What Robots Can Teach Us About Learning
eSchool News
A new study says the way kids view robotics can help schools design better 21st-century lessons and create more productive classrooms. (March 2012)
Teachers Share Tips for Using Smart Phones as Learning Tools at School, Home
eSchool News
For years, schools have banned the use of cell phones in schools. But today, some schools are cautiously embracing smart phones as a student-friendly technology. (March 2012)
How to rekindle a love of learning in school
eSchool News
What would a high school classroom look like if the students were all like kindergartners, eagerly learning everything they could about the world? (March 2012)
Rethinking testing in the age of the iPad
Education Week-Digital Directions
In the 3,200-student East Haven schools in Connecticut, elementary teachers did their initial student reading assessments a bit differently this school year. (February 2012)
Teaching with Google
Edutopia
As much the digital overlap of Google Search, Docs, Calendar, and Gmail software as it is a response to Facebook, Google+ has strong potential application in formal learning environments. (February 2012)
Student Attitude Adjustment or Teacher Attention Adjustment?
Education Week
Like a lot of teachers, I believed at first that attention-seeking students needed
attitude adjustments. So when kids acted out, I not only punished them but also
preached to them. (December 2011)
Program helps both mentors, mentees gain confidence - Texas
My San Antonio
Ariana Jasso is looking for a fresh start in school. Now in the sixth grade at
Harlandale Middle School, Ariana, 12, said she recognizes that she often pulls away from people when having problems after being bullied throughout elementary school. (November 2011)
Teaching Students to Ask Their Own Questions
Harvard Education Review
Teaching students to ask questions about their subjects can open learning doors otherwise shut. (September 2011)
Reading to dogs may have benefits
Boston Globe
A small pilot study by researchers at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University provides preliminary, but suggestive evidence that reading aloud to man’s best friend can have positive effects on children’s desire and ability to read. (August 2011)
Ten ideas for interactive teaching
eSchool News
While lecturing tends to be the easiest form of instruction, studies show that students absorb the least amount of information that way. (June 2011)
Three Teachers' Answers to Questions on Classroom Microblogging
New York Times
We asked the three K-12 teachers interviewed in the article to answer questions, and address misconceptions, about their classroom use of these tools. (May 2011)
STEMposium Winners: Five Outstanding STEM Projects - California
Edutopia
This unique event provides some great ideas to create excitement in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math arenas. (May 2011)
STEM program proving its worth - Carrollton
Times-Georgian
When Carrollton City Schools received a grant to add a STEM program, they never expected the results less than a year later.
'Teacher cheerleaders' make online learning successful
eSchool News
Online Teacher of the Year shares tips on student engagement, virtual collaboration. (April 2011)
New Math = High Scores: Singapore system working at Santa Catalina
Moneterey County Herald
It seems a small thing, concentrating on basics, making sure students master concepts before moving on, but proponents of Singapore Math say the system is dramatically improving math scores. (April 2011)
Siphoning the Fumes of Teen Culture: How to Co-opt Students' Favorite Social Media Tools
Edutopia
In 1763, a royal decree was issued from Great Britain to the North American colonists: Do not - do not! - expand west of the Appalachian Mountains. The colonists resented the proclamation. (April 2011)
Rooms wtih a view: Local Teachers take pains to inspire learning
Spartanburg Home Journal
Several South Carolina teachers say they have decorated their classrooms with students in mind -- creating comfortable, stimulating spaces where students can learn. (March 2011)
Free web tools for classroom educators
eSchool News
Although the 2011 Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA) conference urges educators to explore how limitless technology can transform education, presenters and attendees also acknowledge the tough budget situation that schools across the nation are facing. (February 2011)
How to use YouTube at school, safely
eSchool News
Free video library service from M86 Security helps teachers show YouTube clips and other video content, without fear of showing inappropriate material. (February 2011)
Situation-Specific Student Seating
Teacher Magazine
Would you go to a movie theater where you sit facing a side wall rather than the screen? Or a football game where you have your back to the field? Me neither. (December 2010)
Edmodo: A free, secure social networking site for schools (Nation)
eSchool News
Teachers seeking online communication and collaboration opportunities with students and other educators have another free resource at their disposal: Edmodo, an education-based social networking site. (December 2010)
5 Innovative Classroom Management Tools for Teachers
Mashable
Few teachers are drawn to the profession for its administrative duties. But the reality of attendance taking, lesson planning, grading and parental communications is that they’re a big part of the job. These tasks, however, need not take over. (December 2010)
Promote Books with Free Online Multimedia Slideshow Tools
Teacher Magazine
Have you ever been in a grocery store that gives free food samples? Sampling gives you the opportunity to try the food so you can decide if it's worth buying. Many technology companies offer similar opportunities. (November 2010)
How to use the Rubik's Cube in the classroom (Minnesota)
Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune
Looking outside the box, local teachers take a creative approach to teaching valuable lessons. (November 2010)
How to turn current events into real-world projects (Nation)
Edutopia
How do you plan for academically rigorous projects that are "ripped from the headlines"? Here are a few suggestions, along with some timely resources. (November 2010)
Are your students using Wikis to increase their vocabulary skills? (Nation)
Teacher Magazine
Think about all the ways you promote content vocabulary in your classroom. Got that bulletin board? Got that word wall? Do students keep a notebook, graphic organizers, or flashcards of important words? What about wikis? (November 2010)
Author: Key for child's success is building strong vocabulary (Nation)
Digital Journal
As children read less and fail to build up a vocabulary, the author of a new book says the vocabulary deficit is a worrying trend that threatens confidence, future job prospects, relationships, and even the ability to understand jokes. (September 2010)
The Importance of Student Journals and How to Respond Efficiently (Nation)
Edutopia
The benefits of students integrating journal writing across the curriculum are amply documented. From a teacher's perspective, there are few activities that can trump journal writing for understanding and supporting the development of student thinking. (September 2010)
Teaching Secrets: Tips for New English Teachers (Nation)
Teacher Magazine
Looking back over my 20 years in the classroom, there have been four truly enduring lessons that have helped me to be a successful teacher. (September 2010)
Comics in the classoom (California)
San Diego Times-Union
GE - In a district beleaguered by budget cuts and underperforming students, Deborah Ford is hoping to bridge the achievement gap through the use of comic books. (July 2010)
Teaching Secrets: When the Kids Don't Share Your Culture (Nation)
Teacher Magazine
GE - This article says to be effective teachers, educators must understand the cultural backgrounds of their students. (July 2010)
Teaching Secrets: Phoning Home
Teacher Magazine
GE - With the school year just ended, it may seem odd that I’m already thinking of the beginning of the next. As a teacher, I can’t help but look forward. (June 2010)
Educators Using Gulf Oil Spill as a "Teachable Moment" - (Nation)
ABC News
GE - Science teachers nationwide are using the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico as a "teachable moment," with most saying environmental issues will likely continue into the new school year. (June 2010)
Social Media in Education: The Power of Facebook
Edutopia
GE - As a teacher and a new mom, it didn’t take long for me to find Facebook as a supplement for my stunted social life. But I soon learned that Facebook was also a place of professional learning and development. (May 2010)
Going Viral? Creating Dance Videos Across the Curriculum (Nation)
New York Times
GE - What is a viral video? Why are music and dance such powerful, ubiquitous forces in our culture? How can viral dance videos be used for teaching and learning? In this lesson, students watch recent viral dance videos and explore their nature and role in contemporary culture. (May 2010)
How to Stay Sane During Standardized Testing Time (Nation)
Edutopia
GE - For some teachers and students, the glory of spring and the promise of summer has been eclipsed by the complex emotions that surge during testing season. (May 2010)
Panel: Cell phones have much potential in classrooms (Nation)
eSchool News
GE - New paper reports that students' cell phone use is growing, and educators should harness the power of mobile devices. (April 2010)
Finding the Student's 'Price Point' (Nation)
Education Week
GE - Students have their own version of the price point—the material they are ready to learn. Here are some ideas how to find them. (April 2010)
Liven Up Your Lessons by Giving Students Choices (Texas)
Edutopia
GE - In differentiating our instruction and student learning in our own classes, do we sometimes play the same old tricks, rather than provide a rich variety of learning activities? It's time to try siomething new! (January 2010)
When teachers reject the internet.... Don't do it! (Nation)
Washington Post
GE - A former Post colleague has two daughters in a Washington area school district. The issue she raises involves all high-tech schools, of which we have many. Teachers aren't embracing a teaching tool. (December 2009)
Video games take bigger role in education (North Carolina)
Reuters
GE - Teachers trying to get students interested in molecular biology or space now have a new tool -- video games. (December 2009)
<//u>Author and professor Doug Thomas says relating to students on a personal level, asking questions are keys to reviving their passion for learning.