In today’s world of instant information, students often are overwhelmed by the myriad of resources available to support research assignments. When teaching students to use search engines, I emphasize the importance of asking the right questions, finding the best keywords, and, most importantly, using advanced searching techniques to retrieve limited results containing the information they … read more »
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 »
Now that most of us are well into the first quarter of the school year, many teachers have assigned students their first significant formal research assignment for the year. English teachers and school librarians love academic research or at least don’t dread it! Most teachers know they should be giving students an opportunity to work … read more »
This month’s ‘EdTech Temperature Check’ in five questions takes us to the Crossroads of America, Indiana. Meet Susie Highley, veteran middle school educator, media specialist, former science teacher, and tireless advocate for education. A co-founder of edCampIndy, co-author of Teaching 2030 and member of the SFL K12 Advisory Council, Susie is always on the lookout … read more »
Bombarded by television ads in this presidential election year, especially in battleground states, many of us tend to press the mute button on the remote or change the station. However, as teachers, we should be thinking about the messages our students are getting when watching TV and as they live their everyday virtual lives. Media literacy, … read more »
One of the hottest topics in education is Growth Mindset. Inspired by Stanford University psychology professor Carol Dweck, it is the belief that the brain is like a muscle that can grow stronger through hard work. An article published in U.S. News and World Report provides more information on this topic including information on how … read more »
It is the start of a new school year. May this be your most wonder-filled, rewarding and empowering yet. At the beginning of each new year, we plan — we plan for the use of instructional strategies that have improved student learning in the past, and we plan for the implementation of newly acquired strategies as … read more »
“Anxiety is caused by a lack of control, organization, preparation, and action.” David Kekich Do you wonder how some teachers manage doing everything and make it look easy? The secret to getting things done is organization and management. Teachers know the beginning of the year is one of our busiest times as it brings an onslaught … read more »
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 »
Karen Streeter Karen Streeter is a former Instructional Technology Supervisor. Karen brings us the Ed Tech Temperature Check – explaining edtech buzzwords, sharing tech tips and tricks, and summarizing books that should be on your edtech shelf. Sharon Hall Sharon Hall was a recipient of the Presidential Award of Excellence in Math teaching. With over … read more »