Group items tagged

The NYC Department of Education is challenging software developers to submit apps and games that enhance teaching, learning, and engagement for NYC middle schools. I thought this might interest folks working on app or startup ideas.

Cell phones are banned in NYC public schools, but it is the norm for students who attend schools without metal detectors to bring their phones anyway. If caught teachers are confiscating phones for up to a week, or longer, at their discretion. At schools with metal detectors small businesses have popped up around schools, storing students' phones for the school day for a small fee, similar to a coat check system. Instead of harnessing the power of mobile phones that almost every student already has, they are punishing them and/or causing them to pay money to keep them stored for the school day so that they can have them before and after school. I think this is a missed opportunity for the NYC school system not only because they are missing out on mobile learning opportunities with technology the district doesn't have to buy, but they could also be teaching the students responsible and appropriate use of mobile phones in public spaces.

A pilot program in NYC for personalizing education in the classroom

Seems like a not-too-instrusive way to bring technology to the classroom--mostly behind the scenes.

"The event is expected to focus on iTunes U and electronic textbooks/' iTunes U has been offering free educational videos and recorded lectures for years. I wonder what they'll unveil on Thursday the 19th re: e-textbooks

Uses hot spots to teach about NYC.

Quest to Learn, NYC School that focuses on videogames

The New York TImes continues their efforts to get an explanation from the Department of Education of NY on their reasons behind the cell phone ban. It seems that the district is not budging on their policy and is so far unwilling to listen to educators vouching for phones as useful learning tools. 

Some of the city's "turnaround" schools, including the one where this teacher works, are listing knowledge or willingness to learn about using a blended learning instructional models as a criterion for hiring teachers. An interesting and entertaining blig post about implementation & buy-in of blended learning in NYC schools.

used iLearn http://www.ilearn.com/web/AboutGains.asp

Fascinating new school in New York, focusing on Science and teaching entirely through educational gaming.

Although, funny enough, it's not texting for learning, but rather they are communicating information to parents, to keep them engaged and involved. I did think the part about the NH school allowing cell phone use to reduce distractions and allow teachers to focus on teaching instead of enforcement was also interesting. Technology-bans were affecting their effectiveness!

K-14 Stem Schools?

AHA! This is really interesting...I have to say I appreciate the upheaval of something we take as a given--that the system necessarily has to work k-12. A guaranteed associates degree is provocative to think about in a range emerging fields. . .

Videos from "School for Tomorrow, Bringing Technology to the Classroom", NYC, Conference. #HGSET561

Facebook alibi

This caught my attention in the question of how web-stored or shared information can be counted as legal documentation.