Eclectic Technology
223.8K views | +8 today
Follow
 
Scooped by Beth Dichter
onto Eclectic Technology
Scoop.it!

10 Things That Learners Pay Attention To (And How to Use Them in eLearning)

10 Things That Learners Pay Attention To (And How to Use Them in eLearning) | Eclectic Technology | Scoop.it

"Even more than other types of education, eLearning must struggle to attract learners' attention: the Internet is full of distractions, and adult learners are both busier and more free to indulge in distractions. Helping students to pay attention is a primary concern of training professionalsso here are some optimal methods to win the attention game in eLearning."

Beth Dichter's insight:

The number of students participating in online courses continues to grow and for those that currently teach with students in their physical classroom, there are shifts towards blended learning, with part of the day online and part of the day with more direct instruction. This post looks at ways to keep students' attention online, but the same components are also important in the face2face classroom.

What is it that help students pay attention?

* Problem solving

* Comparisons

* Visuals

* Questions

* Emotions

* Stories

* Contrast

* Controversy

* Brevity

* Lists

Each of these areas is described in more depth when you click through to the post and in many cases you will find links to additional resources.

You may already be using some of these strategies, but try combining two or more to see how students react. Many of the strategies promote authentic learning opportunities, which promote high engagement. All are valuable to understand and to use in the classroom, but it online or face2face.

Audrey's curator insight, October 3, 2014 1:26 PM

These are certainly true.  Have a look at www.hotmoodle.com

 

Bernard VULLIERME's curator insight, October 20, 2014 5:30 AM

Rien de nouveau sous le soleil du bon e:enseignant, mais plus d'exigences …

clare o'shea's curator insight, February 5, 2015 1:49 PM

and ask indviduals questions every 2-3 minutes - but always label the behaviour first! so it is a positive experience not a catching out!!

Eclectic Technology
Tech tools that assist all students to be independent learners & teachers to become better teachers
Curated by Beth Dichter
Your new post is loading...
Your new post is loading...
Scooped by Beth Dichter
Scoop.it!

A Professional Learning Teacher Toolkit

A Professional Learning Teacher Toolkit | Eclectic Technology | Scoop.it
Beth Dichter's insight:

Australia has published an in-depth professional learning toolkit that has resources that many teachers may find helpful (not just those in Australia). This link shares a range of activities that will enhance your professional learning, including sections on:

* The Essential Guide to Professional Learning which has three sections: Evaluation, Leading Culture and Innovation. Each of these areas has a downloadable resource. The one for Evaluation discusses  the rationale for evaluation, evaluation design, examples of effective data collection method, effective evaluation of professional learning (with a great visual on how the evaluation should measure the impact on students, the individual practitioner and the organization, as well as how it improves the professional learning program, the professional learning outcomes and the sustained impact), and much more.

* One visual from the Essential Guide to Professional Learning: Leading Culture is shown above. The image looks at the many ways adults learn. As with the one on evaluation the resource provides a list of questions one should consider and then explores ways to build holistic learning cultures.

Find some time to explore this resource and share it with others in your building. You might also check out the short video that looks at innovation. You can also find it on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6ZifjWftc8

Ajo Monzó's curator insight, June 20, 2016 2:01 AM
Molt bo!
António Leça Domingues's curator insight, June 24, 2016 2:54 AM
Kit de desenvolvimento pessoal para professores.
Munira Mansoor's curator insight, March 20, 2018 3:51 AM

This topic shows how to put professionalism in our Routine and get it accommodate in our work.

Scooped by Beth Dichter
Scoop.it!

Ten Questions for 'Fake' News Detection

Ten Questions for 'Fake' News Detection | Eclectic Technology | Scoop.it

"Fake" news has been in the news quite a bit, and this infographic provides 10 questions that will help students determine if the information is 'real' or 'fake'.

And if this is of interest to you, also check out the executive summary from Stanford Evaluating Information: The Cornerstone of Civic Online Information. The summary provides examples of assessments for middle school, high school, and college students.

Scooped by Beth Dichter
Scoop.it!

Growth/Fixed Mindset, Math Practices, Standards Based Grading Visuals

Growth/Fixed Mindset, Math Practices, Standards Based Grading Visuals | Eclectic Technology | Scoop.it
Instead of writing a syllabus or creating assessments or working on lessons plans, I have procrastinated and scoured some images from the web to make these. I have uploaded .png's of these into thi...
Beth Dichter's insight:

If your learners are fans of Star Wars, then these posters may find a place in your classroom. You will find not only the image above (which is on Growth Mindset), but also an image of The Dark Side, otherwise knows as a Fixed Mindset.

In addition, there is a poster 8 Mathematical Processes of Jedi Masters, as well as one on Standards Based Gradings (an assessment tool). To go directly to a page that allows you to download the images click here.

Ellen Dougherty's curator insight, August 1, 2015 11:43 AM

If your learners are fans of Star Wars, then these posters may find a place in your classroom. You will find not only the image above (which is on Growth Mindset), but also an image of The Dark Side, otherwise knows as a Fixed Mindset.

In addition, there is a poster 8 Mathematical Processes of Jedi Masters, as well as one on Standards Based Gradings (an assessment tool). To go directly to a page that allows you to download the images click here.

Katie Catania's curator insight, August 5, 2015 9:06 AM

If your learners are fans of Star Wars, then these posters may find a place in your classroom. You will find not only the image above (which is on Growth Mindset), but also an image of The Dark Side, otherwise knows as a Fixed Mindset.

In addition, there is a poster 8 Mathematical Processes of Jedi Masters, as well as one on Standards Based Gradings (an assessment tool). To go directly to a page that allows you to download the images click here.

Cathy Coghlan's curator insight, March 21, 2016 12:30 AM

If your learners are fans of Star Wars, then these posters may find a place in your classroom. You will find not only the image above (which is on Growth Mindset), but also an image of The Dark Side, otherwise knows as a Fixed Mindset.

In addition, there is a poster 8 Mathematical Processes of Jedi Masters, as well as one on Standards Based Gradings (an assessment tool). To go directly to a page that allows you to download the images click here.

Scooped by Beth Dichter
Scoop.it!

The Benefits of Being Curious |

The Benefits of Being Curious | | Eclectic Technology | Scoop.it

"Evidence continues to emerge about the benefits of being a curious, interested person. Curious people tend to experience greater satisfaction with their lives, greater cognitive ability and increased memory function. Check out our latest infographic below for more information on the benefits of being curious."

Beth Dichter's insight:

Curiosity. What makes a learner curious? This infographic looks at this and includes the following sections:

* What we Know About Curiosity?

* Famously Curious People

* Curiosity: Good for the Mind and The Soul

* Feed Your Curiosity...Feed Your Brain

* The Curious Mind on Overload

As we work with our learners it is important to include activities that will ignite their curiosity. In all likelihood they will be more engaged with their work and be open to learning, asking questions and more. This infographic packs quite a bit of information into one visual piece.

sherri jarrett's curator insight, July 30, 2015 10:02 AM

Curiosity. What makes a learner curious? This infographic looks at this and includes the following sections:

* What we Know About Curiosity?

* Famously Curious People

* Curiosity: Good for the Mind and The Soul

* Feed Your Curiosity...Feed Your Brain

* The Curious Mind on Overload

As we work with our learners it is important to include activities that will ignite their curiosity. In all likelihood they will be more engaged with their work and be open to learning, asking questions and more. This infographic packs quite a bit of information into one visual piece.

José Díaz-Pintado's curator insight, January 5, 2016 11:21 AM

añada su visión ...#SCEUNED15

Scooped by Beth Dichter
Scoop.it!

How Technology is Changing the Way People Learn

How Technology is Changing the Way People Learn | Eclectic Technology | Scoop.it

"We can make all sorts of assumptions about the way technology is changing learning, but what does the science actually say? According to Alfred Spector, Google’s vice president of research, it says a lot. For example, virtual tutors have helped average students reach the top 2% of their course; video games provide immersive environments that take the bordedom out of studying; and social networks are being used to increase interaction between students."


Beth Dichter's insight:

Technology...some argue for it and others against it, but was does the research say? This post explores current research. Sections include:

* Better at maths, worse at reading - In short, "edtech applications boost mathematics achievement, especially when individualized computer-assisted instruction is involved."

* More games, bigger brains - Research shows that playing video games can make an impact on the brain. One study cited stated "a robust positive association between the cortical thickness and video game duration in teens who invested the most time in games." Two areas of the brain, the prefrontal cortex (responsible for decision making and self-control) and the Frontal Eye Fields (which govern visual-motor processing) showed cortical matter increases.

* Selective knowledge, shallow creativity - This section discusses how technology may make it easier for us to recall information. Are we potentially "outsourcing our knowledge to digital tools"?

What do you think? Many schools are moving towards 1-to-1 digital devices to help students learn. Will this improve their outcomes at school? This post explores some of the issues that may help us choose the best ways to use digital tools, and when it may be better to approach learning using other methods.

Mel Riddile's curator insight, July 16, 2015 8:56 AM
Beth Dichter's insight:

Technology...some argue for it and others against it, but was does the research say? This post explores current research. Sections include:

* Better at maths, worse at reading - In short, "edtech applications boost mathematics achievement, especially when individualized computer-assisted instruction is involved."

* More games, bigger brains - Research shows that playing video games can make an impact on the brain. One study cited stated "a robust positive association between the cortical thickness and video game duration in teens who invested the most time in games." Two areas of the brain, the prefrontal cortex (responsible for decision making and self-control) and the Frontal Eye Fields (which govern visual-motor processing) showed cortical matter increases.

* Selective knowledge, shallow creativity - This section discusses how technology may make it easier for us to recall information. Are we potentially "outsourcing our knowledge to digital tools"?

What do you think? Many schools are moving towards 1-to-1 digital devices to help students learn. Will this improve their outcomes at school? This post explores some of the issues that may help us choose the best ways to use digital tools, and when it may be better to approach learning using other methods.

Carlos Rodrigues Cadre's curator insight, July 16, 2015 9:08 AM

adicionar sua visão ...

Scooped by Beth Dichter
Scoop.it!

Tips for Keeping up with Technology Using Twitter

Tips for Keeping up with Technology Using Twitter | Eclectic Technology | Scoop.it
Beth Dichter's insight:

Check out this great visual by Sylvia Duckworth that provides 11 tips on how to use Twitter to help you keep up with the ever changing world of technology! Below are her first three tips.

1. Don't try to keep up with everything. You can't. Nobody can.

2. Use social media to keep up with trends.

3. Grow you PLN and learn from them.

Twitter can be a great tool to use for yourself, or with your students. These 11 tips may help you determine ways to make Twitter more manageable.

Ellen Dougherty's curator insight, August 1, 2015 11:44 AM

Check out this great visual by Sylvia Duckworth that provides 11 tips on how to use Twitter to help you keep up with the ever changing world of technology! Below are her first three tips.

1. Don't try to keep up with everything. You can't. Nobody can.

2. Use social media to keep up with trends.

3. Grow you PLN and learn from them.

Twitter can be a great tool to use for yourself, or with your students. These 11 tips may help you determine ways to make Twitter more manageable.

Monica Lamelas's curator insight, March 16, 2016 5:07 AM

Check out this great visual by Sylvia Duckworth that provides 11 tips on how to use Twitter to help you keep up with the ever changing world of technology! Below are her first three tips.

1. Don't try to keep up with everything. You can't. Nobody can.

2. Use social media to keep up with trends.

3. Grow you PLN and learn from them.

Twitter can be a great tool to use for yourself, or with your students. These 11 tips may help you determine ways to make Twitter more manageable.

Scooped by Beth Dichter
Scoop.it!

True Facts About Teens and Media, Now & Then (Infographic)

True Facts About Teens and Media, Now & Then (Infographic) | Eclectic Technology | Scoop.it
The meteoric rise in technology over the past three decades has completely changed the relationship between teens and media. Teens are often the first group to adopt a new technology.
Beth Dichter's insight:

How has teenagers use of social media changed over the past 20 years? Learn more from this infographic which looks at the years 1995, 2005 and 2015. Teens are often the first to adopt new technology, but their patterns have changed over the years. The infographic shares information on social life and social media over the three decades and also looks at how teens are using social media today, specifically discussing Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, tumblr, and YikYak.

This post may be one to share with other faculty as well as parents, and could lead to an interesting discussion with teens in your classroom.

No comment yet.
Scooped by Beth Dichter
Scoop.it!

Education Through Students' Eyes: A Dry-Erase Animated Video

Education Through Students' Eyes: A Dry-Erase Animated Video | Eclectic Technology | Scoop.it

"Two students from Georgia share their what education looks like through their eyes with a dry-erase animated video."

Beth Dichter's insight:

Listen to two softmores present their views on education in this short (~6 minute) video. What do they talk about? Here are the five points listed in the original post:

* Teachers’ view versus students’ view of school schedules.

* School systems’ expectations of students versus students’ own expectations of themselves.

* Purpose, application, and importance of certain curricula.

* The practice of not asking the most important people of all…the students.

* Ignoring successful educational models, such as Finland.

Many of us have seen education go through major changes, and these students raise some questions that all of us need to consider. Take the time to view this video, and consider sharing it with others at your school. 

Ellen Dougherty's curator insight, August 1, 2015 11:45 AM

Listen to two softmores present their views on education in this short (~6 minute) video. What do they talk about? Here are the five points listed in the original post:

* Teachers’ view versus students’ view of school schedules.

* School systems’ expectations of students versus students’ own expectations of themselves.

* Purpose, application, and importance of certain curricula.

* The practice of not asking the most important people of all…the students.

* Ignoring successful educational models, such as Finland.

Many of us have seen education go through major changes, and these students raise some questions that all of us need to consider. Take the time to view this video, and consider sharing it with others at your school. 

Frances's curator insight, February 8, 2016 8:57 AM

Q:  At what age do students formulate their views of what "education" should be?

Scooped by Beth Dichter
Scoop.it!

A Visual on Learning Progression

A Visual on Learning Progression | Eclectic Technology | Scoop.it

Great learning progression visual.

Beth Dichter's insight:

Take a look at this visual that describes the learning progression. It looks at three questions as the starting point:

* What's the learning outcome for the lesson?

* How will I know if students have achieved it?

* How will I check if students have achieved it?

A variety of ideas are shared for each of these questions...short and sweet, and great for visual learners.

Kathy Lynch's curator insight, June 16, 2015 6:11 PM

Thx Beth Dichter

Ra's curator insight, June 18, 2015 6:16 AM

Great graphic for teachers to identify the strength of their learning intentions and outcomes.

Scooped by Beth Dichter
Scoop.it!

An Update to the Upgraded KWL for the 21st Century

An Update to the Upgraded KWL for the 21st Century | Eclectic Technology | Scoop.it
In 2011, I wrote a blog post, titled Upgrade your KWL Chart to the 21st Century. It described how I learned about a new version of the traditional KWL (What do I Know, What do I Want to know and wh...
Beth Dichter's insight:

Check out this new version of the KWL chart by Silvia Rosenthal Tomlison. What we once called KWL is now the KWHLAQ.

* K stands for  'What do you KNOW?'

* W stands for 'What do you WANT to know?'

* H stands for 'HOW will you find out?'

* L stands for 'What have your LEARNED?'

* A stands for 'What ACTION will you take?'

* Q stands for 'What further QUESTIONS do you have?'

This new visual also includes suggestions under each category to help students make their "thinking and learning visible." For more information click through to the post.

Tony Guzman's curator insight, June 15, 2015 2:44 PM

This article shares an updated version of KWL (What do I Know, What do I Want to know and what have I Learned). How many use this in their classrooms?

Ellen Dougherty's curator insight, August 1, 2015 11:49 AM

Check out this new version of the KWL chart by Silvia Rosenthal Tomlison. What we once called KWL is now the KWHLAQ.

* K stands for  'What do you KNOW?'

* W stands for 'What do you WANT to know?'

* H stands for 'HOW will you find out?'

* L stands for 'What have your LEARNED?'

* A stands for 'What ACTION will you take?'

* Q stands for 'What further QUESTIONS do you have?'

This new visual also includes suggestions under each category to help students make their "thinking and learning visible." For more information click through to the post.

Scooped by Beth Dichter
Scoop.it!

Ten Great Tools for Telling Stories With Pictures - A PDF Handout

Ten Great Tools for Telling Stories With Pictures - A PDF Handout | Eclectic Technology | Scoop.it

"Composing a story from scratch comes naturally to some people. For the rest of us creating a story from scratch can be a struggle. Over the years I’ve found that using pictures helps a lot of students get started on crafting stories."

Beth Dichter's insight:

If you are looking for some great tools that will provide inspiration for learners to write stories check out this post by Richard Byrne. He provides ten tools that you may find useful.

The first section has two tools that help learners create collages, CanvaPicCollage (Android and iPad app), and  PicMonkey (browser based). He also suggests using ThingLink as a tool for learners to enhance their collage (and links to a tutorial).

The second section looks at "threading images into stories." Thematic allows you to upload images and display up to twenty in a story with one line of text for each image. Storehouse is a free iPad app that allows you to use images and video and arrange them with a line of text above or below the image or video clip. Adobe Slate is a free iPad app that also allows you to create stories and has more features than Storehouse.

The final section looks at creating picture books and suggest My Storybook (web based), Picture Book Maker (web based) and Little Story Creator (free iPad app).

Each of these tools is described in more detail in the post. As this school year draws to a close your class might enjoy using one of these tools to create a story about what they have learned this year.

Monica Lamelas's curator insight, March 16, 2016 5:09 AM

If you are looking for some great tools that will provide inspiration for learners to write stories check out this post by Richard Byrne. He provides ten tools that you may find useful.

The first section has two tools that help learners create collages, Canva,  PicCollage (Android and iPad app), and  PicMonkey (browser based). He also suggests using ThingLink as a tool for learners to enhance their collage (and links to a tutorial).

The second section looks at "threading images into stories." Thematic allows you to upload images and display up to twenty in a story with one line of text for each image. Storehouse is a free iPad app that allows you to use images and video and arrange them with a line of text above or below the image or video clip. Adobe Slate is a free iPad app that also allows you to create stories and has more features than Storehouse.

The final section looks at creating picture books and suggest My Storybook (web based), Picture Book Maker (web based) and Little Story Creator (free iPad app).

Each of these tools is described in more detail in the post. As this school year draws to a close your class might enjoy using one of these tools to create a story about what they have learned this year.

Scooped by Beth Dichter
Scoop.it!

A New Visual Search Engine - Athenir

A New Visual Search Engine - Athenir | Eclectic Technology | Scoop.it
Research better. Feel better
Beth Dichter's insight:

Thanks to Richard Byrne for sharing a post on a new search engine, Athenir. This visual search engine provides a view that may help learners discover additional search terms, allowing them to more easily find the information they are looking for. His post (linked to by clicking his name above) explains that this is just the beginning with additional items being added over the summer. 

If you have used Carrot2 the visual seen above may be familiar to you. Athenir is using Yahoo as the base for its' searches.

Providing learners access to search engines beyond Google, Bing and Yahoo is important. There are many search engines that are geared to younger students, that are more visual in nature...this list could go on. The visual component of this is colorful and allows learners to view their search in a format that many find helpful.

John Evans's comment, June 29, 2016 9:04 AM
Just tried to access the site and it seems to have been shut down.
Karen E. Belter's comment, June 29, 2016 10:56 AM
The Athenir sire is closed.
Dennis Swender's curator insight, October 26, 2016 12:40 PM
Site is no longer in operation - but the concept insight lends itself to further entrepreneurship
Scooped by Beth Dichter
Scoop.it!

10 Tips For Effective Problem-Based Learning: The Ultimate Instructional Solution

10 Tips For Effective Problem-Based Learning: The Ultimate Instructional Solution | Eclectic Technology | Scoop.it
Problem-based learning (PBL) was first introduced to the field of education in the 1960s by medical education specialist Howard Barrows, who argued that
Beth Dichter's insight:

When you read or hear the words PBL do you think Problem-Based Learning or Project-Based Learning? This post discusses problem-based learning, and provides a historical background before discussing defining it. .The post then compares problem-based learning with project-based, inquiry-based and case-based learning before moving on to provide ten recommendations. Three are below.

* Clearly define your purpose for doing problem-based learning

* Develop ill-structured problems

* Emphasize depth over breadth

To learn more about these three recommendations and view the other seven click through to the post. You may find that problem-based learning is already being used do some degree with your learners, and this post may provide some ideas on how to move into this direction more efficiently.

Kathy Lynch's curator insight, June 16, 2015 6:13 PM

Always wondered… Thx Beth Dichter

Ellen Dougherty's curator insight, August 1, 2015 11:51 AM

When you read or hear the words PBL do you think Problem-Based Learning or Project-Based Learning? This post discusses problem-based learning, and provides a historical background before discussing defining it. .The post then compares problem-based learning with project-based, inquiry-based and case-based learning before moving on to provide ten recommendations. Three are below.

* Clearly define your purpose for doing problem-based learning

* Develop ill-structured problems

* Emphasize depth over breadth

To learn more about these three recommendations and view the other seven click through to the post. You may find that problem-based learning is already being used do some degree with your learners, and this post may provide some ideas on how to move into this direction more efficiently.

Katie Catania's curator insight, August 5, 2015 9:16 AM

When you read or hear the words PBL do you think Problem-Based Learning or Project-Based Learning? This post discusses problem-based learning, and provides a historical background before discussing defining it. .The post then compares problem-based learning with project-based, inquiry-based and case-based learning before moving on to provide ten recommendations. Three are below.

* Clearly define your purpose for doing problem-based learning

* Develop ill-structured problems

* Emphasize depth over breadth

To learn more about these three recommendations and view the other seven click through to the post. You may find that problem-based learning is already being used do some degree with your learners, and this post may provide some ideas on how to move into this direction more efficiently.

Scooped by Beth Dichter
Scoop.it!

Counting Down EdSurge’s Top Ten S’Cool Tools of 2016

Counting Down EdSurge’s Top Ten S’Cool Tools of 2016 | Eclectic Technology | Scoop.it

"You know the drill—with the winter holiday celebrations come those familiar “Top Ten Lists.” Top ten films of 2016... In keeping up with tradition, we here at EdSurge like to throw our hat in the ring with a selection of the top ten most popular too."

EdSurge has been publishing their Top Ten S'Cool Tools for quite a few years, and you may find some new ones in this list. What makes this list a bit different is that these tools are chosen by the readers of EdSurge. Take a few minutes and see if you can fine one new tool to bring into your classroom.

 

No comment yet.
Scooped by Beth Dichter
Scoop.it!

Announcing Simple Mode – Creating a PowToon just got 150x Easier

Announcing Simple Mode – Creating a PowToon just got 150x Easier | Eclectic Technology | Scoop.it
Every so often a tool is created that is so different and so unbelievably useful that it actually changes the way society functions. First came the spork – it scooped and punctured at the same time. Then came the remote control – you could watch TV and maneuver drones with a single click. Next was …
Beth Dichter's insight:

PowToon allows learners to create animations...and they recently released a new version, Simple Mode, that makes it easier to use. Click through to the post to learn all the details.

You may also be able to get a free account with PowToon if you are an educator. They are giving away $10 million dolllars worth of free accounts. For information on this go to this link.

Monica Lamelas's curator insight, March 16, 2016 5:06 AM

PowToon allows learners to create animations...and they recently released a new version, Simple Mode, that makes it easier to use. Click through to the post to learn all the details.

You may also be able to get a free account with PowToon if you are an educator. They are giving away $10 million dolllars worth of free accounts. For information on this go to this link.

Lexie Darrough's curator insight, June 9, 2016 3:24 PM

I want to learn more about this! 

Scooped by Beth Dichter
Scoop.it!

Best Websites for Teaching & Learning 2015

Best Websites for Teaching & Learning 2015 | Eclectic Technology | Scoop.it

"The 2015 Best Websites for Teaching & Learning foster the qualities of innovation, creativity, active participation, and collaboration. They are free, Web-based sites that are user friendly and encourage a community of learners to explore and discover. "

Beth Dichter's insight:

The American Association of School Librarians shares their top websites for 2015 in this post. The websites are in six areas:

* Media Sharing

* Digital Storytelling

* Manage & Organize

* Social Networking & Communication

* Content Resources

* Curriculum Collaboration

As always you will find great new tools and they provide a brief explanation as well as a suggestion of grade levels. A few that you may want to check out are listed below.

* Tackk allows you to create web pages quickly, and is free!

* My Storybook allows students to create online books and would be great to use with younger students.

* FlipQuiz allows you create game-style quizzes

This is just a few of their recommendations. Take some time to check out this new list, and find one or two new tools to use with your learners this year!

Shaunda Douglas's curator insight, July 23, 2015 4:05 PM
A comprehensive list of great tools and they are free!
Katie Catania's curator insight, August 5, 2015 9:08 AM

The American Association of School Librarians shares their top websites for 2015 in this post. The websites are in six areas:

* Media Sharing

* Digital Storytelling

* Manage & Organize

* Social Networking & Communication

* Content Resources

* Curriculum Collaboration

As always you will find great new tools and they provide a brief explanation as well as a suggestion of grade levels. A few that you may want to check out are listed below.

* Tackk allows you to create web pages quickly, and is free!

* My Storybook allows students to create online books and would be great to use with younger students.

* FlipQuiz allows you create game-style quizzes

This is just a few of their recommendations. Take some time to check out this new list, and find one or two new tools to use with your learners this year!

Monica Lamelas's curator insight, March 16, 2016 5:06 AM

The American Association of School Librarians shares their top websites for 2015 in this post. The websites are in six areas:

* Media Sharing

* Digital Storytelling

* Manage & Organize

* Social Networking & Communication

* Content Resources

* Curriculum Collaboration

As always you will find great new tools and they provide a brief explanation as well as a suggestion of grade levels. A few that you may want to check out are listed below.

* Tackk allows you to create web pages quickly, and is free!

* My Storybook allows students to create online books and would be great to use with younger students.

* FlipQuiz allows you create game-style quizzes

This is just a few of their recommendations. Take some time to check out this new list, and find one or two new tools to use with your learners this year!

Scooped by Beth Dichter
Scoop.it!

Schools Need to Include More Visual-Based Learning

Schools Need to Include More Visual-Based Learning | Eclectic Technology | Scoop.it
When asked what my first language is, I often answer, "visual." I think in images, prefer to be taught through images, and like to express what I know through images. I find it disconcerting that a...
Beth Dichter's insight:

In our world today we are surrounded by visuals. Yet we walk into many classrooms and see many written texts that often have few visuals. This post begins with a quote from John Medina, the author of Brain Rules (and a developmental molecular biologist). He states "We are incredible at remembering pictures. Hear a piece of information, and three days later you’ll remember 10% of it. Add a picture and you’ll remember 65%. Professionals everywhere need to know about the incredible inefficiency of text-based information and the incredible effects of images (http://www.brainrules.net/vision)."

There is also a video that was created by students explaining their frustration with the lack of visual learning that takes place in the classroom.

Additional sections include:

* Use Visuals, Images, Data Visualizations, Infographics and Videos to Teach Concepts

* Use and Teach Learners How to Make Concept Maps and Graphic Organizers

* Use and Teach Learners How to Do Sketchnotes

* Allow and Encourage Learners to Show What They Know Through Visual Imagery

* Teach Visual Literacy

Jackie Gerstein provides a thought provoking post with links to additional resources. Take the time to read and consider how you might increase the use of visuals in your classroom. And if you have not read John Medina's book you might want to check out his website.

sherri jarrett's curator insight, July 30, 2015 10:02 AM

In our world today we are surrounded by visuals. Yet we walk into many classrooms and see many written texts that often have few visuals. This post begins with a quote from John Medina, the author of Brain Rules (and a developmental molecular biologist). He states "We are incredible at remembering pictures. Hear a piece of information, and three days later you’ll remember 10% of it. Add a picture and you’ll remember 65%. Professionals everywhere need to know about the incredible inefficiency of text-based information and the incredible effects of images (http://www.brainrules.net/vision)."

There is also a video that was created by students explaining their frustration with the lack of visual learning that takes place in the classroom.

Additional sections include:

* Use Visuals, Images, Data Visualizations, Infographics and Videos to Teach Concepts

* Use and Teach Learners How to Make Concept Maps and Graphic Organizers

* Use and Teach Learners How to Do Sketchnotes

* Allow and Encourage Learners to Show What They Know Through Visual Imagery

* Teach Visual Literacy

Jackie Gerstein provides a thought provoking post with links to additional resources. Take the time to read and consider how you might increase the use of visuals in your classroom. And if you have not read John Medina's book you might want to check out his website.

Mark Cottee's curator insight, August 2, 2015 7:08 PM

In our world today we are surrounded by visuals. Yet we walk into many classrooms and see many written texts that often have few visuals. This post begins with a quote from John Medina, the author of Brain Rules (and a developmental molecular biologist). He states "We are incredible at remembering pictures. Hear a piece of information, and three days later you’ll remember 10% of it. Add a picture and you’ll remember 65%. Professionals everywhere need to know about the incredible inefficiency of text-based information and the incredible effects of images (http://www.brainrules.net/vision)."

There is also a video that was created by students explaining their frustration with the lack of visual learning that takes place in the classroom.

Additional sections include:

* Use Visuals, Images, Data Visualizations, Infographics and Videos to Teach Concepts

* Use and Teach Learners How to Make Concept Maps and Graphic Organizers

* Use and Teach Learners How to Do Sketchnotes

* Allow and Encourage Learners to Show What They Know Through Visual Imagery

* Teach Visual Literacy

Jackie Gerstein provides a thought provoking post with links to additional resources. Take the time to read and consider how you might increase the use of visuals in your classroom. And if you have not read John Medina's book you might want to check out his website.

Scooped by Beth Dichter
Scoop.it!

Camp Google - Free Online Camp

Camp Google - Free Online Camp | Eclectic Technology | Scoop.it
Beth Dichter's insight:

If you are looking for activities for students to do this summer (and you have access to students or can email parents) check out this four week camp that Google is offering for students aged 7 - 10 (although they say all ages are welcome). There is a theme for each week:

* Ocean Week is partnered with National Geographic and campers will "dive in and explore what is down there."

* Space Week is partnered with NASA and they state "Hang out with a NASA astronaut and see how they prepare for future space missions."

* Nature Week will help you "discover how Earth's natural wonders were formed with a National Parks Ranger."

* During Music Week you can "jam out with an artist and learn why music sounds so good."

Activities are found online and the site says it will remain up after camp is over...so if you are on vacation...or want to check this out for activities for next year at school, go over to the site to check it out...and camp begins on July 13th!

Ellen Dougherty's curator insight, August 1, 2015 11:43 AM

If you are looking for activities for students to do this summer (and you have access to students or can email parents) check out this four week camp that Google is offering for students aged 7 - 10 (although they say all ages are welcome). There is a theme for each week:

* Ocean Week is partnered with National Geographic and campers will "dive in and explore what is down there."

* Space Week is partnered with NASA and they state "Hang out with a NASA astronaut and see how they prepare for future space missions."

* Nature Week will help you "discover how Earth's natural wonders were formed with a National Parks Ranger."

* During Music Week you can "jam out with an artist and learn why music sounds so good."

Activities are found online and the site says it will remain up after camp is over...so if you are on vacation...or want to check this out for activities for next year at school, go over to the site to check it out...and camp begins on July 13th!

Lexie Darrough's curator insight, June 9, 2016 3:27 PM

what student wouldn't want to be part of this camp?!

Scooped by Beth Dichter
Scoop.it!

7 Social Media Strategies Every Teacher Needs to Learn Today and Teach Tomorrow

7 Social Media Strategies Every Teacher Needs to Learn Today and Teach Tomorrow | Eclectic Technology | Scoop.it
Students are curating content and impacting the world. Help them make the right choices with these 7 social media strategies.
Beth Dichter's insight:

Today our students are online and often are not thinking about what they post, and the long-term impacts of their digital tattoo. In fact, teachers must also think about these same issues. This post looks at seven choices to consider:

* Think before you share (a message that Common Sense Media shares a 'think before you post' in a video for tweens and up that was put out by Flocabulary).

* Never respond in anger

* Understand the long term impact of your social shares

* Ask, "Why am I liking or retweeting this?"

* Avoid confrontation

* Try for the "Warm and Fuzzy" reward

* Change the world

Additional information is available in the post, and consider sharing this information with your students next year.

No comment yet.
Scooped by Beth Dichter
Scoop.it!

Here's What Scientists Aren't Telling Us About Learning

Here's What Scientists Aren't Telling Us About Learning | Eclectic Technology | Scoop.it
It's rare for educators to be kept in the scientific loop, and rarer still to encounter research that might actually compel us to change our teaching hab
Beth Dichter's insight:

Research continues to learn more about how we learn, but it is not always easy to find. This post, by informEd, provides 10 suggestions based on current research, and each is discussed in more detail in the post. Below are three of the findings.

* To learn quickly, don't concentrate so hard. Over thinking can make it harder to learn.

* It matters what your learning environment looks like. Did you know that physical characteristics, "such as air quality, colour, and light" can together impact the learning process of primary students by as much as 16% in a single year."

* Understanding a student's learning process occupies the same space in the brain as practicing empathy. I suspect we have all experienced frustration when working with students, but to provide feedback that will help them empathy also plays a role.

This post provides seven additional insights that may make a difference in your classroom. Click through to learn more about research on how we learn.

Raquel Oliveira's curator insight, August 3, 2015 8:26 PM

Um pouco de ciência para enriquecer as estratégias de aprendizagem de adultos. #avancee 

Katie Catania's curator insight, August 5, 2015 9:09 AM

Research continues to learn more about how we learn, but it is not always easy to find. This post, by informEd, provides 10 suggestions based on current research, and each is discussed in more detail in the post. Below are three of the findings.

* To learn quickly, don't concentrate so hard. Over thinking can make it harder to learn.

* It matters what your learning environment looks like. Did you know that physical characteristics, "such as air quality, colour, and light" can together impact the learning process of primary students by as much as 16% in a single year."

* Understanding a student's learning process occupies the same space in the brain as practicing empathy. I suspect we have all experienced frustration when working with students, but to provide feedback that will help them empathy also plays a role.

This post provides seven additional insights that may make a difference in your classroom. Click through to learn more about research on how we learn.

Monica Lamelas's curator insight, March 16, 2016 5:08 AM

Research continues to learn more about how we learn, but it is not always easy to find. This post, by informEd, provides 10 suggestions based on current research, and each is discussed in more detail in the post. Below are three of the findings.

* To learn quickly, don't concentrate so hard. Over thinking can make it harder to learn.

* It matters what your learning environment looks like. Did you know that physical characteristics, "such as air quality, colour, and light" can together impact the learning process of primary students by as much as 16% in a single year."

* Understanding a student's learning process occupies the same space in the brain as practicing empathy. I suspect we have all experienced frustration when working with students, but to provide feedback that will help them empathy also plays a role.

This post provides seven additional insights that may make a difference in your classroom. Click through to learn more about research on how we learn.

Scooped by Beth Dichter
Scoop.it!

Top 10 Best Free Math Resources on the Web | Edudemic

Top 10 Best Free Math Resources on the Web | Edudemic | Eclectic Technology | Scoop.it
Math is often thought of as a dry subject, but math lovers have been working to show the more interesting side of math to students in many formats.
Beth Dichter's insight:

If you are looking for some websites that provide math resources check out this post from Edudemic. Ten sites are listed with descriptions and they cover math from elementary through high school. The sites are listed below with more information found in the post.

* TEDEd Math Videos

* Yummy Math

* Mathsframe

* PBS Learning Media (a great resource for all subjects!)

* Absurd Math

* Illuminations

* Get the Math

* Multiplication.com

* Johnie's Math Page

* Mathdude Podcast

As an example, here is part of the description for Yummy Math:

"All math teachers have heard the common complaint: “but how will I ever use this in the real world?” Yummy Math is one of a few sites on our list that addresses that question in a way meant to keep students interested.

The site mixes videos, images, and real-world challenges that get students thinking about where math fits into their day-to-day lives. The site divides posts by age group, genre, and the type of math on display."

Mel Riddile's curator insight, June 17, 2015 12:00 PM
Beth Dichter's insight:

If you are looking for some websites that provide math resources check out this post from Edudemic. Ten sites are listed with descriptions and they cover math from elementary through high school. The sites are listed below with more information found in the post.

* TEDEd Math Videos

* Yummy Math

* Mathsframe

* PBS Learning Media (a great resource for all subjects!)

* Absurd Math

* Illuminations

* Get the Math

* Multiplication.com

* Johnie's Math Page

* Mathdude Podcast

As an example, here is part of the description for Yummy Math: 

"All math teachers have heard the common complaint: “but how will I ever use this in the real world?” Yummy Math is one of a few sites on our list that addresses that question in a way meant to keep students interested.

The site mixes videos, images, and real-world challenges that get students thinking about where math fits into their day-to-day lives. The site divides posts by age group, genre, and the type of math on display."

Scooped by Beth Dichter
Scoop.it!

Ed tech can change the world (infographic)

Ed tech can change the world (infographic) | Eclectic Technology | Scoop.it
Educational technology is making a huge impact on how students learn, how teachers teach and how education is done.
Beth Dichter's insight:

ISTE has released this new infographic that shares data on how technology in impacting our learners. It is divided into the following categories:

* Technology is changing how how students learn.

* Technology is changing how teachers teach.

* Together we're changing education - one classroom at a time.

Before clicking through to the infographic take a moment to think about how technology is used in your school or classroom. Then check out the infographic and see if these statistics surprise you. There may be some new avenues you would like to explore.

Ellen Dougherty's curator insight, August 1, 2015 11:50 AM

ISTE has released this new infographic that shares data on how technology in impacting our learners. It is divided into the following categories:

* Technology is changing how how students learn.

* Technology is changing how teachers teach.

* Together we're changing education - one classroom at a time.

Before clicking through to the infographic take a moment to think about how technology is used in your school or classroom. Then check out the infographic and see if these statistics surprise you. There may be some new avenues you would like to explore.

Scooped by Beth Dichter
Scoop.it!

Give me some credit, please! (Students & Plagiarism)

Give me some credit, please! (Students & Plagiarism) | Eclectic Technology | Scoop.it

"I am usually pretty darn proud of my MLIS students’ work.  In going through my grad students’ final workshop presentations this semester, I found one just too useful not to share.  So I asked for permission."

Beth Dichter's insight:

At times many of us feel like knocking our heads against the wall when a student hands in work that is plagiarized. This post includes eight GoAnimate videos that discuss plagiarism, from the view of the teacher and the students. Sharing them with staff at your school, or with the students, would promote discussion.

Joyce Valenza has embedded the videos into her post, and also provides a link to a Google presentation as well as a link to a video (on YouTube) which is the actual presentation.

The school year may be winding down, but plagiarism is here to stay. Take some time to review these and consider how you might share them next year.

Ellen Dougherty's curator insight, August 1, 2015 11:50 AM

At times many of us feel like knocking our heads against the wall when a student hands in work that is plagiarized. This post includes eight GoAnimate videos that discuss plagiarism, from the view of the teacher and the students. Sharing them with staff at your school, or with the students, would promote discussion.

Joyce Valenza has embedded the videos into her post, and also provides a link to a Google presentation as well as a link to a video (on YouTube) which is the actual presentation.

The school year may be winding down, but plagiarism is here to stay. Take some time to review these and consider how you might share them next year.

Scooped by Beth Dichter
Scoop.it!

How do we prepare the students of today to be tomorrow’s digital leaders?

How do we prepare the students of today to be tomorrow’s digital leaders? | Eclectic Technology | Scoop.it

"To understand the extent to which the skills taught in education systems around the world are changing, and whether they meet the needs of employers and society more widely, Google commissioned research from The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). The EIU surveyed senior business executives, teachers and students."

Beth Dichter's insight:

What skills do learners need today to be prepared to be a leader as they move through school and into careers? Google commissioned a study and this post provides a short video that discusses key findings as well as a link to the final report, Driving the Skills Agenda: Preparing Students for the Future.

The Executive Summary provides a number of key findings, including the ones listed below. (The text below is quoted from the report.)

* Problem solving, team working and communication are the skills that are currently most in demand in the workplace.

* Education systems are not providing enough of the skills that students and the workplace need.

* Some students are taking it into their own hands to make up for deficiencies within the education system.

* Technology is changing teaching, but education systems are keeping up with the transformation rather than leading it.

The full report provides additional information, including a number of visuals as well as case studies. As educators it is important that we consider the skills our learners will need in the future, and this report provides insight into some of what will be needed.

Paul Franco's curator insight, June 5, 2015 2:27 PM

Muy bueno!!!!

Dr. Deborah Brennan's curator insight, June 7, 2015 5:56 PM

Preparing our students with the necessary skills for post-secondary career and college is critical, but especially for our poverty students.  Too often, school is the only venue to provide these thinking, collaboration, and problem solving skills. However, many poverty schools under the pressure of standardized testing are stuck in a remediation routine of filling gaps in content, reading, and math.  We must provide time for teachers to collaborate and plan integrated lessons that integrate these higher level thinking skills into their content areas. 

Katie Catania's curator insight, August 5, 2015 9:10 AM

What skills do learners need today to be prepared to be a leader as they move through school and into careers? Google commissioned a study and this post provides a short video that discusses key findings as well as a link to the final report, Driving the Skills Agenda: Preparing Students for the Future.

The Executive Summary provides a number of key findings, including the ones listed below. (The text below is quoted from the report.)

* Problem solving, team working and communication are the skills that are currently most in demand in the workplace.

* Education systems are not providing enough of the skills that students and the workplace need.

* Some students are taking it into their own hands to make up for deficiencies within the education system.

* Technology is changing teaching, but education systems are keeping up with the transformation rather than leading it.

The full report provides additional information, including a number of visuals as well as case studies. As educators it is important that we consider the skills our learners will need in the future, and this report provides insight into some of what will be needed.

Scooped by Beth Dichter
Scoop.it!

Favorite Tech Tools For Social Studies Classes (most are interdisciplinary)

Favorite Tech Tools For Social Studies Classes (most are interdisciplinary) | Eclectic Technology | Scoop.it
How can educators decide which tech to use in the classroom? There are specialists who can help with that.
Beth Dichter's insight:

Finding great tools for your subject area is often time consuming. This post provides links and descriptions of 30 tools. Most are free (but not all). Although geared to social studies most tools would be useful to all teachers and learners. Below is a list of five tools, including several that were new to me.

* Draggo, a free tool that helps you organize websites and is shareable.

* Explee, an easy online video maker. This tool provides a free trial and then requires payment. There is an education plan available..

* Flipsnack allows you to create an online flipbook. You can create a book up to 15 pages in length for free.

* CK-12 Flexbooks allows you to create your own online textbook, or modify ones that exist.

* Kahoot allows you to create interactive quizzes that have a game show quality.

There are many more great tools in this post. Take a few minutes to peruse it and you may find one or two tools to add to your toolbox next year.

Nick Urban's curator insight, July 16, 2015 3:02 PM

These tech tools offer the teacher a wide array of options that can serve a multitude of purposes. In this article you can find a list of technologies this teacher has utilized and the tasks that they offer. From video creation, to word sharing, to primary sources this article offers an abundance of great information for any teacher, but really plays to the success of the social studies teacher.

Jason Smith's curator insight, July 18, 2015 1:48 PM

Technology integration for social studies

Jennifer McGuff's curator insight, August 1, 2015 4:29 PM

I am supporting a social studies teacher integrate technology in her classroom  

Scooped by Beth Dichter
Scoop.it!

Making MAKEing More Inclusive

Making MAKEing More Inclusive | Eclectic Technology | Scoop.it
The maker movement and maker education, in my perspective, are such great initiatives - really in line with what student-centric education should be in this era of formal and informal learning. Mak...
Beth Dichter's insight:

Jackie Gerstein has a number of posts that look at the Maker Movement, and in this post she discusses looks at two issues within the movement that have come to her attention through social media (quoted from post):

* Maker movement initiatives are often driven by more affluent white males.

* The maker movement is too often being associated with the tech stuff – Arduinos, Littlebits, Makey-Makeys – stuff that less affluent schools and community programs can afford.

Gerstein shares evidence that addresses each of these issues and then moves on to discuss how we can provide learners with maker opportunities at minimal costs. This portion of the post is divided into three sections:

* Changing Perceptions about Stuff

* Changing Perceptions about What Activities are Considered Making

* Changing Perceptions: Making is about a Mindset and a Process Not About Stuff

Her bottom line, let's focus on the act of making. If you are considering adding a maker corner to your classroom next year, or have the opportunity to work with learners this summer and would like them to become a part of the maker movement, take the time to peruse this post.

Ellen Dougherty's curator insight, August 1, 2015 11:51 AM

Jackie Gerstein has a number of posts that look at the Maker Movement, and in this post she discusses looks at two issues within the movement that have come to her attention through social media (quoted from post):

* Maker movement initiatives are often driven by more affluent white males.

* The maker movement is too often being associated with the tech stuff – Arduinos, Littlebits, Makey-Makeys – stuff that less affluent schools and community programs can afford.

Gerstein shares evidence that addresses each of these issues and then moves on to discuss how we can provide learners with maker opportunities at minimal costs. This portion of the post is divided into three sections:

* Changing Perceptions about Stuff

* Changing Perceptions about What Activities are Considered Making

* Changing Perceptions: Making is about a Mindset and a Process Not About Stuff

Her bottom line, let's focus on the act of making. If you are considering adding a maker corner to your classroom next year, or have the opportunity to work with learners this summer and would like them to become a part of the maker movement, take the time to peruse this post.