Ask a Tech Teacher

JANUARY 4, 2017

We hear from readers all the time about how much they rely on Ask a Tech Teacher for tech-in-ed resources. Weekly, we share favorite websites, apps, and pedagogy that make a difference in the classroom. This year, for the first time, we’ll share which tools had the greatest impact on readers. To award this Best in Category badge, we looked for the uncommon resources (meaning: not the ones everyone knows about, like Khan Academy) most visited by our readers in each category.

Geography 0

Geography Math Robotics Curriculum 0

User Generated Education

JANUARY 2, 2017

I absolutely love all of the new robotics toys that have been coming out for elementary age learners. I have been using them for my summer maker camp, with my gifted education classes, and for my upcoming Saturday morning program. One of my gifted girls noted, “Where do all of these robots come from?” I laughed and told her, “It’s actually has become one of my passions.

Computer Science 97

Computer Science Robotics Computer Elementary 97

The Innovative Educator

JANUARY 4, 2017

You've probably heard the saying that before passing judgement, you should try to understand what it is like to walk in someone else's shoes. This is an important concept when helping students learn empathy. Interestingly, social media platforms such as Facebook can give you insight into what life is like in someone else's shoes. At least the version of their shoes they choose to wear in public.

Publication 55

Publication Learning 55

STEMx

JANUARY 5, 2017

Education conferences are a great way to share best practices and new STEM initiatives among teachers and school administrators. Such meetings also can spread the word about STEM achievements to significant state officials. But how do event planners attract such major players? Late last year, the Empire State STEM Learning Network held a conference that featured speeches by New York’s lieutenant governor, among other prominent officials.

Economics 40

Economics STEM Achievement Communications 40

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.

Science

Ask a Tech Teacher

JANUARY 3, 2017

Every week, I post a website(s) or app(s) that my classes found useful, instructive, helpful in integrating technology into classroom lesson plans. Some, you agreed with me about; others not so much. Here, I’ll share which sites you-all thought were the most helpful in efforts to weave tech into the classroom experience. Between these twenty, they had over 240,000 visitors during the year.

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Curriculum Professor Math Research 177

The Innovative Educator

JANUARY 5, 2017

Discover the favorite tools this year for #NYCSchoolsTech educators. Then, get inspired to come up with an idea for one tool you can bring back to your work to make teaching or learning more effective. Join us for our 9th monthly Twitter chat at 6:00 pm EST. #NYCSchoolTech teacher Eileen Lennon moderates with me throwing in my two cents. We will also be joined by some leading ed tech companies who will share what you can look forward to in 2017.

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EdTech Teaching Schooling Education 45

Technology Tidbits

JANUARY 5, 2017

Wiz Kid is an excellent platform game from RoomRecess. This fantasy inspired game focuses on Language Art skills such as: word meaning and homophones. Like other RoomRecess games a student tries to collect coins and answer questions while avoiding/defeating enemies. As the student progresses through the levels they can unlock/purchase power ups as they game gets progressively harder.

Technology 30

Technology Learning 30

Ask a Tech Teacher

JANUARY 2, 2017

Since I started this blog five years ago, I’ve had over 4.8 million visitors to the 1,454 articles I’ve written on integrating technology into the classroom. This includes how to use wikis or blogs in the classroom and what I’ve learned from my students as we got through another tech week. I have regular features like: Weekly Websites and Tech Tips ( sign up for the newsletter).

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EdTech Curriculum Computer Technology 171

The Innovative Educator

JANUARY 1, 2017

Getting fit is a great resolution at any age, but the holiday season in the digital age often brings with it lots of gifts that involve sitting with a device with little movement. But technology doesn’t always = inactivity. This New Year teachers and students together can resolve to use technology to help them get and stay fit using GoNoodle. Go Noodle is used by 1 in 3 teachers who get millions of kids active every month to become their strongest, smartest, selves by running, dancing, stretchin

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Elementary Research Research Technology 45

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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.

Math

The Innovative Educator

DECEMBER 31, 2016

Over the course of the past year, we have lost three innovative educators. Each of whom has influenced my practice in meaningful ways. Joe Bower, Deven Black, and Bob Sprankle. While I am deeply saddened that our live conversations and interactions have come to an end, social media has provided an outlet for their ideas to live on. Because each educator was generous with sharing their thoughts and ideas, they leave behind a digital legacy that can live on to inspire others.

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Schooling Innovation Learning Education 43

Technology Tidbits

JANUARY 5, 2017

Wixie is a wonderful site/app for educators that I just found out about from EdTech Digest. Wixie gives students a digital platform to create digital art, presentations, and more. It reminds of Kid Pix a bit but w/ the ability to record your voice. Best of all is the educational portal that allows educators to track/manage student accounts, as well as assess student work/assignments.

EdTech 29

EdTech Education Education Learning 29