August, 2019

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How Effective Is Your Edtech Tool? Five Questions to Ask

Digital Promise

We all want to help students learn. When it comes to education technology (edtech), school leaders and developers alike want to provide the best tools—ones that truly make a difference. This is especially critical for students who are not being served by current instruction. To support this goal, Digital Promise’s Marketplace initiative is dedicated to identifying “effective, engaging, tech-enabled learning environments.” But what does “effective” really mean?

EdTech 308
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How educators can use edtech to teach students essential real-life skills

Neo LMS

Technology in the classroom continues to transform the way that teachers teach and students learn. Simple techniques such as incorporating videos into learning or making lectures available online are already breaking down barriers when it comes to different learning styles, teaching students from a distance, and more. When teachers incorporate additional edtech such as gaming, online learning platforms, and other e-learning tools, they can transform their classrooms and learning plans while keep

EdTech 264
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How to Successfully Personalize Learning in Secondary Schools

Education Elements

Last year, a group of educators sat down with engineers from a well-known technology company. The first question the educators asked was what the engineers look for in potential candidates. Adaptability was their immediate response. The way these engineers code today is different than how they coded ten years ago and will be different ten years from now.

Secondary 182
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Are Classrooms Becoming Too Dependent On Technology?

EdNews Daily

Many educators have asked the question, “Are today’s classrooms too dependent on technology?” The underlying assumptions involve several complex political and economic challenges. Some of these inquiries include where the money comes from for classroom technology, to using different equipment–and if we even need more technology in schools.

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Enhancing Higher Education with Generative AI: A Responsible Guide

Generative AI holds tremendous promise for all stakeholders in higher education. But guardrails are needed. Strong governance that empower instructors are at the core of a responsible approach to using generative AI in academia.

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Leading Change? Start by Talking About What You Value

Education Elements

As any great leader pursuing innovation in education knows, having a clear “why” for pursuing the “what” of change is critical to success. But equally important, often less emphasized, and incredibly hard is the “how” of making and managing that change in a classroom, school, or system. At The Learning Accelerator (TLA), a national nonprofit that learns alongside educators and system leaders at the forefront of blended and personalized learning, we’re often asked about common change management p

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Stories from the Road to Data Interoperability

Digital Promise

Schools are drowning in data. As they adopt more and more technology to support students’ learning, more and more data is generated—and most schools struggle to use this data effectively to improve teaching and learning. A common statement overheard among Chief Technology Officers: “We are data rich and information poor.”. One promising path to address this challenge is data interoperability : the seamless, secure, and controlled exchange of data between applications.

Data 173

More Trending

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How teachers can use smart boards in the classroom

Neo LMS

The interactive smart board is substituting the hanging projector in many schools across the United States. Bringing smart board technology into the classroom can enhance school curriculum by taking a typical lesson and turning it into a fun activity. Learning how to use a smart board in the classroom to make it an effective learning tool doesn’t have to be challenging, as long as you realize the fact that good teaching is still the most significant thing in any classroom.

Classroom 239
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Assessing Prior Knowledge: What Do Your Students Already Know?

Catlin Tucker

Designing a one-size-fits-all lesson assumes that every student is starting from the same point. The reality is that students enter our classrooms with varied skillsets and prior knowledge. If teachers assess their students’ knowledge before diving into an explanation, lesson, or unit, they might be surprised by the wealth of experience and information that students bring into the classroom.

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4 Steps towards digital wellness for students

Neo LMS

The media loves sensational tech stories. Remember that one where young people were growing “horns” on their skulls because of their phones? That seems plausible, right? Except that it was based on a faulty study , which essentially renders it as fake. This is just one example of the many articles that warn us of the latest shocking discoveries about the dangers of technology.

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AR/VR in K–12: Schools Use Immersive Technology for Assistive Learning

EdTech Magazine

AR/VR in K–12: Schools Use Immersive Technology for Assistive Learning. eli.zimmerman_9856. Thu, 08/22/2019 - 08:25. In K–12, assistive learning can be a tricky beast to tackle. Schools have a duty to attend to all students’ needs, but it can be difficult to create a curriculum that addresses every student, especially as an increasing number of schools experience overcrowding. .

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Enhancing School Device Management for Improved Learning

Schools face increasing challenges as technology becomes integral to education. Efficient device management is essential for maximizing technology use and safeguarding investments. Our article discusses the importance of tracking devices, outlines current challenges, and suggests modern solutions that go beyond traditional methods like Excel. Learn how advanced tracking systems can streamline operations, improve maintenance, and offer real-time updates for better resource allocation.

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Secrets for Fun, Engaging Computer Science that Changes Kids Lives

The CoolCatTeacher

Alfred Thompson on episode 547 From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis Follow @coolcatteacher on Twitter Alfred Thompson has secrets that transform Computer Science classrooms. Yet, he shares them openly. Project-based learning. Passion-based learning. Problem-based learning. These three P’s of teaching perfection have been a mainstay in Alfred’s classroom for many years.

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If It's Easy Then it Probably Isn't Learning

A Principal's Reflections

What is the purpose of education? To many, this might seem like a ridiculous question with the answer being quite obvious. Or is it? For this post at least, let’s go with learning. Some might equate this with the successful ability to be able to recall or memorize facts and information. The casual observer might then anoint anyone who is able to do this effectively as smart or intelligent.

Learning 415
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Why Kindergartners Must Learn Technology

Ask a Tech Teacher

If you missed this article over at ReadiLearn , here are my thoughts about teaching technology in kindergarten: Why Kindergartners Must Learn Technology. When I started teaching technology almost twenty years ago, I taught K-8, three classes in each grade every week. I was buried under lesson plans, grades, and parent meetings. I remember suggesting to my principal that he ease my schedule by eliminating tech for kindergartners.

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Creating Digital Notebooks with Google Slides

Catlin Tucker

In my role as a blended learning coach, I work with a lot of teachers who are intrigued by the idea of digital notebooks. They recognize the value of having student integrate text and media in an online notebook. They also like the idea of housing student work in a central location that is viewable to both the student and the teacher. Teachers working with younger kids or special needs groups may not want their students posting their work online for a global audience.

Google 420
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Quickly Create Personalized Learning Experiences that Work

How can we actively engage learners 24/7, on their level and according to their interests, while respecting their learning styles? It’s not impossible. In this guide: Explore how to transform traditional, one-way videos into two-way interactive learning experiences Understand different types of artificial intelligence (AI), including - Generative vs.

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4 Reasons why an LMS is an excellent tool for your language classes

Neo LMS

In an ever more globalized and interconnected world, language classes are a must in higher education. As more and more students are exposed to linguistic and cultural diversity throughout their careers and their lives, language classes are an excellent environment to develop multilingual communication skills and intercultural awareness. Although conventional lessons that take place in a classroom are the norm and are probably here to stay, bringing an LMS into the learning process can definitely

LMS 302
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Artificial Intelligence, Authentic Impact: How Educational AI is Making the Grade

EdTech Magazine

Artificial Intelligence, Authentic Impact: How Educational AI is Making the Grade. eli.zimmerman_9856. Tue, 08/27/2019 - 11:25. Adoption of artificial intelligence is on the rise: According to research firm Gartner , 37 percent of organizations have now “implemented AI in some form,” and adoption is up 270 percent over the past four years. . Schools are following suit: Technavio’s “ Artificial Intelligence Market in the US Education Sector 2018-2022 ” report predicts a nearly 48 percent growth r

Education 415
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4 Ways to Use Improv to Teach

The CoolCatTeacher

Mel Paradis on Episode 553 From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis Follow @coolcatteacher on Twitter Mel Paradis, author of Teaching Improv: The Essential Handbook , shares four ways to use Improv to teach in the classroom. Here are some fantastic ideas to share in your classroom. Sponsor: E4Effort is a tool built upon the research behind helping students improve.

Handbook 332
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Buncee and Immersive Reader: A Winning Combination for Assistive Learning

A Principal's Reflections

I am a huge fan of Buncee. The following is a guest post by Rachelle Dene Poth ( @Rdene915 ), Spanish and STEAM Teacher at Riverview High School in PA. For several years, Buncee has been one of my favorite creation tools; both for personal use and for classroom instruction. While there are many digital tools to choose from when it comes to teaching and having our students create, Buncee’s versatility and ease-of-use make it a go-to tool for all creative needs.

Learning 385
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Can Brain Science Actually Help Make Your Training & Teaching Stick?

Speaker: Andrew Cohen, Founder & CEO of Brainscape

The instructor’s PPT slides are brilliant. You’ve splurged on the expensive interactive courseware. Student engagement is stellar. So… why are half of your students still forgetting everything they learned in just a matter of weeks? It's likely a matter of cognitive science! With so much material to "teach" these days, we often forget to incorporate key proven principles into our curricula — namely active recall, metacognition, spaced repetition, and interleaving practice.

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Announcing 14 New League of Innovative Schools Members

Digital Promise

Digital Promise is excited to announce 14 new districts will join the ranks of the League of Innovative Schools for the 2019-2020 school year. The League is a powerful network of forward-thinking school district leaders. Across 114 districts and 34 states, administrators and educators are testing new programs, technologies, and strategies in an effort to support our mission to design, validate, champion, and scale effective, innovative learning opportunities to advance equity and excellence for

Mobility 293
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Icebreaker Idea: Fun with the Frayer Model

Catlin Tucker

The Frayer Model is a graphic organizer that many teachers use to support vocabulary development. It can be easily adapted to facilitate fun icebreaker activities at the start of the school year. I created the template below using Google Slides then added a quirky, fun question to each section of the graphic organizer. I use Google Slides for this activity because students can answer the questions a combination of text, images, and videos.

Google 419
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Alexa goes to uni: how smart speakers found their place in HE

Neo LMS

Higher education (HE) institutions are always looking to adapt to change. In fact, the most successful of them show the ability to prepare students for the uncertain future. In the age of artificial intelligence, HE needs to demonstrate now more than ever that it can create valuable learning experiences for students. At the same time, HE also faces unique challenges such as making life easier for a large number of students, campus organization, and better communication between departments.

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Today's CTE Investments Help Boost Students' Success

EdTech Magazine

Today's CTE Investments Help Boost Students' Success. Andrew.Steger_zKQu. Tue, 08/06/2019 - 12:12. In modern schools, vocational instruction — now career and technical education, or CTE — often takes students beyond the oil-stained floor beneath an automotive hoist or a shower of sparks in a welding lab. Today’s automotive repair classes likely use computers to quickly diagnose problems in vehicles that are fully loaded with cameras, monitors and other technology drivers expect.

Secondary 394
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Behind the Bell: The Underlying Impact of Tardiness in K-12 Schools

Managing a K-12 campus with constant pressure to meet performance metrics is challenging. And tardiness can significantly limit a school from reaching these goals. Learn more about why chronic lateness matters, and key strategies to address the following impacts: Data errors caused by manual processes Low attendance and graduation rates that affect a school’s reputation Classroom disruption, which leads to poor academic performance High staff attrition and “The Teacher Exodus” Unmet LCAP goals t

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Motivation to Thrive Your First Few Years of Teaching

The CoolCatTeacher

Edwin Thomas Minguela on episode 536 From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis Follow @coolcatteacher on Twitter Today, let’s make our profession better by focusing on how we can encourage new teachers and each other. Edwin Thomas Minguela reflects upon his first two years of teaching. As you listen to what he has learned and his encouragement for teachers, reflect upon your early years of teaching and how you can help new teachers in the profession.

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Return on Instruction (ROI) Revisited

A Principal's Reflections

The pursuit to improve never ends and nor should it. With all of the disruption we see as a result of the 4th Industrial Revolution, changes to how we educate kids have to be considered. The result has been districts, schools, and educators making a great deal of investment in an array of ideas, strategies, and solutions with the goal of improving learning for all kids.

Outcomes 334
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5 Interactive Presentations Ideas that will Engage Students

ViewSonic Education

Quick Take: Explore how to build interactive presentations that will engage students and use technology integration to create interactive learning environments. Students today expect the classroom to be both educational and enjoyable at the same time. Interactive presentations help engage students by having them participate in the lessons instead of passively listening to lectures.

Survey 290
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Make Your “Summer Resolutions” a Reality This School Year

Catlin Tucker

As another school year approaches, teachers are scrambling to set up classrooms, make photocopies of syllabi, attend mandatory meetings, and prepare their curriculum. Amid the back-to-school frenzy, it is easy to focus on the minutia and lose sight of our “summer resolutions.” I know a lot of teachers who spend the summer reading, reflecting, and refocusing, but it is hard to take those resolutions we make in summer and put them into practice during the chaos of first few weeks of sc

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The Battle of the Authoring Tools: A 10-Point Comparison for Picking the Right One

Speaker: Chris Paxton McMillin, President of D3 Training Solutions

There are plenty of great authoring tools for developing eLearning, but the one you select could directly impact your course's outcomes. Depending upon your learners’ needs and your organization’s performance goals, you could be overlooking considerations that impact the both effectiveness of your courses and how long it takes to finish them. From general capabilities to specific workflow structures, some aspects are critical when it comes to learning objectives and deadlines.

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Tapping into the potential of AI smart speakers to boost parental engagement

Neo LMS

A version of this post was originally published in Teach Secondary Magazine , July 2019. Whether you love it or hate it, technology is here to stay — and continuously change our lives. Smartphones are sometimes smarter than their owners and the idea of people going to Mars moved away from sci-fi novels and into the realm of things that might happen in the not so distant future.

Software 286
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How Digital Art Classes Are Blazing New Trails

EdTech Magazine

How Digital Art Classes Are Blazing New Trails. Andrew.Steger_zKQu. Mon, 08/05/2019 - 12:49. Schools are finding new ways to take a digital approach to learning across K–12 subjects. That’s long been true in science, technology, engineering and math, which have been at the forefront of digital integration. . But as educational focus expands from just STEM to include arts in a STEAM approach, teachers are finding new applications for this kind of technology to encourage digital creativity in thei

Adobe 391
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Creating Real Opportunities for Student Leadership

The CoolCatTeacher

Adam Welcome on episode 544 From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis Follow @coolcatteacher on Twitter Students need real leadership opportunities – not just running a note to the office or other tasks that may be called “leadership” but really aren’t. Adam Welcome, co-author of Empower our Girls: Opening the Door for Girls to Achieve More Listen to Adam Welcome Talk about Student Leadership Listen to the show on iTunes or Stitcher Stream by clicking here.

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A Template to Help Students Tap Into Their Genius Potential

Teacher Reboot Camp

“Children are the most learning-hungry beings in the world.” – Ashley Montagu. This year we will be getting our elementary students (2nd to 5th) to explore their passions and interests with Genius Hour Projects. Genius Hour Projects, also known as 20% Time, involve setting aside class time each week for students to independently work on a project related to their interests or passions.

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Reimagining Chickering & Gamson's Principles Post-Pandemic: Technology's Central Role in Modern Edu

This white paper examines and proposes revisions to the "Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education" introduced by Arthur Chickering and Zelda Gamson in 1987 for today's technology-driven world.