Group items tagged

"special needs, students, lessons, inclusion, team, athletics"

Google is beginning to disregard academic educations altogether: they're just not a good predictor of success at the company.  According to the Times, Google is putting its money where its mouth is: they've actually increased their hires with no college education-14% of some of its teams have never been to school, according to Bock. Instead, the emphasis is on hiring candidates who are leaders, and work well in teams.

Must. Read. Such a valuable lesson and another example of how we are doing it wrong.

We call DJEEO an outdoors computer game for children. DJEEO combines advanced IT technology with outdoors activities in a multimedia treasure hunt/orientation run. DJEEO is designed to: Facilitate learning through physical activity and play. Strengthen cooperation and communication. Increase intensity and activity for all participants. How do you win? To win a mission a team needs to score the most points. A team scores points by solving problems and finding posts in the field. The game can only be completed through close cooperation between the agents in the field and the control center. DJEEO in Education The problems that need to be solved can be tailored to the subject being taught in class. In other words DJEEO can be used as an educational tool in almost any subject at primary school. After a session where 20 teachers participated we asked them which subjects they thought DJEEO could be used in. Their answer: “Mathematics, social studies, geography, language, physical education, etc. We then discussed DJEEO’s usefulness as an educational tool. All agreed that the ability to adjust the level of difficulty and the tailoring of questions to subject matter, allowed by the flexible project module, makes DJEEO a valuable tool for almost any subject.

Collaborative writing software. Open source install on server or pay for hosted version. Write and revise proposals and see changes by all.

A superb, 'must try' collaborative whiteboard site. Invite collaborators to draw, write, screen capture and upload documents onto your whiteboard in real time. Great for webinars, distance learning, howework or group work in class. http://ictmagic.wikispaces.com/ICT+&+Web+Tools

Two resources that might appeal to educators pondering the future.

Emotional Intelligence (EI) has been described by the Harvard Business Review as a paradigm-shifting concept, transforming how we approach personal and professional development. Recognising its profound impact, UNICEF advocates for the incorporation of EI from an early age, believing that fostering these skills in children helps them grow into balanced individuals. By equipping young people with the ability to manage their emotions and navigate challenges rationally, EI sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthier relationships, improved decision-making, and emotional resilience. Significance of EI The positive impact of EI on education is clear. Students with well-developed EI skills tend to perform better academically, as they are more focused, motivated, and resilient in the face of challenges. EI also enhances social interactions, enabling students to build stronger relationships with peers and teachers. More importantly, it supports emotional well-being by helping students manage stress, cope with setbacks, and navigate conflicts with maturity and understanding. A student with high emotional intelligence is not only equipped to handle academic pressure but also prepared to deal with life's ups and downs. These skills are invaluable, especially in a world that increasingly values emotional well-being alongside intellectual achievement. For instance, Indian schools in Dubai are recognising the importance of EI, offering programs that nurture emotional growth alongside academic learning, creating well-rounded individuals prepared for the future. Integrating EI into the Curriculum For EI to truly benefit students, it must be woven into the fabric of the school curriculum. While academic subjects like mathematics and science are crucial, it's equally important to incorporate emotional intelligence into daily lessons. Schools can include activities such as role-playing exercises, group discussions, and mindfulness practices that help students build empathy,