A site dedicated to advocating for all learners through innovation and adventure
I remember taking an online course about 21st-century learning about a decade ago about when MySpace started fading, so 21st-century. So it's been spoken of in numerous courses, books, and diatribes, so what could I possibly add (other than my sparkling wit and charm, he said sardonically). I suppose I just wanted to add my … Continue reading The Future of Education: The 7Cs, 3 Rs, & 3 Ms of 21st-Century Learning
This post provides an overview of the differentiated instruction (DI) model. For more insight on DI, see my posts Is Differentiation a Dirty Word? or The 4 Ways to Differentiate Instruction. An Overview There seems to be a lot of confusion about what differentiation actually entails. There are problems with conflicting definitions. In one sense … Continue reading What Is Differentiation Really?
This post addresses many of the challenges presented by those who oppose the differentiated instruction model. For an overview of differentiated instruction, see my post on What Is Differentiation Really? and The 4 Ways to Differentiate Instruction. Having worked with some of the most severely challenged students for the vast majority of my teaching career I have found … Continue reading Is Differentiation a Dirty Word?
There are so many things outside of our control as a teacher. We can’t control the poverty level of our students, or the education level of their parent, or whether that parent is too busy working to feed their kids to meet with us. We can’t change any of the tragedies that may have happened … Continue reading 12 Ways To Create A Safe and Effective Space For Student Learning
For more information check out Is More Technology the Answer? As I have previously said, technology alone cannot solely solve all the ills of education nor should it be expected to. You may have heard of schools or whole cities that adopted 1:1 technology programs. Some places like Savannah and Mooresville have done it successfully while others like Los … Continue reading 16 Keys to Successfully Implementing Technology In Classrooms
See more about the role of EdTech 16 Keys to Successfully Implementing Technology In Classrooms. Whether it's being slaughtered by clones or robots from the future, science fiction has clearly indicated that new technology is something to be approached with fear and trepidation. Even if it's not our imminent death, we should fear it for its … Continue reading Is More Tech The Answer? Questions Of Morality, Effectiveness, and the Role of Teachers and Technology in Learning
The topic of whether cell phones should be allowed or banned in schools has been discussed ad nauseam across blogs and message boards over the last several years, so I hadn't planned on talking about it at all here (but it means I can link to a lot). Then a college friend who is also … Continue reading Cell Phones In School & At Home – Ban Them Or Use Them
This is a post that was originally written as a guest post on the Flocabulary blog where you can also read it. When music plays you just feel it. You begin tapping your foot or swaying. Maybe you start singing along or humming to yourself. You can’t help it. Even those with hearing impairments find themselves … Continue reading Why Schools Need Music
In previous posts, I've discussed the keys to effective assessment and some tools that can be used to make that happen (see Google Forms & Game-Based Learning and The Right Way to Quiz Is...) There are a number of other resources though that can be used to facilitate formative and summative assessments in multiple formats. Here … Continue reading Making the Most of Assessment…Digitally
There are a number of ways to assess student progress both formally and informally. This can be done through observation, discussions, assignments, projects, group interaction, quizzes, self-assessment, and more. Some say we need to move into a new era of assessment where authentic student learning is measured through more comprehensive methods than just basic standardized tests. I would … Continue reading 10 Keys To Effective Assessment