In the past six months, virtual reality has exploded. The main reason is that it’s actually become affordable and easy to create the 360-degree (or spherical) images used for VR. Milky Way from an...
I’ve been in love with FREE app Sketch Nation for a while now. Aside from being FREE and working on every device, via an app or the Sketch Nation website, it’s super user friendly...
A few years ago, I attended a workshop by KQED, the public media station for Northern California. The workshop was focused on place-based storytelling in the classroom. The idea was simple: people have compelling narratives...
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again — data is cool. It can help us answer questions and help us see connections we never noticed before. But data analysis is something that...
The “Did You Know? / Shift Happens” video was created in 2008. I’ve updated here, with updated facts and corrected information. I have referenced the Did You Know? (also known as Shift Happens) video before on this blog. It’s one of my favorite discussion starters, when talking with educators about technology integration. I use the video at least five times a year, and the resulting discussion and buy-in is always jarring.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again — I have the best job ever. After years in public education, I stumbled upon a listing for an education technology specialist at the Monterey...
Our expectations need to be higher. Our tests need to be tougher. This is how we improve our education system. Our kids aren’t just going to suddenly be brilliant. We all (teachers, kids, parents) have to put in the work to make it so. And the Common Core provides us with a great map to get there.
No matter where you are in your tech journey, you, too, can be a 21st century teacher leader — all you need is the will. Here are a few steps to guide you along the way. Trust me — I’ve seen many a teacher go through this process before. And they always coming out smiling… eventually.
If you can’t afford an iPad for every student, what can you do? First, be absolutely certain you can’t afford to go 1:1. It might not be as expensive as you think — check out the real cost analysis in the table at the bottom of my From the Dark Side post. Take a look at grant options, as well. Jenny Magiera, a teacher in Chicago Public Schools, bought her class set of iPads using grant money and offers suggestions for teachers looking to do the same.
