Group items tagged

Great website that guides children through computer programming using Java in a really easy step by step way.

Here is an entertaining talk about how everyday objects can be used for science education. We are all aware / starting to better appreciate that "it definitely ain't about the technology", but what conceptual understanding the technology can effect. Personally, I see two advantages of such low cost technologies: 1. They increase access to interesting learning materials for all - quickly. 2. They can serve as the kernels of ideas for influencing emerging technologies. ( Like in out class discussion : models are still expensive but they can guide / inspie Do share your thoughts.

One teacher claims that "The idea is to invert the normal rhythms of school, so that lectures are viewed on the kids' own time and homework is done at school." - Do you agree that this is a good solution? 

I too am intrigued by this "inverting" of time spent in the classroom and at home. My idealized model would be to introduce learners to new material at their own pace out of the classroom (allowing for pausing, note taking, reflecting and/or rewinding) and focus classroom time on face to face guiding and coaching of clusters of students or individual students engaged in applying or exploring the current material. To help facilitate this (and assist with accountability) some brief form of pre-assessment before class or at the start of class could illuminate for student and teacher alike what material has been mastered and what needs more attention. The research report from the TIE Foundations summer reading appears to support this type of hybrid approach. => Marsha Lovett, Oded Meyer, and Candace Thille (2008). The Open Learning Initiative: Measuring the effectiveness of the OLI statistics course in accelerating student learning.

An added benefit of tools such as Khan Academy is the option for reinforcement. In a traditional K-12 school environment students do not have the option to watch a video of their class or spend personalized time reviewing a concept they need more time with during class time due to the required pace of school curriculum. An online learning tool allows a student to watch a lesson as many times as needed and to learn from an expert. Often if a student needs help outside the classroom the only people they turn to is parents, who may or may not know about the content themselves.

Interesting to look at some of the federal policies that restrict internet use in schools. The incentive for schools to participate is access to an E-rate saver program. This is a bit controversial because it utilizes censorship and restricts the students' freedom to take full advantage of the information available on the Web. The reasons behind the CIPA act are pretty obvious- safety.

Interesting report

An amazing study that asked kids 12 and under to draw pictures of what they hope to see computer and the Internet do in the future. Should this be used as a guide to create emerging technologies?

I have viewed these webinars before and I would advise you to give it a go.

Interesting list to reflect on. "Here are 8 signs that your online college is just another extension of the School of Hard Knocks handing out Masters Degrees in Gullibility."

Since we have talked about Lurking a few times during class, i thought this post in a help forum for Lefora.com (a forum host) was interesting. The subtle difference in perspective for this post is that assumes managers of the forum are appealing to audience rather than offering fodder for consideration and discussion. A trend I've noticed generally around the use of technology in education is how it requires teachers to be better persuaders and packagers of information. I think this is a good trend but I am wary of it going too far.

Technology is a double-edged sword. Young children cannot be exposed to the screen all day long, but there is no need to make a fuss about it. They can still learn a lot if they are properly guided.

"The world is ripe for another revolution - this time in education. Technology has advanced so much over the last two decades that we can virtually change the way we educate." - Vivek Wadwa, senior research associate at Harvard Law School and director of research at Duke University's Center for Entrepreneurship.