It’s called MIT+K-12, and it means exciting learning about engineering, robotics, technology, bacteria, and other topics in science, engineering, technology, and math. MIT students are creating 5-10 minute videos, which can be viewed on the MIT+K-12 YouTube Channel. So far 75 films have been completed and about half have been posted online. Many of the films are also on the Khan Academy site.
The ASCD book, How to Create a Culture of Achievement, by Douglas Fisher, Nancy Frey, and Ian Pumpian, suggests five pillars of practice that are critical to achievement. These include: welcome, do no harm, choice words, it’s never too late to learn, and best school in the universe. It’s all about TLC, understanding, relationships, identity, teacher interaction, giving students attention, and how to enact a culture of achievement. To help schools create their own culture of achievement, ASCD includes a study guide to use while reading or after reading the book.
According to an Ed Week survey, 93% of those who responded to a poll about virtual learning felt that “educational providers need to integrate more accountability measures to ensure that virtual education works effectively,” and 57% answered that their districts hadn’t made comparisons between those involved in virtual learning and those learning in traditional ways. In addition to the problems of exploring whether virtual education is working are the problems of knowing what types of virtual education are best for your students’ needs and how to bring online studies into the curriculum.
Education Week Spotlight includes a free pdf download featuring the implementation of online learning. Included in the interactive contents are topics relating to blended learning, accountability; teaming for virtual learning with other districts; criticisms of virtual learning; advantages of virtual learning for autistic, gifted, and at-risk students; school-Internet relationship’s impact on virtual learning; and resources for implementation.
Vijay Kumar, Penn State, and his engineering team build robots that are fantastic flyers. The little flying quadrotors (agile aerial robots) monitor their flight by where the neighboring plane is. They can come within inches of each other, maintain stable flight, and play musical instruments while in the air. They can pick up objects and put them where specified in a blueprint. Able to use their lasers to build a map of their environment, they are able to figure out where to fly without anyone guiding them. You and your students will be amazed by this video, and it may serve as an impetus for students to take on the STEM subjects.
At a recent meeting of K-12 tech coordinators, librarians, teachers, and administrators, the free app, Show Me, was touted in several sessions. The app helps you create and share “whiteboard-style” lessons when using iPads. With Show Me, you can send lessons to students, and your students can create materials as they work with each other. A gallery of lessons is being developed as teachers share what works for them. Show Me also provides a Video of the Day that gives examples of excellent ideas for use of the app.
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