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Blogs on Technology Integration

Technology Integration

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Discover fresh ideas for using technology in the classroom and at home to improve learning, encourage collaboration, and increase student engagement.

College Readiness Checklist for Parents

Jeff LivingstonMay 7, 2012

Tags Classroom Technology, College Readiness, Financial Literacy, Parental Involvement, , High (9-12), Math

As May begins, high school seniors are enjoying their final weeks in school before graduation. In just a few months, they will be stepping onto college campuses for the first time and entering a new chapter.

Kids and Tech: Failure Might Be The Best Option

Matt LevinsonMay 3, 2012

Tags Bullying, Media Literacy, Parental Involvement, , , Technology Integration, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8)

What parent wants their child to fail? Well, when it comes to the use of technology, failure might just be the best option.

In fact, failing early and often provides fertile ground to educate kids around responsible use. The question is how best to handle online transgressions -- and when or if to involve the school?

Use Project-Based Learning to Meet the National Educational Technology Standards

Andrew MillerApril 25, 2012

Tags Classroom Technology, Curriculum, Media Literacy, Project-Based Learning, Technology Integration, Middle (6-8), High (9-12)

The ISTE NETS (National Educational Technology Standards) are more than just simple content standards and learning objectives. If examined closely, they truly can foster an educational shift to engaging, relevant, technology-rich learning. In terms of project-based learning (PBL), the ISTE NETS, not only align, but can truly support a PBL environment. After my own examination, I felt we must have a #pblchat on the subject.

Six Examples of iPad Integration in the 1:1 Classroom

Andrew MarcinekApril 24, 2012

Tags 1:1 Implementation, Best Practices, Classroom Technology, Integrated Studies, Media Literacy, Mobile Learning, Project-Based Learning, Technology Integration

There has been a lot of conversation and debate in multiple forums, both online and face-to-face, about schools adopting or already working in a 1:1 environment. While many of these conversations revert back to replacing teachers and what device is best, the real conversation begins with providing our students with the best learning environment possible.

Searching for Voice: The Colossal Failure of Free Writing Analyzers

Todd FinleyApril 23, 2012

Tags Integrated Studies, Lesson Plans, Literacy, Online Learning, Project-Based Learning, , Middle (6-8), High (9-12), English Language Arts

"We want to find a person behind the pen." -- Professional Writing Retreat Handbook

Last weekend I attempted to draft an inspirational message for my English education majors. Maybe because I haven't yet mastered a grownup man voice -- I'm 48 -- or because of the paragraph's naked sentimentality, the passage sounded fake and bloated, like words pushed through a megaphone: too much volume, not enough texture, and a void where there should have been confidence. To find out more about what was missing, I turned to science.

A Parent's Guide to Twitter and Education

Dr. Joe MazzaApril 18, 2012

Tags Parental Involvement, , Technology Integration, All Grades

As more and more people join the world of Twitter (460,000 signups per day), school parents and teachers are more commonplace on this global social media tool. According to a recent Pew Internet Study, 84% of all Twitter users are between the ages of 18-49. Why is this important to school officials? The age range includes the majority of our school parents.

A (Very) Short Guide to Purchasing New Technology

Nicholas ProvenzanoApril 17, 2012

Tags Classroom Technology, Curriculum, Primary (K-2), Teacher Development, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12)

I wanted to share a guide I have created when it comes to deciding on new technology purchases. It might seem complicated, but if you follow it, everyone will be happy.

Celebrating National Poetry Month with Technology

Mary Beth HertzApril 10, 2012

Tags Arts Education, Classroom Technology, Integrated Studies, Literacy, Primary (K-2), Project-Based Learning, Technology Integration, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12), English Language Arts

Poetry is one of my favorite forms of writing. As I wrote in a recent blog post, there was a time when poetry was "my grounding force, my way of grappling with the world, questions, uncertainty, joy, sorrow, conundrums, beauty, ugliness and all forms of life that living could throw in my direction."

Connecting School and Home: 360-Degree Communication

Matt LevinsonApril 9, 2012

Tags Community Partnerships, Media Literacy, Parental Involvement, , Technology Integration, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8)

"Parenting is not for the faint of heart," novelist Harlan Coben writes. Let's face it, parenting is really hard, especially when parents feel that "a vast and frightening Internet culture is hijacking their kids," as New York psychologist Ron Taffel notes.

21st-Century Learning Creates New Roles for Students -- and Parents

Suzie BossApril 3, 2012

Tags Classroom Technology, Global Education, Parental Involvement, Project-Based Learning, Technology Integration, All Grades

How do you remember the classrooms where you spent your formative years? If you're picturing a teacher writing on a chalkboard while kids sit in neat rows, it's time for a refresher course. Not only is that chalkboard a relic from yesteryear, but so are many of the old-school approaches to teaching and learning. Even parents are taking on new roles in today's changing classrooms.