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