Many districts today struggle with finding the right tool for the right job, in teaching and learning there are different jobs; with the advent of PARCC, a computer given assessment, the need for schools to acquire new technology is great. There is vigorous debate about what that tool should be. If you do any reading along this line you know people are passionate about their choice of device. Honestly the device is last thing to be considered. Just…
I am putting the finishing touches on presentation materials for the upcoming MassCUE 2013 conference. If you are in the area and able to attend it is a well run and worth your time. I always walk away having learned new skills and strategies to promote deep learning. I learn a lot and it keeps me thinking and reflecting on my instructional practice for months to come. This year I am co-presenting with Kristin Cannistraro at teacher of the visually…
I have been trying to use my iPad for all my usual computer use. This is forcing me to get use the iPad keyboard and to try a variety of apps. I finally found an app that I can use for my blogging. Blogsy is a fairly complete blogging tool that allows me to post to my personal blog, Beth’s Thoughts, using the WordPress platform and my blog for work hosted on blogger. One tool, two blogs that is pretty cool for me….
I read online a great deal. I support teachers who wish to share web content in classrooms with younger children. As well as students who have visual and special needs. I frequently recommend two tools to help remove the distracting and sometime inappropriate clutter. Viewpure – allows you to view youtube videos against a white background, no ads, and no comments. Readability – I started using readability while it was still in development. It is now a commercial product with…
I have been looking over a variety of apps for the iPad. Here is what I have been playing with thus far. If you have any suggestions I would appreciate you commenting below. Browsers: I have been looking at iChromy as an alternative browser for the ipad. I like the tabs in the browser, instead of the window switch of Safari. I also like the read later feature to view web pages offline. If you are roaming though a school…
Khan Academy, started out as one individual making math videos to help explain difficult concepts, it has grown 2,100 videos, and includes exercises and assessment. The mission, to provide high quality free education to anyone in the world. Topics focus primarily on math and science from elementary trough college levels. There are other topics related to business, finance and a growing history section. This site is well worth directing your students to or adding to any web enhanced learning environment….
I have been following a few conversations recently that have focused on the negative aspects of technology and it disturbs me. The belief is that technology causes people to be withdrawn, anti-social and isolated. That technology gives people the freedom to bully, lash out, and lie therefore more of that behavior occurs. This is glass half empty thinking. Technology can be enriching, allowing communication and collaboration where it was not possible before. It can be perceived as isolating when we…