Kids Learn with Technology on their Own

We have all watched kids with a tablet right? They have no trouble figuring out what to do with it. This study conducted by MIT in both Africa and a lower-income area of the US demonstrated just that. When kids are given tablets with educational apps installed without any additional instruction are able to use the devices appropriately and begin learning. Is this to say they don't need teachers? Not at all; however, in areas where the teacher/student ratio is very low or the students don't have access to electronic devices, they are able to fare better with the tablets rather than not having additional help.

Could technology eventually replace teachers? Don't think so but could help teachers be more productive.

Read the study here.

Blogging for a Living

The first time I ran across someone who made a living through blogging was the daughter of a friend at church. She accidentally got into it because of the number of people who were following her blog about her family--especially a child who had many health problems. The advertisers contacted her to ask if they could advertise on her site.

This is a link to a full-time educational blogger I have followed for many years, Richard Byne. He was a teacher in Maine but through the success of his blog, Free Tech for Teachers, he does a blog and training of teachers around the country in person and through webinars. If you are interested in getting into this, you can listen to this Education-on-Air he did about it.

Do you have a moral obligation to share as an educator?

Recently I read an article by Wes Fryer and watched a couple of videos he had posted around this theme. The Internet has made sharing so easy to do--sometimes too easy because people have not learned what to share and what not to share. However, as educators, the point was made that sharing is an obligation. What does this do to the idea of creating lessons to sell? Are we really obligated to share freely what we could publish? The freedom of the Internet is a great tool for educators to find ideas and resources to help them teach a specific lesson. It also helps with the sharing of creativity at all ages. But a moral responsibility? I am still thinking about that one.

Here is the link if you want to check it out for yourself.

Can you ever have too many resources? This list has some great sites to use whether you are a new teacher or a veteran teacher.

20 Educational Resources for New Teachers

This is one of the sites from a creative teacher who still has time to share her ideas. Laura Candler's site has a plethora of ideas and resources to help you in the classroom.

TES is another one full of ideas for the teacher.

Another great one is WeAreTeachers created by teachers for teachers.

The resources are just endless.

Learning - when is there too much to learn?

This is part of the information overload teachers are experiencing. There is so much out there to help you learn more about what you are doing. Where is the time? How do you get CEU credits for all your are learning? If we are overwhelmed, what do our students feel?

Webinars on Demand

MOOC-Eds

There is so much out there to learn and so little time. The MOOC-Ed movement is great and the one sponsored by the Friday Institute is the best I have found. They have so much to offer anyone in the educational world. The resources are superb as well. You can collaborate with educators around the globe and learn so much. Check out their classes here.

Here are the classes they currently offer.

Sign up today for a great learning experience.

EdCamp Global

What a marvelous way to connect with global educators for free. If you haven't signed up for this free event, please do!

EdCamp Global