The onslaught of technology for education in the classroom the last few years has been impressive. Many see it as the answer to all things educational, while others fear it as the end of teaching as we know it. Today’s economy is riddled with funding shortages. School systems across the nation struggle to find ways [...]
In today’s digital world, most young people have no fear of technology, the internet, browsers, or web sites. In fact, many times it is the adult that is challenged when learning new technology. In this regard, it is difficult for me to prescribe that a parent or teacher always learn the technology tool first and then teach it to the child.
Yesterday The Portland Project was covered in an article by Mashable entitled, The Case for Social Media in Schools. The conversation that is ensuing because of that article is really quite amazing.
A great example of an educator learning from her students about Web 2.0.
Ok, I admit it. Ever since I was in grade school, I’ve been a science nut. I loved studying the stars, physics, erector sets, electronics…it was all good stuff. I even majored in mathematics in university. The web is full of some awesome sites for learning and teaching science. Check out the sites in this [...]
Recently a 6th grade class was given the task of writing a blog for school activities. Here is one example. These 6th graders selected an editor and had 4 reporters covering different aspects of student life. They incorporated pictures, video, music, Power Point and links. They were able to complete this in one week, and [...]
Unless you’ve been sleeping for the last few years, you’ve probably heard about Wikipedia. In fact, you’ve probably used it, and if you haven’t, your students have. Wikipedia is an online collaborative encyclopedia that is updated, managed and vetted by members, visitors, and contributors. It was launched in 2001 and in less than 10 years [...]
Ask your class to “tweet their autobiography”. It’s much harder than it sounds, and requires critical thinking, editing skills and concentration to write an autobiography in 140 characters or less. Besides, it’s fun!