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The Michael and Susan Dell Foundation just released their first in a series of case studies about what blended learning can "look like." The cases will break out the schools' instructional, operational, and financial models, which I find very helpful. This first case profiles a K-1 KIPP school in Los Angeles using computer-based stations to make a rotational small-group differentiated instruction model feasible with a smaller budget for instructional staff. As the authors state, "online programs enable [KIPP] Empower's model but do not integrate with teacher-led instruction" (11).

The new format adds integrated online classroom forums for MOOCs. You can check out Stanford's site here: http://class2go.stanford.edu/

We just missed it, but right now we're in the midst of MobiMOOC, a MOOC organized by educators to teach other educators about mobile learning. Kind of a neat concept, I think! But one of the keys is how good is the instruction in helping educators integrate in mobile learning with good pedagogy instead of just showcasing mobile technologies...probably one of the common dangers with these types of initiatives.

We have read so much about the importance of teachers being prepped to use technology or getting professional development to increase their effectiveness of technology integration - here is one college giving it a try. Local children will learn using iPad tablet technology, thanks to a SUNY Cortland instructor and a group of College students who aspire to become teachers. "Learning About Technology," the final program in a semester-long series, takes place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec.

As schools bring more technology into their classrooms and teachers strive to put more technology in their students' hands, what is the best way to ensure this technology is used effectively?

"Success is the result of a solution that truly meets the website and communication needs of every K-12 stakeholder. With that in mind, we built the new Learning Community Management System (LCMS) from Edline-the first truly integrated website communication platform for K-12 school districts and their learning communities."

Brings up the interesting issue of physical space in 21st century classrooms. Should schools of the future look like the way they do now (ie. desks and chairs, albeit with iPads/laptops atop desks)? How can we match the shift in pedagogical thinking with what our physical spaces of classrooms look like? On a related note, a colleague at an international school in Mumbai showed me around their new K-12 school recently (K-12 1:1 laptop program, phenomenal tech integration program)... and they no longer have walls to demarcate classrooms across the entire school. Instead of classrooms, they have "learning pods." So, imagine you're a third grade teacher--you have four slidable "walls" that you can open up to collaborate with the adjacent third grade section for social studies. Or perhaps you notice that the fifth grade science experiment seems to align with what you're doing today so you walk over to see if they'd be up for sharing what they're doing. Their idea is that the physical space needs to reflect the same environment of open education and collaborative learning that we're promoting in our classrooms.

Nice article on how technology is evolving and revolutionizing our lives. It talks about integrating technology into education (positive and negative comments, reallocation of federal funds in innovative technology, etc)

"Digital natives, techno savvy, comfortable with self-directed learning" - I very much agree with this description of 21st century students. There's no other way to reform education and learning but to embrace this fact, but unfortunately it will take time.

Fascinating article about backlash to a non-profit working with school districts to integrate student data sources. Raises lots of pertinent issues beyond student data: intersection of business, foundations, and school districts; parent reactions to educational technology; districts going down the rabbit hole of tech contracts without a clear sense of what they'll get....

A simple list of ways to use phones in the classroom

Details some efforts, challenges, and successes to bringing design thinking and creativity into K-12 education. Reminded me of some of the programs presented by the CEEO in class last Monday

Here's a report from FutureLab at the National Foundation for Educational Research. It's a long report but they touch on a number of ways that neuroscience and technology can be integrated, whether it being using fMRI to demonstrate how brain activity levels are heightened when someone is allowed to choose their own avatar in a video game, or creating an app that helps dyslexic children read based on a neuroscience framework.

Describes a group looking at the role of technology in both formal and informal educational settings.

Why is overhearing a "half-alogue" more annoying than overhearing a dialog? Study shows that it's not a question of volume: hearing a half-alogue causes the brain to work harder to make sense of it, hurting our performance other cognitive tasks. Could this phenomenon be exploited in a positive way in a learning environment? (e.g. make use of the brain's natural tendency to work on filling gaps?)

Naomi S. Baron, a linguistics professor at American University, studies how cell phones and online messaging change social interactions. She talks to the Tech Therapy team about her concern that colleges push too much technology on students and professors. Should colleges encourage e-mail-free Fridays?

Interesting to think about technology saturation is impacting college students. Some college professors are even resisting technology integration in the classroom because of it - if you're interested in Higher Ed, the Chronicle of Higher Education has many interesting articles about technology in university settings.

What about providing students iPads so that they purchase textbooks on these devices to save resources for both the students and the school? Can we assume that all students will be comfortable using an iPad, or might there be implications for students with learning differences? What about the socioeconomic gap for students who cannot afford a computer to LOAD the books onto their iPads (even if the iPads themselves were provided)?

old tech in new bottles

What is old tech here? Just trying to understand your comment since this "blended learning" looks like exactly something I'd like to do in my classroom. Cool article!