Mobile devices are often described as personal. The way we use our devices is specific to the way we live. We download apps, music, and videos that appeal to our interests. We read, listen, watch and play in a way that responds to our personal desires. We consume almost everything through mobile technology, yet it somehow reflects our personality, adapting to every individual user. Education technology is revolutionizing the mobile device is by making it personalized, not just personal. The Personal Approach 21st century education is attempting to re-introduce the personal aspect of learning. One way to establish such a…
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Sir Ken Robinson famously describes our education system as “modelled on the interests of industrialization, and on the image of it.“ Whether or not we agree, continuous efforts to revolutionize the education process suggest the statement holds some value. With standardized testing and increasing class sizes steadily quenching the personalized nature of education, educators continue to fall under the strain of attempting to reach every single student on a personal level. One Size Fits All? Standardized testing began in the United States in the early 1900s, most notably during the first world war to determine which soldiers were “officer material”,…
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Flipped, blended, personalized… Many of us have become familiar with these terms. While definitions may vary, the challenge often lies in their differentiation. This is because they all share a common goal: offering one-to-one instruction. One might say the three ‘blend’ together to form the ideal instruction method. We asked these flipped, blended and personalized pioneers to provide us with an insight into the world of one-to-one instruction, beyond the classroom door. “To me, they kind of go hand in hand”, says Susan Menkel, sixth grade teacher of math and science from North Carolina. “‘Flipped’ is flipping the responsibility –…
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For a long time, technology within education has been seen in a negative light, as a distraction rather than a tool for learning. Many view technology as a threat, fearing loss of control. Others simply consider it too much ‘hassle’, or too difficult to manage. To celebrate Connected Educator Month, we want to to provide educators with the ultimate guide for professional development, exploring digital learning as a step in the right direction, rather than an obstacle to overcome. 10 Steps to Becoming a 21st Century Educator #1 Connect While you may not know it yet, you’re living in a…
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As we previously delved into the top trends dominating the education scene, it seems fitting to further explore the movement that’s making it all possible: mobile learning. Through the use of mobile technology, educators are rewiring the education process, taking what typically occurred within a forty-minute class period and stretching it out to meet students where they are… on their devices. As the accepted age for mobile devices drops and daily usage accelerates, there’s really nowhere else to find them. By bringing devices into the learning sphere, doors are being opened for students that never before existed. How fast is it…
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Education apps are everywhere. They’re not difficult to find. What is difficult is finding an app that’s worth downloading. There’s simply no point in grabbing all the latest apps without a purpose in mind. Consider the one thing that most educators struggle with on a daily basis: finding resources. Teaching resources have a number of boxes to tick. Aligning to state standards, grade and reading level are but a few. Above all, they must be engaging. While some apps offer a quick search for engaging resources, few offer the dynamic library of standard-aligned resources like Fishtree. This chrome app offers…
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October marks an exciting time for educators, where the focus shifts from student to teacher for a brief, yet well-earned, spell of self-indulgence… It’s Connected Educator Month. With over 600 official events and activities, 14 million educators reached through Twitter alone, and 1 million online sources referencing the event last year, it’s quickly reaching foreign shores. Connected Educator Month points us in the direction of the global movement happening across social media platforms that is re-evaluating the role of the teacher and re-emphasising the necessity for collaboration in education. While some remain reluctant or simply unaware, connected educators are single-handedly…
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#1. Adaptive Learning Adaptive learning is arguably the most ground-breaking trend engulfing K-12 and higher education institutions worldwide. After establishing its name across continents as the only way to meet the needs of every single student, it has since leaped to fame, receiving funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and fueling further demand for adaptive learning platforms. Adaptive learning incorporates personalization to tailor the learning experience to suit each and every student. The incredible technology used within adapts to a student’s pace, needs, and styles, enhancing and simplifying the learning process where necessary. Higher education and K-12 institutions…
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Technology is disruptive. Education technology is in a whole new league. Breaking down the traditional barriers of the school system, it has led to revolutionary changes in the education sector. Where once the golden rule of the classroom was “no talking”, we now have teachers encouraging open collaboration. Where once we had students falling behind without being noticed, we now have systems pinpointing a student’s weaknesses and providing instant help. Where once all communication between student and teacher was lost once outside the classroom, we now have social media to connect at all times. It’s simply indisputable that technology is…
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As data makes a beeline for the classroom, many are asking the critical question: does it really hold a place in education? The ethical conversations are surrounding the move as we struggle to keep up the pace, but there seems to be no slowing it down. Many are objecting to the idea of data-driven learning, and with just concern. Data has earned a damaging reputation for itself over the years, having sent a ripple of fear across continents as private information is leaked and aired for the world to see. This has instilled a fear-factor and an understandable resistance to…
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