Latest education updates from around the world
COVID-19 and School Climate in a Sample of Pennsylvania Schools
This REL Mid-Atlantic study assessed how school climate changed during the pandemic using data from the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s school climate survey and found an unexpected improvement in school climate during the year when much instruction was conducted remotely.
Reimagining Professional Development
Education leaders at Laguna Beach USD have implemented a new approach to professional development
MTSS – What Teachers Need to Know
MTSS is the topic of our blog post today!
As educators, our calling extends beyond just imparting knowledge. Our classrooms are diverse tapestries of minds, each with its unique rhythm of learning, challenges, and strengths. Yet, in the cacophony of individual needs, how do we ensure that each voice is heard, that each student receives the tailored support they require?
Part of the answer is Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
Born from the passion to provide equitable educational experiences, MTSS stands as a structured, yet fluid, approach to nurturing every student’s potential. Join me as we delve into the heart […]
4 Best Phone Stands for Recording
Phone stands for recording is the topic of our blog post today!
As teachers, we constantly evolve, adapting to the shifting paradigms of education and embracing innovative tools that enhance our teaching methods. In today’s digital age, our smartphones have become essential tools, not just for communication, but as indispensable teaching aids.
Whether it’s recording lectures, streaming educational content, or engaging in virtual classrooms, a sturdy and reliable tripod stand can make all the difference. Drawing from my personal experiences in the classroom and extensive online research, I’ve curated a list of the best iPhone tripod stands for fellow […]
WEBINAR: Reading Intervention Strategies That Drive Measurable Outcomes
Education leaders share reading intervention strategies used to help students meet grade-level literacy objectives.
6 Best Projectors for Classrooms
Projectors for Classrooms is the topic of our blog post today!
The world of edtech is buzzing with innovations, but it’s often daunting to pinpoint the right device that seamlessly complements the educational environment. Projectors, for instance, are quintessential in modern classrooms, transforming traditional lessons into vibrant visual tales that captivate young minds. But with a market overflowing with choices, how does one distinguish the best from the rest?
Delving deep into the digital world, I’ve amalgamated countless hours of online research, analyzed a plethora of reader reviews, and sprinkled in my personal experiences to craft this definitive list of […]
18 Google Calendar Tutorials for Teachers
Earlier this week I shared directions for creating appointment slots in Google Calendar. After doing that it occurred to me that I’ve made a lot of Google Calendar tutorials over the years. And while I have a big playlist of more than 700 Google Workspace tutorials, I’ve never broken out the Google Calendar tutorials into a playlist of its own. So this morning that’s what I did.
In this new playlist you’ll find eighteen tutorials on how to use the various features of Google Calendar. I’ve embedded some of the highlights […]
Don’t Rely Social Media for Distributing Important School Information
Last year I wrote about the qualities of a good school district website. Unfortunately, the school district in which my kids go to school didn’t read that blog post or didn’t take any action based on it. That was driven home this week as we attempted to find the school supply lists and the schedule for the start of the school for our kids.
The obvious place to look for a school supply list and the schedule for the start of the school year is the school’s website. Unfortunately, that has been updated since […]
How Microsoft is Using Generative AI to Enhance Teaching and Learning
How Microsoft is Using Generative AI to Enhance Teaching and Learning
Meet the 2022-23 Winners of Tech & Learning’s Innovative Leader Awards
Tech & Learning’s Innovative Leader Awards celebrate outstanding school district leaders who are reshaping and reimagining the future of education.
Best 4 Document Cameras for Teachers
Document cameras for teachers is the topic of our blog post today!
Part of my job as an EdTech with an extensive educational background is to share with you what I believe are best gadget recommendations to facilitate your teaching and enhance students learning. In today’s post the focus in on document cameras.
As teachers and educators, we use document cameras for various educational purposes from remote teaching to in-class explorations. I have done extensive research into what sort of document cameras are best for classrooms and have compiled for you the collection below.
if I […]
11 Tools for Painting, Modeling, Designing & Animating in VR
Though gaming is likely VR’s most visible use-case so far, it’s capable of so much more. Creatives are using VR for a wide range of artistic endeavors including painting, drawing, 3D modeling & sculpting, animating and more. If you’re interested in exploring your creativity in VR, here’s 11 tools worth checking out.
Updated – August 9th, 2023
First, here’s a quick breakdown of the tools and their capabilities, so that you can hone in on what kind of creative tool you’re looking for […]
10 Effective Ways Teachers Can Make Learning Relevant and Meaningful
Ways teachers can make learning relevant and meaningful is the topic of our blog post today!
My journey into the vast realm of educational literature began with my PhD in Educational Studies—a profound exploration that delved deep into the nuances of how we learn and the best ways to facilitate that process. Yet, it wasn’t just the academic rigor of my doctorate that illuminated these insights; my tenure as a teacher and my ongoing role as an educator provided the practical canvas on which theoretical knowledge met real-world application.
This confluence of research and firsthand experience has equipped me […]
Collaborative Spatial Design App ‘ShapesXR’ Raises $8.6M, Expanding to Apple Vision Pro & Other Headsets
ShapesXR is a collaborative spatial design app built to make it easy to prototype spatial interfaces, interactions, and environments. The company announced today it has raised an $8.6 million seed investment, part of which the company plans to use to expand to more headsets.
While so many VR interfaces and interactions borrow heavily (if not entirely) from existing ‘flat’ design paradigms, ShapesXR is built on the premise that in order to build spatial applications you need spatial design tools. With that in mind, the app functions like a freeform canvas that allows users to mock up designs inside […]
How AI and The Metaverse Can Help Harness the Power of Play
Incorporating AI, the Metaverse, and free play into students’ lives is a counterintuitive way to boost learning
How to Create an Online Reservation System With Calendly
In one of yesterday’s posts I shared directions on how to create an online reservation system by using Google Calendar’s appointment slots feature. If you don’t have a Google Workspace account or you simply want an option for creating an online reservation system that doesn’t rely on Google, Calendly is a good option for you.
In Calendly you can create a calendar of meeting availability and let people click on it to book meetings with you. People can book meetings with you using any email account they want to use. In […]
Five Uses for Google Docs Besides Essay Writing
Over the last sixteen years I’ve used Google Docs and had students use Google Docs for lots of activities besides just writing essays. I’ve used Google Documents to facilitate analysis of primary sources, to create charts and diagrams, to facilitate group note-taking, to publish simple webpages, and to make collaborative task lists. All of those things are explained and demonstrated in the videos below.
Guided Reading of Primary Sources
2. Copy and paste the primary […]
What is Ozaria and How Can It Be Used for Teaching? Tips & Tricks
Ozaria teaches coding using puzzle-based gaming fun.
How to Create a Reservation System in Google Calendar
This morning I answered an email from a reader who was looking for a suggestion for an alternative to using Google Forms for letting students book time in the library during the school day. Since the school was already using Google Workspace, my first suggestion was to try using Google Calendar with the appointment slots feature enabled.
Using appointment slots in Google Calendar makes scheduling very easy compared to trying to use email, a spreadsheet, or even a shared Google Calendar. Watch the video that I’ve embedded below to learn how you can make appointment slots in […]
How to Embed Videos Into Book Creator Pages
Book Creator is a tool that I’ve been using and recommending for many years. It provides a great way for you and your students to create all kinds of multimedia books. In the pages of Book Creator books you can include text, comics, pictures, audio, maps, and videos. The process of including YouTube videos in Book Creator books is demonstrated in my new video that is embedded below.
Video – How to Embed Videos Into Book Creator
About this time last year Book Creator added the option to leave audio comments on […]
‘Digital Lens’ Plugin for Eye-tracking Headsets Improves Visual Clarity & Pupil Swim
Imaging company Almalence has released a trial plugin for its Digital Lens technology which makes use of eye-tracking to purportedly increase the resolving power and clarity of XR headsets.
Almalense argues that the lenses on most XR headsets today aren’t being used to their fullest potential. By taking advantage of eye-tracking and smarter calibration, the company says its image pre-processing technology can actually increase the resolving power of a headset, including expanding the ‘sweet spot’ (the part of the lens with the highest visual fidelity).
The company has released a trial version of its technology through a plugin that […]
7 Tips For Scaling Professional Development At A Statewide Level
How to provide professional development opportunities that work at every teaching level across your state
Best Wireless Earbuds for Running
Wireless earbuds for running is the topic of our blog post today!
As someone who has pounded the pavement for many years, I understand the significance of having the perfect companion by your side, or in this case, in your ears. Running is not just a sport; it’s a passion, a therapy, and a journey, one where music or podcasts can greatly enhance the experience.
Over the years, I’ve tried and tested several wireless earbuds for running, always on the hunt for that impeccable blend of sound quality, fit, and durability. Currently, my runs are powered by the
Best 6 Wireless Earbuds for iPhone and Android
Wireless earbuds for iPhone and Android is the topic of our blog post today!
As an educator deeply interested in the world of EdTech, my journey often leads me to uncover gadgets that can genuinely elevate our daily experiences, be it as teachers, parents, or avid learners. It’s not just about finding the latest tech, but about identifying what genuinely works for our unique needs.
The focus of today’s post is on earbuds for iPhone and Android. If you are shopping for one and haven’t yet made up your mind, this guide will help you. After extensive research, sifting […]
Best Wireless Earbuds for Small Ears (Women)
Wireless earbuds for small ears is the topic of our blog post today!
For many women, especially those with smaller ears, the quest is also about comfort, ensuring that the earbuds neither fall out during daily activities nor cause any discomfort. Introducing the ideal earbuds for small ears – a niche but essential category that guarantees both top-notch audio and a snug fit.
This guide will spotlight some of the market’s best offerings, including the Apple AirPods 3rd generation, the Tempo 30, and the Duet 50 Pro. Each has been handpicked based on their design, sound quality, and, most […]