Inquiry Process Made Easy

Inquiry-based learning has been promoted more within our system's Early Years and Primary programs to date but is evolving through the later grades. In most cases, the reason why it's not implemented is that teachers are simply not aware of how to make it work in their programs. Without sufficient training and time to process change, many teachers revert back to that with which they are comfortable. What I like about the infographic below that I found on Edudemic (http://www.edudemic.com/inquiry-process/), is that it allows teachers to realize that it's not an overly challenging concept or educational fad. The infographic simplifies the concept so that hesitant teachers can realize that they are likely already doing aspects of the inquiry process already - they may just need to "tweak" what they are already doing.

Creative Ways to Use Apps - Educreations and Evernote Combined

Here is yet another creative way to use Evernote as a file management tool for students. I like how easy it is for students to create a lesson in Educreations and then file it for future reference.

Testing Out Screenr (repost)

I've been looking for a simple web-based screen recorder (there are lots out there) and decided to try Screenr. It was simple to use - simple enough that I could use it with teachers who are not tech savvy. Here is the simple video I created.

Bring Your Own Device Input

Created with Padlet

The Need for Digital Citizenship

As educators, we need to teach not only the curriculum but do so in a way that prepares students for life outside of education. While I realize that we can not predict the future, I think it's safe to say that technology will be part of it. If we view education through the lens described by Will Richardson in this article (http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/25/guest-post-three-starting-points-for-thinking-differently-about-learning/?_r=0), we need to teach digital citizenship through all aspects of the curriculum. Here is a simple "map" for teachers and administrators to follow to develop a plan for digital citizenship with the classroom and school. http://www.edudemic.com/2013/08/first-five-days-of-digital-citizenship-at-your-school/

Teaching these life skills is essential in order for our students to be prepared for their future. The challenge is that we are living in a time where change is happening so quickly that it's easy to become overwhelmed and not know where to start. If we look at instruction from a historical perspective, consider how the telephone was introduced into the home ....the adults knew how to use it and showed the children. Information was disseminated in a linear, hierarchal manner. Today, information changes quickly and comes at us from many directions. In many cases, the students are more skilled at using technology than the adults....and that is okay provided that we have guided them to use it appropriately and in manner that improves their skills.

Getting Started With PBL

As education continues to adapt during one of the most innovative times in history, more and teachers are interested in project-based learning. I think the linked article is a good starting point because it gives us common language with which to have professional discussions. Have a look at the article.

http://www.edudemic.com/2013/07/project-based-learning-terms/

                                              

Evolution of Education

I've posted this video in the past but still like to review its message.

Project vs PBL Comparison

This is a nice chart to assist educators in understanding the difference between assigning a "project" and engaging students in project-based learning. Some educators may interpret their traditional practice as being PBL when, in reality, it is not. As teachers come to understand the nuances of PBL or inquiry-based learning, we will make learning more meaningful for our students.

                                                    

Aspire to Inspire!

Great graphic. 

Documentation of Learning

Usually when I review an article regarding tech tools, I read the text and navigate through the links embedded in the article in order to experiment with an application. This article was a bit different (nothing dramatic) so I wanted to post about it because I really liked the quick video that was included. Articles become much more "educational" when they have auditory and visual support to compliment the text. Let's apply this to the classroom....Imagine student notebooks that are comprised not only of text and handouts, but sound and video - how much more impactful would it be when documenting their learning? I have been encouraging students with access to technology to take notes in creative formats for future reference but teachers need to support the notion as well. Is this format going to be the future of documentation of learning?

Have a look at the entire article at http://edudemic.com/2013/04/7-little-known-tech-tools-teachers-should-try-out/.

Brock

Evernote for Literacy

This video clip is a great illustration of how technology can be used to develop self reflection skills. I really like the fact within one file, a student can take a photo of the text, record their voice and then type text to comment on their own fluency. What a simple but powerful way to use this tool.

New Google Forms and Flubaroo

I've playing with Google Documents and Forms for communication and collection of data from colleagues throughout the system but I can see Forms as a useful tool in collecting feedback from both parents and students for a school or classroom. Some teachers have use this tool as a means to create on-line quizzes or self evaluation forms to ensure that student monitor their own progress. Have a look at the YouTube link.

What Students Want in Their Teachers

This is a simple but powerful list of actions that students identify as important qualities in teachers. I like the idea of poling students about the qualities they value in a teacher. What a great way develop an understanding of the needs of a class.
http://www.angelamaiers.com/2012/02/12-things-kids-want-from-their-teachers.html

Are We on the Same Team?

I saw this video and had to laugh. I love the message in the video. Imagine the motivation of our students if we taught digital citizenship through social media in the classroom. How engaged would our students be if the  product of their school work could be viewed by millions of people? As teachers, we need to re-examine what we expect students to do and why. We need to teach them not only the curriculum, but skills that prepare them for life.

Team Success: How does this relate to school culture?

Below is an interesting Ted Talks video about the impact of team dynamics on success. The presenter describes how he uses a marshmallow task to assess effective team dynamics. I found it hilarious that kindergarten students are some of the highest performers in the task! Another interesting note was the impact of incentives on achievement. Have a look at the video below.

The Importance of "Why"

I have always liked the work of Daniel Pink regarding motivation. The linked article posted by Bill Powers about Pink highlights the importance of group members' sense of belonging and ownership. I really liked the part about asking "why". By focusing on the "why" rather than just the "how", individuals have a sense of purpose, a key component of motivation. This is an important consideration for leadership when implementing change and for educators when teaching concepts to students. Focus on the "why" and the "how" becomes easier and produces greater results.
http://edudemic.com/2013/01/becoming-a-better-school-leader-using-the-pronoun-test/

Using the Right Apps

This article from Education Week illustrates one of my concerns with the proliferation of apps in education. The apps tend to focus on cognitive skills at the lower end of Bloom's Taxonomy. If educators only see a tablet as a warehouse of apps for the practice of basic skills, they will miss the opportunity to use the device as a tool for creating meaningful work. The tablet is a tool that can be used to demonstrate comprehension, connections and synthesize ideas in a creative way. Have a look at the article.
Education Week

Providing Students' with the Right Opportunities

Our students need to engage in meaningful challenges in order to learn the skills required for their future. Here is a down-to-earth article from Will Richardson that I found interesting.

http://willrichardson.com/post/39652574389/our-new-value-making-stuff-with-kids