"More and more of society at large, and consequently many students, are demanding an educational system that works for and with them," wrote high school math teacher Paul Bogdan in Edutopia (emphasis mine). "A student-centered learning environment encourages students to become independent learners and ultimately to be in charge of their own education." Student-centered learning just makes sense … [Read more...] about The benefits of agency, choice, and student-centered learning
students
The White House’s K-12 students’ film festival!
This month the White House will hold its first-ever film festival for students – how cool is that?! The contest asks students in grades K-12 to submit short videos (under 3 min.) about education technology. "Your film should address at least one of the following themes," says the White House's page about the festival: "How you currently use technology in your classroom or school or the role … [Read more...] about The White House’s K-12 students’ film festival!
Students developing apps (and businesses) on the side
There's the app for cats. Yes, true – not feline iPhone users, but cats who play (i.e., all cats). The Guardian's feature on young app creators leads with Oxford physics student Owen Beckett's Cat Snaps, "a laser chasing game for cats [that] includes a function that takes a photo of your cat when it 'wins' the game." Beckett says he didn't know how to write code or make an app, but he watched … [Read more...] about Students developing apps (and businesses) on the side
A Connecticut school to its students: ‘We trust you’
Pure inspiration – both the message in the video and the wonderful student (and staff) faces and voices in all their diversity. To see what I mean, take a 2-minute break and go to this page at Mind/Shift, scroll down to the embedded YouTube video, and start at 1:55 into the video from New Canaan High School. Imagine what school would be like and what could happen – for learning, student … [Read more...] about A Connecticut school to its students: ‘We trust you’
Digital media’s power for all kinds of good: One student’s story
Rarely do we hear stories about how playing in digital environments in school – much less playing a popular videogame not originally designed for school – can be life-changing in a good way. So here's one (names in the story have been changed to protect everybody's privacy): For four years, starting in 2008, when he was in middle school, "Zach" participated in the WoWinSchool Club every day … [Read more...] about Digital media’s power for all kinds of good: One student’s story