February, 2019

article thumbnail

How Wearable Technology is Changing Education and Easing Disabilities

Ask a Tech Teacher

Here’s an interesting piece from Ask a Tech Teacher contributor, Jane Sandwood, on the explosion of wearable technology and its place in the education ecosystem: How Wearable Technology is Changing Education and Easing Disabilities. As of 2015, 94% of K-12 students had a computer in their home, with 61% of the same demographic having internet access as well.

article thumbnail

Maker-Enhanced Writing Workshop: Character Development

User Generated Education

Readers of my blog know my thoughts and feelings about effective student learning. I have written blogs on: All Lesson Should Be Interdisciplinary Learning – [link]. The Imperative of Experiential and Hands-On Learning – [link]. Authentic Learning Experiences – [link]. Intentional Creativity – [link]. The Magic of Making: The Human Need to Create – [link].

educators

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

Google Slides Has Easy Peasy Accessible Closed Captions

The Innovative Educator

Closed captioning is helpful for many students when listening to presentations, but it wasn't always easy to provide. Until now. Closed captioning in Google Slides is easy peasy? Just select "Present" and select "captions." Have questions? Read this "how to" from Google or watch the demo below.

article thumbnail

15: Engaging Students With Chris Kesler

Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning

Engaging students in learning can be challenging, but once we figure out how to do it, we can make a significant impact on how kids learn and think about education. Highly engaging activities can make learning meaningful and fun! On today’s show, I sit down with Chris Kesler from Kesler Science to discuss the impact of highly engaging teaching. Chris shares his story and background that have led to creating content that wows and amazes teachers and students all over the globe.

Science 52
article thumbnail

Can Brain Science Actually Help Make Your Training & Teaching Stick?

Speaker: Andrew Cohen, Founder & CEO of Brainscape

The instructor’s PPT slides are brilliant. You’ve splurged on the expensive interactive courseware. Student engagement is stellar. So… why are half of your students still forgetting everything they learned in just a matter of weeks? It's likely a matter of cognitive science! With so much material to "teach" these days, we often forget to incorporate key proven principles into our curricula — namely active recall, metacognition, spaced repetition, and interleaving practice.

article thumbnail

My biggest challenge at Informed K12

Informed K12

I've faced challenges in the past. It was challenging to apply to college, go to college, stay in college, find my first job, leave my first job, and. well, you get it. Being challenged isn't new to me. So, when our team challenged me to lead efforts to bring on new talent, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t scared.

52

More Trending

article thumbnail

Best-in-Category Winners for 2018

Ask a Tech Teacher

During the last month, Ask a Tech Teacher readers voted on which tech tools had the greatest impact on their teaching. For this Best in Category award, we asked them to look for the ones that made them say Wow and rush to share with colleagues everywhere. Then we looked for the following qualities: how dependable is it. how versatile is it for time-strapped teachers. does it differentiate for the varied needs of students and teacher. do educators like it (fairly subjective, but there you have it

article thumbnail

Deadline for UK Accessibility Laws Is Fast Approaching – Yes it is 30 September!

Magic EdTech

Accessible educational content isn’t just a good idea—in many cases, it’s a legal requirement. In the UK, new accessibility laws were passed that require a wide range of customizable features for learners with both physical and cognitive challenges. The laws include a 2020 deadline for existing public websites, and a 2021 deadline for public sector apps—requiring quick action for any organization that is not already in compliance with the laws. ” If your service isn’t accessible to everyon

article thumbnail

Inbox Zero or Inbox Infinity? Which Type Are You?

The Innovative Educator

When friends or colleagues celebrate their "Inbox Zeros" I'm thinking, (not saying) really? "Is that how you want to spend (ahem waste) your time? Inbox Zero is so last decade." Interestingly many of the Inbox Zero folks are those who are not the most responsive to emails. The ones you are always circling back to follow up on an email. Inbox zero ? increased efficiency Getting your inbox to zero does not necessarily mean you are efficient at work or being a responsive friend or family member.

article thumbnail

14: Teaching A Love of Reading

Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning

Inspiring children to fall in love with reading can be one of the most rewarding gifts you can receive as a teacher. Sometimes it can be quite tricky. Reluctant readers often struggle to find books they love due to fears they have about themselves as readers. This is why it is so crucial to introduce kids to fantastic books. Because there is a book for everyone!

article thumbnail

Harnessing The Power Of Math Manipulatives

Mathematics, a subject steeped in abstract concepts, often poses challenges to students, especially those in grades 5-10. But imagine a bridge that transformed this intricate maze into an interactive adventure.

article thumbnail

Greater than STEM, Episode 0 – Battelle History: from the Xerox copier to Ohio’s first STEM school

STEMx

Battelle has been around for almost 100 years, but how did it grow from one building in 1929 into the world’s largest private nonprofit research and development institute? And how did it get involved in STEM education? And what even is STEM education? And why is filling up your apartment with sulfur fumes an important step towards inventing the Xerox copier?

STEM 40
article thumbnail

[Guest Post!] Student Feedback and Standards Based Grading

Wisconsin Science and STEM Education

So, your district is considering a switch to Standards Based Grading (SBG). Are you excited for that change or does it make you nervous? Are the student results going to be worth the struggle of changing your grading philosophy and practices? Will people just say, “This too shall pass”? The above are very real questions in the hearts and minds of teachers as they ponder a switch from traditional grading to SBG.

Science 40
article thumbnail

18 Valentine Sites For Students

Ask a Tech Teacher

Here are some fun Valentine sites to fill those few minutes betwixt and between lessons, projects, bathroom breaks, lunch, and everything else: Drag-and-drop. Dress up the heart. Google Drawings Magnetic Poetry from Ctrl Alt Achieve. Games and puzzles. Games and stories. ‘I love you’ in languages Afrikaans to Zulu. Line up the hearts. Match. Mouse skills.

article thumbnail

Magic EdTech Support for Universal Design for Learning

Magic EdTech

Most of us do not recognize the concepts of universal design in our day-to-day lives. Yet it is almost guaranteed that we have benefited from such design. Closed captioning is one of the most popular features of our televisions. Electric sensors trigger automatic doors, allowing us to enter and leave stores and other buildings. The number of people subscribing to audiobooks and podcasts continues to grow.

UDL 40
article thumbnail

Downloadable Design Briefs for an Integrative STEM Curriculum

These easy-to-use design briefs outline student objectives, challenges, and materials needed to complete each 30-minute to 4-hour lesson. ITEEA’s Integrative STEM curriculum, Engineering byDesign, includes many more standards driven hands-on activities just like these!

article thumbnail

Make Photos Speak In Multiple Languages

The Innovative Educator

There is technology that allows you to take a photo of a poster, book, page from a magazine, etc. then convert it to text. From there it can be read aloud, translated, and read aloud in the translated language. It can also be brought into a word processing program for editing in the translated language to increase accuracy. Here are some ways this technology makes content accessible to learners: Visually impaired learners can hear the content read Learners who are not reading at the level of the

article thumbnail

13: Growth Mindset

Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning

The role of the school counselor has evolved from the days where scheduling and test coordinator were once the main job performances. Many states across the country are realizing the necessity of having school counselors focusing on social and emotional learning along with academics and college and career readiness. It couldn’t be a better time to start focusing on the mental health of our children as we see the numbers of anxiety and other mental challenges increase.

article thumbnail

STEMx sessions at upcoming forum in San Francisco

STEMx

The STEM Forum & Expo, hosted by NSTA, . provides resources for educators and organizations seeking to learn more about STEM, outreach, partnerships, schools, and curricula. The event has been a powerful chance the state leaders that make up our network to connect and share ideas with educators from across the country. Tired of winter? We’ve got good news for you.

STEM 40
article thumbnail

25 Reading Sites and Apps

Technology Tidbits

As a follow up to my recent list on Math Sites/Apps found here, I've decided to compile a list of my favorite learning tools for Reading. Again, Mobile Learning and BYOD make it easier for any student to learn any core subject, especially that of Reading. Finally, this list does includes tools that help w/ comprehension and Language Arts as a whole.

Math 38
article thumbnail

Purpose Driven Learning: Myths, Problems, and Education Applications

Ask a Tech Teacher

Purpose Driven Learning (or PDL) is a concept coined by Michael Matera and Adam Moreno to summarize the philosophy that each learner’s inner strengths can be unlocked by focusing with purpose and drive. By following the guidelines for Purpose Driven Learning, teachers avoid the biggest pitfall in many lesson plans — that they are theoretic without meaning in the real world.

Education 207
article thumbnail

Universal Design for Learning and Accessibility – Magic EdTech

Magic EdTech

Magic EdTech practices ensure adhering to the universal design principles guaranteeing accessibility and inclusion for ALL. Magic EdTech uses these ideas when developing digital learning products. Magic EdTech Support for Universal Design for Learning. Most of us do not recognize the concepts of universal design in our day-to-day lives. Yet it is almost guaranteed that we have benefited from such design.

EdTech 40
article thumbnail

The Innovative Educator Named Top 10 Ed Leadership Blog

The Innovative Educator

The Innovative Educator was selected from thousands of blogs as a top educational leadership blog by Feedspot using search and social metrics. This is the most comprehensive list of educational leadership blogs. Feedspot selected these blogs because they are actively working to educate, inspire, and empower their readers with frequent updates and high-quality information.

article thumbnail

12: Anxiety in Our Schools

Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning

Anxiety in our schools seems to be a growing problem. Some evidence suggestions that we may be over diagnosing. Other reports say that we have just gotten better at identifying the issues. Whether you subscribe to either point, the number is high. There are a lot of reasons blamed for the increase including the rising expectations of kids. This week’s episode takes a deep dive into the signs of anxiety and some possible solutions to helping our children who struggle.

article thumbnail

Army Education Outreach Program seeks partners for grant to broaden participation

STEMx

The. Army Education Outreach Program. , or AEOP, is the Army’s platform for advancing STEM education and literacy through STEM experiences, internships and competitions. AEOP, through its cooperative agreement with. Battelle. , has opened a formal Request for Information as it seeks like-minded organizations and associations which can connect students with AEOP programs.

article thumbnail

Employee Spotlight: Alex Lule

Informed K12

Role: Customer Success Manager.

52
article thumbnail

Here’s the Easiest Way to Check for Plagiarism

Ask a Tech Teacher

One of the biggest problems facing digital natives as they grow into adults is understanding how to maneuver the vastness of the Internet ethically, safely, and to serve their needs. It sounds simple–log on, search, enjoy–but let’s equate this to a shopping mall. You enter the wide, inviting front doors, find the store with the product you need, and then must pay for it.

article thumbnail

deadline uk accessibility laws 30 september

Magic EdTech

Lisa Jo Rudy. Accessible educational content isn’t just a good idea—in many cases, it’s a legal requirement. In the UK, new accessibility laws were passed that require a wide range of customizable features for learners with both physical and cognitive challenges. The laws include a 2020 deadline for existing public websites, and a 2021 deadline for public sector apps—requiring quick action for any organization that is not already in compliance with the laws. ” If your service isn’t accessi

article thumbnail

2 Tips to Connect with More Families on Facebook

The Innovative Educator

More and more educators and schools are using Facebook to connect with families. However, they might not be connecting with as many families as possible if they are not ensuring they are posting inclusive content. This is particularly important in places like New York City which serves a population where 20% of students have disabilities. About half of the population speaks a language other than English at home according to census bureau data.

article thumbnail

Socrates

Technology Tidbits

Socrates is an innovate new site where educators can seamlessly differentiate instruction for each student through a unique game based learning system. This is done through fun and engaging learning games w/ educational portal where teachers can track and monitor student progress, assign educational videos, use a digital badge system, testing, benchmarking, and much much more.

article thumbnail

Book Review and Giveaway: "Awesome Physics Experiments for Kids"

Amy Brown Science

It's not often that I do a product review. And since you are now reading a product review, that should tell you that I am super-excited about this product! Erica Colon ( NittyGrittyScience.com ) has written a fabulous set of experiments for young budding scientists, ages 10 to 13. But this is more than just another science experiment book. This is a book for parents and for families, and also a fantastic resource for science teachers.

Physics 130
article thumbnail

Why is HUE HD a Must for your Classroom?

Ask a Tech Teacher

The award-winning HUE HD Pro USB camera and visualiser is one of the most versatile, flexible, affordable document cameras I’ve ever tested. It’s plug-and-play, quick to set up and put away, intuitive to use, and adapts to a variety of class screens and video applications (like Apple TV). The camera includes a flexible gooseneck, manual focusing ring, LED lighting, an integrated microphone, and a sturdy base.

article thumbnail

My Favorite 5 Tech Tools for Teacher-Authors

Ask a Tech Teacher

Here are five of my favorite tech tools for teacher-authors: 1. A good editing program. Whether you’re self-published or agented, you want your documents as clean as possible. You can edit it yourself, use beta readers, or pray, but one more option to include in your toolkit is a good online editing program. Often, these ask you to copy-paste your text into a dialogue box on their website and they take it from there.

article thumbnail

Engineers Week — A Must for High School

Ask a Tech Teacher

Next week, February 17-23, 2019, is DiscoverE’s Engineers Week. Their tagline: “A week-long event, a year-long commitment” Do you wonder why anyone would be passionate about engineering? Forbes published three good reasons: The U.S. has approximately 1.6 million engineering jobs that pay $42 per hour in median. Job growth from 2010 to 2014 was in the double digits in several engineering occupations.