Jul 28 2011
New Teacher Academy
For our technology training, a lot of what we’ll cover is contained online on our Mac OS X training website.
For all teachers: a new video detailing the features in Mac OS X Snow Leopard!
Jul 28 2011
For our technology training, a lot of what we’ll cover is contained online on our Mac OS X training website.
For all teachers: a new video detailing the features in Mac OS X Snow Leopard!
By John Hendron • Resource of Interest • • Tags: pd
Jul 26 2011
> As the researcher notes, the rapid development of technology and drugs within this field makes it essential that students “be motivated to become lifelong learners rather than allowed to learn ‘just what is necessary to pass the test,’ if they are to provide quality care to their future patients.” A similar assessment applies to student learning in almost any field nowadays.
This comes from a blog post detailing some recent research findings that show how learner- or student-centered approaches can foster engaged learning.
While this study was conducted with college students, it also reminds me of the type of learning we’ve experienced in Kindergartens. What makes the classroom student- or learner-centered?
We have to provide an environment or stage for learning to take place – then get out of the way! Think of the rug in Kindergarten – where we might build with blocks for a 15 minutes to create something. Or another center where we might develop our language skills at a computer station.
Learner-centric learning is something I am looking forward to doing this year with a couple of teachers who are going to help us pilot a hybrid classroom with iPads and MacBooks. And central to this will be establishing that stage for learning and getting out of the way… by creating activities, mini-projects, and longer-term projects for students. Each have to give students opportunities to do things like brainstorm, plan, discuss, and maybe even argue a little bit. A learner-centered classroom can work with students learning independently, but the experience often times will be richer when it’s more social and collaborative.
I know this approach isn’t easy for most teachers because it’s not a model we’ve had great success with in our past as learners ourselves. But we can find models in college courses and Kindergarten as models to work from. And the benefit may be more engaged, motivated learning, as a result.
By John Hendron • Learning for Teachers •
Jul 18 2011
Interesting video from Arlington County schools on their iPad initiative. Love the depth of use involved in the projects outlined in the video. One device that can so easily move around, capture photos and video, and be used to author ePub books is certainly eye-opening.
By John Hendron • General News • • Tags: ipad
Jul 1 2011
I am going to have to postpone our Word and Excel classes for Office 2011 this summer until into the school year. The two classes scheduled for Monday, July 11, are canceled.
On Tuesday afternoon, August 2nd, our last summer class (integration level) will be held with Krystle Batistelli and I focusing on Promethean ActivInspire. This course is not for folks new to Promethean, but folks with previous experience using the interactive white board. If you’re interested in attending, no signup is required at this point. We’ll be happy to see you on August 2nd at 1 PM at the CO training room.
By John Hendron • General News • • Tags: pd, summer
This is the blog of John Hendron, Ed.D., director of innovation & strategy for Goochland County Public Schools. Through this blog I share information for teachers, administrators and families dealing with learning and teaching with technology.
You can contact me via e-mail! I look forward to hearing from you.