EdTech News

In these changing times, the landscape of education has taken an unexpected turn. As many educators are forced to shift from traditional in-person classrooms to online learning environments, the challenge arises: How do we maintain strong connections with students while physically separated? In response to this question, I’ve begun sharing more about my life than ever with my students.

First, let’s address why it’s important to connect with students on a personal level. Establishing a rapport with learners is crucial in fostering a sense of belonging and trust. This trust not only opens up channels for meaningful communication but also encourages students to take risks in their learning, explore new ideas, and seek help when needed.

That said, the key to humanizing virtual learning experiences lies within the willingness of teachers to showcase their vulnerability and authenticity. In doing so, we must reveal aspects of our own lives that would usually remain hidden within the confines of the physical classroom. Here’s how I’ve been sharing more about myself than ever before.

1. Daily Check-ins

I begin each virtual class session with a daily check-in where I briefly share something about my life outside teaching. It could be a personal anecdote, a funny incident involving my pets or family, or even my struggles juggling life during the pandemic.

As students see me present myself genuinely and unguardedly, they tend to reciprocate by sharing their own stories. This simple act strengthens our bonds and makes us feel less isolated despite being physically apart.

2. Virtual Backgrounds

Most online teaching platforms offer the option to use virtual backgrounds during video conferences. Instead of using generic photos or illustrations, I occasionally choose snapshots from my personal life – my weekend hike, a favorite vacation spot, or even the chaotic state of my home office!

This sparks curiosity among students and leads to engaging discussions about our hobbies and interests outside school hours.

3. Weekly Reflections and Discussions

Inviting deeper conversations about our collective experience, I ask students to reflect on their week – the highs and lows, challenges faced, and successes celebrated. I lead by example and share my reflections first, demonstrating vulnerability and encouraging them to be open.

By understanding each other’s struggles and triumphs, we create a sense of shared humanity – making it easier for students to feel connected even when they don’t share a physical space.

While some might argue that sharing more about my personal life blurs the professional boundaries, I believe that showcasing our humanity is crucial in this changing educational climate. We can’t replicate the warmth and depth of human interaction through screens alone.

By sharing more about ourselves than ever before, we forge stronger connections with our students and create a safe space for them to navigate the challenges of online learning. And amid all the uncertainty in the world right now, these connections are truly invaluable.

Introduction

Science is all around us, and what better way to learn about it than by engaging with nature and the environment? Nature works, or natural processes that occur in the world, are an excellent way for students and individuals to comprehend scientific concepts through hands-on experience. By diving into these exciting hands-on science activities, one can gain an appreciation for how nature works intricately within our surroundings.

Activity 1: Investigating Plant Growth

A fundamental aspect of nature lies in understanding the process of plant growth and photosynthesis. In this activity, participants can plant various types of seeds (beans, sunflowers, or peas) and observe their growth over time. By measuring plant growth and comparing different variables such as sunlight exposure, soil composition, and watering frequency, learners can engage in a hands-on experiment that demonstrates the importance of environmental factors in plant development.

Activity 2: Exploring Erosion Effects

Erosion is a natural process that shapes landscapes over time. Participants can explore how erosion affects soils and rocks by using simple materials like sandpaper to simulate the impact of wind or water on rocks. This activity helps learners understand how Earth’s surface changes over time due to weathering and erosion.

Activity 3: Building a Water Cycle Model

Water is essential for life on Earth, so understanding the water cycle is crucial. Participants can create a small-scale model of the water cycle using a transparent container, water, plastic wrap, rocks or pebbles, and soil. By observing how water evaporates from the soil surface, condenses on the plastic wrap, and ultimately falls back down as precipitation (rain), this hands-on activity offers an engaging way to learn about this vital natural process.

Activity 4: Observing Decomposition Process

Decomposition is an essential part of nature’s nutrient recycling process. Participants can study decomposition rates by creating a small compost bin using organic materials like fruit and vegetable scraps, newspaper, soil, and leaves. By tracking the breakdown of these materials over time, participants gain valuable insight into the decomposition process and the importance of recycling organic waste.

Conclusion

Nature works are fundamental processes that occur within our environment, and they provide excellent opportunities for learning at any age. These hands-on science activities allow students to engage with natural phenomena and apply scientific concepts in practical ways. By exploring these activities and making connections to real-world situations, learners can develop a broader understanding of how nature works while fostering a sense of curiosity and wonder for the world around them.

In today’s fast-paced educational environment, the pressure to provide homework that both challenges students and keeps them engaged can be quite daunting. As teachers strive to find ways to maintain a balance between academic rigor and student well-being, non-graded homework presents an attractive option. By focusing on the benefits of learning over the stress of grades, teachers can create more meaningful homework assignments that support students’ growth and development.

Here are some tips on how to give meaningful homework, even when it’s not graded:

1. Set clear learning objectives: Rather than assigning a series of unrelated tasks, design your homework around specific learning objectives. Students should understand what skills or concepts they are expected to master through the assignment. This clarity helps them to focus on the learning process rather than on simply completing a task.

2. Make it relevant: Connect the homework assignments to real-world applications or students’ interests. When students can see how their work relates to their lives or future careers, they are more likely to be motivated and engaged in the learning process.

3. Encourage collaboration: Giving group projects or opportunities for peer review allows students to learn from one another and fosters teamwork-enhancing skills. Working together on assignments can also help improve problem-solving techniques and reduce feelings of isolation that sometimes accompany solo tasks.

4. Allow for student choice: Presenterassignments that offer options so that students can choose based on their interests, strengths, and preferred learning styles. This personalization increases engagement and helps them take ownership of their learning experience.

5. Provide prompt feedback: Instead of waiting until the end of a unit to assess understanding, incorporate regular check-ins throughout the assignment process. This might include class discussions around progress or feedback sessions where you provide guidance in real-time—turning homework into a formative assessment tool rather than just an after-the-fact evaluation.

6. Make it manageable: Break larger projects into smaller tasks with attainable milestones to avoid overwhelming students. Non-graded assignments should, above all, be viewed as opportunities for learning and exploration, rather than cumbersome tasks completed out of obligation.

7. Foster a sense of purpose: Assign homework that encourages students to reflect on their own progress and set personal goals for improvement. By emphasizing growth over grades, students can become more intrinsically motivated and take responsibility for their own learning.

By incorporating these strategies into your ungraded homework assignments, you can help students develop critical thinking skills, mastery of content, and a love for learning. Most importantly, making homework both engaging and purpose-driven allows students to approach the task with a positive mindset, ultimately leading to greater success in the classroom and beyond.

Introduction:

We all remember the excitement of learning about money in our early school days. Playing with plastic coins as a means to understand the value of different denominations and their use in real-world scenarios is a rite of passage for many students. But what happens when those little plastic coins go missing, or schools and parents want a more accessible, environmentally-friendly alternative? Enter virtual money manipulatives!

Virtual Money Manipulatives: The Modern Solution

Virtual money manipulatives are digital tools that simulate physical coins and bills used in education to teach students essential money skills. They offer numerous advantages over traditional plastic coins, such as:

1. Enhanced Accessibility: Unlike physical coins, virtual money manipulatives are easily accessible anytime, anywhere on various devices, including computers, tablets, and smartphones. This makes them an ideal solution for remote learning situations.

2. Cost-effective: Schools and parents can save on purchasing and maintaining physical sets of plastic coins by using online resources or apps that typically come at a minimal cost or are entirely free.

3. Environmentally Friendly: By opting for digital coin manipulatives, we reduce plastic waste and contribute to a greener environment.

4. Customizable Learning: Many virtual money manipulative platforms allow for customizable scenarios tailored to individual students’ needs, making it easier to address varying skill levels in one classroom.

Top Platforms for Virtual Money Manipulatives

There are several reputable platforms available that offer high-quality virtual money manipulatives. Here are some of the top picks:

1. ABCya: A popular platform for elementary schools offers a collection of educational games that include ‘Counting Money’ and ‘Money Bingo.’ These games provide engaging ways for students to learn about currency values, addition and subtraction involving money.

2. Toy Theater: This website features multiple virtual activities involving coins like ‘Count Coins’ and ‘Making Change.’ The hands-on activities allow students to drag and drop virtual bills and coins, mimicking the motion of working with actual currency.

3. Math Games: Providing a selection of free money-focused games targeted at first through fifth-grade levels, Math Games offer an array of engaging activities for students to practice their money skills. The site includes games like ‘Coin Madness,’ ‘Price List,’ ‘Money Count Smash,’ and more.

4. SplashLearn: A specialized K-5 learning platform, SplashLearn provides a series of interactive money games with curriculum-based instruction for a more structured learning experience. The adaptive algorithm challenges students by increasing the difficulty level.

Conclusion:

Virtual money manipulatives combine technology and education to provide innovative ways for students to learn vital money skills. Replacing traditional plastic coins with digital alternatives is not only cost-effective and environmentally friendly but also enhances accessibility while ensuring teachers can customize learning experiences for each student. With numerous high-quality platforms to choose from, it’s never been easier to make the switch to virtual money manipulatives.

In today’s fast-paced and technology-driven world, it can feel like a constant race to keep up with the latest trends and integrate them into our personal and professional lives. One recent trend that has taken the education world by storm is the Bitmoji classroom—an interactive virtual space where teachers can incorporate their cartoon avatars into lessons, offer resources, and simulate an in-person experience for students.

However, amidst all the hype and excitement, it’s important for teachers to remember that not creating a Bitmoji classroom is perfectly acceptable. Not jumping on every trend or teaching enhancement isn’t an indicator of being ineffective or uncaring towards students. Let’s break down some reasons why it’s okay if you don’t create a Bitmoji classroom for your learners.

1. Personal Preference: While Bitmoji classrooms may be all the rage, it may not match your teaching style or personal preferences. What works for one teacher doesn’t necessarily work for another. It’s essential to recognize that you have a choice in adopting new teaching tools and techniques. Trust yourself to find what resonates with you as an educator.

2. Time Constraints: Time is a precious resource in any profession, particularly for teachers who juggle lesson planning, grading assignments, meetings, and professional development activities. Creating and maintaining a Bitmoji classroom can require significant time and energy. If you’re not feeling passionate about the concept or face competing priorities, it’s perfectly natural not to invest in this particular tool.

3. Focus on Other Learning Factors: Quality education goes beyond appealing visuals or virtual spaces—it encompasses fostering critical thinking skills, supporting social-emotional learning, and much more. Rather than taking on the task of creating a Bitmoji classroom, educators could dedicate that time towards planning innovative projects and activities that foster deeper learning experiences.

4. Inclusivity: While Bitmoji classrooms can be fun and engaging for many students, they may not accommodate all learners effectively. For example, students with visual impairments may find it challenging to navigate this type of environment. Prioritizing accessibility and equal experiences for your diverse group of learners is crucial and choosing not to create a Bitmoji classroom can be a mindful decision in service of this goal.

5. Adoption Overload: With countless educational platforms and tools constantly emerging, it’s essential to avoid overloading yourself and your students with too many new ideas and integrations. Sometimes less is more, and you can provide equally effective learning experiences without jumping on every new bandwagon.

In summary, it’s absolutely okay if you choose not to create a Bitmoji classroom for your students. Teachers can still foster engaging, interactive, and meaningful learning experiences without opting for this particular trend. Ultimately, prioritize what works best for you, manage your time wisely, and focus on what truly matters in providing quality education to your students.

Graduation is a significant milestone in every student’s life, regardless of their age or grade level. To commemorate this achievement and inspire the next generation of graduates, we have compiled a list of 25 inspirational graduation quotes from famous thinkers, authors, entrepreneurs, and other prominent figures.

1. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

2. “Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead.” – Nora Ephron

3. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill

4. “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs

5. “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined!” – Henry David Thoreau

6. “Don’t wait for the perfect moment; take the moment and make it perfect.” – Zoey Sayward

7. “I’ve failed over and over again in my life, and that is why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan

8. “You’ve got to find what you love…If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.” – Steve Jobs

9. “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” – George Bernard Shaw

10. “Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

11. “Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” – Malcolm X

12. “The future depends upon what you do today.” – Mahatma Gandhi

13. “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

14. “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

15. “You can never be overdressed or overeducated.” – Oscar Wilde

16. “Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt

17. “Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.” – Winston S. Churchill

18. “What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lives within us.” – Henry David Thoreau

19. “The important thing is not to stop questioning.” – Albert Einstein

20. “An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” – Benjamin Franklin

21. “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky

22. “We do not need magic to change the world; we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already.” – J.K. Rowling

23. “It doesn’t matter how slowly you go as long as you don’t stop.” – Confucius

24. “Some people dream of success, while others wake up and work hard at it.” – Napoleon Hill

25. “If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.” – Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

These inspiring quotes serve as a reminder not only of the importance of education but also as motivation to chase their dreams and continue striving for success in life beyond graduation day. Share these words with a recent graduate in your life or keep them close to heart when facing your challenges and triumphs along the way.

Introduction:

A pencil pouch is a game-changer for teachers and students alike, keeping their pens, pencils, and other essential items organized and within easy reach. With a plethora of styles, designs, and materials available on the market, it can be difficult to choose the best pencil pouch for your needs. To help you narrow down your choices, we’ve compiled a list of the best pencil pouches that cater to teachers and students alike.

1. Easthill Big Capacity Pencil Pen Case

This spacious and stylish pencil pouch offers ample space for stationery storage. Made from high-quality canvas material, the Easthill Big Capacity Pencil Pen Case is durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear. The case features two compartments with zippers to keep your belongings secure. Its user-friendly design allows you to easily see and access your pens when needed.

2. LIHIT LAB Pen Case

The LIHIT LAB Pen Case is practicality at its finest! This well-designed pencil pouch boasts multiple compartments to keep your essentials organized, including pen slots, pockets for small items like erasers or paper clips, and even a compartment specially designed for scissors or rulers. Made with water-resistant fabric, it’s perfect for daily use by both teachers and students.

3. BTSKY High Capacity Zipper Pens Pencil Case

For those in search of something vibrant yet functional, the BTSKY High Capacity Zipper Pens Pencil Case is an excellent choice. This colorful case features several interior compartments to organize your writing tools while maintaining a slim design that easily fits into backpacks or laptop bags.

4. DesignWorks Ink Vegan Leather Zippered Pencil Pouch

Looking for a touch of elegance while staying eco-friendly? The DesignWorks Ink Vegan Leather Zippered Pencil Pouch is crafted from animal-free leather that has an ultra-luxurious feel. Its sleek design comes with a durable brass zipper and a gold foil-patterned interior lining, adding style and protection to your favorite writing tools.

5. Derwent Canvas Pencil Wrap

Are you always on the go? The Derwent Canvas Pencil Wrap is perfect for creative teachers and students alike. This pencil pouch is stylish, functional, and versatile, securely holding up to 30 pens or pencils in individual elastic holders. When not in use, it can be rolled up and fastened with a strap for maximum portability and convenience.

Conclusion:

With countless options available, choosing the perfect pencil pouch may seem challenging. However, these five options make the choice easier for any teacher or student. Whether you’re looking for ample storage space, a cute design, or a sleek leather alternative – there’s a pencil pouch out there to meet your needs. Get one today to start experiencing the convenience of organized writing tools at your fingertips!

Introduction

The question of whether someone can be “too old to teach” has long been a subject of discussion and debate. The aging population, changing workforce dynamics, and the ever-evolving landscape of education have brought this issue to the forefront. This article aims to debunk the myth that there exists an age limit for effective teaching and delve into the importance of embracing educators of all ages.

Experience Matters: The Benefits of Age in Teaching

To dismiss experienced educators simply because they are older is to ignore the invaluable wisdom, knowledge, and perspectives they’ve accumulated during their careers. Seasoned teachers bring a wealth of expertise on pedagogy, classroom management, curriculum design, and much more. Just like any profession, teaching skills continue to develop over time – often making these well-experienced educators some of the most adept at adapting their approaches to match students’ needs.

Moreover, older teachers act as role models for students, demonstrating that learning is a lifelong process. They also provide guidance and mentorship to younger colleagues, encouraging them to refine their teaching strategies and techniques.

Challenges Faced by Older Teachers

Despite their experience and expertise, older educators are not without challenges. Some people believe that these teachers may struggle with adapting to technological advancements and utilizing them effectively in the classroom. However, many older teachers are eager learners themselves, taking courses or attending workshops to hone their tech skills.

Another concern may be the perceived lack of energy or enthusiasm from older educators. But such assumptions can stem from negative stereotypes rather than actual performance. While younger teachers might bring fresh ideas and perspectives, it is crucial not to underestimate the potential for innovation within experienced educators’ repertoire.

Reinforcing Age Diversity in Education

There’s no doubt that generational diversity is beneficial in educational settings. Combining fresh perspectives with time-tested knowledge generates a vibrant learning environment for students and staff alike. Hence, it is crucial for schools and educational institutions to implement policies promoting age diversity and debunking the myth of being “too old to teach.”

With this in mind, some suggestions include:

1. Encourage continuous professional development for educators of all ages.

2. Implement mentoring programs that leverage the strengths of both younger and older teachers.

3. Advocate for public awareness campaigns that challenge ageist stereotypes in education.

4. Foster intergenerational collaboration within faculty, ensuring a more inclusive and supportive environment.

Conclusion

The age-old adage that wisdom comes with experience is unquestionably relevant in the field of education. Ability and enthusiasm to teach depend on various factors, and age alone should not determine a teacher’s effectiveness. Dispelling the “too old to teach” myth requires embracing the experience, wisdom, and insights older educators provide – making a strong case for age diversity as essential to fostering dynamic learning environments for students, professionals, and their peers alike.

Introduction:

Climate change is a well-established phenomenon and an accepted scientific fact. Numerous research studies have provided irrefutable evidence that our planet’s climate is changing, primarily due to human activity. Unfortunately, climate change denial still permeates various aspects of society, even making its way into our classrooms. In this article, we will explore the issue of climate change denial in educational environments and discuss methods to address it effectively.

The Persistence of Climate Change Denial:

Despite the overwhelming consensus among scientists about the reality of climate change, some individuals continue to deny or downplay its significance. These individuals often cite cherry-picked data, misinformation, or flawed arguments to support their stance. In some cases, climate change denial is linked to political ideologies or economic interests that prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability.

Implications for Education:

When climate change denial shows up in the classroom, it has several negative consequences. Most importantly, it impedes students from gaining an accurate understanding of the complex issue and the urgent need for action. Additionally, teachers who lack proper training in addressing such misconceptions may inadvertently reinforce these flawed viewpoints.

Furthermore, young generations are key drivers of change and have shown growing concern about environmental issues. To empower these students as informed decision-makers, it is essential that they are equipped with accurate information and tools to combat climate change denialist views.

Strategies for Addressing Climate Change Denial in the Classroom:

1. Encourage critical thinking: Educators should encourage students to question sources of information and develop critical thinking skills to determine their credibility. It’s important for teachers to discuss how misinformation can be created and spread and provide examples of reputable sources where accurate information on climate science can be found.

2. Leverage technology: The use of multimedia resources such as videos, podcasts, and interactive tools can help educators engage students in a more immersive understanding of climate change. These tools can also aid in differentiating misinformation from accurate content when discussing the topic.

3 Equip teachers with proper training: Schools should offer professional development opportunities for their educators to better understand the science behind climate change and how to tackle denial effectively in the classroom.

4. Foster open discussion and debates: Organizing open discussions and debates around climate change will challenge students to critically assess different viewpoints, examine fact-based evidence, and ultimately form their own well-informed opinions.

Conclusion:

Climate change denial poses a significant challenge within educational environments. It is critical to equip students with the appropriate tools and knowledge to recognize, evaluate, and confront these viewpoints. By fostering critical thinking, leveraging technology, providing proper training for teachers, and encouraging open dialogue, we can empower our future generations to make informed decisions in addressing climate change and its impacts.

If there’s one thing that can unite a community, it’s the universal love for pizza. And, as this story goes to show, it can also lead to impressive fundraisers for local schools.

In a display of community spirit and culinary enthusiasm, families from a local school managed to score $2,000 for their educational institution simply by stocking up on the delicious Italian treat. The primary objective of this incredibly successful initiative was two-fold — to give families an enjoyable experience during these challenging times and, more importantly, raise much-needed funds for students and teachers.

When the time came for the PTA at this school to look into fundraising options, they knew they needed something engaging that would also generate substantial revenue. After brainstorming various ideas and considering their unique circumstances in light of current events, they landed on the perfect money-spinner: pizza!

The concept was simple yet effective — families had the opportunity to purchase vouchers online from a participating local pizzeria. For every voucher bought and redeemed at the pizza establishment, the restaurant would donate a percentage of the total sales back to the school. To further sweeten the deal and increase participation rates, families received discounts themselves when redeeming their vouchers.

The enthusiasm caught on quickly, and word spread throughout the community like wildfire. Students were excited about their families’ involvement in something both fun and beneficial to their education. Parents eagerly told friends and neighbors about the promotion. Local media outlets even picked up on the story, resulting in additional publicity for both the school and participating pizzeria.

After several weeks of putting taste buds to good use for a good cause, this school community achieved remarkable gains that exceeded all expectations. By exercising perseverance and teamwork – qualities one would tend to associate with an academic environment – teachers, parents, and students collaboratively raised $2,000.

Perhaps most importantly, they did so in good spirit and true community fashion. The relationship between the school and pizzeria was strengthened, fostering both economic benefit and unity, which is something that every community should strive for.

As this tale proves, pizza isn’t just a scrumptious meal option or comfort food; it can also act as a catalyst for change and a symbol of solidarity. This initiative has set a remarkable example for other schools and communities to embrace creative fundraising methods while making positive, lasting memories.