MobilAP is a web-based, platform for creating interactive conference and classroom experiences. It contains features like question/response, discussion, link sharing and scheduling. The cornerstone of the project is a Mobile Safari based front end that has an optimized experience for users of the iPhone and iPod touch.
The goal of this project is to provide teachers a list of common terms or phrases aimed at improving vocabulary development of students in Tennessee. Although there is no single best way to teach terms and phrases, Dr. Marzano's research and theory on vocabulary development does point to a few generalizations that provide strong guidance. This site is dedicated to the sixth step in that process by providing a collection of games and activities designed to review and strengthen vocabulary development.
"Abstract: This paper reports on the design, development, and application of a Checklist intended to assist educators in recognizing strengths and weaknesses in their technology-based programs at their institutions. The Checklist sampled public and private schools to validate the existence and impact of the Technology Facade. Initial findings indicate that schools have masked the effective use of computers labs and classroom computers behind the auspices of teacher activities, student participation, and parental involvement. The study and suggests possible courses of action to address deficiencies in the use of technology, the construction of the necessary infrastructure, and the design of a viable instructional strategy."
This resonates with me because I see it time after time. Even one-to-one districts aren't doing anything with the computers that they weren't already doing without them. The technology is a Facade. Interesting notion
The author of this book was my professor at Duquesne University during the time he was authoring it. He, at the time was the head of the Instructional Technology Deptartment. As an assignment, we helped to "proofread" and make suggestions...so excited to see it mentioned here. Larry has been ahead of his time in this field for years. Great read, and highly recommended as it offers a different, yet crucial perspective on things.
And the reason is that we buy toys and only allow our students to do what they always did before, yet we expect different results. Notice what they say these kids will use these ipads for. Revolutionary? Hardly. Sound education? Not even close.
Exactly! When they see that they can't add apps or use it as a personal learning deice (locked down, it's still learning that's direted by the teacher and not by the student) the novelty will wear off VERY quickly.
They need 32 gig? I'll be willing to be they don't fill HALF of that. NO music. NO photos. Just apps? This decision was made by someone who thought more is better. Oh, and.. stylus? HUH?
play math games, study world maps and read “Winnie the Pooh.”
And we know how much the overhead projector raises the level of Bloom's and fosters student-centered environments. It allows the TEACHERS to do things. Not the students.
The New York City public schools have ordered more than 2,000 iPads, for $1.3 million
More than 200 Chicago public schools applied for 23 district-financed iPad grants totaling $450,000. The Virginia Department of Education is overseeing a $150,000 iPad initiative
Economic recession? WHAT economic recession? Oh my. I hope that folks revisit these 'investments' in two years. There will be NO improvement and they will again blame the technology instead of the fact that it was the WRONG technology!
“If there isn’t an app that does something I need, there will be sooner or later,”
Perhaps we'll now do the same for schools' 'just say no' policies regarding Wikipedia, mobile phones, YouTube, and other digital technologies?
I know. Wishful thinking...
I wonder if the fact that the National Archives has hired their first "Wikipedian in Residence” will help change the minds of some of those academics who now reflexively tell their students how evil the site is. If a large traditional keeper of information can work in that online space, maybe it’s not so bad after all. :-) http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/politics/conversations-dominic-mcdevitt-parks-national-archives-connects-with-wikipedia/2011/06/02/AGCYDWHH_story.html
"The paper profiles 40 influential blended learning organizations that are among the earliest pioneers of this fast-growing sector-including several Apex Learning high school district partners such as Chicago's VOISE Academy (pg 150) and Wichita Public (pg 157). Also documented is the effectiveness achieved by these organizations in reducing costs and improving academic performance with high quality, personalized instruction through online learning in brick-and-mortar classrooms."