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Just a click away! Use Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for PD

Just a click away! Use Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for PD

06/05/2017

Topics: Coding & robotics, Computational Thinking, Digital Citizenship, Digital storytelling, Literacies, Makerspaces, professional learning

Many educators extol the benefits of Twitter as a tool for developing a professional learning network and engaging in professional development. But Twitter isn’t the only social media platform that educators can use to share with and learn from one another. Facebook and Instagram…

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Bring the feel of an edtech conference to your district PD

Bring the feel of an edtech conference to your district PD

05/26/2017

Topics: Coding & robotics, Computational Thinking, Digital Citizenship, Digital storytelling, Literacies, Makerspaces, professional learning

It’s imperative that schools have updated technology. But that technology is only useful if educators understand how to use it to enhance learning. That’s why good professional development is so important.

Good tech PD, however, can be difficult to pull off. If you want…

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Polarized? Not this student-created election!

Polarized? Not this student-created election!

05/24/2017

Topics: Coding & robotics, Computational Thinking, Digital Citizenship, Digital storytelling, Literacies, Makerspaces, professional learning

Our job as educators is not only to teach our students academic skills, but to train them in life skills to use kind words, unify and not divide, and promote civility, digital citizenship and responsibility. Regardless of political beliefs, it was challenging to pull this off…

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Game Day: Playful PD for teachers and students

Game Day: Playful PD for teachers and students

11/15/2016

Topics: Coding & robotics, Computational Thinking, Digital Citizenship, Digital storytelling, Gamification, Literacies, Makerspaces, professional learning, Robotics, Standards, STEM & STEAM

Much like school itself, professional development days are often regarded as a waste of instructional time. But what if PD days could be fun and effective for both teachers and students?…

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See how one educator transformed learning for disadvantaged children

See how one educator transformed learning for disadvantaged children

04/25/2016

Topics: Digital storytelling, Education leadership, Video

This is an updated version of a post that published on April 26, 2015. 

California teacher Kristy Andre helped introduce technology to a small school in South Africa but returned to California with something even more important — proof that technology can transform the…

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Google CS First ignites interest in computer science

Google CS First ignites interest in computer science

12/28/2015

Topics: Coding & robotics, Computational Thinking, Digital storytelling, Literacies, Personalized Learning, STEM & STEAM, Tools

I am always looking for ways to inspire my students — especially middle school girls — to grow their knowledge and skills in STEM subjects, particularly in the realm of computer science. So it was a great find when I discovered Google CS…

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Learn something new with the ISTE Professional Learning Series

Learn something new with the ISTE Professional Learning Series

10/16/2015

Topics: Advocacy, Curriculum, Digital Citizenship, Digital storytelling, Gamification, Project-based learning, STEM & STEAM, Tools

Ready to learn something new? Expand your digital toolkit and explore new ideas for learning and teaching with the latest season of the ISTE Professional Learning Series. Presented by members for members, these free web events deliver new ideas and strategies right to your computer so you can…

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Apple tools: The head-fake method for student engagement

Apple tools: The head-fake method for student engagement

04/09/2015

Topics: Digital storytelling, ISTE Conference & Expo, Tools

They're officially called Apple Creativity Apps. Unofficially, they are a suite of five tools included with all Apple computers and tablets that educators can leverage to build engaging learning experiences.

The beauty of the…

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Looking for impact? Try strategic storytelling

Looking for impact? Try strategic storytelling

04/01/2015

Topics: Digital storytelling

Our lives are filled with stories and everybody has one to share. I've not met an individual who doesn't like to hear a good tale. Sure, we don't all like the same kinds of stories, but the reality is stories are a powerful way to communicate.

No matter what role you have as a…

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