Here I share a report on informal science learning. The report synthesizes research on science learning across three primary venues--everyday/family life, designed experiences in informal institutions, and out-of-school programs. The evidence presented suggests that learners' informal experiences with science, from museum visits to television shows to observations in nature, contribute strongly scientific knowledge and engagement. I agree with the fact that such informal experiences boost learning, especially science and additionally language learning.

Dr. Roy Pea has been exploring how information technologies can support and advance learning and teaching, with particular focus on topics in science, mathematics, and technology education. He has published widely on such topics as distributed cognition, learning and education fostered by advanced technologies including scientific visualization, on-line communities, digital video collaboratories, and wireless handheld computers . He is the co-author of " How People Learn". You can see his other publications on the given link. It is possible to download some of his articles from the link.

I had chance to visit some Montessori early education centers and got impressed by the way children learn. I am really looking forward to hearing your comments on this method.

I also present a brief paper on this method. You can download it clicking on the link below: http://www.williamsburgmontessori.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/The_Montessori_Method.pdf

Allan Collins is a retired professor of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University and best known in psychology for his work on semantic memory and plausible reasoning, in artificial intelligence for his work on reasoning and intelligent tutoring systems, and in education for his work on situated learning, inquiry teaching, epistemic forms and games, design research, and cognitive apprenticeship. His famous work with the co-author Richard Halverson is "Rethinking Education in the Age of Technology: The Digital Revolution and Schooling in America" that was published in 2009. I have put the link to download the article presenting a summary of the contents of the book written by Collins and Halverson.

Here is a list of his publications and books: http://allancollins.northwestern.edu/pubs-more.html http://allancollins.northwestern.edu/books.html

Unfortunately, this is another case in Turkey in which reforms (!) are made and put into practice without conducting of research and eliminating the underlying causes. I wish closing down the private course instituions could solve the problem. Firstly we need to revise our education system, curricula, teacher education, assessment and student selection system etc. The list needing revision is so long that private course institutions can be considered as the last problem to be solved out.

This video reminded me of the difference between Generation Y and Z. Gen Z has born into a highly sophisticated media and computer environment and as teachers from Gen X or Y we try to provide them with learning environments equipped via technology. It may seem really demanding on the part of teachers as life-long learners.

Here is news about the scientists who stored data in DNA. I really wonder what the next step is. Maybe they are going to store all knowledge in DNA and then find ways to use it. Most probably, the only thing that our grandchildren do will be learning how to use and transfer the stored data. Who knows:)

LD is frequently mistaken as laziness or associated with disorders of emotion and behavior.

I wanted to share a topic on learning disabilities as I have encountered such students studying at the college I work for and did not know what to do with them. When I tried to involve parents to acknowledge them they preferred blaming the education system or the school itself. It must be very difficult for a parent to accept it but as teachers we need to be more knowledgeable about what to do and how to deal with it to save these learners with learning disabilities from exclusion and failure.