But with the coronavirus pandemic disrupting more traditional professional learning opportunities like in-person conferences and workshops, it's time for you to chart your own course. Fortunately, there are plenty of informal ways to learn and grow professionally on your own. MORE

Using Digital Media to Connect Inside and Outside of the Classroom “True technology integration is seamless, it shouldn''t be viewed as an add-on, an afterthought, or an event." To answer these questions, I often turn to the people who can help me evaluate how effectively I’ve been integrating edtech tools into the classroom: students, parents and fellow educators. And don’t forget to contribute yourself--other educators want to learn your awesome practices, too! MORE

This poses some good news for students, as transformation efforts are under way to provide authentic learning experiences that provide relevance, value, and tangible skills in an unpredictable world. Even though changes are occurring, we need to be mindful of what is driving the work while looking past soft claims to ensure technology is actually improving learning and achievement. Any leader who has gone through a successful digital transformation realizes this. MORE

The post Join the Shake Up Learning Facebook Group! appeared first on Shake Up Learning. Ready to Shake Up Learning in 2017? Looking to connect and learn with like-minded educators? Join the Shake Up Learning Facebook group to connect with Kasey Bell, engage more deeply with Shake Up Learning content, ask questions, share your own lessons and ideas, and expand your personal learning network! SUL #edtech Click To Tweet. MORE

BLearning – Blended Learning (using a range of multimedia and strategies). BYOL – Bring Your Own Learning. FL – Flipped Learning ( click here for my guide to flipping lessons ). IOT – Internet of Things (Connecting devices to a network i.e. lights, phones, TVs). LMS – Learning Management System (software that runs and manages educational programs). MLD – Mobile Learning Devices. MLearning – Mobile Learning. PLN – Personal Learning Network. MORE

” A PLN can help you find and curate the best ideas and resources, and build a network of supportive peers in a time of constant change. Steven Anderson, Digital Learning and Relationship Evangelist, and Shaelynn Farnsworth, Literacy Consultant, joined Lisa Schmucki, founder and CEO of edWeb.net for conversation with Larry Jacobs on Education Talk Radio on this topic. A PLN has helped Shaelynn learn from an extended network of educators how to to that. MORE

How can digital learning help improve graduation rates? How might adaptive learning courseware change the work of faculty? How do you learn about new edtech products? It’s the Twitter chat for the Digital Learning Network. Join the Digital Learning Network to get updates about all upcoming chats. Keep up to date with all the #DLNchats, join the Digital Learning Network ! MORE

One of my teacher credential students asked me recently why our course, Teaching in the Age of EdTech , had focused on theoretical concepts through the first third of the course and seemed to ignore the more practical, toolkit uses of technology. Schools have spent a considerable sum of money outfitting their classrooms and students with IWBs, tablet computers, and various learning management systems designed to digitize the classroom and create innovative and efficient learning. MORE

Here is my Unit 2 reflection for the MOOC-Ed, Coaching Digital Learning: Cultivating a Culture of Change. Unit 2 focuses on the development of your PLN (Professional Learning Network) and becoming a "Connected Educator". What do you see as the most important advantages of adding social media tools to your personal learning network? I also think that by connecting with my peers through Facebook , we have developed more personal connections as well. MORE

Now you need to take time for yourself and go on some learning adventures of your own! Discover more ways to design engaging distance learning experiences by taking my new accredited graduate course , Online Learning: Best Practices to Leverage the Power of Distance Learning. MORE

Technology has been a key component in the planting, fertilization, growth and eventually, the blossoming of new statewide initiatives including distance education and new professional learning opportunities for educators that have benefitted students in a variety of ways. I argue that rural states are where edtech companies, investors, and media outlets should be looking to to see truly innovative implementation of technology. Wyoming Switchboard Network homepage. MORE