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List of web and reading resources on design and problem solving.

An interesting post be 'edmerger' on 'being' yourself online, rather than someone else's agenda. I agree with the basic principle of the piece, but feel that it is also slightly too simple. Whether we admit it or not, post comments and links can be considered as some kind of digital branding. We are branding ourselves whether we mean to or not. I think if you try too hard, then that is the issue, not necessarily branding itself.

5 Bad Technology Habits Teachers Can Fall Into

Teaching primary and secondary students how to program has become a hot topic lately. Even people like United States President Barack Obama to actress Angela Bassett to music artist Shakira have spoken about the value of computer programming in an initiative called Hour of Code. With good reason too.

by Terry Heick A little bit of technology doesn't change much. Can make things a little easier by automating them. It could make a lesson here or there gee-wiz flashy, or even engage hesitant students. Tacked-on learning technology can do this. But deep integration of technology-real at-the-marrow fusion of learning model, curriculum, and #edtech?

by Terry Heick Innovation is not something that just happens. Or, rather it does given the right chemistry. Oftentimes this chemistry is referred to locally in schools as "climate," but climate is only a small part of the formula.

A range of digital tools are listed that will allow students to reflect or comment on issues or put their own point of view. They are listed under headings such as writing, multimedia, speaking, performing/directing and artistic expression. Each offers a discussion about the strategy, the tools that could be used and ideas about measuring success.

"In this age of social media, edtech, smartphones, tablets and MOOCs, software applications play a larger role than ever in the learning environment. In fact, apps have reached such a level of ubiquity and everyday integration that a number of software companies are turning out apps that can help students create apps of their own. Here's a list of 10 software tools that can jumpstart a student's knowledge and skill in computer programming:"

A nice annotated list here. Although those listed in the post are linked to the iOS versions they are also available from google app store when I checked . (We would not need #5 and #9 so did not check these.)

"A list of some of the tech tools, including some that are becoming increasingly popular and widely used, that should be part of any teacher's tech tool arsenal, whether for their own personal use or as educational aids in the classroom. They are listed under the categories: social learning, learning content, lesson planning and useful tools"

"There are many apps that do promote critical thinking-and often extended critical thinking and learning at that. These aren't clinical "critical thinking building" programs either, but rather often enjoyable exercises in strategy, tactics, and problem-solving thought. In this post there is a collection of 25 of these critical thinking apps. Most are for grades 8-12, but several are for students as young as kindergarten."