Technology Trends for Teachers to Try in 2014 - High School Notes New 3-D printers are just one tech tool teachers should try in the new year. Students learn best when they're invested in the material, but getting teens to that point isn't easy. "The student comes in, puts their head down and goes to sleep or just ignores what's going on in the class. How do we stop that?" says Rich Lamb, an assistant professor in the College of Education at Washington State University. One way: technology. Tools such as tablets, videos and 3-D printing can make otherwise flat lessons come to life, says Lamb, who previously taught science at high schools in Virginia and North Carolina. Essentially, technology hooks students, he says. "Once you can get the student hooked, then they're open to being taught," Lamb says. There is no shortage of tools to help teachers engage students. 1. 3-D printing: Once considered a far-fetched technology, 3-D printers are about to go mainstream. [Read more about technology in the classroom.] 2. [See photos of the Best High Schools for STEM.]
Digital Citizenship: Resource Roundup Tool or Weapon? Addressing Cyberhate in the Classroom by Jinnie Spiegler (2015): Classroom strategies to fight cyberhate include not supporting or reinforcing it, reporting it, supporting the targets, speaking out against hate, and engaging in activism. Digital Responsibility The Basics of Open Technology by Ira Socol (2015): From abundant tools and smart budgeting to accessibility and trust, the Albemarle County Public Schools district maintains a tech program that leverages digital literacy for all students.Five-Minute Film Festival: Are We Addicted to Technology? by Amy Erin Borovoy (2014): Can’t put your device down? Obsessing over social media? video Media and Digital Literacy Other Resources From Edutopia Additional Resources on the Web
7 Ed Tech Trends to Watch in 2014 Technology trends in both higher ed and K-12 classrooms continue to evolve and transform traditional learning environments. New learning analytics, mobile devices, open online learning, and 3D printers are some of the many Educational technology trends to be on the lookout for in 2014. Here’s a detailed discussion. 1) 3D Printing 3D Printers which enable makers to create whatever they can imagine and design have exploded into mainstream culture over the past year. The Poland and Hong Kong based GADGETS3D has launched an initiative called the “3D Printer in Every School” project in which they have designed a low cost, small 3D printer specifically created for the classroom. Click for full infographic 2) MOOCs MOOCs or massively open online courses have exploded in popularity over the past two years and will continue to grow over the next several. Click for full infographic 3) Big Data Click for full infographic 4) Digital Textbooks Click for full infographic 5) Gamification 7) Mobile learning
Embrace Civility Does Not Compute | Change the Equation The High Cost of Low Technology Skills in the U.S.--and What We Can Do About It Although American millennials are the first generation of "digital natives"--that is, people who grew up with computers and the internet--they are not very tech savvy. That fact would probably come as a shock to most Americans--especially to millennials themselves. After all, millennials are glued to their phones, tablets, and other devices. Change the Equation's new analysis of results from the 2012 Programme for International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) reveales sobering new data on millennials' skills and attitudes. Download the brief (PDF) Read our methodology Download our infographic Tweet this infographic Infographic data sources Download and share individual data points from the infographic: Digital native does not mean tech savvy: Jpeg The U.S. ranks dead last: jpeg Tech savvy is an engine of opportunity: Jpeg What we don't know will hurt us: Jpeg Our children deserve better: Jpeg
Class Tech Tips: Standards Planner: Summer Time-Saver for Your Lesson Plans This year I’ve shared Standards Planner, an online tool that lets teachers create and organize their lessons quickly and easily. As you wrap up classes for summer and get ready for next year, Standards Planner will definitely come in handy. They are offering a free account for teachers with extra support, setup, and resources. This includes Khan Academy videos, CK12 resources, and all of the national and state standards including the Common Core, Next Gen Science, and ISTE standards. One new option that has just been released is the click and create feature right on your customized teaching schedule. Just click anywhere on your calendar and create or store your resources. Learn more by visiting their website! Monica Burns is a fifth grade teacher in a 1:1 iPad classroom.