Recent articles

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…

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…

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…

Aaron Sams: Chase something interesting at ISTE 2017
05/04/2017
Topics: Assistive and adaptive technologies, Augmented reality, Coding & robotics, Computational Thinking, Digital Citizenship, Digital storytelling, Gamification, Gaming, Literacies, Makerspaces, Personalized Learning, professional learning, Project-based learning, Robotics, STEM & STEAM
Many of our presenters come to the ISTE Conference & Expo for the same reason that other attendees come: They love the engagement, learning from peers and electric atmosphere.
…

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?…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…