If you have something to say...
Say it on the Huffington Post
If you have something to say...
Say it on the Huffington Post
The Blog
Education is the foundation of our democracy. By seizing on what's working, and recreating those successes from one classroom to the next, we can make it better for everyone.
It was one of those conferences where it's hard to leave the lobby. The NewSchools Summit (#NSVFsummit), co-hosted with the Aspen Institute, was held...
Absent the force of the human imagination and its powers of expression, our machines cannot accelerate the hope of political and social change, which stems from language that induces a change of heart.
Many of the ideas entrepreneurs were pitching seek to break the tyranny of the degree and the corner that colleges have on the credential market. But what's missing, at least for now, is what to replace that market with.
Stressing the basics is no way to make sure that we will produce people to create the future. We need schools that encourage the imagination, that allow and support deep learning, and that fan the sparks of creativity -- not stomp out the fires.
A certain generation works on the web, their conversation is actually more than just talk and relationships with politicians. It's proactive, active talk.
From iPads to audio recorders, Smart Classrooms to online courses, new tools find their way into students' and educators' hands every day. But many teachers seem hesitant to embrace all this rapidly emerging technology.
We need to be preparing teachers who know time-tested methods for teaching young children but who also see new technologies as a tool for sparking a love of learning.
"No talk, all action," is the loudly sung motto of Startup Weekend, a movement to transform the way we think, innovate, and create.
The Obama Administration's push for digital textbooks, while useful, represents only initial steps on the proverbial thousand mile journey.
Amidst the cool technology demonstrations, shiny gadgets, and debates about online learning, it's essential not to overlook the country's most expensive -- and perhaps most ambitious -- initiative to use digital technology.
When planning a high access environment, an important question is tablets or laptops? Tablets are great for some things, but I still think of tablets as consumption devices and laptops as production devices.
When it comes to technology, the perception is that it is the least important area in which to invest precious funds. This is why the time is now to seriously consider developing a Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) initiative.
In short, can the empty calories that now dominate far too many early media experiences be replaced with wholesome, fun, educational experiences?
The question around how to best implement technology in schools, but more importantly, how we, as educators, share best practices and turn our discussions into action will be ongoing. The key is to continue to be creative and keep carving.
Digital learning won't close the achievement gap, but it will lift the floor. More students will be more academically successful. Five years from now, a higher percentage of students will soon graduate from high school ready for college and careers.
