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

Student Engagement

This infographic presents some interesting ideas regarding student engagement in a simple format. I really believe that educators need to focus on more project-based learning opportunities to make curriculum relevant to learners. The world of work is essentially a series of projects where we must collaborate, communicate in a variety of formats and use critical thinking skills. These are the skills required for the 21st century learner. By designing projects that include an element of social responsibility, students can realize the satisfaction making a difference when helping others. They can begin to see themselves as an agent of positive change.
http://edudemic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/reach-students.jpg

Testing Out Screenr

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.

Innovative Pedagogical Support

I always like to hear how teachers are using technology to engage students. Apps like Nearpod allow teachers to design lessons that not only deliver curriculum, but do so in a manner that engages students in activities that will be relevant for their future. Have a look at the article at:
http://edudemic.com/2012/11/nearpod-ipad-app/

I like this infograhic used to illustrate its use.

Campbell

Mrs Mulcaster's Awesome Class

Tech is Just a Tool

I like this quote from Justin Reich, " ...where we prepare young people for a life of civic commitment, of self-reflection, and of meaningful work and contributions to community. The way is about unlocking student talent, compassion, and humanity. If the iPad distracts us from defining the way, then we have to smash it."

How we use technology is more important than technology itself.

Talbot Trail

Class