HGSET561

The real question, ultimately, is, "Does technology help our students become better independent, self-directed learners?" That's the game-changer. It's not about the latest fancy device, hot off the shelf.

Important questions to ask students 1. What do students think is the best use of technology in schools? 2. What do students think the roles of computers should be in the classroom? 3. What do students think about computers being used as tutors? 4. Do students want more time with the teacher or is the computer instruction enough? 5. What is a good use of the internet in classrooms?

About Edmodo in High School classrooms

Not exactly a link re: technology, but really good reading if you intend to IMPLEMENT any of the stuff we have talked about for the last several months. You will need to move people to change habits - Marshal Ganz of HKS describes a process to articulate a vision of change and move people to action.

"A new, federally funded project will test students' ability to learn fractions on mobile apps through the theory of "embodied cognition"-or, to put it in non-science speak, manipulating and moving images and information on screens with their fingers."

A few people posted about using Skype in the classroom. Thought I would add to that especially since this article reminded me of the virtual session we had on Monday when HGSE had cancelled classes due to weather conditions.

A teacher's perspective on the issue: http://gazette.teachers.net/gazette/wordpress/steve-sherman/innovation-10-reasons-google-skype-should-be-used-in-the-classroom-a-teachers-view/

This looks promising. If Skype/Google Hangout add a few more features to their interface, it could render obsolete Blackboard and other paid software for video conferencing and online classes. I think the engineers at Google and Microsoft have the skills to put together a better product than what's currently out there. It's just a matter of whether they seize the opportunity.

In the homework vs. no-homework debate, options like flipped classroom or blended learning are not even given a chance. How might technology help solve the educational problems in France?

Government sponsored Common Core resources for teachers. I searched around quickly and it looks like a great resource to find original documents, sources etc.

go half way down the page for the WearCam, which is capable of perceiving and visualizing social-emotional information in real-time human interaction. The idea is to use this to help individuals with Autism and Asperger's understand and react appropriately to the emotions of the people with whom they interact.

This video shows Marco combining simple AR with super storytelling skills. Makes one wonder what a skillful teacher could do with those two tools.

Someone in class once mentioned the use of virtual tools to help medical students to learn more about the human anatomy. This table is not revolutionary but I think it still provides a nice introduction to the anatomy.

Assistive technology and the ability to personalize learning for students with disabilities

This article highlights movement towards learning by creating and outlines some platforms that are designed to facilitate that.

Great compilation of video sites for education.

A study in NZ found that supportive text messages doubled the chance of quitting smoking within six months. Just-in-time learning, indeed.

Today's reading about the OLPC project reminded me of Innovations in Poverty Action, a research organization dedicated to finding new, research-based methods for improving outcomes and equity. A very interesting approach.

All 8 courses are offered through Coursera

Webinar about out of school learning. Will also be archived by DML.