Of course, this isn’t true. Physical proximity is one thing, but connection and intimacy come from eye contact, from hearing and being heard, from an exchange of hopes and dreams. Source: Seth’s Blog: Proximity and intimacy Can we get the connection and intimacy when we are not physically together? Students do it all the time on…
Speak is an extension for Chrome that performs text to speech. You may already know about Speak-It, but it has two issues that may not work for you in your district. One is the fact that is free for non-commercial use only. Does a school district satisfy that requirement? I don’t know. The second is…
In the past, I’ve written on ideas for gamification—using games in the classroom—but lately I’ve been reflecting on some of the bigger ideas that games open up in terms of pedagogy and the classroom experience. While we can use games as tools and perhaps build units that are gamified, we might also adopt some basic…
He didn’t know it, but this student was asking for his teacher to be more of a warm demander — a key strategy for creating equity in the classroom. Warm demanders are teachers who, in the words of author Lisa Delpit, “expect a great deal of their students, convince them of their own brilliance, and…
Inquiry or interrogation? What if you asked your students which of these best describes their experience with classroom questioning? How do you think they would respond? Source: Students Learn Best from Inquiry, Not Interrogation More wisdom on the student centered classroom.
In search of inspiration or hard-won strategies for improving student learning? A 10-minute video may hold some answers for educators. TED Talks are short, informative, and often eye-opening talks given by leaders in their fields addressing all kinds of challenges. Many TED Talks are given by leading educators, or at least have important messages related…
Using technology to enhance learning is an incredibly exciting idea, and as an area of education is growing fast.Blended learning, mobile learning, connectivism, and other increasingly popular ideas all owe their existence to technology. But the reality in the majority of public schools in the United States is less than cutting edge. While there is…
Apple iWork suite is not just for Apple devices. Anyone with an Apple ID can sign in and use apps like Keynote. Unfortunately, to get started, you will need an iOS, macOS, or Windows PC with iTunes to create an Apple ID. Apple has the directions on creating an Apple ID without a credit card,…
Paul Horner, the 38-year-old impresario of a Facebook fake-news empire, has made his living off viral news hoaxes for several years. He has twice convinced the Internet that he’s British graffiti artist Banksy; he also published the very viral, very fake news of a Yelp vs. “South Park” lawsuit last year. But in recent months, Horner has…
Putting solar panels on rooftops and arrays is a labor-intensive process. You need people to design and manufacture the panels. Then people to market the panels to homes, businesses, and utilities. Then people to come and install them. It all adds up to a lot of jobs. Even though solar power still provides just a…