Sat.Jul 21, 2018 - Fri.Jul 27, 2018

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Top 10 Tips for Launching Your Makerspace

techlearning

Makerspaces engage students and encourage critical thinking and collaboration, but getting started can be daunting. Makerspaces engage students and encourage critical thinking and collaboration, but getting started can be daunting. As two in-the-trenches K–12 librarians who have just created our own makerspace, we want to offer encouragement to those thinking about creating their own makerspaces.

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How to Help Kids Innovate From an Early Age

Digital Promise

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. As community makerspaces begin to take root in Ontario’s elementary schools , students are behaving better. They are also getting higher grades. What are makerspaces? They’re creative spaces where students can gather to explore, tinker, discover and create, and they’re making students more enthusiastic about school.

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3 Reminders for the Beginning of the School Year

The Principal of Change

It is such a pleasure to work with schools at the beginning of the year. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to hopefully push thinking on what is possible for the upcoming school year, while appreciating the hard work of educators, and hopefully inspiring them through some humor and fun. For my presentations and my life, I try to live by these words from the late Jim Valvano: So as you enter the school year (or are in the middle of it depending on where you teach in the world), here a

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Padlet: Time to Take a Selfie Icebreaker

Catlin Tucker

Do you struggle to learn your students’ names at the start of the school year? If so, this is an icebreaker activity you should try! First, teachers create a Padlet wall, title it “Time to Take a Selfie,” and provide a prompt with questions for students to answer. Below is a list of questions I have used to encourage students to share something about themselves.

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Reimagining Chickering & Gamson's Principles Post-Pandemic: Technology's Central Role in Modern Edu

This white paper examines and proposes revisions to the "Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education" introduced by Arthur Chickering and Zelda Gamson in 1987 for today's technology-driven world.

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The 4 C’s of Learning in a Connected Classroom

EdTech Magazine

The 4 C’s of Learning in a Connected Classroom. eli.zimmerman_9856. Fri, 07/27/2018 - 13:34. K–12 schools transitioning to a connected classroom model should be focusing on four key aspects, or the “four C’s” of learning , to create a successful learning environment, according to a Cisco report on using technology in the classroom. For teachers with the latest smartboard or new Chromebooks for students, installing the technology is not the end of the process, it’s the very beginning.

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Kiddom Helps Administrators Manage Change

Ask a Tech Teacher

Kiddom is an easy-to-use learning management system that provides educators with an effective alternative to Google Classroom. Its pages are visual and easy-to-understand, enabling teachers to quickly create lesson plans, find targeted resources, and determine how students are doing. Click here for my full review. What Kiddom does that few other education webtools do is provide free educator and administrator guides on topics such as Standards-based Grading , Blended Learning , and lesson plann

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Why gamification works [Part 2]

Neo LMS

In my last blog we started discussing the “why” of gamification , with a specific focus on the nature of motivation, lensed through one broadly held theory of motivation called Self-Determination Theory (SDT), not to be confused at this point with self-directed learning. The authors of SDT have found that three internal drivers (human needs) must be fulfilled in order for people to identify their actions as “self-determined” and therefore leading to high levels of authentic motivatio

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Selfless Acts Exemplify Who We Are

A Principal's Reflections

" A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle. " - James Keller The other day I headed out to run some errands. It is common practice for me to use this time listening to a variety of radio stations. If there is any talk between the disc jockeys (are they even still called this) or commercials I quickly press the tuning button to get some real music playing.

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5 Ways to Improve Conferences and Make Them More Productive

Ed Tech from the Ground Up

To create a conference that works for attendees and vendors, use these suggestions from an experienced entrepreneur and conference-goer. The post 5 Ways to Improve Conferences and Make Them More Productive appeared first on Market Brief.

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Successful 1:1 Device Programs Help Students Get Online at Home

EdTech Magazine

Successful 1:1 Device Programs Help Students Get Online at Home. eli.zimmerman_9856. Tue, 07/24/2018 - 11:13. For the past decade, bringing digital equity and broadband access to U.S. schools has been a main focus for educators and administrators. Thanks to nationwide efforts to pursue high-speed connectivity for K–12 students , Wi-Fi is available in more schools than ever before.

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Behind the Bell: The Underlying Impact of Tardiness in K-12 Schools

Managing a K-12 campus with constant pressure to meet performance metrics is challenging. And tardiness can significantly limit a school from reaching these goals. Learn more about why chronic lateness matters, and key strategies to address the following impacts: Data errors caused by manual processes Low attendance and graduation rates that affect a school’s reputation Classroom disruption, which leads to poor academic performance High staff attrition and “The Teacher Exodus” Unmet LCAP goals t

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6 of the best art and culture ed-tech tools

Neo LMS

We’ve delved into some quite technical stuff recently, so I thought I’d give us all a break with a little bit of art. Specifically I’ve trawled the net for some of the best art, art history and cultural appreciation sites and apps. In an age of heavy STEM influence, the liberal arts, art appreciation and cultural studies are seen as somewhat of a rarefied and career-unwise privilege.

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Fun Video Project! Produce a TV Commercial for an Invention

Teacher Reboot Camp

In a previous post I outlined my 6 step process for implementing digital projects (1. Evaluate an example, 2. Assign the mission, 3. Students carryout the mission, 4. Peer edit, 5. Share the mission, and 6. Feedback/evaluation). In upcoming posts I will be sharing some of my student projects to give you ideas for the upcoming year. In the following project students produce a TV commercial marketing their inventions.

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8 Ways to Redesign on a Minimal Budget

Tom Murray

Redesigning learning spaces is far easier feat if the money exists to support it. However, the vast reality is many, if not most districts, don’t have the budget available to purchase new furniture, no less at scale. Thus when redesigning spaces, affordability and sustainability most always remain part of the conversation. Educators are some of the most creative, problem solvers on the planet, as many continue to develop cost saving hacks to create dynamic spaces for kids.

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Mobile Classrooms Bring STEM Where Students Need IT

EdTech Magazine

Mobile Classrooms Bring STEM Where Students Need IT. eli.zimmerman_9856. Wed, 07/25/2018 - 15:30. Educators are utilizing education technology to repurpose old trailers and buses to create mobile education spaces , classrooms on wheels where students are able to experience what STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) has to offer. With the help of new tools designed for mobility , such as Cradlepoint access points for internet-connected school busses or smaller portable 3D printer s, m

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The Battle of the Authoring Tools: A 10-Point Comparison for Picking the Right One

Speaker: Chris Paxton McMillin, President of D3 Training Solutions

There are plenty of great authoring tools for developing eLearning, but the one you select could directly impact your course's outcomes. Depending upon your learners’ needs and your organization’s performance goals, you could be overlooking considerations that impact the both effectiveness of your courses and how long it takes to finish them. From general capabilities to specific workflow structures, some aspects are critical when it comes to learning objectives and deadlines.

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How Data Science Adds Computational Thinking—and Fun—to Gym Class

Edsurge

It’s the bottom of the ninth with two outs and it’s all tied up. You’ve got a runner on first base and you need to decide who you’re sending to the plate. You have a player with a stellar batting average, a player reliable for drawing walks and one who promises they can win it all for you—who do you play? In the fall of 2002, the Oakland Athletics shattered a 55-year-old record with twenty consecutive games won.

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Fun Video Project! Produce a TV Commercial for an Invention

Teacher Reboot Camp

In a previous post I outlined my 6 step process for implementing digital projects (1. Evaluate an example, 2. Assign the mission, 3. Students carryout the mission, 4. Peer edit, 5. Share the mission, and 6. Feedback/evaluation). In upcoming posts I will be sharing some of my student projects to give you ideas for the upcoming year. In the following project students produce a TV commercial marketing their inventions.

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Research Isn't Sexy.But You Need It Anyway

The Web20Classroom

For some time now Shaelynn Farnsworth and I have been reflecting on our own learning and professional development practices, looking for gaps in instruction and aiming to improve our craft. One of our longest conversations has been around research. In the work we do, we are constantly reading and attempting to understand the research behind the popular instructional movements of today.

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K–12 IT Teams Use Artificial Intelligence to Help with Wi-Fi Upkeep

EdTech Magazine

K–12 IT Teams Use Artificial Intelligence to Help with Wi-Fi Upkeep. eli.zimmerman_9856. Fri, 07/27/2018 - 12:17. K–12 districts are adopting artificial intelligence to help with Wi-Fi upkeep as networks are feeling added pressure from one-to-one device programs and connected modern classrooms take up bandwidth. While the entire education sphere is feeling the burden of increased use of connected devices in and around the classroom, unlike higher education institutions, K–12 districts may not ha

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The Roses and Thorns of an LMS Strategy: How to Flourish with the Right LMS

Speaker: Amanda Davis, Chief Experience Officer and Liam O'Malley, VP of Association Solutions

The "new normal" is now a little less new, a little more normal. Does that mean your current LMS strategy is in need of a refresh? Is your organization or association leaning into the always-evolving eLearning environment to ensure you have the tools and content to remain relevant through all this change? There are many complex decision-making processes within your learning & development strategy and LMS lifecycle management, including: Selection.

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You’re Already Harnessing the Science of Learning (You Just Don’t Know It)

Edsurge

Ten years ago, I read an article in the New York Times with dismay. It was about how clickers were all the rage in schools across the country. It featured colorful photos of students using clickers and quotes from teachers who were thrilled with students’ newfound enthusiasm in class. The article focused on how clickers could help boost engagement and gamification in the classroom.

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Innovative Leaders Part 1: How to Become an Innovative School Leader

Education Elements

“Please see me in my office when you get a break.” A message that is not for the faint of heart. It is also a message I received often from my principal when I was teaching. You read that correctly, I was regularly asked to visit the principal’s office. Given my fear of being in trouble, this is not a message I would typically welcome from my boss but she was not a typical lady!

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How To Get Started Teaching Online

EdNews Daily

Welcome back to our “Teacher Feature Series,” where we chat with educators who work online across borders. Today, please read about Shaundra Schlapia’s journey with HAWO American Academy. Shaundra, please tell us all about you! HAWO American Academy Educator, Shaundra Schlapia. My name is Shaundra Schlapia, and I teach students in various elementary grades and middle grades one-on-one lessons with HAWO American Academy.

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Smart Devices Promise K–12 Benefits, if IT Infrastructure Is Up to the Task

EdTech Magazine

Smart Devices Promise K–12 Benefits, if IT Infrastructure Is Up to the Task. With the Internet of Things opening the door for students to engage with school networks through various devices, school districts need to review their networks, access points and security. While inviting more devices onto a network may seem like a burden, IoT has also helped K–12 IT teams implement certain tools to help secure and expand their infrastructure. amy.burroughs_26341.

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Enhancing HyFlex Education through the PowerTeaching Framework

This whitepaper explores integrating the PowerTeaching pedagogical approach within a HyFlex (Hybrid Flexible) educational model, focusing on employing cooperative learning strategies and efficient classroom management techniques.

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Part 1: Computational Thinking: 10 Ways To Promote CT Across The Curriculum

21st Century Educational Technology and Learning

Welcome to part one on this series based on Computation Thinking. This first post will provide the “what” along with some steps to promote this important practice. The second post will provide a goldmine of resources to get you started with your students. You will not want to miss it! Also, please take a moment to subscribe to this blog by RSS or email and join me on twitter at mjgormans .

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Innovative Leaders Part 1: How to Become an Innovative School Leader

Education Elements

“Please see me in my office when you get a break.” A message that is not for the faint of heart. It is also a message I received often from my principal when I was teaching. You read that correctly, I was regularly asked to visit the principal’s office. Given my fear of being in trouble, this is not a message I would typically welcome from my boss but she was not a typical lady!

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Students Over Profit: The Entrepreneurial Approach To Education

EdNews Daily

Can your institution be entrepreneurial and put students over profit at the same time? When a company offers exceptional customer service and high-quality products that are cost-effective, it will reap a profit. Consumers desire and seek out such businesses, so why wouldn’t an educational institution offer the same for today’s students? By positioning yourself as an entrepreneurial institution that not only values a superior educational experience, but also provides first-rate studen

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Georgia State Professor—and Student Success Innovator—Awarded McGraw Prize in Education

Edsurge

For 30 years, the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education has been one of the most prestigious awards in the field, honoring outstanding individuals who have dedicated themselves to improving education through innovative and successful approaches. The prize is awarded annually through an alliance between The Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Family Foundation, McGraw-Hill Education and Arizona State University.

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Building the Foundation for a Modern K-12 Classroom

K-12 looks different these days. But one thing remains the same: you need a reliable learning platform that serves as the foundation for teaching and learning––for all students, in a variety of learning experiences. Discover how the Instructure Learning Platform supports today's K-12 classroom through: A central, consistent, connected hub of the digital learning environment.

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Part 2: Computational Thinking: Over 50 Resources To Teach CT Across the Curriculum

21st Century Educational Technology and Learning

Welcome to part two on this series based on Computation Thinking. This second post will provide a goldmine of resources to get you started with your students. In the prior post I provided 10 ideas to promote Computational Thinking across the curriculumn. You will not want to miss it! Also, please take a moment to subscribe to this blog by RSS or email and join me on twitter at mjgormans .

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30 Universal Strategies For Learning

TeachThought - Learn better.

30 Universal Strategies For Learning by Terry Heick As teachers, we’re all trying to better understand how people learn–not now they’re taught in terms of teaching strategies, but more so learning strategies–only not really strategies. Learning actions, or cognitive actions. Strategies for learning. Self-directed and social learning will undoubtedly be at the core of any […].

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10 districts with awesome brands

eSchool News

No one is great at everything, but everyone is great at something. These 10 school districts identified why their district is awesome, then structured everything they do around it to produce a noteworthy brand. Let’s take a peek into their worlds and identify some methods K–12 districts are using to build a great brand. First, a quick note: I have not worked for nor do I live near these districts.

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Coursera Nabs First Ivy League Degree Partnership with University of Pennsylvania

Edsurge

The University of Pennsylvania has offered MOOCs on Coursera for several years, but now, it’s giving the online learning platform its first Ivy League degree. The two have partnered to offer a fully-online Master’s degree in Computer and Information Technology. The online degree is also a first for the University of Pennsylvania, which until this point has not offered any fully online degree programs.

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LIVE DEMO: Using PowerPoint to Create Compelling Presentations for Virtual Training

Speaker: Richard Goring, Director at BrightCarbon

Have you ever caught an employee sleeping during training? Compelling content is paramount, but trying to do so with the same tools you've always used is complicated, right? Wrong! Powerpoint has excellent features that, with a bit of creativity, can help you improve your presentations and keep your people engaged without going over budget. By utilizing newer components that enable interactive sequences, navigable content to respond to your audience, and pop quizzes for informal knowledge checks