s article, Part 1: 44 Smart Ways to Use Smartphones in the Classroom, here is a newer list of thirty-six additional ideas to help leverage the power of these tech gadgets into the learning environment. In this blog post, I have attempted to avoid any redundancies, and I sincerely hope my endeavors were successful.
EdTech
EdTech 10: Blended Core
The Common Core has become quite the common discussion, right? It’s certainly nothing short of buzz topic of the New Year. We’re keeping pace with the discussion and news, which is rich with reports, commentary, analysis, and questions.
Personalized Learning
7 Teacher Questions About Common Core State Standards
The Riverside Unified School District is taking a collaborative approach in the transition to Common Core State Standards (CCSS) by bringing together teachers from different levels and disciplines to serve as Common Core Ambassadors. These ambassadors will work together to discuss ideas, and to provide input regarding district-wide implementation. We have our second meeting next month, and I am looking forward to the process.
EdTech
Is 1:1 the New One Size Fits All?
Earlier this week I was having dinner with some fellow educational technologists. The conversation took the inevitable turn to discussing 1:1 philosophy. 1:1 is most typically defined as the ratio of one student to one device where that device is provided by the school. During our discussion, the question was posed as “1:1, Chromebooks or iPads?” While I am a fan of both Chromebooks and iPads, I was troubled by this conversation. Not, of course, because I am opposed to the student use of technology, but because I am starting to realize that 1:1 is a parallel philosophy to “one size fits all.”
EdTech
The Learning Accelerator Receives a $750,000 Grant to Support Blended Learning
The Learning Accelerator, a new nonprofit organization supporting the implementation of blended learning in school districts, announced that it has received a $750,000 operating grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Personalized Learning
Smart Cities: San Francisco Schools Improving, But Impervious to Creative City Assets
San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) appears to be in a time warp. Yesterday, I outlined the leadership role that the Bay Area, especially the city of San Francisco, plays in learning innovation. However, the contrast between one of the most creative cities on the planet and the local school districts is stark. The district has higher test scores than other California urbans but it is small and has a relatively low level of poverty.
Personalized Learning
Competency-Based Learning and FLVS
Competency based learning has its origins in the business world. High school graduates who decide to become a barber, for example, would need specialized training in cutting hair. They would take an assessment to verify competency before receiving a license to cut hair. In order to maintain global standing, industry and education leaders teamed up to create a description of elements for 21st century outcomes.
Personalized Learning
Alliance for Excellent Education Counts Down to Digital Learning Day
With less than one month until the second annual national Digital Learning Day on February 6, the Alliance for Excellent Education announced today initial details of the organization’s national effort to promote digital learning and spotlight successful instructional technology practice in the classroom.
Personalized Learning
School Cliff: Learning That Doesn’t Suck
A college prof called yesterday. He said, “College sucks.” He’s taking a couple courses as a humbling market research project. He found dated content and tools and disengaged students. I said, “If you want to see disengagement, you should try a high school algebra course.”
EdTech
3 Ways to Embrace Change This Year
Teachers embracing technology to support the Common Core and new ways of teaching may want to get organized and prepared for some positive changes. Here are 3 ways to get ready for change in the New Year.