teachers

Personalized Learning

Infographic: OER Textbooks Cut Costs

It's been said before. The cost of college is rising between tuition, housing, and textbook costs. Yet, one area to cut spending for students is in the cost of learning materials. Open educational resources (OER) have been sweeping the market, especially with the helpt of higher education movers and shakers like Saylor.org and Open Courseware Consortium. The infographic below shows how open textbooks can save students big money on earning an education.

EdTech

The Future of OER

Open education resource (OER) is one of the rapidly changing education platforms globally. However, as this versatile educational platform gains popularity, a number of questions have been raised concerning its sustainability and future. Here are some aspects about the trend that will help you answer some of the issues or questions about OER.

EdTech

14 Open Resources For High School

Last week Secretary Duncan said it was time to dump the heavy, expensive books students lug around in their backpacks. We agree, it's time to shift to digital. High-quality open educational resources (OER) help make the case.

Leadership

World Teachers’ Day

Today Getting Smart is excited to celebrate World Teachers’ Day. We are firm believers that even as technology increases and classrooms as we know them transform, teachers will remain the most significant change agent in student success. “On this day, we call for teachers to receive supportive…

Personalized Learning

3 New Teaching Methods Improve the Educational Process

The traditional “chalk and talk” method of teaching that’s persisted for hundreds of years is now acquiring inferior results when compared with the more modern and revolutionary teaching methods that are available for use in schools today. Greater student interaction is encouraged, the boundaries of authority are being broken down, and a focus on enjoyment over grades is emphasised.

Personalized Learning

Q&A: How A Top Educator Drives Innovation and Social Change In His Classroom

By: Jaclyn Norton. Last month, Microsoft awarded the nations top educators who are bringing technology and project-based learning to their classrooms in innovative and interactive ways. Greg Witkin of Boynton Continuation High School in San Jose, Calif. won first place in the Educator as Innovator and Change Agent category for his project, "Finding Youth Voice." This project made students creators and visionaries behind a multimedia project that addresses a social problem.

Personalized Learning

6 Powerful Google Docs Features to Support the Collaborative Writing Process

Google Docs is an online suite of digital tools that provides teachers with some powerful features to help students develop 21st century writing skills. Since Docs are collaborative and available 24/7, the tool is well-suited for facilitating digital writing workshops that combine peer editing with cooperative grouping and small group fine-tuned writing instruction.