Texting and Literacy Skills

This is an interesting article from George Couros regarding the erosion of literacy skills due to texting. It is in contrast to my last post but I feel that we need to keep a balance. We have access to real-time information via Twitter before news organizations get a chance to send it out. George commented this weekend at EdCampSWO that our kids are not addicted to the device or forum through which they communicate, but the relationships that are enhanced because of it. We need to strike a balance. http://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/2190

"Evolution" of Humanity?

This not my typical post but the message spoke to me. I recently attended a concert with a number of students where several bands performed. Instead of dancing in the isle or by their seat, living and enjoying the moment to the fullest, thousands of teenagers stood still and simply recorded the show on their personal device....what a pity.

Use of QR Codes

QR codes are  an easy way to link websites, videos, etc. to hard copy product. Rather than showing a URL on a paper copy of work, we can use a QR code reader (free for any smart phone, tablet or device with a camera) to provide quick access. I am going to have students use QR codes to link posters to videos about new books in our library. Here is a video that describes how easy it is to embed QR codes within work.

Web-based Education Sites

What I like about web-based programs or sites is that they are not device specific. Students can access the site from any computer - at school or home. This is an important feature as more schools grapple with increased access and Bring Your Own Device policies.  Here are a few free educational sites I found through a Mindshift article that are worth looking into.
http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2014/03/10-free-online-educational-game-sites/

Changing Student Behaviour

I’ve always said that the most effective form of behaviour management is "good" pedagogy (how "good" is defined is yet another discussion). By delivering curriculum in such a way that it motivates students, behaviour improves. As I read the article Six Ways to Motivate Students to Learn, I could not help but notice the parallels to inquiry-based learning. Have a look.

http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2013/09/six-ways-motivate-students-to-learn/

Qualities of Teachers Who Use Tech Effectively

This is a great infographic and article regarding the characteristics of teachers who use technology effectively in their classrooms. I might add an additional quality- lifelong learners. In order to use technology effectively in the classroom, teachers must be willing to learn and then actively find ways to put new learning into practice. http://blog.alwaysprepped.com/the-7-habits-of-highly-effective-teachers-who-use-technology/

Today's Learners

Infographics, like the one below, illustrate the differences between baby boomers and today's learners. From an educational perspective, what strikes me the most is the section on "Effective Engagement". Today's learners must be immersed into an educational system that is not bound by past practice. Our learners are different - as is the world in which they live. They require an educational approach that fosters passion and creativity, promotes work ethic or willingness to persevere when challenges manifest themselves and the ability to think critically to solve problems.

From Edudemic

As educators, we need to create the environment where learners develop a "growth mindset" as referenced in this article by Carol Dweck (http://www.principals.org/Content.aspx?topic=61219). Generation Z learners with a growth mindset will be the ones who have the skills necessary to successfully navigate their future (Note that the average number of jobs for Generation Z is 17!) . The challenge continues to be changing the mindsets of educators, as referenced by Dweck in the article, as well as their pedagogy to ensure that we not only have a "growth mindset" perspective, but set up opportunities where students can realize their growth. In my opinion, this change will continue to be fragmented until the curriculum and reporting procedures require teachers to change their focus....but this will require a great deal of political will.