Recent articles
Now's the time to speak up
11/05/2015
Topics: Education leadership, Mobile learning, Online learning, professional learning
Since 2003, Project Tomorrow has collected the viewpoints of almost 4 million educators, students and parents about education technology through its annual Speak Up survey. That’s a…
19 places to find the best OERs
09/17/2015
Topics: Flipped learning, Mobile learning, Online learning, Project-based learning, Tools
The arguments for jumping on the open educational resource (OER) bandwagon are convincing.
For one, they bring down the high cost of textbooks, from as much as $150 per book per student to $0. Consider this impact in specialty subjects like music and art, where you could access…
6 ways to use students' smartphones for learning
01/23/2020
Topics: BYOD, Mobile learning, Tools
Cell phones have had a checkered past in schools. When students first started bringing them to class, educators were fairly united in their opposition to the devices on grounds that they were a distraction and a means for easy cheating.
But thanks to an exponential increase in ubiquity…
Turn your classroom into an active learning environment
09/03/2015
Topics: Learning spaces, Makerspaces, Mobile learning
When an approach to learning and teaching earns a nickname or two, that’s often a sign the approach has worn out its welcome and is being replaced with a more relevant method.
Such is the case with “sit and get” or “sage on the stage,” the teaching method that…
8 new apps to test drive in your classroom
08/17/2015
Topics: 1:1, BYOD, Mobile learning, Tools
Kids tend to embrace apps, and thanks to initiatives and grants that bring mobile devices into the classroom, there are plenty of opportunities to use these mini-programs to amplify learning.
For educators, however, the challenge is finding apps that go beyond the cool factor to…
4 AR tools to build executive function and engagement
07/23/2015
Topics: Assistive and adaptive technologies, Augmented reality, Learning spaces, Mobile learning, Tools
Imagine your classroom filled with purposeful, motivated, strategic, goal-directed learners. What would students be able to do? What would your classroom look like? What could your learners accomplish? Envision your students showing initiative by quickly beginning assigned tasks, knowing what to…
Should we limit kids' screen time? No
07/21/2015
Topics: 1:1, BYOD, Digital Citizenship, Mobile learning, Online learning, Parent engagement
I'm a mom of two and an educator. And I have to admit something right here, right now: I get bored easily when playing with my kids.
I try to engage with the little ponies, the fairies and the Tonka trucks, and for a while, it all works out. Give me 20 minutes and I am super…
Should we limit kids' screen time? Yes
07/21/2015
Topics: 1:1, Digital Citizenship, Mobile learning, Online learning, Parent engagement
We should limit children’s screen time but do so in a thoughtful, rather than reactive, way. The "right" amount of screen time can fall anywhere on a spectrum, depending on a number of factors, including the purpose and use of technology as well as the child's ability to use it in a mindful and…
App smashing amps up the power of apps
06/29/2015
Topics: ISTE Conference & Expo, Mobile learning, Tools
First graders can do it. And you’re probably already doing it without realizing it – app smashing, that is.
App smashing is using two or more apps that enhance the apps’ features in new, creative and often unexpected ways. This opens up a whole new approach to learning.…
Support your 1:1 program with a student tech team
04/21/2015
Topics: 1:1, BYOD, Education leadership, Mobile learning
Leaders who understand the landscape of our digital world know that they must involve a school’s most important stakeholders in their 1:1 planning and decision-making process. That stakeholder group is students. From determining the right device to recommending applications, leaders must listen…