Project-Based Learning
Personalized Learning
It’s a Geometric World!
To date, we have 25 blog entries detailing the progress of our PBL project through student voice and pictures. The following links to a blog about Day 16 of our project. http://ksmithschool.wordpress.com/2014/03/17/geometric16/
Personalized Learning
Mooresville Adopts Gateway Projects in 4 Grades
The Mooresville Graded School District recently adopted requirements for four large scale multimedia projects in 3rd, 6th, 8th and 12th grade. Beginning next year, students would add products from these projects to their digital portfolio.
Personalized Learning
Infographics as Assessments for Nonfiction Reading
This past weekend, my step-daughter Emily, who works in the field of non-profit fundraising, asked me out of the blue, "Do you you ever teach your students about infographics?" I beamed with pride as I showed off my students' hard work.
Personalized Learning
Deeper Learning for Every Student Every Day
A Getting Smart white paper dedicated to dispelling the myths around Deeper Learning and showing it can happen anywhere, with every student and every teacher.
EdTech
A Slight #Engchat Re-Purposing of Widbook (Part 1)
After a solid understanding has been established, I strive to follow up with a limitless, free-thinking session that centers on one essential question: “How can this technological tool be repurposed as an educational instrument?”
Personalized Learning
What is Performance Assessment?
Performance assessments are real-world scenarios that reflect the ambiguity of real-world challenges. They require higher-order thinking and problem solving. They are concluded with authentic performance. Projects are the most common performance assessment. The tools to support projects and track academic development are (slowly) getting better . Transparent evaluation criteria: the learning outcomes drive the creation of the task.
Personalized Learning
Expeditionary Assessment: PBL Lessons from Ron Berger
Expeditionary Learning (EL) is a network of project-based schools. Chief Academic Officer, Ron Berger, is a thoughtful advocate for better assessment. Check out his advice for better PBL....and his new book.
EdTech
First Ever White House Student Film Festival Launches Today
K-12 students from around the country are invited to create a 1-3 minute short video. Finalists could have their videos screened at the actual White House and posted on the official website.
Leadership
How Many Educators Does it Take to Organize a Local Maker Faire?
If, perhaps, you are searching for a Maker event in your area but don’t see one planned anywhere close by- it might be time to plan your own! It’s really pretty easy and an ideal way to get conversations happening and relationships building between schools, parents, organizations and businesses in your community- and when you plan your own, it’s tailored to your area and customized for the students you are intending to reach.
Personalized Learning
High Tech High: Student Engagement Leads to Deeper Learning
I've been there at lease a dozen times but I'm always floored by the student artwork. Here are two students expanding on a SketchPad art they produced to illustrate how genetic switches (contributed by parents on either side) influence our life.