When I look back at my time in the classroom, memories that most often pop up are seeing and hearing my students work together to finish a project. Many times, they were in groups of three or four busily drawing, coloring, writing, talking. For the life of me, I can barely remember the projects themselves, but I can remember the chatter, laughing, arguing, and smiles when the project was finished. I used to feel like, this is learning! Many teachers have probably experienced and felt that same sense of excitement and accomplishment. When we see our students fully engaged and involved in a project, it reveals their interests and connection to the topic. You will likely see many ‘aha’ moments.
Topics: Classroom Collaboration, collaborative learning, Project-Based Learning, Student Engagement, edtech, virtual classroom
Lesson Connections – the Influence of 3D Printing and Robotics
I know I’m not alone when I envisioned a future in robotics as Rosie the robot maid on The Jetsons wheeling around dusting my furniture. When I began to see the trends in education to include more robotics and coding, I thought, “Yes! I can have my own Rosie or R2D2!” But that is a simplified vision of what robotics learning, and other advanced tech such as 3D printers, can offer. Educators who were already incorporating robotics and 3D printing could see the benefit these innovations had on their students’ learning – increased engagement, improved critical thinking skills, and enhanced conversation and collaboration in the classroom.
Topics: STEM, STEAM, edtech, Robotics, technology, 3D printing
Now that most of you are finding your rhythm with distance learning, here are some reasons to start using Google Classroom*, if you’re not already.
Topics: Google Classroom, tips for teachers, edtech, technology, distance learning, G Suite for Education
At this point in time, you are probably doing one of a few things: checking the news constantly for updates on COVID-19 and stay-at-home orders; trying to scour online stores for toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes; and, if you’re a parent of school-aged children, helping them complete assigned lessons while trying not to toss the laptop or tablet out the window. How can you get a “reboot”?
Topics: edtech, Parent resources, homeschooling, homeschool, social distancing, alternative learning, technology