The Wireless TabCam Streams, Records, Presents, and Shares

TabCam, a wireless streaming camera, works with iPads, Android tablets, and computers and can present live video with annotations, highlighting, and more without “being tethered to the camera.” The device captures lessons, which can be used for future reference and for use with substitute teachers and students who were not present for the lesson. The advantage of having a wireless device that has a battery life of eight hours can’t be underestimated in a mobile classroom. Take a look at the videos, which describe using TabCam for flipped and blended instruction. The price on the Touchboard site is listed at $527.99. Kathy Hagar, a Director of Technology on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, tells us that she purchased several at a price of about $515 each and that her teachers love them. If interested, do a query on the AVer site.

Educator Roles in 21st Century

“23 Roles of the 21^st Century Educator” offers a nice graphic, by Stephen Downes, showing how the roles of those of us in education have changed. Downes’ mind map of what an educator must be today includes the following: Learner, Tech Support, Convener, Lecturer, Salesperson, Coach, Theorizer, Bureaucrat, Designer, Demonstrator, Coordinator, Sharer, Programmer, Collector, Facilitator, Alchemist, Agitator, Curator, Evaluator, Mentor, Critic, Moderator, and Connector.  What other roles do you think educators must take on today?  How about writer, developer, curriculum designer, guide, counselor, protector, . . . ?

How Can Administrators Focus Upon Instruction?

These days, school administrators seem to have little time to focus on instruction. That’s because they are swamped with administrative tasks in addition to managing teachers and students, working with parents and school boards, and putting out the “fires” that are sure to erupt every school day. Most have little time for targeting teaching and learning. Considering matters such as curriculum, technology integration and needs, where their school is heading, and how to improve instruction often must take a back seat. Some schools have created a new position called School Administration Managers (SAMs), who take over daily management of a school, which allows administrators more time to get into the classrooms. To help administrators better understand what SAMs can do for their schools, Education Week is offering a free Webinar on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 from 2 -3 p.m. ET. If you are interested in getting the information in this Webinar, but cannot attend, through Education Week’s On Demand archives, you will be able to access the Webinar for six months.