July, 2024

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How the Internet Neighborhood is Like Any Other Community

Ask a Tech Teacher

Education has changed. Teachers no longer lecture from a dais with student learning contained within the schoolhouse walls. Thanks to the pervasiveness of easy-to-use and free web-based tools, most teachers have one or more computers in the classroom with internet access. Because of this, educators have come to expect students to participate actively in the learning process and transfer their knowledge from the classroom to life.

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Maximizing Time with Data and Evidence-Enhanced Rotations at All Grade Levels

A Principal's Reflections

One of the most significant challenges educators face is time. While the focus is typically on getting more of it, the emphasis should be maximizing what is already available. When it comes to student learning and success, how time is used when students are in class is pivotal. While sound instruction will always be needed in some form, meeting the needs of learners relies on other pedagogical pathways that veer away from all students consistently doing the same thing, at the same time, the same

Data 357
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Preventing Learning Loss Over Summer Break: How to Prevent the “Summer Slide” in Science

ViewSonic Education

Summer break is a time for relaxation and fun, but for students, it can also be a period of significant learning loss. As a middle school science teacher, I have seen firsthand how the “summer slide” can impact students’ academic progress. While we want students to enjoy their summer break, it is important to find engaging and creative ways to keep them connected to learning.

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Build meaningful reflection into class in minutes with Mirror Talk

Ditch That Textbook

This post is sponsored by Swivl.Imagine that a student finishes up a science lab. Or a book. Or even learning about a new subject. What if they don’t think about what they’ve learned – and how it fits in the big picture and what to do with it? A lot of the power and promise of […] The post Build meaningful reflection into class in minutes with Mirror Talk appeared first on Ditch That Textbook.

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Enhancing Higher Education with Generative AI: A Responsible Guide

Generative AI holds tremendous promise for all stakeholders in higher education. But guardrails are needed. Strong governance that empower instructors are at the core of a responsible approach to using generative AI in academia.

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Building a Sustainable Future City

User Generated Education

A group of gifted students, who I have in my classroom for several years, have been building sustainable cities for a number of years as part of their SDGs education, see: Building a Sustainable City [link] Creating a Sustainable City (#SDG 11): A Collaboration Between NM Gifted Elementary Students and PA 10th Graders [link] Future City Competition I knew about the Future City Competition for a while, and was waiting until my students reached 6th grade, the minimum age/grade allowed, to enter.

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ISTELive 24: The Dually Tech Game

EdTech Magazine

Department silos can pose a major challenge to K–12 staff, even when they have the same goals of improving the learning experience for students. At Ector County Independent School District, the digital learning and the curriculum and instruction teams realized they should be working together to make more progress toward their goals. Over the past four years, these departments have improved their communication skills and professional development offerings, culminating most recently in the develop

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Small Steps, Big Shifts: How Consistency and Continuity Unlock Lasting Change

A Principal's Reflections

We all have that nagging voice, whispering about what we "should" be doing. Maybe it's a call to eat healthier, exercise more, or finally tackle that neglected hobby. But how often does that voice translate into sustained action? The truth is that achieving lasting change is rarely about grand gestures or dramatic overhauls. It's about the power of consistency and continuity – small, steady shifts that build momentum and pave the way for a transformed you.

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Mastering Gaming Monitor Response Times: A UFO Test Guide

ViewSonic Education

Ever heard of the UFO Test? If you’re imagining secret government missions or alien sightings, think again. This handy tool checks out how fast your monitor reacts, which is key to snagging that silky-smooth, lag-free gaming experience. Curious why it matters and how it can transform your monitor setup? Read on as we uncover the details and find out how the UFO Test can be your ace in the hole for gaming greatness.

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AI detection software doesn’t work. Do this instead.

Ditch That Textbook

Adam Sparks is a Nebraska-based educator that taught English and Social Studies for 7 years before recently finishing his master's in Learning Design and Technology at Stanford. Adam now works full-time on Short Answer, a gamified K12 writing product and professional development service that began as his master's capstone project. When we lead our writing […] The post AI detection software doesn’t work.

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Announcing New White Paper: Access to Powerful Technology as a Catalyst for Career Pathway Engagement

Digital Promise

The post Announcing New White Paper: Access to Powerful Technology as a Catalyst for Career Pathway Engagement appeared first on Digital Promise.

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Enhancing School Device Management for Improved Learning

Schools face increasing challenges as technology becomes integral to education. Efficient device management is essential for maximizing technology use and safeguarding investments. Our article discusses the importance of tracking devices, outlines current challenges, and suggests modern solutions that go beyond traditional methods like Excel. Learn how advanced tracking systems can streamline operations, improve maintenance, and offer real-time updates for better resource allocation.

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What K–12 Technology Leaders Need to Know About Reducing Data Exposure

EdTech Magazine

For hackers, K–12 student data is some of the most valuable information in the world, which means that data privacy plays a central role in any cybersecurity strategy. In CDW’s recent webinar “Building Cyber Resilience: Strategies for Strengthening Cybersecurity in K-12,” a panel of experts shared thoughtful approaches to helping schools harden their networks against bad actors.

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21 SAT/ACT Prep Online Resources

Ask a Tech Teacher

Here are popular online resources to prepare for ACT and SAT tests ( click for updated list ): Albert Online — lots of SAT practice exams, including subject areas. College Board Kaplan Test Prep Khan Academy reading-writing-practice Mindsnacks SAT Vocabulary –a big part of succeeding on the SAT essay is knowing the right word Number2.com –for SAT, ACT, GRE Perfect Score Project- -to prepare for SATs Prep Factory –for SATs, ACTs, other Quizlet –hundreds of SAT vocabulary prep flashcards UWorld S

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Collaboration is the Lifeblood of Change

A Principal's Reflections

We are all familiar with the saying that there is no "I" in team. Collaboration is the lifeblood of successful change initiatives. It harnesses the power of diverse perspectives, fostering a rich environment for idea generation and problem-solving. When individuals from different backgrounds and expertise come together, they can identify blind spots, challenge assumptions, and develop more comprehensive and effective solutions.

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It’s Here! Educate AI Magazine is Now Available

EdNews Daily

It is here. Educate AI Magazine, an online magazine and website, is designed especially for K-12 educators, higher education instructors and administrators, workforce development and corporate training and re-skilling personnel. Now everyone can subscribe and have every issue delivered directly to their inbox. According to Joel Backon, editor in chief at Educate AI, “The Educate AI magazine and media platform are designed to support those who want to enhance learning through AI.

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Quickly Create Personalized Learning Experiences that Work

How can we actively engage learners 24/7, on their level and according to their interests, while respecting their learning styles? It’s not impossible. In this guide: Explore how to transform traditional, one-way videos into two-way interactive learning experiences Understand different types of artificial intelligence (AI), including - Generative vs.

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20 AI “first steps” for teachers

Ditch That Textbook

Is it time to get started with artificial intelligence? These 20 AI "first steps" for teachers will catch you up to speed. If you've heard the buzz about artificial intelligence (AI) and want to better understand it -- and its implications on the classroom, guess what?You're in the right place.Generative AI (AI that generates, or […] The post 20 AI “first steps” for teachers appeared first on Ditch That Textbook.

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The Importance of Staying Active While Pursuing an Online Degree

EdTech4Beginners

In today’s fast-paced world, it can be easy to let physical activity fall by the wayside. Many jobs or schooling programs require staying seated and still for hours at a time. Despite there being plenty of research out there to show that this is counterintuitive to maintaining good physical and mental health, most jobs out there simply don’t have environments that accommodate a healthy balance.

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Independent and Private Schools Address Unique Cybersecurity Threats

EdTech Magazine

Westminster Christian School CIO Omar Valerio is so focused on cybersecurity that he’s essentially turned his office into his very own security operations center. Two video displays mounted on his walls and four desktop monitors provide real-time views of network traffic and security monitoring tools that alert him to potential threats. For Valerio, security is paramount because K–12 schools face a continuous onslaught of cyberattacks.

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The Case for Why Handwriting is Still an Essential Skill for Students

Ask a Tech Teacher

An article on NPR caught my eye. First, because it was on a topic many consider settled science–haven’t we moved on from handwriting to keyboarding ? Audio even? If you poll schools, you’ll find that many continue to teach handwriting, partly because without it, how can adults sign checks and contracts? But also, because there are undeniable cognitive benefits students experience through the process of learning to write: Enhanced memory and learning : Handwriting improves reten

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Can Brain Science Actually Help Make Your Training & Teaching Stick?

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.

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Beyond the Comfort Zone: Why Calculated Risks are the Key to Unlocking Student Potential

A Principal's Reflections

Taking a leap of faith can be daunting, but it is often needed to grow. Stagnation is the enemy of progress. In education, sticking solely to what's comfortable hinders growth. Calculated risk-taking becomes crucial for improving practice. Sticking to the familiar routine feels safe, even if it means being perpetually stuck in neutral. Self-doubt creeps in, making us question our capabilities to navigate the unknown.

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How Centering the Voices of Early Childhood Educators in Rural Communities Can Promote Equity

Digital Promise

The post How Centering the Voices of Early Childhood Educators in Rural Communities Can Promote Equity appeared first on Digital Promise.

Education 270
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12 engaging activities to rock your back to school PD

Ditch That Textbook

Those first few days back at school before the students arrive are precious. We need time to collaborate with our colleagues and get back in gear. We also have required trainings and meetings we must attend. For some, these days are filled with dread. Boring meetings that “could have been an email” or trainings that don’t […] The post 12 engaging activities to rock your back to school PD appeared first on Ditch That Textbook.

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Investing In The Right Initiatives and Resources To Create Meaningful Change

Education Elements

Have you ever taken up a hobby with enthusiasm, only to abandon it because life got in the way? Maybe you started knitting with dreams of creating beautiful scarves, but now the yarn sits untouched in a box tucked away somewhere. Or maybe you once eagerly hiked every weekend, but now your hiking boots sit in the back of your closet, gathering dust. What obstacles got in your way?

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Behind the Bell: The Underlying Impact of Tardiness in K-12 Schools

Managing a K-12 campus with constant pressure to meet performance metrics is challenging. And tardiness can significantly limit a school from reaching these goals. Learn more about why chronic lateness matters, and key strategies to address the following impacts: Data errors caused by manual processes Low attendance and graduation rates that affect a school’s reputation Classroom disruption, which leads to poor academic performance High staff attrition and “The Teacher Exodus” Unmet LCAP goals t

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Students Collect Data from Apiaries for Project-Based Learning

EdTech Magazine

Nationwide, pollinators are in trouble. After years of steady decline, 2022 to 2023 marked a 37 percent loss of managed bee colonies in the United States, according to the nonprofit Bee Informed Partnership. At Fulton County Schools’ Innovation Academy in Georgia, high school biotechnology teacher Bob Kuhn helps students in grades 10 through 12 to understand the bee situation.

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Preparing Students for Future Careers with Soft Skills Training on Financial Decisions

Ask a Tech Teacher

Last summer, I helped my niece create a cookie stand. She learned not only about baking but how to budget for supplies, manage earnings, and communicate with customers, which taught her money management while boosting her confidence in handling real-life business scenarios. These are the soft skills associated with financial literacy. The Ask a Tech Teacher team has put them together into an article to remind students–and teachers what students should know when they leave high school: Pre

Training 360
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Are Schools and Edtech Companies Ready for the Digital Accessibility Deadline?

Edsurge

When Jacob, a 10th grader with vision impairment, signed up for an AP class, it made him feel like a castaway. His ambitions to learn were thwarted because his teacher had assigned handouts and a three-week-long lesson plan that relied on a website that wasn’t easy for him to navigate. So he felt frustrated, isolated: “I am stranded on this desert island because that site doesn't work [with my screen reader],” Jacob later told a researcher , also adding, “You can't just re-change your whole teac

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Pathways to Success: Co-Designing Micro-credentials and LERs for K-12 Learners

Digital Promise

Co-design sessions with Jobs for Maine’s Graduates (JMG) & Talladega City Schools around micro-credential and LER implementation

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The Battle of the Authoring Tools: A 10-Point Comparison for Picking the Right One

Speaker: Chris Paxton McMillin, President of D3 Training Solutions

There are plenty of great authoring tools for developing eLearning, but the one you select could directly impact your course's outcomes. Depending upon your learners’ needs and your organization’s performance goals, you could be overlooking considerations that impact the both effectiveness of your courses and how long it takes to finish them. From general capabilities to specific workflow structures, some aspects are critical when it comes to learning objectives and deadlines.

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Introducing the Instructional Coaches Data Dashboard and Command Center!

TeacherCast

Coaches, have you ever found yourself being pulled in a million directions? Of course you have … that after is the definition of what an Instructional Coach does each day. No matter what type of Instructional Coach you might be, (Reading, Math, Digital Learning, etc) the struggle to keep it all together each day is The post Introducing the Instructional Coaches Data Dashboard and Command Center!

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Why It Might Be Impossible to “AI-Proof” Written Assignments (and What We Can Do About It)

Iterating Toward Openness

A significant amount of time, effort, and resources go into training large language models (LLMs) to follow instructions. In fact, after the initial pre-training step, many models are specifically instruction-tuned in order to make them better at following instructions. If you’ve ever been poking around Huggingface and wondered why some models have “Instruct” in their name (like Llama-3-8B vs Llama-3-8B-Instruct), this is why.

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Schools Give Students a Career Head Start with Help Desk Opportunities

EdTech Magazine

In K–12 education, budget-strapped districts must try to keep up with the latest technologies and ensure students and educators are trained and equipped to use them, all while maintaining the network and security infrastructure to keep everything running. In this high-stakes environment, student-run help desks have grown in importance, frequently serving as the first stop for IT support when student and teacher devices break down.

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How to Choose the Right Online Tutor for Your Child

Ask a Tech Teacher

With the increased popularity of online tutors, the Ask a Tech Teacher team has come up with some guidelines to help you select the right one for your child: How to Choose the Right Online Tutor for Your Child As many as a third of kids are given a leg up in their learning efforts by professional tutors, so there’s a high chance you’re considering this option for your child.

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Reimagining Chickering & Gamson's Principles Post-Pandemic: Technology's Central Role in Modern Edu

This white paper examines and proposes revisions to the "Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education" introduced by Arthur Chickering and Zelda Gamson in 1987 for today's technology-driven world.