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. 

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/