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Blogs on Classroom Technology

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Student Team Members Weigh In on Each Other’s Work

Heather Wolpert-GawronDecember 27, 2012

Tags Classroom Technology, Curriculum, Teacher Development, Middle (6-8), High (9-12), English Language Arts

Earlier this month, I wrote about how the four Cs relate to my current TED Talks unit. Just to recap, the four Cs represent elements of Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity.

Student Research: The Right Information at the Right Time

Terry HeickDecember 19, 2012

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

Google puts a universe of information at the end of any Internet connection.

This is both true and unhelpful. It offers up the universe, but no one needs the universe -- they need the right information, and they need it at the right time.

A fact. A concept. An image. A resource. Maybe a new perspective.

Ramping Up Technology for Your Next PBL Project

Andrew MillerDecember 12, 2012

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

In my last post about taking PBL projects up a notch, I focused on integration of subject matters and disciplines. Fittingly, this post focuses on integrating technology. Teachers often adjust and improve projects by finding new and innovative ways to infuse technology into the PBL process and products. However, it's not about more technology tools, but about the intentional use of the tools available.

Computers in the Classroom: A Mindful Lens on Technology

Douglas RushkoffDecember 11, 2012

Tags Classroom Technology, Media Literacy, Technology Integration

I was raised back in the day when teachers showed 16mm films in the classroom. It was a special event: the A/V librarian would wheel in an aqua-colored Bell & Howell projector, one of us nerdy types would wind the film through the various rollers, the screen would come down, the lights would go off and the magic would begin. Even the most boring film was still surrounded by this specialness, which set it apart from business-as-usual in the classroom.

Resources for Computer Science Education Week

Mary Beth HertzDecember 7, 2012

Tags Classroom Technology, Technology Integration, Math, Science

This December 9-15 has been declared national Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek). The dates coincide with the birthday of renowned Admiral Grace Hopper, a pioneer in computer science. This initiative is a collaborative effort between members of Congress and Computing in the Core, a coalition of various organizations and corporations dedicated to bringing computer science education to the forefront. There are a number of events being held across the country to celebrate computer science education. These events are self-organizing, and there is a toolkit available to help you plan your participation.

Challenging the Model of 1:1 with BYOD

Amanda PaquetteDecember 4, 2012

Tags 1:1 Implementation, Classroom Technology, Technology Integration, All Grades

This year my school district in Vermont ventured into a sort-of BYOD/1:1 hybrid program. We realized the importance of allowing our students access to technology to enhance their learning, but the infrastructure wasn't in place to tackle a traditional BYOD. And we, like many if not all schools, were also constrained by budgets, so a traditional 1:1, where each student receives the same device, was also out of reach.

Digital Native vs Digital Citizen? Examining a Dangerous Stereotype

Mary Beth HertzDecember 3, 2012

Tags Classroom Technology, Digital Citizenship, Media Literacy, , Technology Integration

There are a lot of dangerous stereotypes out there. "Asian students are always better at math." "Boys are always better at sports." And perhaps the most dangerous of all: "The current generation are all digital natives."

It is easy to see the danger in the first two stereotypes. They tend to influence the way teachers, parents, peers and society in general classify, justify and treat whichever group is represented by the stereotype. I'm not sure enough people give enough thought to the third, equally dangerous, stereotype.

Assistive Technology and the 1:1 Student

Andrew MarcinekNovember 28, 2012

Tags 1:1 Implementation, Assistive Technology, Classroom Technology, Technology Integration

Much has been said about the iPad being a revolutionary device for education. There are even education conferences that are dedicated to its use. About a year ago, after the death of Apple founder Steve Jobs, 60 Minutes ran a piece on how the iPad was being used as an assistive technology with autistic students. This piece was eye opening for many -- it showed the potential for this device as an assistive technology and how it can change learning for students with disabilities or impairments.

Supporting New Teachers to Make Global Connections

Lisa Michelle DabbsNovember 20, 2012

Tags Classroom Technology, Global Education, Technology Integration, International

This past week, a tremendous opportunity to participate and view presentations from educators around the world happened on the web. The annual presentation is called the Global Education Conference. I'm glad that I took time to check into this webinar, because I connected with an educator who is passionate about supporting teachers in their outreach to create global collaborations. Her work with educators worldwide helps her connect her students to create fantastic global partnerships.

Learnist: A Helpful Tool on the Road to Inquiry

Hauna ZaichNovember 12, 2012

Tags Classroom Technology, Media Literacy, Technology Integration

The meaningful and careful use of technology is one of the most significant conversations in education today. When educators offer students greater access to knowledge through technology, and encourage them to use that knowledge to inquire about the world around them and beyond, they are providing students a chance to succeed in even the toughest conditions.