21st Century Education: Thinking Creatively This was originally written for publication for my school’s newsletter’s edition on “21st century learning”. I present it to you here not as an attempt to present any new ideas, but in the hope that it might help to pull together many of the ideas that are floating around in online education discussions. Those familiar with Dan Pink might see some of his influence here. Enjoy. Twenty-first century education won’t be defined by any new technology. Education has long tried to produce students who can think (and at times, think critically) and it has, for the most part, succeeded. If we accept the above to be true, I would argue that there are two types of education that will prepare students for the world of tomorrow: experiential learning and project-based learning. Experiential learning can be best seen in extracurriculars and in some schools, senior projects. Project-based learning is the in-class complement of experiential learning.
Twenty Ideas for Engaging Projects The start of the school year offers an ideal time to introduce students to project-based learning. By starting with engaging projects, you'll grab their interest while establishing a solid foundation of important skills, such as knowing how to conduct research, engage experts, and collaborate with peers. In honor of Edutopia's 20th anniversary, here are 20 project ideas to get learning off to a good start. 1. Flat Stanley Refresh: Flat Stanley literacy projects are perennial favorites for inspiring students to communicate and connect, often across great distances. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. Please tell us about the projects you are planning for this school year.
Questioning Toolkit Essential Questions These are questions which touch our hearts and souls. They are central to our lives. They help to define what it means to be human. Most important thought during our lives will center on such essential questions. What does it mean to be a good friend? If we were to draw a cluster diagram of the Questioning Toolkit, Essential Questions would be at the center of all the other types of questions. All the other questions and questioning skills serve the purpose of "casting light upon" or illuminating Essential Questions. Most Essential Questions are interdisciplinary in nature. Essential Questions probe the deepest issues confronting us . . . complex and baffling matters which elude simple answers: Life - Death - Marriage - Identity - Purpose - Betrayal - Honor - Integrity - Courage - Temptation - Faith - Leadership - Addiction - Invention - Inspiration. Essential Questions are at the heart of the search for Truth. Essential Questions offer the organizing focus for a unit.
iPads in Education Interactive Graphic Organizer Holt Interactive Graphic Organizers "Graphic organizers are tools that help your brain think." - Kylene Beers Graphic organizers are an illustration of your thoughts on paper. They can help you brainstorm, organize, and visualize your ideas. Click on a graphic organizer to download a PDF of it. Each graphic organizer below includes Teaching Notes with lessons and tips on how to use graphic organizers in the classroom. Help with PDF Files Generating, Identifying, and Organizing Details Determining Main Idea and Drawing Conclusions Order and Sequence Comparison-Contrast and Cause and Effect Process and Cycle Diagrams Evaluating and Making Decisions Persuasive and Supporting a Position Vocabulary Miscellaneous Organizers Graphic Organizer Teaching Notes
The 8 Elements Project-Based Learning Must Have If you’re contemplating using Project-Based Learning or are already trying out the latest craze to hit the modern classroom, you should know about this checklist. It details if you’re actually doing it correctly. For example, does your project focus on significant content, develop 21st century skills, and engage students in in-depth inquirty (just to name a few)? If not, you might want to reconsider your PBL approach. See Also: What Is Project-Based Learning? The checklist is by the PBL masters over at BIE and they’ve outlined 8 different ‘essential elements’ that must be present in a project in order for it to be considered PBL. These elements are actually useful for even more than PBL. What do you think about this PBL Checklist? Via TeachBytes and BIE.org
Start your daily photo journal today! · 365 Project Online User Manual Gliffy offers you the ability to self-mange your account through the Account Settings menu. To access this menu, click into the profile silhoutette in the upper right corner of any Gliffy page, then Account Settings. You can also access this menu through "My Documents". In the new tab that opens, click on the profile silhoutette, then Account Settings. At the Account Summary page, you can view your current account plan, expiration date, if you are linked to a Google Apps domain, and API information. You can also Edit Email, Edit Password and change your Account Name. Edit Email: Edit Password: Change Account Name: If you have a paid account with Gliffy, and you are an administrator, you also have menu options: Upgrade, Payment Info, Cancel Plan, Account History, Users. The Upgrade menu allows you to upgrade your plan to a higher, or lower, user count or plan. The Payment Info menu allows you to update your credit card information for future billings from Gliffy. Add/Remove Users back to top
PLTS Wall Posters Draft Version 1 Have spent this morning compiling these draft A3 versions of student speak generic PLTS posters. Wondering if anyone has any thoughts. Thanks in advance :0) 5 Ways Twitter Can Help in Education - Getting Smart by Guest Author - edchat, social media, twitter By: Pamela Rossow If you are in an educational field as a student, teacher, or parent, you may have wondered about the benefits of social media—specifically Twitter. All that tweeting seems like it could give you a headache. What if Twitter was more than just a way to dish about the amazing Caprese salad you had at lunch and actually a way to help students learn better? Class participation. Projects. Outside in. Networking. Finding information. Education and Twitter can be synonymous if Twitter is used in a way that benefits educators and students. Pamela Rossow is a freelance writer who works with higher education clients such as eLearners.
50 Really Cool Online Tools for Science Teachers A 21st-century education revolves around the Internet for everything from collaboration, tools, lessons, and even earning degrees online. If you are looking for ways to integrate online learning into your science class or science degree programs, then take a look at these cool online tools that are just perfect for both teachers and students. Science Tools to Use with Students These tools offer opportunities for learning about climate, cells, the human body, nature, and more. ChemiCool. Share this periodic table with your class for an easy to use tool with information on each of the specific elements.GPS Activities and Lesson Plans. AP Tools Whether you are setting up a new AP curriculum or are just looking for additional material to use with your AP science students, these tools will help. Advanced Placement Biology. Websites and Resources for Science Teachers These websites are chock full of amazing resources and tools for science teachers. Discovery Education. Calculators Online Games
52 Tips And Tricks For Google Docs In The Classroom Google Docs is such an incredible tool for college students, offering collaboration, portability, ease of use, and widespread acceptance – a must for students in online colleges for online marketing, for instance. But there are so many options, both hidden and obvious, that there’s a good chance you’re not using Google Docs to its fullest capability. We’ve discovered 52 great tips for getting the most out of Google Docs as a student, with awesome ideas and tricks for collaboration, sharing, and staying productive. 52 Tips And Tricks For Google Docs In The Classroom Access your documents from anywhere: Whether you’re in your dorm room or the school library, you can access your Google Docs. This is a cross-post from onlinecolleges.net
Substitute Teaching: Tips, Tricks, Ideas, Suggestions, and Methods for Substitute Teachers Have a collection of tests/quizzes in your packet. Here are Internet addresses of some tests/quizzes, found by doing a search in the Internet for "test of knowledge" or "quiz": Challenge the class with a puzzler. Here are some examples, taken from Lateral Thinking Puzzlers by Paul Sloane, New York: Sterling Publishing Company, 1991. Don't give away the answer until the end of the day! Brain stretchers and mind benders can be found in books published by Critical Thinking Press and Software (800-458-4849 or ct@criticalthinking.com or and NL Associates (Stories With Holes - NL Associates, PO Box 1199, Hightstown, NJ 08520), as well. Prepare word search puzzles for use with one or more students. Another suggestion: "Something I do as a substitute teacher in the last few minutes of a class period when the class is getting restless is play "Do What I Say, Not What I Do." Still another suggestion: "A game that I use if we run out of work is called ABC. 1.