Video Picks from September 2010
Here’s the archive of links to VideoAmy’s educational video picks from September 2010.
September Favorites
GOOD LOOK: Computer Class
How can we ensure that students in low-income communities have access to current technology? Since 2002, Per Scholas -- a nonprofit social venture in New York City -- has been instrumental in helping children and families bridge the digital divide. More information in this article from GOOD Magazine's education series, The Chalkboard. (Source: GOOD Magazine's YouTube Channel)
An article about video games and learning, published in the New York Times Magazine, has been garnering lots of attention this week. The article profiles a number of advocates for games for education and several programs, notably Quest to Learn, the nation's first public school based on the principles of game design, in New York City. (Source: New York Times Video)
A firestorm of debate about education reform has erupted in the media, between Oprah's show and the publicity surrounding Waiting for Superman. And now here's REDU, a new campaign from Microsoft that offers tools to get people involved with supporting teachers and schools. Check out our Reform Starts Here group to jump in the conversation. (Source: REDU's YouTube Channel)
Previously Featured: September 24, 2010
Let's REDU: Rethink, Reform, Rebuild Education
A firestorm of debate about education reform has erupted in the media this week, between Oprah's show and the publicity surrounding Waiting for Superman. And now here's REDU, a new campaign from Microsoft Bing that offers tools to get people involved with supporting teachers and schools. Check out our Reform Starts Here group to jump in the conversation. (Source: REDU's YouTube Channel)
“A Simple Question: the Story of STRAW” is an inspiring 35 minute film that tells the story of the Bay Institute’s STRAW Project (Students and Teachers Restoring a Watershed). Partnering with ranchers, scientists, government agencies, and schools, this remarkable project has led to the restoration of 20 miles of habitat for the endangered California freshwater shrimp. (Source: A Simple Question)
Lest we forget, with all the hubbub around education reform, there are thousands upon thousands of amazing teachers out there, working hard to educate our kids every day. Here's a short video from educational social network Mudpies and Butterflies to show some appreciation. (Source: Mudpies and Butterflies YouTube Channel)
Previously Featured: September 17, 2010
Games Theory
An article about video games and learning, published in the New York Times Magazine, has been garnering lots of attention this week. The article profiles a number of advocates for games for education and several programs, notably Quest to Learn, the nation's first public school based on the principles of game design, in New York City. (Source: New York Times Video)
What makes games good for learning, and what are the barriers to introducing games into learning environments? For some ideas, check out this collection of interviews from the 7th Annual Games for Change Festival, put on by the Games for Learning Institute. (Source: Games for Learning's Vimeo Channel)
Jane McGonigal, Director of Game Research and Development at Institute for the Future, talks about the differences in the increased level of engagement and optimism students have with games over the classroom. (Source: Knowledgeworks' YouTube Channel)
Previously Featured: September 10, 2010
Social Media in Plain English
Still can't understand what the big deal is about social media? Here's a video from Common Craft that explains what social media is and why it's important, in simple, understandable terms -- with an ice cream analogy. Common Craft is a great source for fun video explanations and their library includes videos on Twitter, RSS Feeds, blogs, wikis, and zombies. (Source: Lee LeFever's YouTube Channel)
How can we ensure that students in low-income communities have access to current technology? Since 2002, Per Scholas -- a nonprofit social venture in New York City -- has been instrumental in helping children and families bridge the digital divide. More information in this article from GOOD Magazine's education series, The Chalkboard. (Source: GOOD Magazine's YouTube Channel)
EduTecher creates great how-to videos on all kinds of tech tools for educators. This one is on Wallwisher, a web tool that allows you to have an interactive, collaborative cork board. Finally, a way to post notes with reminders about class trips (even the PDF file for the permission slip!), as well as photos and other great items for your colleagues and students. (Source: EduTecher's YouTube Channel)
Previously Featured: September 3, 2010
"What's In Your Lunchbox" PSA -- School Lunch Act
With school back in session for most, it's time to think about healthy school lunches and after-school snacks. The Lunch Box is a web-based portal that enables all schools and school districts to make a healthy difference for all children in America by providing relevant information and the pragmatic tools necessary to make good food available for all kids. (Source: The Lunch Box)
First Lady Michelle Obama has made great nutrition and better fitness for kids a priority with her national initiative, Let's Move! In this clip from FORA, Top Chef Master celebrity chef Rick Bayless discusses the Obama family's potential as role models for healthy eating. (Source: FORA's YouTube Channel)
Milwaukee Public Television produced an outreach initiative called "I am the Fit Generation" to encourage kids to make healthy food choices and exercise. Visit the website, and take a peek at their fun series of public service announcement music videos. (Source: MPTV's Fit Kids)
If you know of a must-see video, leave a comment here, email the URL to media@edutopia.org, or tweet a link to @VideoAmy on Twitter.com and I'll be sure to take a look. Note: Some videos may be preceded by brief ads; in some cases, free registration may be required; and news-sensitive links may expire over the next week.