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In the fall I had a chance to get reacquainted with Penzu. It’s a great tool for writing that allows you to create a free online journal. Individual entries can be public or private which allows you to share them in many ways. Using Penzu would be an excellent way to reflect or share your … read more »
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Categories: What's the Buzz
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When ISTE unveiled the refreshed ISTE Standards for Students in June, there were a number significant changes. The addition of “Computational Thinking” was one of them. I’ve overheard some teachers trying to understand the concept and have come to realize that we’re not all as clear on the concept as we should be. Some have … read more »
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From time to time I learn about or rediscover a tech tool that is really versatile. When that happens, members of the TeachersFirst team know that for at least the next month they will find the tool strategically placed in emails, mentioned in conversation, and suggested for inclusion on all types of projects that we … read more »
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Categories: What's the Buzz2 Comments
Differentiation is one of those terms that teachers have heard a lot about over the years, but I still hear confusion over the term when I talk to other educators. Depending on their teaching situation, educators can get stuck on a single dimension of differentiation. Some think it means catering to a student’s learning profile … read more »
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Categories: What's the Buzz2 Comments
It’s easy to get terms confused, especially when they sound similar and are closely related. This is definitely the case with personalized and individualized learning. There are a few distinct differences that should help you remember how the two are very different. Personalized learning is learner centered. In this highly individualized method, students set their … read more »
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Augmented reality and virtual reality might sound like geek-speak to some, but the truth is these technological advances have real implications for the classroom. Of course, before you can make your case for new apps or equipment to supplement your instruction, you have to know what you are asking for and how it could help … read more »
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In this podcast, I talked about three different approaches teachers give coaches when talking about technology integration. After you listen to the podcast, I would encourage you to think about your approach to technology integration. Do you use technology as a help for the teacher or to engage your students? When thinking about using … read more »
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As the ideas of professional development, professional learning, and training for teachers are evolving, so are the ways in which we recognize the accomplishment of learning something new. Traditionally, teachers would take a course or workshop and at the conclusion be given a certificate of attendance which could then be submitted to your school … read more »
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The idea that gamification and game based learning are closely related and need to be distinctly defined is not new. However, we did a few OK2Ask sessions on Game Based Learning earlier this year and so I wanted to make sure that we have a clear understanding of each as we move forward. We also … read more »
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Categories: Let's Talk About2 Comments
In this podcast I talked about the differences between continuing education, professional development and professional learning. After you listen to the podcast I would encourage you to shift to professional learning where you can determine what you learn and how it will change what happens in your classroom. Don’t depend on your school district as … read more »