Group items tagged

This article is a few weeks old, but a topic I am extremely passionate about - education and technology. 

Not sure if technology replaces an intimate, interactive learning environment. The problem is defining which classrooms benefit from it rather than a university-wide policy. (I meant to post this when I first read it but came back to it around after watching another digital education seminar).

This article explores how pursuasive video games are users and is interesting in light of our discussions on technological determinism. Talks about games ability to educate and inspire change/behaviour modification in users. 

I watched this on TVO today and found it explored some good concepts, particularly the difference between the collective and community. As well, I like his distinction between context vs content providers in higher education -- shaping discussion rather than trying to disseminate it.

Came across this well-written blog that says we should change the way students are assessed in the educational system. For instance, changing the way test questions are shaped can allow a student to think critically, test the student's ability to access resources and experts available online and provide them with practical, real-world experience.

This article is based on a study in the UK that found that digital technology often sits in classrooms unused because teachers do not know how to use it to its full potential. Oftentimes, it's not about having the finest technology, but how it is being employed.

Interesting article showing how the internet is still a difficult place to regulate and also relates to building online identity; the topic I am doing for my educative speech.

While writing my blog, I found this article which backed up an opinion I had about the use of technology. This is a blog written by an elementary school teacher in California. He writes about using technology in the classroom -- that it should be for learning and not for technology's sake. He brings up some interesting examples and scenarios.

It's amazing that we repeatedly face this debate. Educators at all levels are continually facing a technologically determinist position from the public, technology companies and policy makers. But the writer of this post illustrates really well, that it's how technology is used that's important. Thanks for the great post.

Wow, such an interesting direction that online/distance learning is taking through MOOCS (Massive Open Online Course). There is a lot more I can say on this topic, and I will! ____________________ Among the tens of thousands of people signed up for the University of Toronto's online computer science course Learn to Program: The Fundamentals, there are a lot of unconventional students.Of late, MOOCs have dominated the conversation around online learning. They drastically change distance learning, breaking down the barriers of geography and fees, while connecting students across the globe with each other and with some of the world's top teaching talents.

Although this article was written last year, it still resonates due to the fact that more schools seem to be adopting iPads while others are banning the use of iPads. This quote is also insightful: Daniel Brenner, the Roslyn superintendent, said the iPads would also save money in the long run by reducing printing and textbook costs; the estimated savings in the two iPad classes are $7,200 a year.

This article is about Salman Khan - the founder of a non-profit online school. His aim is to create the first, free world-class virtual school. 

We've been talking about Wente in class so much recently, I thought it would be good to take a look at an article she wrote concerning a topic we are all familiar with: university. Interesting to see the rhetorical devices at play.

Really amazing rebuttal to her comments here: http://oncampus.macleans.ca/education/2012/10/22/wentes-university-prescription-is-misguided/ worth it if you can fit it in!

A designer tool for creating color combinations that work together well. Not educational, but VERY useful.

A great article about a teacher in New York who uses social media and technology to help kids go from being consumers of digital products to being content creators.

A different slant on how technology is affecting learning

My 89 year old grandpa of all people tipped me on to this article. Interesting because much of the action happens at Ryersons Digital Media Zone. Also, for those of you who heard my educative speech about apps - this is a somewhat complementary article.

Is it the technology or the application of the technology? Has anyone seen a good use for QR codes?

The past few years have seen a steady influx of new investment, new companies and new opportunities in education technology. With this demand comes personalized learning, including mobile apps for learning. Good article!

For those of you who heard my educative presentation you probably already know about this but I think it is an interesting new use for LinkedIn.

Campbell added that increasingly, employers are searching Facebook and Twitter before hiring and that there are jobs out there for young people with social media savvy. Starting in Grades 4 and 5 teachers want to teach students to have a responsible digital footprint. Campbell's teaching style is not uncommon. The provincial curriculum has required technology to be woven into the classroom for several years, said Clare Brett, an associate professor at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. This article refers to our discussion in much earlier weeks where talked about the importance of engaging students and the younger generations in technology to avoid having a lack of a digitally literate society.