What skills do kids need to be “successful” today?

[tweetmeme]While reading EdTech Digest, I came across an interesting page of videos that reflect on what it means to be a 21st Century learner. While I had seen most of the clips before, I had not yet seen the one above.

As you watch, think about:

• What skills and opportunities do kids need to participate effectively in modern day society?
• To lead happy, healthy and learning-filled lives?
• Now, how can you help?!

Anna

@bon_education

Tips for Teachers that Want to Become EdTech Leaders and Champions

[tweetmeme]I was recently asked to put together a one page document titled, “Tips for Teachers that Want to Become Education Technology Leaders and Champions in their Schools”. I thought readers of Literacy is Priceless might enjoy reading the tips as well. Feel free to add your own tips in the comments section of this post!

Anna

@bon_education

1) Always keep learning!

Technology changes rapidly! Therefore it is important to stay on top of the latest news, trends and research. Here are a few recommended resources to start with:

• International Society for Technology in Education – articles, advocacy kits and conferences about education technology
• Edutopia – videos and articles about education best-practices
• eSchoolNews – K-20 technology news
• Mashable – Learn about the latest applications and trends in social media
• A mentor – Find someone that knows a lot about education technology. Meet and share ideas and feedback regularly.

2) Share your knowledge.

• Help other teachers in your building learn how to use and teach effectively with technology by hosting workshops, coaching and mentorship sessions.
• Keep a classroom blog. Make sure to tell other teachers and students about it!
• Post your technology-infused lesson plans on open education resource sites like Curriki and OER Commons. Or, on sites like BetterLesson and the Ras al Khaimah Teachers Network.

3) Don’t be afraid to experiment.

See a new technology that could be effective in your classroom?! Try it! Remember, it is okay if the students know how to use the technologies better than you do! As teachers, we learn so much from our students and they from us. By trying new things, practice and an open mind, we can learn and do many great things in the classroom, for and with our students.

4) Start an education technology passion project with your students!

• Use technology and social networks to facilitate an exciting project with your students.
• Need ideas? Check out ePals, ThinkQuest, the Microsoft Imagine Cup and the Flat Classroom Project for inspiration!

5) Stay connected.

• Teach and learn from education technology enthusiasts from around the world. Become an active member education social networks like the ISTE LinkedIn Group, Classroom 2.0, the Global Education Collaborative and the Ras al Khaimah Teachers Network.
• Microblog! Join Twitter and converse with education tweeters like those featured on the TweepML education list.
• Attend local education technology conferences! ISTE and NECC are two big ones

6) Reflect!

• Keep a teaching journal. Document what went well in your lessons and what you would like to improve in the future.
• Solicit feedback from your students! What do they enjoy doing in your class? What are their challenges? How can technology be used to address some of these challenges and to inspire enthusiasm towards learning?
• Create an education technology professional development plan for yourself. Do it! Have fun!

(Image CC by Brian Hathcock)

Transforming Lives and Communities through Technology

[tweetmeme]A little hope, a helping hand, education and an Internet connection can go a long way towards building individuals and communities. Watch and be inspired!

Thank you CDI!

Anna

Founder, Bon Education

@bon_education

Free Literacy Resources Online

[tweetmeme] Thanks to Tech & Learning for giving Literacy is Priceless a shout out over the holidays! LIP has received a significant traffic as a result!

If you are short on time (who isn’t?!) and into reading edtech research summaries, take a look at Tech & Learning’s Best Practices for the Classroom page where you will find short summaries such as:

• U.K. survey reveals students’ views on writing
• Parents say schools should teach more technology skills

To technology, literacy and learning!

Anna

@bon_education

Transforming Learning with Innovative Uses of Technology

This morning I read, “The Digital Promise: Transforming Learning with Innovative Uses of Technology” by Jeanne Wellings and Michael H. Levine–a white paper that I highly recommend reading if you are looking for rationale to support the integration of technology and edtech PD within your school.

To summarize, the article points out that when technology is skillfully integrated into school curricula, the benefits are many:

• Technology supports student achievement. (ISTE 2008)
• Technology builds 21st century skills. (ISTE 2008)
• Technology engages students in learning and content creation. (America’s Digital Schools, 2006)
• Technology increases access to education, virtual communities, and expertise. (ISTE 2008)
• Technology fosters inclusion. (Apple Inc. 2009)
• Technology helps prevent dropouts. (Smink & Reimer, 2005)
• Technology facilitates differentiated instruction. (Apple Inc. 2009)
• Technology empowers learning and research in critical STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) fields. (CEO Forum, 2001)
• Technology strengthens career and technical education. (Apple Inc. 2009)

And, if that is not enough to make you want to brush up your school technology plan, think about this and ask yourself how comfortable you are with media:

A Kaiser Family Foundation study, “Generation M: Media in the Lives of 8-18 Year Olds,” confirms the immersion of American children in contemporary media. The average child spends over six and a half hours per day engaged with various types of media,  television, movies, music, electronic games, and computers. Over one week this equates to a full-time job with a few hours of overtime (Rideout, Roberts, and Foehr, 2005).

Wow! To find specific examples of resources and innovative things you can do as an educator to promote student learning via creative and engaging uses of technology, check out the blue call-out boxes throughout the report!

For more practical and easy-to-read research on the impact of technology and digital media on children’s learning, visit the Joan Ganz Conney Center. You won’t be disappointed!

Anna

@bon_education