Don't Miss Google's Education on Air May 8th and 9th via Google Hangout!Interesting ArticlesHack your classroom: flexible physical learning environmentsFlexible learning environments have a physical component — and effect
Game-Changing Grading ChangesNo one will argue that your classroom should be a positive place for students to learn. However, I feel that the way we grade and give feedback to students is often at odds with the positive classroom climate we desire. Below are some things I changed about the way I graded that made a positive difference in my classroom.
Coding, Making, 3D Printing, and LearningTo give students the opportunity to stretch their creative ideas and manifest them in the physical world, they need the appropriate space, tools, time, and support at their schools. St. Matthew’s Parish School in Pacific Palisades, CA, has created what they believe to be the necessary environment to foster this creativity
Lowcountry school transforms library into technology hubOne Lowcountry school is ditching library books and transforming their media center into a technology hub for elementary school students. A better way to evaluateNYC isn’t the only district trying to better its evaluation process by offering teachers concrete methods to strengthen their skills.
Support for the Supporters: Staying Current with the Latest TechWant to keep your technology support fresh and current? Keep learning! There is no better way to ensure tech is being used efficiently than through an approach of continuous professional development.
Librarians Lead the Way in EdTech
Librarians are lifelong learners by nature. Whether it is the newest educational theory, the latest research methods, or the newest educational technology push, librarians love to learn and share new things.
Why You Should Let Students Have Unlimited ScreentimeThere’s a lot of debate about screentime for youth. Not only is it important for teachers to be familiar with the research, but Holly Flanders, CEO of Choice Parenting reminds us that parents, nannies, and any childcare provider must also be armed with accurate information. Flanders was recently quoted in the New York Post explaining why misinformation and misunderstanding can be a problem. “Most nanny relationships fail after a buildup of small issues that explode into something beyond repair.” The same holds true for parent-teacher relationships.
Why The Maker Movement MattersI get caught up in things. Informercials. New gadgets. New shades of Sharpie. Every kid I’ve ever taught has said, “You say EVERYTHING is your “favorite thing.” It’s true. Life? It’s my favorite. I grew up, but my internal excitement level has stayed at a five year old’s level. So, I’ll just preface this post with that. I will also say that I’ve held off on writing this. Long enough to figure out if this whole “maker movement” was another “thing I love,” or more. It’s more. So much more. - See more at: http://venspired.com/why-the-maker-movement-matters/#sthash.o8xDSyL0.dpuf
This innovative district lets students choose how to learnA district offers students 6 instructional models—an approach that has led to zero dropouts
Questions to Promote Reflective Digital Citizenship in StudentsStudents need adults who will guide and support them as they navigate the complexities of relationships and online sharing. They need adults who can help them find answers and solve problems, and who understand that they’re going to make mistakes. Adults who will help them clean up the messes.
Path To Personalization: Better Models & Better Tests
Gene Wilhoit recently said, “We’ve given up on schooling; we need to shift to systems that enable high-quality learning and educational opportunity for all.” Gene describes three critical attributes of a system of personalized learning.
Does Technology Impact a Child's Emotional Intelligence?Daniel Goleman, author of several books on the subject, says that the expanding hours spent alone with gadgets and digital tools could lower EI due to shrinkages in the time young people spend in face-to-face interactions.
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New Links for TeachersStop Disasters GameYour role in this game is to plan and construct a safer environment to your population. You must assess the disaster risk and try to limit the damage when natural hazards strike. Expect advice along the way, both good and bad.
EnercitiesAre you ready for the future? Build your own sustainable city. Choose your energy sources. Play now to find out!
SimCityEDU: Pollution Challenge!With SimCityEDU, educators have more than a just digital game. They have the tools and content they need to make learning come alive for their students. In the game, students play the role of mayor, doing the challenging work of addressing environmental impact while balancing the employment needs and the happiness of the city’s residents.
Flipboard for EducationWhen Flipboard invited magazine readers to create their own magazines, I jumped on the bandwagon and immediately began compiling my own. Most of my magazines are targeted for the education field. I believe Flipboard is the perfect tool for educators to create magazines for themselves, their students and colleagues. Here is how Flipboard can be used by educators.
New Tools for STEM EducationLooking for new ways to make STEM education more engaging? From fundamental math and engineering to hands-on electronics and robotics, here are some new products that have been creating a stir in various STEM communities.
5eBoardA Revolutionary Solderless Board Designed for K-16 Education, Product Prototype, and DIY Projects
Crack the Books Interactive Science BooksA safe, extensive, educational portal for kids. Find a wide choice of content such as interactives, sports, movies, and music in addition to traditional content areas.
6 Practical Formative Assessment TipsOur Formative Assessment Data Collection handout helps you keep track of each student’s level of mastery of a particular skill. This record sheet will help you know if additional practice or conferencing is needed for individual students or for the majority of the class. Formal grades should not be given until ample time has been allowed for instruction.
Editable Sample Rubric
This easy-to-use Microsoft Word rubric template -- created by Cait Camarata, Edutopia's visual designer -- can be modified to suit your own needs. It is also available in Google Docs format.
New Google Links and SupportYSD GAFE Support Site
The Golden Treasures of Google! The Fabulous Tools You Don't Know About! Part 3 - SEARCH!Below are some Google search engines, tips and tricks to help you sharpen your search skills. Check out The Golden Treasures of Google - Part 3 (SEARCH)!
The Golden Treasures of Google! The Fabulous Things You Don't Know About! Part 4: Student InitiativesBelow are some fantastic ways to let your students shine! These are great ways to tap into your students' creativity and prepare them for the future.
10 Ways To Get Started Using Google+ In Your ClassroomGoogle+ was enabled for K-12 domains in the fall, and I am now thinking about how Google+ could fit into our district for both students and staff, especially in light of Skype’s recent offer for group video chat for teachers.
Google GogglesSearch for pictures with Google GogglesYou can do a Google search by taking a picture with your device using the Google Goggles app.
Google Reverse Image SearchReverse image searchYou can use a picture as your search to find related images from around the web.
Chrome Apps for Leveled ReadingIf you have followed this blog for very long, then you know that I am a self-professed Chrome Addict. I love it! I love the fact that I can customize it to fit my needs, but I love it even more because we can customize it to fit the needs of learners! Below are just a few Google Chrome Apps to support readers in the classroom. These apps offer various ways find leveled reading material (by Lexile and grade level), as well as many other robust features!
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