HGSET561

This is an online collaborative tool to help people (especially children) create and share stories and/or art. 

Comment: As we're talking about the Common Core Standards, this is a concept which aligns itself to the CCSS. I volunteered through a non-profit organization this summer to teach AVID classes concepts about the world of work, entrepreneurship and personal finances. (AVID is advancement via Individualistic Determination) 

Did some digging into the Quest for Learning school that was mentioned in the Connected Learning reading. They're about average on test scores in 2012 (found here: http://projects.nytimes.com/new-york-schools-test-scores/counties/new-york/districts/new-york-city-district-2/schools/quest-to-learn), which could be cited to support arguments on both side the 'gaming v traditional learning' coin with regards to standardized tests. It will certainly be interesting to see how their graduates fair over the next decade or so.

Well spotted, Ms. Laura. Schools like this really do take some leap of faith. Even parents/students/administrators/teachers who really believe in the ideals must realize that the students do not exist in a vacuum and that if/when their kids take the SATs, apply to college, etc., they are buying into the system that they are trying to reject/amend earlier in the students life.

Following on the mention of the new Common Core assessments - PARCC and Smarter/Balanced - here's an article for educators about the current state of development.

You just knew this was going to happen. Frankly, I'm amazed it hasn't happened sooner.

A follow up on the discussion of the influence of MOOCs in today's session. This is a research on online algebra courses. It examines 6 providers of online algebra courses and finds room for improvement. It suggests there is truly a lot to be improved about online courses. Online courses are designed to offer much more than they are offering now.

Are "dumb" phones really that dumb?

A look at where the digital divide meets the achievement gap

BiNu makes feature phones a little smarter.

I'm so excited to see biNu on here, Jenny! I wrote a case study about their technology for a class last year and was blown away how their model of cloud computing could essentially turn "dumb" feature phones into smart phones - and for a fraction of the cost. They've changed their marketing approach and business model substantially since I wrote the case study last fall, but I still see a lot of potential for this type of tech to reach hitherto-unconnected people in the developing world who were still using phones and 2G networks. So interesting, thanks for posting!

Minecraft is an interesting example of an entertainment game that is big in the education sector.

An interesting piece about virtual schools and academic integrity. Found it particularly interesting as the school (Commonwealth Connections Academy) I taught high school history at for 4 years is highlighted in the article. I have a lot of experience, both good and bad, regarding the issues highlighted in the article and am just curious of other's perspectives.

A step to explore models for MOOCs

A new publication dedicated solely to MOOCs.

schools lag consumers in demand for games

one outcome of the 2010 National Ed Tech Plan

A look at how teachers are building the community-centered approach to learning through social media.

Looks like chocolate covered broccoli to me...