Google Docs’ Version History feature can empower students to engage in rich conversation about their writing [Read time: 2 minutes]
ISTE Standards for Students
Goals
There’s a difference between students writing goals and students actually having goals. And what does technology have to do with setting goals anyway?
The first installment in unpacking the ISTE Standards for Students with practical ideas for teachers. Standard 1, Indicator 1a, Part 1.
The Devil is Not in the Technology
Technology is not inherently harmful. But it does have a way of amplifying our character traits. Think about how many emails you’ve sent that you wish you hadn’t. It’s also not inherently beneficial, either. One battle we have fought in education and continue to fight is the battle of “we’re using technology, so everything must be all good.” This is far from the truth. The goal with educational technology should not simply be to use more technology.
The “Find 3” Lesson Model
I’d like to propose a model for a technology-infused lesson that could be modified to fit any curriculum, any topic, almost any level. Over the past several years, among other things, I’ve tried to develop a tangible, realistic way for students to engage in inquiry, harness the power of technology and learn to do the things they will need to be able to do in the real world — and for teachers to spend their time being facilitators, guides, and coaches of their students. This is where I’m at so far…
Tech Tip Tuesday: Converting PDF to Word & Google Docs
One of the things we are often asked is for a good way to convert PDF documents to Word or Google Docs. There are several resources available to do this, none of which really do a consistently good job of it. However, one was brought to my attention recently that actually works pretty well and is quite consistent…
Moodle: It’s not just 4 nerds.
Over the past 12 years, many teachers in our district have tried using Moodle (in Dearborn, we call our Moodle site iLearn). A few absolutely took off with it. Many of those teachers are still using it, and at increasingly higher levels each year. Most, however, got...