Cell phones: A distraction or tool of engagement?

As the author of “Teaching Generation Text: Using Cell Phones for Learning,” it’s no surprise, that I disagree with those who "just say no" to cell phones.” I think my perspective comes out on top as it becomes evident that those who oppose the use of cell phones for learning have never really tried to strategically integrate them as powerful learning tools.  Listen to host Rae Pica and see what you think as this topic is discussed with with...

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Safety first but don't forget what's next when students use social media

I was looking forward to checking out this post from my Twitter feed:Students Talk #Facebook on #Vimeo | @scoopit http://t.co/Ky5mAz9Iu2 #KSFY #SocialMedia #digcit #edchat #edbublogs— ICTPHMS (@ICTPHMS) February 19, 2014I'm thrilled that schools like the Patrick Henry Middle School are willing to put themselves out there and share in the mainstream media that Facebook isn't something to be afraid of, but rather we can teach students to use it safely.Maybe I'm just impatient, but aren't we ready to move past the conversation about the fact that...

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The hottest posts everyone's reading

Here’s the roundup of what's been popular on The Innovative Educator blog. Below you’ll see the top posts along with the number of page views. I hope there's something that looks of interest to you.  If it does, check it out. If you’re inspired use one of those icons below the post to share it with others and/or leave a comment. Entry Pageviews Looking to create a social media or BYOD policy? ...Jun 3, 2012,  4112 Does Twitter have a minimum age requirement?Jun 13, 2013, ...

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Showcase #TeacherEffectiveness using Padlet

Last week I shared ways to showcase teacher effectiveness via digital portfolios using a wiki and eduClipper.  This week I bring you another great tool to showcase teacher effectiveness courtesy of  elementary school teacher Rodney Schneider.  The tool is called Padlet.  Padlet is a free tool that gives you a blank wall on which to share files, videos, photos, videos, and more. You can choose the visibility and share with the world, a small group of people or just one or two others.  Rodney created one Padlet for each domain...

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#NYEdTech Meetup Tonight at 7pm on Teacher #PLNs w/ @InnovativeEdu & @mr_casal

What are the most successful teachers doing differently? How is that experienced being shared, and how can new teachers best learn from those that have come before them? Teachers are progressively forming broader and richer professional learning networks that extend far beyond their schools boundaries in many cases.  Innovative New York City educator Chris Casal (@mr_casal) and I (@InnovativeEdu) will dig in to how personal learning...

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Recap apps - A great way to begin the digital footprint conversation

As a gift to members, for its ten year anniversary, Facebook is giving us its latest recap app. It's called "A look back" and it provides you with a 60-second overview of your life on Facebook from the beginning. Here's mine:A look back over my six years on Facebook. Click here to watch. I want more...

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The hottest posts everybody's reading

Here’s the roundup of what's been popular on The Innovative Educator blog. Below you’ll see the top posts along with the number of page views. I hope there's something that looks of interest to you.  If it does, check it out. If you’re inspired use one of those icons below the post to share it with others and/or leave a comment. Entry Pageviews Looking to create a social media or BYOD policy? ...Jun 3, 2012,  4033 Does Twitter have a minimum age requirement?Jun 13, 2013,  1779 How to showcase...

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Another reason responsible social media use must be taught to students AND adults

In case you missed it, a 15-year-old student from Staten Island created a Facebook page called Close NYC Schools During Snow Emergencies expressing discontent over the DOE's decision to keep schools open Thursday. The high school student employed some smart strategies to help his page gain popularity.  Namely sharing his page on the walls of elected officials.  From there the likes started pouring in. The page went viral attracting nearly 30,000 "Likes" in about a day.  Most of those who came to the...

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A view of #TeacherEffectiveness in the literacy classroom

Across the nation teacher effectiveness is being evaluated according to the four domains of the Charlotte Danielson framework. (You can download the full evaluation instrument here.) This model is valuable because it provides a shared language for effective teaching, however, while many teachers being evaluated are familiar with the evaluation rubric, they may not have seen what this looks like in practice. If you are one of those teachers, that's about to change. I want more...

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#BYOD gurus engage in #BYOTchat about equity + access

Watch Tim Clark (@TimClark45), Willyn Webb (@WillynWebb), Michael Mills (@AquiAmigo) and Lisa Nielsen (@InnovativeEdu) in a one hour video discussing equity and access when it comes to bringing your own device. Take a watch and you'll enjoy a great conversation where these gurus share ideas that have worked and advise what to steer clear of when working toward a successful bring your own device/technology environment. As made apparent in the below thumbnail, the conversation was filled with a few laughs as well.Guests shared plenty of terrific...

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Google Hangout on Air - Equity + Access for All with BYOD - Live tonight!

Join me tonight at 9:00 p.m. EST for a Google Hangout to discuss bring your own device aka BYOD. The topicEquity + Access for AllOur special guests includeTim Clark @TimClark45 or @BYOTNetworkWillyn Webb +Willyn Webb Michael Mills @AquiAmigoConnect with them on Twitter!Guests will discuss the followingWhy ensuring equity and access is importantHow to get startedWhat happens for students who don’t have devicesTips for parent outreachHow you prepare infrastructureHandling repairsAnd more!BackchannelJoin our backchannel conversation...

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How to showcase #TeacherEffectiveness using digital portfolios

Districts across the nation are asking teachers to provide artifacts and evidence of effectiveness aligned to the four domains of the Charlotte Danielson framework. (You can download the full evaluation instrument here.) This model provides an incredible opportunity to do something that is rare in the teaching profession. It provides an opportunity for teachers to release the great work they are doing from the classroom and share it with the...

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The hottest posts everyone's reading

Here’s the roundup of what's been popular on The Innovative Educator blog. Below you’ll see the top posts along with the number of page views and comments. I hope there's something that looks of interest to you.  If it does, check it out. If you’re inspired use one of those icons below the post to share it with others and/or leave a comment. Entry Pageviews Looking to create a social media or BYOD policy? L...Jun 3, 2012,  iframe data-gapiattached="true" frameborder="0" hspace="0" id="I276_1391856522085" marginheight="0"...

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Tips for successful classroom social media use

Social media is a valuable tool when used appropriately and with common sense.I pointed this out last week when I conducted a webinar where I explained why social media is an essential tool for K-12 classrooms. This week, eSchool News has taken the highlights of that webinar and turned it into an article that shares my advice for successful classroom social media use. In the article eSchool News shares my overview of what social media is, what...

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Student @CGressmanTHS explains the power of her PLN

With or without the guidance and support of educators and parents, students across the globe are developing and building their personal learning networks. Knowing how to do so effectively is a key to successful learning independence. Below you will hear from Courtney Gressman. A young lady in the midst of building a learning network to help open the eyes of educators to students feelings about school and learning.  Read on to discover how...

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Showcasing artifacts & evidence to demonstrate #TeacherEffectiveness with #Danielson Domains

Crossposted at SmartblogsDistricts across the nation are determining teacher effectiveness in part using a rubric created by Charlotte Danielson. The rubric contains four domains and 22 components. You can download the full evaluation instrument here. The framework below outlines exactly what administrators will look for when evaluating teacher practice.With four domains and 22 components, teachers might want to come up with a way to beautifully...

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