Tech and Curriculum Development

In a poll of readers of SmartBrief and EdTech, teachers were asked what types of resources they used when developing curriculum.  Over 80% of teachers responded that they used online resources for developing core subject courses. Textbooks were used about 15%, with software programs, coming in at 4%. Only about 5% of the teachers in the poll said they did not use online resources in curriculum development.

As for how teachers share what they do in curriculum development, most suggested in-person meetings over professional networks and social media.

 

46 Tools for Creating Infographics

TeachThought, a site that has unique lists and information that you can use in your classroom gives you “46 Tools to Make Infographics in The Classroom”. Because visuals are important in learning, this list is a great one to browse as you look for tools and apps that will work for you. TeachThought tells us that there are an abundance of resources available, but that their personal favorite is the free Pictochart. Some of the others are iCharts, Dipity, Free Data, Google Chart Tools, Wordie, and Smile Widgets. The resources recommended offer different options, so you’ll need to look through the list for the ones that may be useful to you.

Daily Infographic: Condensed Visual Information

It’s fun to look at the exciting visuals produced by Daily Infographic. The group puts out a new “poster” every day, and although not all will fit your course needs, you’re sure to find excellent resources among the infographics.

You can sign up to get one each day through RSS, eMail, Facebook, or Twitter and/or you can search available infographics by categories such as Contests, Health, Politics, Education, Environmental, Tech, Mind Blowing, and Music. Some of the education offerings are Bring Food Education Back, Famous Personality Types, Do You Love Science, and Reading for the Future.

Take Part in ISTE Research

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) encourages you to take part in the Speak Up 2013 Survey.  You can share the link to the survey with peers, parents, and students. Your answers, along with those of other educators, parents, and students will become part of the Speak Up 2013 National Research Project. The survey closes December 20, 2013 and in February 2014 national and state data results will be available.

The Hour of Coding Is Coming

Computer Science Education Week is coming up December 9^th to 15^th and during that week CODE.org challenges us to get every student (and teacher) in every school in programming mode for at least an hour. Easy to follow, self-guided tutorials will be offered free of charge. Don’t worry if there aren’t enough computers to go around since CODE will make available “unplugged” tutorials, as well. No experience is needed. On the CODE site, where you can sign up, you’ll also find a “how-to” video, a teacher research kit, and information on “Why Computer Science”. Other events are planned for the week including a birthday celebration for Admiral Grace Murray Hopper, a computing pioneer.

White Paper on Online Testing and Common Core Standards

T.H.E. Journal and VMware offer a White Paper targeting pending state mandates for online assessment in Kindergarten though Grade 12 schools by the 2014-2015 school year. Information will be available on how the Tyler Independent School District in Texas virtualized desktops in order to create a secure testing environment. According to the White Paper, using virtual desktops, the district was able to save money, better utilize resources, have increased security and reliability, and focus on teacher core competency. Download the report to learn more.

Digital Citizenship Hardback Bundle: Fun with Piano and Laylee

Sometimes, even if students are learning about use of online tools, the best learning may come from traditional books that children can hold in their hands. Piano and Laylee, a bundle of hardback books, is available at the ISTE Store. The books, each priced at $14.45, are designed for parents and teachers to use with students ages 5-9. Piano and Laylee are cute puppies, who become friends and take off on adventures in the online world. They have fun with online games, cell phones, and texting while learning about staying safe, dealing with bullies, password safety, and why their school’s Acceptable Use Policy is important. The bundle is priced at $50.58 for ISTE members and $72.25 for non-members.

Headstrong Nation: Dyslexic Community

The site, Headstrong Nation, provides help to the world’s largest disability group—those with dyslexia. It includes videos, books, and other resources for those with dyslexia and those working with those with dyslexia. You’ll find information on classroom accommodation tools and mapping children’s dyslexia. The fact section features information such as: 35% of American entrepreneurs are dyslexic, there are many different ways to read, being dyslexic does not mean those who have it are slow learners or stupid, dyslexia is not something anyone outgrows, and boys and girls are just as likely to be dyslexic. The mapping feature encourages parents and teachers to assess children’s strengths and attitudes by using the assessment survey provided. Areas used for mapping are Visual, Kinesthetic, Spatial, Narrative, Social, Verbal, Musical, and Mathematical/Scientific.  Resources available on the site help parents and students learn to use technologies to help with learning, learn to understand the world of dyslexics and those with attention deficit disorders, and learn to understand how disabilities affect family dynamics.

Good Listeners Are Successful Students

Tales2Go and eSchool News offer the whitepaper, Listening, the 21^st Century Learner, and the Common Core Standards. According to the paper, a good listener is not necessarily one who sits quietly or keeps eyes focused on a lecturer or storyteller; it’s one who understands. Students who are good listeners are those who understand skills and how to use them. Good listeners know how to participate in conversations and to “reflect on what they’ve heard.”

Students with reading difficulties profit from listening to audio books—audio books allow teachers to differentiate instruction. But, where do Common Core Standards come in? They offer “a ‘staircase’ of increasing complexity for the student as he strives to comprehend more and more of what a book provides.” Students are better able to achieve the goals of Common Core if they have been exposed to audio versions of fiction and non-fiction stories. There is a lot to be said about learning through listening, especially when it comes to modeling human voices that are fluent in reading.

Back-to-School Supply Lists & Teachers’ Lounge Makeover Contest

The free online service, TeacherLists.com, is a place for teachers to post lists (back-to-school and wish lists) in order to share them with parents and other teachers. Once lists are posted, they can be “broadcast” on school websites where they can be downloaded by parents, printed, and/or posted through social media. Lists can be viewed on smartphones, tablets, and computers. 

To welcome everyone back to school, TeacherLIsts is sponsoring a $5,000 Teachers’ Lounge Makeover contest, a Tell-a-Teacher referral reward program, and school supply coupons for parents.  If 20 teachers in your school post lists, you’ll be eligible for Lounge Makeover drawing.