Archive
component:how.learning-experiences
Microsoft Innovative Schools
New school models that leverage technology provide a useful picture of the future. Last week, in a three-blog series, I profiled next generation school models that leverage newopportunities, incorporate experiential learning, and promote system redesign.
In Context: Connecting Classrooms to the Real-World
In one scene of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, a classroom of glaze-eyed high schoolers stare into space while their teacher drones on in painfully boring monotone, Anyone? Anyone?
How Active, Digital Learning Fosters Business Skills in Students
The array of social technologies open a wide swath of possibilities for active learning, particularly in the online and blended teaching space.
Hire Edupreneurs: Advice for School Start-Ups
In the jargon-filled world of education, neologisms should be used sparingly. For a new school aimed at inspiring innovators and entrepreneurial leaders with a new learning model, the termedupreneur is indispensible. Edupreneur combines the concepts of education and entrepreneur – a person who undertakes any enterprise or venture, usually with considerable initiative and risk.
Next-Gen Models Break New Ground, Promote System Redesign
The 20 breakthrough school models recognized by the Gates Foundation funded Next Generation Learning Challenges (NGLC) took on the turnaround challenge, leveraged higher education partnerships, and improved the performance and sustainability of school networks (as outlined inpart one of this three-part series). They also illustrate how blended learning supports and extends experiential learning (part two).
Next-Gen Models Attack Problems, Leverage Opportunities
It's great if you think you have a good sense of how a next-generation school would work, but good luck trying to get funding. Most school districts don't have a process to respond to new school proposals much less funding them. And good luck getting a grant for a charter school before you get a charter approved (i.e., when you really need the money). That's why, given the emerging potential for personalization, the Next Generation Learning Challenges(NGLC) is a timely and important program.
5 Virtual Field Trip Experiences
Today the field trip is not being used as it once was. Stories of my father being taken to the meat packing plant in his small town are old news. Even being taken to cultural museums are a thing of the past and are even considered safety hazards, because of the intrigue that students have in everything that is going on around them. Sharing a unique experience with classmates is being taken away. Luckily, we now have technology that is being implemented in the classroom that allows these students to go on a field trip anywhere in the world without leaving the classroom.
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.
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.”
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!