future of learning
Moving to a ‘Split Screen’ Strategy for K-12
Education|Evolving – a long a source of challenging analysis and new ideas for public education -- is circulating a proposal for a fundamental change in the way America goes about redesigning K-12 education. Tom Vander Ark has cited it. Here is a summary. You can read the full text at http://www.educationevolving.org/strategy.
10 Innovative Ways to Use ThingLink in the Classroom
Start with an image defined through multimedia. Present ideas. Create links to amazing sites. Explore, share and create with ThingLink in the classroom!
Ed.gov Advocates for New Approaches to Capturing Evidence
Expanding Evidence Approaches for Learning in a Digital World is a new report from the EdTech Office at the Department of Education. "The report discusses the promise of sophisticated digital learning systems for collecting and analyzing very large amounts of fine-grained data ("big data") as users interact with the systems," said Karen Cator, the outgoing EdTech Director. "It proposes that this data can be used by developers and researchers to improve these learning systems and strive to discover more about how people learn. It discusses the potential of developing more sophisticated ways of measuring what learners know and adaptive systems that can personalize learners' experiences."
3 Lessons on Faculty Development from an Education Innovator
Oregon State University went from not offering formal tech support to its faculty to having the director of its faculty tech training program named one of this year’s top 50 innovators in education. What can we learn from the success of OSU’s program?
7 Steps to Flipped Professional Development
Arriving home from San Diego and having just attended the ISTE (International Society of Technology in Education) conference I was scheduled to facilitate an all-day professional development for our district. I was excited to share as much of the conference as possible in a day without overwhelming everyone.
10 Exam Studying Tips For the 21st Century Learner
Studying for an exam is not exactly the most exciting time in a student’s life, but it is a great excuse for gadget-loving 21st century teenagers to combine work and play. There is no “right” way to study and it is important that you study in a manner that suits your individual needs. Take advantage of the incredible technology available to today’s society and pass your exam with flying colors with this step-by-step guide.
Chicago Appoints Jack Elsey Chief Innovations Officer
Jack J. Elsey Jr. joined Chicago Public Schools as Chief of Innovation and Incubation. Formerly Elsey was Chief Schools Officer for Detroit Rising College Preparatory Schools and Assistant Superintendent in the Detroit Public Schools.
Despite Bad News, Progress is Possible
I have a hard time watching evening news--especially in the last few weeks--the headlines are hard to swallow. You can’t help but assume that things are getting worse. It’s depressing. But the news doesn’t give you an accurate picture of the long term trends that are making life better for more people on this planet.
Good Work: Considering Life in Cities
Geoffrey West studies cities. He found economies of scale—in mammals and cities—the bigger you get the less energy you need. Cities offer about a 15% savings on infrastructure. But he also found that human population growth and resource use is unstable. We share his interest and launched a review of how cities produce and share innovations in learning.
Blended Learning Decision: Enterprise or Portfolio
For many districts, the most important strategy decision will be whether to build a common district plan or encouraging schools to develop their own plans.