Royal Reports » Entries tagged with "Curriculum"
FluidMath: Game-like Digital Calculations
I recently had a conversation with a way too smart, young mathematician/entrepreneur, Don Carney, Ph.D., who gave me a one on one demonstration of something called FluidMath put out by Fluidity. I’d bravely taught 5th grade math, and even some at the 7th and 8th grade levels, so didn’t think what was left of my hair would hurt during his presentation. I told Carney that I wanted to be moved by his software, and wanted … Read entire article »
Filed under: Featured, Higher Education, K12, Trends
Dr. Robert Ballard’s 2000 Digital Chat with My Students
The following chat by Mr. Royal’s Science Students and Dr. Robert (Bob) Ballard took place June 9, 2000. The Students used iMacs in the Media Center to contact The Institute of Exploration, while other classrooms used projected computer images of the chat. In this way, all classes were involved. Historians Alyssa and Jon archived the chat. The Dr. Robert Ballard Chat, June 9, 2000 Bob: Good Morning, everyone Devonna:(New Msg) Hi Dr. Ballard, this is my seventh grade science class … Read entire article »
Filed under: Featured, Release Me!
New iPad Changes Learning & Working
The New Apple iPad changes will transform the way our children learn and we work. Sorry to say, but Android tablets, even the most recent and slickest, for now, have been left in the IOS dust. I didn’t think that way until the New iPad announcement, but Apple is only a few more things away from making that tablet the only device anyone needs to carry. And unless Microsoft is cooking up something behind closed … Read entire article »
Filed under: Uncategorized
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 »
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
Make Online Course Alternatives Mandatory
Today, there’s a lot of pressure placed on schools to teach more math sooner. The first Algebra course that most of us took was likely during freshman or sophomore year. Today, there is preparation for those courses from the earliest grades, with an Algebra I course at the 7th or 8th. Let’s face it, math isn’t easy for most kids, and beyond that, it really depends on how it’s taught in order for students to … Read entire article »
Tech Literacy Teachers
Recently, I got my hand slapped, just a little, when in an online presentation chat room I noticed someone having difficulty. The person was trying to be part of the discussion, but most of that discussion was happening on Twitter, rather than in the chat. She evidently was lost. So, I gave a quick Twitter lesson—had her download TweetDeck, and in moments she was on Twitter participating in the discussion and adding followers. Oh, the … Read entire article »
Team Mentoring with Tech
When I first began in education, my mentor was a lead teacher, who received a few dollars to show me around the school. His mentoring amounted to, “Here’s the stockroom, if you take anything, write it down, or Betty will have your head! And on this shelf you’ll find all of our filmstrips. If you can’t find one on a topic you need, come see me, it’s probably in my room. Remember that filmstrips are … Read entire article »
Thinking AR/3D Lessons
Here’s a lesson idea that would fit best at middle school and higher levels, but could fit anywhere. It is the type of lesson that would fit perfectly into interactive Augmented Reality (AR)/3D teaching and learning. The concepts could cover science and math, reading, language arts and writing, as well as individual and group activities—all in engaging, interesting and collaborative ways. And, it could involve book(s)/eReaders, software especially designed for whiteboards and other interactive devices. Goal: … Read entire article »
Filed under: K12
