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Definitely video games aren't the enemy, if anything, I think it's one of the greatest educational models that allows application, analyzing, and even synthesizing of skills. It makes peer tutoring possible, it allows participant take control of their learning, and is one of the greatest intrinsic motivators around. If anything, we should be jealous.

Great article, and with the fact that "Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that, when released in higher than usual amounts, goes beyond the synapse and flows to other regions of the brain producing a powerful pleasure response" that alone is the motivator for our young children. I concur that a student is highly motivated with any and all video games, but as with everything else there are cons. An educator must progress monitor and individualize instruction, eventually teaching our students to monitor their own progress with their assignments and get that dopamine feeling for achieving those goals, as they do when they reaching certain stages in a game. I believe that video games are very popular, and definitely a motivator for any lesson. I incorporate the use of iPads to stimulate their learning by assigning research or having students listen to a video (in lieu of direct instruction) then follow directions to complete an assignment. The mere fact that they are taking the iPads and gravitating to their favorite place in the library on their own, is a strong motivator in itself. The results are that they are excited, and that assignments are completed fairly quickly. They are not "bored"

I myself am a life long gamer. I try and incorporate games into my lessons when I can. The hard part for students sometimes is when to put the game down and get on with the lesson at hand. Some students get fixated on a game and can not put it down and then their studies suffer. I would like ot learn more on how to insert more games into my lesson.

I've read about some games that I can use in math, 1) LURE OF THE LABYRINTH: LABYRINTH is funded by the U.S. Department of Education with a primary goal of enhancing pre-algebra mathematics learning, and a secondary goal of improving literacy. 2) MOLECULAR WORKBENCH provides interactive, visual simulations to aide in teaching simple and complex science concepts, such as dynamic molecular structures. 3) SIMCITY: the objective is to design and create a thriving, sustainable city. 4) STARLOGO: The programming possibilities are seemingly endless, and numerous teachers in math and science have created an array of applications with it

I have used some of the following games to enhance the lessons: 1. The Cisco Binary Game for them to practice in computer the translation between decimal numbers and binary. I'm currently holding a contest on who can get the top score to get some extra credit points. 2. The Cisco Packet Tracers is an interactive game in which they guide their character as he battles in cyberspace to get from destination a to b. 3. Whyville will be used the way we used it in class. Experiment with different games to earn clams. Ultimately the clam total will be the basis for their grade. 4. City One is game that shows how to sustain a city that faces different problems. 5. http://www.arcademicskillbuilders.com/games/ Site for elementary games. 6. Timez Attack a program for using addition, subtraction and division. 7. http://tux4kids.alioth.debian.org/index.php Typing, Math and Paint free programs for elementary and Jr. High kids. 8. Webonauts is a game that can be used for elementary and Jr. High students to introduce them to media literacy and citizenship

One way I use gaming in my classroom is by using the program Study Island. This program incorporates games online with concepts my students are learning in the classroom.

Juan, I would have to begin by saying that I am a firm believer in "playing to learning" and "learning by playing". Whether I incoporate a technology game or a traditional game, I am always "playing" in my classroom. I love to see my students get excited about learning and that is exactly what games do, they build excitement! The online games I utilize are endless, but here is a brief list: *internet4classrooms.com: a variety of games, lessons, and interactive white board activites for all grades levels. I usually allow the students to select a game of their choice that is related to the content being taught. *iknowthat.com: a variety of games. I assign a particular game and allow the students to play individually or in pairs. *mathplayground.com: great games and videos to reinforce math concepts *neok12.com: great list of science videos and games. I usually project the videos and then allow the students to participate in a corresponding game using the whiteboard. *mangahigh.com: great math site. The games are very engaing and provide the students with a challenge. *reflexmath.com: excellent way to build math fact fluency *spellingcity.com: an excellent source for practicing spelling words In closing, I would have to say, that my students really love the "Fling the Teacher Games", so I frequently search for them online and use the whiteboard to play them in the classroom.

On the subject of traditional games, this past semester I created some bingo (chalupa, loteria) playing cards to introduce computer parts to the students. They loved it and were really entertained by it.

Games can be a great resource to education. What is the best though is when AAA publishers get involved. The Valve game company recently put out an educational version of its popular Portal game. Making the game itself free to teachers and students along with tool to create new puzzles to teach math and physics concepts. www.teachwithportals.com

Think Through Math is one site I use for indivual games. My students really enjoy Hooda Math and I use Brainpop's game for the whole class. I can definitely see the instrinsic reward system going on. They want to do well to "win", they're having fun and learning in the process. Some of the sites the District subscribes to (Stemscopes, ICORE, Think Through Math) track student mastery. I am able to set up lessons that include instruction as well as games and set a mastery level that must be met before going on to the next level. This is a great help. Regarding traditional games - bingo is still a big hit and a great way to reinforce multiplication, division, vocabulary, etc.

With all the new legislation in the state house and senate hopefully we can get away from so much testing. With many of the new bills the state is taking away the number of state tests the students will have to tak but they will still have to take some tests. Hopefully this will give teachers more "wiggle" room to teach more interactively and engaging. Most of our students know more about technology than we do. We should be using it to reach them.

As a second grade teacher, we still have a little "wiggle room" to incorporate fun reading graphic organizers and fun mini projects for science and social studies. It is getting to the point that our 3rd grade teachers want us to do what they are doing (paper & pencil), but I disagree because with 7 and 8 year olds, they still need the phonics, visuals, and hands on to learn and stay engaged. They have a short attention span and are still developing.

It seems that transitioning from no technology to technology really gets students motivated and excited, however, they also expect guidance if not they'll just play games. Incorporating technology inot what we already do does make a huge difference in student motivation and participation. I will add though that school can still be exciting even without technology, it's just a lot harder.

As a first grade teacher, I have the opportunity to introduce and implement technology. My students are not interested in using the textbooks, but prefer the online texbook and interactive avtivities. Students at this young age are eager to use technology and hands on activities.

All I can do is allow more opportunities in the library with the use of iPads so that the younger students are exposed to devices and apps. For older students, I made sure I covered digital citizenship, evaluating websites, and introduced credible research databases, to lay a foundation for our teachers. Our teachers are very strong, and they are always on task, but many time are limited for all the reasons we all know, lack of tools, time, etc.

I agree students are bored and unmotivated with textbooks and lectures. I think teachers are too. I really like the comment that technology can paint with a much broader palette of colors. That's a great way to look at it. Technology definitely brightens lessons I've tried to inegrate technology into as many lessons as possible; however, not nearly as much or in the way I'd like to. Right now my students are working on Prezis. They are creating a presentation on an ecosystem and they're loving it. The lesson actually called for a diorama - the shoebox version. The Prezis have been a huge hit. Also, technology is integrated in to Health lessons by teaching Internet safety - this is an on going lesson with several sections. Our District subscribes to several sites (Aha Math, Think Through Math, Aha Science, etc.) we use in centers or all together in a computer lab.

It is really hard to motivate certain students, but I'm doing my best to get them ready for college or a job. On a separate but related note, I make a point to tell them that not everything will be to their liking and they'd better be ready to produce.

I agree with all of your comments. It is extremely difficult to motivate students when as teachers we are limited to our teaching strategies and overwhelm with the pressure of having to pass the STAARS test. We are limited with resources. Yet, we must learn how to use technology and learn how to motivate both our students and teachers. Give them a new resource a new way of teaching..

Yes! HCISD is setting the expections and following through with supporting and implementing Cadre 1 with 21 Century equipment. They are providing the resources and setting guidelines for a successful program.

This is a great help to other districts to see how Harlingen is using technology. Hopefully it can inspire others by your success. Do you think you could add links to the apps you are using into the description of the video?

Brian, in my class the students were using a Camtasia edited youtube video from School House Rock linked on Edmodo with a quiz, but aside from that, I'm not sure what the other teachers were using. I know another group of students were using Edmodo as well, but the math app where they were working on triangles of some sort, I really don't know. I'll ask the district's instructional technologist, she would probably know and I'll get back to you.

The goal of the 21st Century classroom should be to seamless integrate technology in the classroom to enhance and promote learning. You are certainly in the right path. Support ant training would be the next items to get in line to keep the technology working properly, and continue enhancing you lessons.

I wish my district would do something like this. We are on an IPAD for every student push right now but we are not producing lessons to go with the IPADs. I really like what you guys are doing in HCISD. Good Job!

Albert, Wow!!! That was an awesome video showcasing how technology can be used in the classroom. In regards, to your questions! I truly believe that Harlingen has taken the right path to prepare students for the real world.

Albert that is fantastic! I am sure that most teachers and students are very excited. In regards to your question, I would have to say yes and no. The creation of digital classrooms is definatley a step in the right directions, but it goes deeper. Teachers need to receive the proper training and then there needs to be some accountability (PDAS, etc.) to ensure that technology is being used to enhance instruction. I was recently in a meeting, where a veteran teacher continually pointed out the negatives in regards to technology: students are off task, distracted, not listening, not producing, etc. With this attitude, I believe that no matter how "digital" his classroom is, he will probably never take full advantage. I guess what I am trying to say is, the equipment is a huge step, but teacher "buy-in" can make or break the long-term success of the initiative.

Absolutely, Heather. There are so many teachers that are resistant to technology, just like there are many who aren't but are in need of the know how. That's why it's very important for us to model, support, and encourage those who can't to do, and those who don't to want.

Albert, I totaly agree. We have a big job ahead of us, but I am EXCITED to be part of it! Together we can all make a difference.

This is really great, HCISD is on their way to incorporating technology in the classroom. The students were really engaged and excited about learning using their IPADS. At my daughter's school they use the Edmoto to communicate with the teacher and parents and she is only in 3rd grade. The teachers are also creating tutorial videos on objectives using You Tube and the students can go into the district website to view them. I think schools are taking a leap into the technology and having the students use it more for their learning.

I really like the way HCISD is implementing technology tools and the "Layers of Learning" training, where administrators, principals, then librarians, and then teachers who were selected as the Digital Classrooms, are being trained, and will continue the layering until everyone is trained. Having administration understand the plan well is important. There is less of a chance that someone will have a gap of learning, and not implement the Technology initiative well. HCISD has thought this out well. In addition an elementary, middle school, and high school PBL Executive team was selected and trained through the summer. Now anyone who is a digital classroom teacher will go through that training. The tools, including mounted projectors with audio microphones, are not just placed in a classroom without the proper training. It is very exciting.

I agree with Ana regarding training and adminstrative support. I believe this IS the answer for the 21 century classroom.This is the direction we need to be moving or we and our students will be left behind, but with so many teachers apprehensive about using technology in their lessons, success of the digital classroom will require and abundance of on going training and support. Reading the description of Isable's daughter's classroom is wonderful!

Wow!!! Yes definitely, digital classrooms are the answer to the 21st century. We live in a digital world, kids are learning in a more interactive way. It's awesome to see when educators and administrators are open minded and are not afraid of using technology for the 21st century. It is true, allowing the students to use their own technology it teaches them to be responsible, to have a digital citizenship. Ofcourse all teachers have to be trained in order to implement these tools, a school doesn't transform into a digital school from one day to the other, it takes time and it's awesome to see Harlingen ISD is doing that. Adding more digital classrooms every year. Thanks for sharing video with us Albert!

I agree with Dara that teachers must be trained properly on the use the technology and how to implement Web 2.0 tools. Sometimes the trainings provided are to vague and are not enough to get the teachers comfortable in using the technology or software. Teachers need to be provided with the proper training in order to be able to teach the students how to use the technology.

I agree with technology in the classroom, I studied engineering, and it really makes a difference when you have hands on activities, and when you do research, or when you are working with a software that is relevant to what you are learning. The only question that I have is, why do they only offer these types of technologies to academies ? or to a few students at schools, why not having offer this learning in all classrooms at the school. I also believe that technology or this type of classrooms by themselves are nothing, there has to be a well trained teacher that is willing to work this way, instead of the traditional way teaching.

Great stuff Albert! Seems like HCISD is doing great things with technology in the classroom. I was wondering how much technology does the district provide and how much do the students bring into the class? How do you all monitor what the students can see when they bring their own device?

Albert sounds like Harlingen is doing some great things with technology. I would have to say that technology is a big part of the 21st century. If teachers and students are trained and educated properly, technology will motivate, inspire, and create critical thinkers.

Cesar you have some great questions that I would like to know the answers to myself.

Edna, in regards to your question. HCISD began a program called Cadre 1 where they would convert 20 classrooms throughout the district to digital classroom by giving those classroom teachers a cart with 11 IPads and headphones, 1 MacBook, an Apple TV, $50 worth of apps, and all the support necessary from a team of collaborating teachers, administrators, and even an instructional technologist. A few months in, they upgraded us to 22 ipads for those digital classrooms. Last Friday was the deadline for teachers to submit their applications for Cadre 2 next year where HCISD will be adding 64 more digital classrooms, and if I'm not mistaking, there will be 120 classrooms added in the 2014-2015 school year. This is where we are headed, and the success of the digital classrooms depends on consistently incorporating technology in our everyday routine. It's a new step, but it has made a world of difference in our classrooms with our students. Besides, it goes hand-in-hand with what we've been learning the last year and a half in the program.

In addition to all that HCISD is doing, all the Library Media Specialists were sent to Project Based Learning as well as technology training which we have as part of our annual training. This year we attended TCEA and brought back many new apps and ideas to implement in our classrooms. We are part of the layers of learning to help support our campus teachers. The Cadre I and II digital classrooms are well supported on their campus and by the district Technology department and technicians on campus, instructional technologist, Library Director and Library Media Specialists. I know a 5th grade teacher who teaches Math and Science at Stuart Elementary who has implemented the B.Y.O.D. initiative in her classroom. She used the district form ( found on our website) to send to her parents, and students are bringing in tablets, smart phones, and any other device that accesses the internet. The devices supplement the lesson which is standard based or driven, and the teacher facilitates the learning, and monitors their use. Many times students decide when they need the devices during the lesson, or how they will use them to share with the classroom. This teacher is now ready to apply for the digital classroom, and understands that the devices still supplement a well planned Standard based lesson, and that she must facilitate and progress monitoring daily. Cesar, the district has a strong firewall, and certain websites are blocked, but the teacher uses her username and password to get through the firewall if he or she deems the website appropriate. Teachers get 30 minute time increments. Most everything that students need is available to them. Anytime an inappropriate breach happens, the technician is alerted and will come to the classroom to let the teacher know. In this particular classroom, Edmodo is used as well as other district software for Math and Science. Another idea on the use of iPads: For poetry, I used my iPads to introduce Poems, and gave studen

This is a great website that offers educational videos as resources for students to view as examples.

I liked the fact that videos are divided in subcategories and that you can learn about anything. Knowledge is at the tip of our fingertips.

Victoria, Khan Academy is a great resource every teacher should use. The educational videos are very well made and it keeps the students engaged. The other feature that is awesome is that you can "sign up" and it keeps track of your progress as you go through different videos and activities. Khan Academy is Great!

I love the fact that it's individualized per student. It's great that it's FREE and that students can be assessed after the skill/lesson has been reviewed. I was hoping there would be something for English/Language Arts. I'm sure going to share this with our Math and Science department because I believe it's useful for student practice.

Great videos and completely learner centered. One thing that our district is always wanting is data on student progress and this is a great way to assess in a child centered way. I also wish this was available for Reading Language Arts. Great info, thanks for sharing.

Thanks for sharing this informative website. I like it that is not only for students but for parents too. Parents and students can get resources. This website has alot of lessons that students can use for them after reviewing a lesson.

Thank you for the video link. This website is actually used at our campus daily for SAT testing preparation and tutorial trainings. What I expecially like is the video rendering process vs. other software...it's great. The student are able to view videos without interuption or video rendering delays. I highly recommend this website to everyone for all areas of educational levels. It offers a high variety of video in every content of learning that you will need. It's a great website. Thank you..Blanca

Excellent website with lots of videos and examples! The videos provide detail explanation about each topic. The practices allow you to practice the skills that you just learned in the video.

Great website! I love that there are many videos that educators could use as part of their lessons and parents can also benefit from this website as well.

The videos are great and ideal for the whole learning community. It's great for practicing the skill and developing a skill. Thank you for sharing.

One of the tools I like the most is VOKI. Voki is awesome because it catches the viewers attention since the first time they look at your presentation. One of the tools that I have not used yet but would like to try it out is "PENZU". I actually had never heard about it until now that I looked at this list. This website is a GREAT RESOURCE to have available. Thank you for sharing Alyssa! I actually did not want to put this in a sticky note on the original website page because then it would say that I shared this website even-though it's you who is sharing it.

@ R. Palomares: Is that why it does that (referring to the sticky)? I was wondering why it had said I had shared the website for another link. Thanks!! Yeah, there were a lot of tools I had never heard about on this list. It helps to better understand my knowledge for this 21st century shift.

This website is Super Helpful! I have already shown it to a couple of teachers in my wing and they are excited to have so many site to choose from. I've spoken to my principal to give a mini training on a couple of site in 2 weeks. I defintley will start with Dropbox for the same reasons L Pena explained above (always forgetting my pindrive). Penzu was impressive something our English department will enjoy and Poll Anywhere is great way of getting students started with BYOD in the classroom.

It is great to be able to have all these different sites available with ideas on how to use them. I was able to see how it's even divided into categories, like sites for teaching, sites for planning, sites for reinforcing it is a great website and another one on my favorites list. There is not one that I prefer over another they are all so useful. In my grade level we have become faithful users of Drop Box in order to plan more effectively and have instant access to all lessons. Also Prezzi is one that my kids get easily engaged with we have been enhancing our novels with this. Great job, thanks for sharing.

Amazing article I read on here. I would implement as many web 2.0 tools as possible in my classroom. In my computer lab however students are only working on science components in preperation for the science STARR and end of course review sessions. Students have used stixy notes for note taking strategies. I would highly encourage web 2.0 tools in classrooms and get approval from administration what tools are used.

Great resource website for Web 2.0 Tools. I really enjoy using Vuvox, its an alternative way to present information in a slideshow. Students also have fun be creative with their information. Heres another link for Web 2.0 Tools: Effective Web 2.0 Tools for the Classroom https://sites.google.com/site/educationalweb20tools/

My favorite is Dropbox it is a great way to collaborate we utilize it within our integrated grade levels, 5th and 6th and we have immediate access to any new idea or information that benefits our teaching.

Hey Alyssa, does this use up space like icloud? I know I tried getting my students to use icloud or any other online storage space BUT our campus said it takes up too much bandwidth. Does this work the same?

I am using some of these tools in my classroom, but I was not aware that there were so many Web 2.0 tools. I am going to look into some of these Web 2.0 tools to integrate in my classroom.

This website offers up-to-date information of not only the latest educational tools but most importantly their impact in changing the learning environment. Please take a look at some of the best practices I have highlighted and share your views on what are some challenges you feel educators will experience as more technology is implemented in your curriculum.

Jaime, thanks for the video. I really enjoyed how they viewed the 3-D lessons. Viewing the internal organs of the frog were neat. Our science students would be so much more engaged and have a better understanding identifying the organs by using a program like this. Again, great info to share.

I like how each link showed what grade level it was for and there were so many to choose from too. The Building a school website was good and so is the Typing one its nice to have a varity in a keyboarding class.

I was able to explore the website it's really nice, I especially like how the learner can create a story and allow others to add or help continue the story.( invention at play ) Basically, by allowing the learner to invent and think critically it will open up the doors to life time learning. http://sciencenetlinks.com/lessons/ Try this website, it also has an enormous collection of Science lessons that use the method above to enhance critical thinking. It reflects on the studies done about how learning is ensured through exploration and creativity. It is a great website that follows something similar to the PBL model. The lessons pose a question and require being inventive and exploring possible solutions.

Zoom Inventors and Inventions is an interesting website for having your students discover who invented certain items. One interesting fact I learned is that the reflectors that we find on the edge of the road were originally called "cat's eye road reflector". This website states that the inventor came up with this invention because the reflection of a cat's eyes at the side of a road kept him from driving off a hill at night..

Yes, i just viewed this site on someone else's comment. I honestly enjoyed the one about building a school website. It appeared to be very user friendly and perfect for teachers transitioning into the use of technology.

This is a great website. I like that it has a collection of different websites tha have learning activities for students. I really liked the Dance Mat Typing website. It introduces and shows the students the correct way to type. thanks for sharing!

Powerful! It is created by educators, and gaming is the ultimate motivator for many of our students. I can see this working, but the teacher must have an end goal in mind, and truly understand this tool. Thank you for sharing!

I have heard of Minecraft but haven't had the chance to play it myself. I didn't realize how big it has become. It seems like it could be a useful tool for learning much like whyville is. Is the educational version free?

My son LOVES minecraft. I could definetly see ways of incorporating it into the classroom. I could see a group project on how to build something to overcome an obsticle. I had never thought of minecraft as an educational device before but now I think I am going to login with my son and see what can come up with.

I have heard of Minecraft but never new that teacher's were using it in the classroom for teaching purposes. I believe if there is a teacher who uses it in the class and has great results from it then that teacher should share her experiences with other teachers. I would definitely look into it if I knew it would help the students in their learning.

I had heard of it, but now you have peaked my curiosity. Let me play, I mean research it and see how I can use it in class.

Have I heard of it??? I can't get my son off of it! I do not have any personal experience using it as a teaching tool, but I have been reading up on the education version. The website http://minecraftedu.com/ contains sample lesson plans and activities guides, along with a forum and chat discussion group. I am excited about "Quiz Blocks", which is a feature that will be added soon. I have on the other hand utilized the program as an incentive for a student who is currently on a BIP. When he earns the required points, he is able to use the program for 15 minutes. He loves it (almost as much as my son) and I have already seen an improvement in his behavior.

I hadn't heard of Minecraft before, but it looks like a very interesting game. I watched the video and it seems to be a very powerful tool that could be used by teachers to foster students' creativity. The crafting system could also be used to impove students' basic math skills. Minecraft could definitively be used in geometry classes since everything is made up of cubes and students would understand and review the concepts of volume and area.

I had not heard about it until now. I can see how it can be engaging to children. I think middle school and high school children would probably find it very engaging. Since students will want to play it, it would be an excellent learning tool. I would like to learn more about it.

Dara, my two sons (11 and 7) love Minecraft!! Like Heather, I can barely get them away from it. I agree with Ana in that gaming is a fantastic motivator. What I've seen is what we call games aren't really what the students had in mind; however, Minecraft is definitely a game. I've not used it in a lesson, but the vocabulary (resourses, gravel, sand, distance mined, etc) my sons are using when they are playing has peaked my interest in using it in math and science lessons. Minecraft can most definitely be used as an incentive.

Dara, my son loves the game; my students love playing the game. Do they know the game is educational; I don't think so. Which is the beauty of it all. Learning should be transparent, it should be fun; students should enjoy learning and if using games like Minecraft be used in the classroom for education or for behavior incentives students would enjoy learning in a different way. Dara, great topic selection because it would be a great way to reach students in their own element or enviroment.

My son downloaded this app in his IPAD and I also purchased the game at Game Stop for $20.00 for the XBOX 360 online. He has already created our 3-dimensional home using Minecraft. He has built our entire square footage of our home, the garage, and the yard. It is so awesome, but I don't know how he does it because the 3-D makes me dizzy. I could not do it. He is so creative and I think someday he will become an engineer because he has always loved legos and loves to build things!

It is incredible how sometimes we as educators hide in our comfort zone without realizing all cool educational material out there in the world, I agreed this game can be helpful if it is used for educational purposes. Specially in this era of students where technology is no longer strange or difficult to use.

This game is very popular in the high school setting as well. Whenever students come together in an online community good and bad things will happen. This game is a good way to introduce collaboration and netiquette. Here is a link on how to use minecraft https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_uJDeTX9eEAPLBSgcWH0Iq5AG3VBWkDVnB7Ccs8je1s/edit Also here is a blog from a teacher who uses it in lessons: http://minecraftteacher.tumblr.com/ and an excerpt from one way to use it in class. "One lesson, for example, challenged his students to divide up into teams and build houses. As Levin explains the task: They were given a few raw materials and tools, but NOT enough to complete the job. Only enough to get started. They had to decide how to divide the work amongst themselves. Who would gather resources? Who would build? Would one team member be the architect and take a leadership role. Or would everyone take a turn doing each of these tasks?

What do you all think as Texas educators about the proposal to reduce graduation requirements and standardized testing?

It is about time. It seems all we are doing is testing students or getting them ready to do testing. As a teacher i feel bombarded with test training and testing dates and as a parent I feel like what can I do to help my child be ready for all these testing days. Hopefully in the next few years we can backtrack and come up with other ways of assessing students (portfolios etc). My school was brought into a consortium that is opting out of some of the testing already (HB 1887). We are looking into other ways of assessing our students and hopefully this can become a standard for the state rather than just giving standardized tests.

I hope they move in that direction as well. It seems the teachers know what is best and they never really bother to ask them. When you think about it, 15 tests to graduate? Really? After all the other work they have to do in their school careers?

It is about time that someone is actually considering the student, meaningful learning, and long-term success. Testing and accountability have their place in education, but as it stands, testing is being used for all the wrong reasons. At the end of the day, educators are responsible for fostering and promoting life-long, successful learners. These changes may actually bring the passion back to teaching and learning!

I agree with the superintendent in this article, that all students learn at different paces, perform at certain levels with the same amount of time. ---"That's fundamentally flawed." because it does not leave room for differentiated instruction.

There is too much time being spent on testing. We should provide students with strong vocational programs that can provide a source or income for their future, whether they are college bound or not. Having a college education is great, but it they can't get that at lease they will have a skill that can help them earn a good living.

The 15 tests to graduate also doesn't include the tests that the students would need to take if they wish to go to a university or college. I'm thinking ACT, SAT, THEA or TASP as it was called when I was in high school. Oh and I think they have one called the accuplacer too. That gets closer to 20 tests!

This tool looks really cool. The model of the Eiffel Tower and the portrait really shows the possibilities. I would integrate this tool in math when teaching and practicing/reviewing geometry - 3 D figures, 2 D shapes, etc. The students could greate their own 3 D models instead of creating the traditional paper models. The students would love it! I wonder how much the plastic refill is.

I can think of several uses that I could give this device, like creating 3 d models of network installations, designing a computer, and other projects.

Architecture, Geometric shapes, anatomy of animals, characters for storytelling, parts of a plant, sketch of a historical figure...the possiblities are endless. I am glad you shared this tool, what an awesome invention. I, too, wonder what the cost for the refill plastic is, and whether it heats up at a high or low temp. Thank you for sharing.

I can see how some students may use their creativity using the 3-D writing pen. It would be amazing to see what some people could come up with. The 3-D printing paper is amazing how with just a few photos the computer can print out a paper that can be assembled into a 3-dimensional object. Thanks for posting this, this are very interesting and advanced technologies!

This is such a neat tool to incorporate in the classroom. I would like to use this tool in my math class to reinforce geometric vocabulary words and figures. Students will be able to create their own 3-d figures and get a feel for what a vertex, edge, and face look like instead of drawing flat on a paper. This would be a great tool for our early college which does a yearly math project of creating a scale model of a famous building or structure. Students will be able to create the whole model using this pen.

What a marvelous find Betsy. The possibilities do seem endless. Like Gayle and April said already, my first thought was 3D figures for math. This would make it extremely easy to teach vertices, faces, and edges in math. My favorite part of the pen was actually the ability to repair plastic things. How much does it cost?

Amazing!! As soon as I saw this I thought of so many things my 1st graders can do with this pen. The students would have so much fun with it. They would be able to see that learning can be fun and it will help remember so many things because they actually created it with this 3D pen. I could use this pen for all the subjects I teach.

I'm going to do my best to get one of these pens for my classroom. I was blown away; imagine what it would do for the students. Once again, the possibilities are endless and what a cool piece of technology.

Wow! These are very cool. I can see how these would enhance and enrich a geometry lesson on 3-dimensional figures and/or measurement (e.g. volume). I agree with Adam, a class set has endless potential.

This is a real cool pen, I can only wonder what the next generation will be like. If this is just the first version; it next will be even better. Students would go crazy using these tools. Like Heather and Adam stated the potential use is endless. Using the pen for science and math would be great. The electives classes would also benefit from using the pens. Now, getting a hold or purchasing them is a totally different thing. Our district is cutting back once more and our budget is already gone. Looking for a grant would be the next best thing.

Thank you for sharing, I just bookmarked this website it is amazing with all its different aspects of video. I was able to view many of the sites and one particular that got my attention was creating an iMovie to reinforce science, math and reading skills. I reviewed the iMovie with a group of 2nd and 3d graders who become engineers and had to work in groups to create a bridge that would stay up. In groups they all discussed the many reasons why certain angles worked better than others. I try my best to record my kids while they reflect and problem solve but I especially feel that having them create an iMovie is a great way to reinforce the concept and allow for long time learners.

This is a neat website! Thank you for sharing!

You're right, this is a great website to bookmark! I like how it shows in a list all of the Educational Video Sites we can use. I had never heard of "Cosmo Learning" but it seemed very interesting. Thank you for sharing!