Royal Reports » Archive
Hungry College Kids
I don’t think this will ever change, but we tend not to hear about it too often. Maybe we’ve come to expect college students to put studies, books, and courses before food. I’m sure most; who have struggled their way through higher educations have stories about getting by on very little sustenance at times. Later, they may become great stories, but at the time, they are a trial. I know that a stack of student union … Read entire article »
Filed under: Featured, Higher Education, Trends
Education Tweets Sprout
Recently, someone asked me if I was creating all the content at my blog. I said, “Only the stuff you read there.” Do I have multiple personalities for different topics? If so, I’m hoping there’s a little Andy Rooney as well as a bit of Henny Youngman in my opinions. In a way, my mind is sort of made for the Twitter world, where short bursts of nonsense, or perceived brilliance last only 140 characters. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Featured, Higher Education, K12, Trends
Education SoMoClo: Social Media, Mobile, & Cloud
Recently, I had a meeting with corporate leaders at the Aberdeen Group, a company that conducts primary research studies. The discussion was about Social Media/Mobile/Cloud Computing technologies—SoMoClo™. In my opinion, it’s the next education IT movement. What they do best is “take a large community of like-minded individuals… bring them together at an educational event… where they have an opportunity to connect… to solve problems through technology,” says Andrew Borg, Senior Research Analyst at Aberdeen. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Featured, Higher Education, K12, Trends
Flipped, Blended, Disrupted Nonsense!
Where do these simple banners for teaching in this digital learning age come from? Certainly, they haven’t been floated first by Teachers. I asked my PLN to give me a definition for “Flipped Classroom”, and what came back was “Experiencing learning whenever and wherever you are and then taking it back to the classroom for discussion.” Furthermore I heard this: “humanizing classroom interaction through offsite content interaction as a prerequisite.” What’s so flipped about that? … Read entire article »
Digital Age Citizenship
I think sometimes we forget, in our haste to make things happen quickly digitally, that the human side of tech needs to be taught, too. While it may be about quick gratification in TV commercials, the reality is that most of us see technology as a universal way to communicate—whether you’re leading the class, or just in the class. I’ve heard all the stories about kids working the computing devices and the software without formal … Read entire article »
Teachers: World Record Performers
The news that Phantom of the Opera reached a milestone in the number of Broadway performances got me thinking about all the teachers, who say, “I’m on all day!” It’s true; teachers make two-a-day theater performances seem weak in comparison. I don’t think you can find more iron-horse performers than teachers. Seriously, when you think about it, teaching requires more than one script each day, and possibly as many as 5-7—and most likely there are normally … Read entire article »
Closing Schools Is Unacceptable
Let me preface this by saying that it’s easier to look at things from the outside—in, without knowing all the decision circumstances, but closing schools as an education-correction option is ridiculous. You can’t handle education problems in the same way you would an old recipe, which requires lard—just toss it out. I may be old-fashioned enough to think that things can be fixed with creative thinking and a lot of hard work. Probably the reason … Read entire article »
All My Teachers Have Tech, But No One Uses It!
I absolutely hate hearing someone say, “We have technology equipment, but my teachers don’t use it!” It drives me down Crazy Street! There is absolutely no way that scenario should have been played in that way. Note that I didn’t say played to an ending like that. If teachers have tech and aren’t using it, the problem isn’t in the tech, and it’s not with the teachers, it’s with the engine that should be cheerleading … Read entire article »
Students Planning Success
Life isn’t something that comes out of a perfect box, so you can successfully put all the pieces together. If you’re a student trying to figure out your way, even in the best of situations it’s difficult. It can be near impossible for students who, every day, choose whether learning is worth the trouble, because getting there seems so unattainable. Recently, I had the privilege to witness students achieving in a high school environment that works. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Featured, Higher Education, K12
BioBuilder Brings Biology Engineering to Class
As a former life science teacher, as well as an elementary classroom guppy farmer, I’m always interested in creative ways to teach science, as well as looking for more unique and experiential ways to fill STEM classrooms with eager, young scientists. I was fortunate enough to find one, while talking with Natalie Kuldell, Ph.D. at MIT. Kuldell is an instructor with the Department of Biological Engineering. Now, don’t let that MIT role scare you, Kuldell … Read entire article »
Filed under: Featured, Higher Education, K12
Shakespeare in Bits: Teaching The Bard
To be, or not to be” is the online question answered by Shakespeare in Bits, which is keeping the Bard of Avon’s words lively as well as digital. I was first introduced to MindConnex Learning’s online Shakespeare downloads with Macbeth. I thought it a brilliant idea. “If Birnam woods is coming to Dunsinane, I thought, then why not read it, hear it, and see it animated on a PC or Mac—or iPad. Well, now Hamlet … Read entire article »
Filed under: K12
