May, 2020

article thumbnail

The Building Blocks of an Online Lesson

Catlin Tucker

Even though teaching online may feel like a different animal than teaching face-to-face, there are many similarities in terms of the building blocks of a lesson. The tools teachers use to engage students online are indeed different. It is also true that engaging students in learning activities online will require (at least initially) that teachers onboard students to those technology tools and support them in learning how to navigate online tasks.

article thumbnail

How to Promote Authentic STEM Learning for Families

Digital Promise

Schools want to support families around science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects because these domains are engaging and capitalize on how kids naturally want to learn. But many families feel unprepared to support STEM learning. We spoke with STEM researchers and educators Ximena Dominguez, Kevin McElhaney, and Nick Schiner about the importance of the home-school STEM connection in the context of COVID-19.

STEM 361
Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

Remaking Learning: Today’s Crisis and Tomorrow’s Promise

Digital Promise

The COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on systemic inequities and tested the resilience of schools and communities across the country. But these unprecedented circumstances have also shown the power of local education networks to respond with new ideas, partnerships, and resources. In this first of a two-part series, we highlight the efforts of the Remake Learning Network and its partners in Pittsburgh.

Learning 377
article thumbnail

How to Engage Kids in Distance Learning

The CoolCatTeacher

From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis Follow @coolcatteacher on Twitter The last few weeks of school can be the hardest – even in a face to face classroom. Some teachers are finding that online, it is almost impossible.Are your grade books like Swiss Cheese? Are there kids who are just missing? Today, Mary Howard, a sixth-grade science teacher in New York, talks about how we can engage kids in distance learning.

How To 522
article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

8 Key Focus Areas for Developing a Re-Entry Plan

A Principal's Reflections

The COVID19 pandemic has radically disrupted both society and education as we know it. The chances of many things going back to the way they were are slim. I can say with confidence that a mentality of TTWWADI (that’s the way we’ve always done it) will not serve many people well going forward. Hard lessons have been learned as countries have shut down their economies.

article thumbnail

Awesome teacher summer: PD bingo choice board

Ditch That Textbook

Summer is a great time to learn what YOU want to learn. This PD bingo choice board gives you LOTS of options! ?Summer is a time for rejuvenation and relaxation. It’s a time to focus on our lives outside of education and recharge. It is also the perfect opportunity to focus on ourselves both professionally and […]. The post Awesome teacher summer: PD bingo choice board appeared first on Ditch That Textbook.

Learning 364

More Trending

article thumbnail

Guest Post: How to provide a successful remote learning experience during school closures

EdTech4Beginners

A recent survey found that the coronavirus pandemic has been challenging for teachers, parents and students alike. Many teachers and parents are concerned about their children’s progress, wellbeing, and finding relevant resources. Students said their main worry was being easily distracted, less motivated, and less effective at studying. Furthermore, students were yearning for daily social interaction and struggling with absence of an in-person teacher.

How To 358
article thumbnail

Are there any ?deeper learning? virtual schools?

Dangerously Irrelevant

Virtual schools… I like the concept of shifting ‘time, place, path, and pace’ very much. But I think all of the virtual schools that I’ve encountered still focus primarily on low-level learning, digitized and chunked into a digital adaptive learning system. I don’t think I’ve ever seen ‘deeper learning’ or inquiry- and project-based learning as a core tenet of a virtual school.

article thumbnail

3 Things to Learn Over the Summer to Be Better at Distance or Blended Learning

The CoolCatTeacher

From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis Follow @coolcatteacher on Twitter Like it or not, blended learning is here to stay. Today, virtual trainer and Class Tech Tips guru Monica Burns talks about what we need to be learning over the summer so we can be healthier and more successful in the fall no matter what we face. 3 Things We Need to Improve to Be Better at Distance or Blended Learning with Monica Burns Listen to the show on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher Stream by “> clicking

article thumbnail

Work Smarter, Not Harder

A Principal's Reflections

I have a secret to share. In my humble opinion, I am not very smart. While others might disagree, such as my mom, I pride myself on being extremely resourceful. However, this was not always my strength. During my years as a teacher and principal, I would spend countless hours planning, researching, and attending professional learning events to hone my craft in order to become a better educator.

article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

10 easy ways to clean up your Google Classroom

Ditch That Textbook

As the school year comes to an end we begin clean and organize. Our Google Classrooms are no exception. Here are 10 easy ways to clean up your Google Classroom.As we wind down the school year we want to make sure that things are organized as things are ready to go for the fall. Our […]. The post 10 easy ways to clean up your Google Classroom appeared first on Ditch That Textbook.

Google 362
article thumbnail

End of the Year Project: What Are YOU Curious About?

Catlin Tucker

The last couple of months have been exhausting on a lot of levels as teachers and students shift to online learning. I would venture to guess that everyone is ready for a much-deserved summer break. Teachers looking for creative ways to end the school year may want to consider a “What are YOU curious about?” project. This is a fun way to close out the year with a student-driven investigation.

article thumbnail

12 of the Best School and Classroom Grants and How to Apply: A Guide for Educators

Waterford

School funding issues have been both brought to light and exacerbated due to the COVID-19 crisis. As schools adapt to teaching in these new circumstances, many educators are in need of resources to make their lessons accessible online. And existing issues, such as a lack of educational technology in schools with low budgets, have only become more limiting during this time.

How To 312
article thumbnail

Google launches new Distance Learning resource for Educators

Educational Technology Guy

Google has been announcing a lot of things to support educators, students and families with remote learning. The newest is a Distance Learning specific resource and course for Educators. The course goes through a variety of topics and how to utilize G Suite for Education tools in each area. Topics: Instructional Design, communications, SEL and more are all covered, with specific examples of how to implement this in your classroom.

Google 306
article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

Absolutely Essential SEL Skills We Need During the Pandemic

The CoolCatTeacher

From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis Follow @coolcatteacher on Twitter Students, parents, and teachers have social emotional learning skills that are needed in today’s climate. Dr. Amy Cranston helps us understand how we can help our children (and families and schools) make it through this difficult time. Sponsor : In today’s challenging times, we know how critical it is to make sure kids are equipped with social and emotional learning skills to cope with the world around them.

Twitter 476
article thumbnail

The Vital Role of Digital Leadership in Transforming Education

A Principal's Reflections

Education will not be the same. Now before you think that this is a “doom and gloom” outlook, let me elaborate. The COVID19 pandemic has fundamentally changed our world more than we could have ever imagined. In the case of schools, there has been a dramatic shift to remote learning that has allowed all of us to reflect on where we are, but more importantly, where we want and need to be in the near future.

Education 449
article thumbnail

30+ FREE PowerPoint education templates + how to make them

Ditch That Textbook

PowerPoint education templates create meaningful interactive activities for students. Find free templates and how to make your own. Templates are productivity boosters. They can help us get more done in less time. They're also great lesson design frameworks. They help us craft a path for students to take their thinking -- or for them to guide […].

How To 360
article thumbnail

7 Strategies Designed to Increase Student Engagement in Synchronous Online Discussions Using Video Conferencing

Catlin Tucker

One of the primary roles that a teacher plays in an online class is the facilitation of learning. Facilitation is the teacher’s ability to clearly communicate learning objectives and support learners as they make progress toward those objectives. When teachers are working with students online, their role as facilitator encompasses their interactions with students in conferences, the feedback they give students on their work, and their ability to assist students in making meaning in online discus

article thumbnail

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

article thumbnail

How to Prevent the Summer Slide and Help Reduce Educational Inequality

Waterford

School’s out, and it’s time for both teachers and students to relax before preparing for next year. But even over summer break, students still need educational opportunities so they can return to school strong and ready to learn more. Unfortunately, not all students have the same academic opportunities available to them during the summer. One of the most common causes of the achievement gap , or the differences in scores between disadvantaged and advantaged children, is summer learning loss (als

How To 294
article thumbnail

Coronavirus Chronicles 025 – International School of Amsterdam

Dangerously Irrelevant

I am talking with schools to see how they’re responding in the wake of this global pandemic. I invite you to join me for the Coronavirus Chronicles , a series of 10-minute check-ins with educators all over. Episode 025 is below. Thank you, Shannon Hancock, Rania, and Trinabh, for sharing how the International School of Amsterdam in the Netherlands is adapting to our new challenges and opportunities.

article thumbnail

Wakelet and WeVideo: Powerful Distance Learning Edtech

The CoolCatTeacher

From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis Follow @coolcatteacher on Twitter Teacher Bruce Reicher shares two of his favorite distance learning tools – Wakelet and Wevideo. He talks about how he uses them with students and teachers for classroom learning and teacher PD. Take a look at Wakelet for organizing files and WeVideo for editing and screencasts.

EdTech 477
article thumbnail

What Will Schools Do in the Fall? Here Are 4 Possible Scenarios

Edsurge

As the current school year comes to a close, looking and functioning nothing like what any of us could have imagined mere months ago, another challenging school year looms ahead. Although nearly every U.S. state has begun, in varying degrees, to reopen businesses and relax lockdown restrictions, there is still little certainty—or consensus—as to what the future of education holds this fall.

article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

Microsoft Educator Insider podcast + 16 innovative ideas

Ditch That Textbook

The Microsoft Educator Insider series will give you inspiration, big ideas, and practical strategies for your classroom. Here are 16 excerpts from the show.This post is sponsored by Microsoft. It was independently conceived and created by Ditch That Textbook's Matt Miller. When you get people who care about students together to share ideas and brainstorm, […].

Microsoft 334
article thumbnail

Traits of a Successful Online Teacher

Catlin Tucker

Last week, I had the good fortune of stumbling onto John Savery’s article titled “BE VOCAL: Characteristics of Successful Online Instructors” in which he talks about the unique challenges facing teachers who are working with students in the online environment. Savery uses the acronym VOCAL to emphasize five specific traits that a successful online teacher must possess.

article thumbnail

Let’s Teach in Pajamas Forever

The Jose Vilson

Contrary to my own public activism and advocacy, I propose that we move the nation’s largest public school system into a completely online endeavor forever and a day. I know this may come as a shock to everyone who’s been following me for years, but I might have developed outright envy for some of my most fervent detractors. I’m jealous of the way they speak, walk, and work as if they’ve got their theory of online schooling fully figured out.

Advocacy 202
article thumbnail

The 3 R?s of Teaching Reading Remotely

EdTechTeacher

A Guest post by Dr. Courtney Pepe. When reflecting upon the changing educational landscape that is taking place during Remote Learning, there are many challenges and dilemmas facing educators. Fortunately, educators are creative, dynamic and resourceful professionals who have the ability to turn challenges into opportunities. One notable challenge facing educators during Remote Learning is how to teach reading and literacy from a distance.

Libraries 197
article thumbnail

The Roses and Thorns of an LMS Strategy: How to Flourish with the Right LMS

Speaker: Amanda Davis, Chief Experience Officer and Liam O'Malley, VP of Association Solutions

The "new normal" is now a little less new, a little more normal. Does that mean your current LMS strategy is in need of a refresh? Is your organization or association leaning into the always-evolving eLearning environment to ensure you have the tools and content to remain relevant through all this change? There are many complex decision-making processes within your learning & development strategy and LMS lifecycle management, including: Selection.

article thumbnail

6 Tips to Close Out the School Year in Google Classroom

The CoolCatTeacher

From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis Follow @coolcatteacher on Twitter Google Classroom has been the tool of choice for many schools. Did you know that you need to “close out” the school year to set yourself up for success in the fall? In this episode, Kasey and I discuss how to effectively close out the school year. Check the blog post for more links to Kasey’s material on this important best practice for Google Classroom.

Google 459
article thumbnail

The Next Pandemic: Mental Health

Edsurge

“The pandemic has been a challenge I never expected … My emotions are all over the place. I am always on edge. This is the most overwhelmed I’ve ever felt in my life. There are moments I don’t think it can get worse, and Boomer, my 4-year old, will walk up to me, give me a hug and just tell me he loves me.” Michael Phelps, Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps is hardly alone as COVID-19 has caused most parents to struggle with new realities.

article thumbnail

20 ways Google tools can make the end of the year ROCK

Ditch That Textbook

The end of the year is unique. Google tools can help! Here are 20 ways to use them in class.?When the end of the school year is in sight, it's a time of excitement coupled with the importance of finishing the year STRONG.The end of the year is a time unlike any other.State tests are […]. The post 20 ways Google tools can make the end of the year ROCK appeared first on Ditch That Textbook.

Google 316
article thumbnail

The Benefits Of Using Technology In Learning

TeachThought - Learn better.

The Benefits Of Using Technology In Learning. contributed by Yulia Gorenko , Unicheck. While technology opens new horizons for education at home, adapting to this is more challenging. What are the pros and cons of remote teaching technology? Education is one of the sectors hardest hit by the COVID-19 lockdown with social distancing measures meaning schools could be closed for the foreseeable future.

article thumbnail

Building the Foundation for a Modern K-12 Classroom

K-12 looks different these days. But one thing remains the same: you need a reliable learning platform that serves as the foundation for teaching and learning––for all students, in a variety of learning experiences. Discover how the Instructure Learning Platform supports today's K-12 classroom through: A central, consistent, connected hub of the digital learning environment.