Year: 2024

Makeblock and xTool Ignite ISTE 2024:

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Makeblock and xTool Set to Ignite ISTE 2024: A Glimpse into the Future of STEAM Education

As the curtains draw closer for the 2024 International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Conference, the educational community is abuzz with anticipation. Scheduled to take place from June 24-26 in the vibrant city of Denver, the event stands as a lighthouse for those seeking to revolutionize their classrooms with the latest in educational technology. This conference is the epicenter for educators, technologists, and visionaries who are driven by the passion to transform learning through the integration of technology.

A Pioneer in STEAM: Makeblock’s Commitment to Innovation

For nearly ten years, Makeblock has been a trailblazer in the realm of STEAM education, consistently leading the charge in delivering holistic solutions that both empower educators and ignite the imagination of students worldwide. Their diverse range of products includes sophisticated hardware, intuitive software, and a meticulously crafted curriculum, enhanced by top robotics competitions. Makeblock has been instrumental in fostering the principles of STEAM and nurturing the creative spirit of the next generation of innovators.

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The Future of Online Learning: Benefits and Strategies for Educators

Online learning offers unmatched flexibility and accessibility, enabling both students and educators to manage their schedules effectively and break down geographical barriers. For example, as an online student, I was able to balance my studies with a full-time job, and as a teacher, multimedia elements and community through discussion forums made my virtual classroom more engaging and interactive. Here’s more from the Ask a Tech Teacher group:

The Future of Online Learning: Benefits and Strategies for Educators

The educational scene has been revolutionized by the concept of online learning. Online learning offers flexibility and accessibility that traditional classrooms were never capable of.

Technology is constantly advancing, and educators are regularly presented with new opportunities to not only enhance their teaching strategies but also provide a more engaging and effective learning experience. This article is going to explore the benefits of online learning and offer some strategies for educators to use to optimize their use of technology.

Benefits of Online Learning

Flexibility and Accessibility

Perhaps the most significant advantage of online learning is its flexibility. Your students can access course materials and complete their assignments on their schedule. This is the most beneficial to those who are trying to balance their education with work or family commitments.

It opens up more opportunities for more people. This flexibility extends to educators as well. You can design and deliver courses that fit your schedule and teaching style.

Online learning breaks down geographical barriers. It makes education accessible to a wider audience who can’t get to a physical classroom setting.

Students from around the world can enroll in programs that were previously out of reach, such as a bachelor degree online psychology offered by Faulkner University. This change in accessibility only serves to promote diversity and inclusivity in education.

Personalized Learning Experience

The latest technology creates a personalized learning experience that will cater to individual students’ needs. Online platforms can track students’ progress and adapt the content to address specific strengths and weaknesses.

This personalization only helps students stay engaged and motivated. Students that stay engaged and are motivated to continue will only have better academic outcomes.

Strategies for Educators

Embrace Technology

Educators need to embrace technology in order to leverage the full potential of online learning. This means you need to stay updated with the latest tools and platforms that can enhance your teaching and learning.

You can incorporate multimedia elements like videos, podcasts, and interactive quizzes to make lessons more engaging and cater to different learning styles.

Foster Interaction and Community

One of the many challenges to online learning is the lack of face-to-face interaction. As an educator, you can counter this by trying to create a sense of community through interactive activities like discussion forums, group projects, and live video sessions.

If you encourage regular communication and collaboration you could help build relationships and create a more supportive learning environment.

Real-World Applications

Make learning more relevant and engaging for students by connecting your course content to real-world applications. You can incorporate case studies, practical examples, and guest speakers from the industry to bridge that gap between theory and practice. This approach will enhance understanding and prepare students for real-world challenges.

Clear and Structured Content

Online education needs to be clear and structured. Course materials need to be well organized and easy to navigate. By providing clear instructions and expectations for your assignments and assessments you can help your students stay on track and reduce confusion.

Additionally, offering regular feedback and support can guide your students on their journey.

Professional Development

As an educator, staying effective in this constantly changing field of online learning requires continuous professional development. Institutions can support this by providing training and resources that will help educators like you to enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest trends.

Conclusion

The future of online learning is bright. There are numerous benefits that make online education more flexible, accessible, and personalized. Embrace technology, foster interaction, give clear content, and connect your lessons with real-world applications.

By implementing these strategies you can create a dynamic and engaging online learning environment that will only support your student’s success and prepare them for the future.

–image credit to Deposit Photo

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https://forms.aweber.com/form/07/1910174607.htm

“The content presented in this blog are the result of creative imagination and not intended for use, reproduction, or incorporation into any artificial intelligence training or machine learning systems without prior written consent from the author.”

Jacqui Murray has been teaching K-18 technology for 30 years. She is the editor/author of over a hundred tech ed resources including a K-12 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum. She is an adjunct professor in tech ed, Master Teacher, webmaster for four blogs, freelance journalist on tech ed topics, contributor to NEA Today, and author of the tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days. You can find her resources at Structured Learning.

How to Teach Financial Literacy Using Real-World Examples

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Teaching financial literacy to teens can be made more effective and engaging by using real-world examples, such as interactive apps and hands-on activities like budgeting classroom dollars or planning events within a fixed budget. For instance, when I was younger, my parents set up a “family bank” where I earned interest on my allowance, helping me understand the value of saving and managing money from an early age.

How to Teach Financial Literacy Using Real-World Examples

There are quite a number of subjects that are not that easy to teach teens, especially big words like financial literacy and financial management. And helping them become money-savvy before they hit adulthood could be more than a challenge if you don’t have the best tools.

However, teaching them through real-world examples could transform not only your mentoring style but may also help make your very abstract subject very tangible, like these tricks.

Real-World Financial Lessons

Leveraging Technology: A Fun Approach to Financial Literacy

Today, maybe your best way to teach young ones about complicated concepts is through gadgets and devices. They just seem to connect better with fidgets and keyboards., which is why these innovations could be your best tools.

PiggyBot

It’s a video game that levels up as your students save so they can set savings goals and track progress interactively. This will make budgeting and saving lessons an engaging and visually rewarding experience.

Stock Market Challenge Apps

It’s an app that simulates investing in stocks with virtual currency to help students understand market fluctuations and some investment strategies. The app can turn complex financial activities into an exciting challenge.

Saving Spree

This is an educational game app where students make decisions on spending, saving, and donating, which can emphasize the consequences of their financial choices. It helps promote critical thinking about activities like money management.

By turning financial education 360 degrees from a chore into a thrilling game, your lessons stick, and students’ skills will grow naturally.

Use Real-World Banking Examples

It’s best to introduce your students to the world of depositing money, from savings to certificates of deposit (CDs), using simple but actual comparisons. You can explain that CDs are like secure treasure chests that build more money (the interest) if they’re only opened (because it’s locked) on the day agreed (termination date).

You can then compare savings accounts to a flexible piggy bank where they can easily get money from, but it earns less interest. This hands-on comparison can help your students grasp the benefits and the negative side of each, making financial products relatable and easier to understand.

It’s then easier to introduce them to bigger scenarios, like why it’s better to compare certificates of deposit to other accounts and consider the benefits for them when they’ll be handling more money in the future. When they get the idea, it’ll be more likely that they’ll encourage their moms and dads to invest in CDs, too.

Hands-On Activities: Creating Budgets

These are some of those fun activities that help students learn how to create personal budgets through these experienced examples.

Allowance Management

Say you implement a system in the classroom where your students get to earn “classroom dollars” for completed tasks or good behavior. They can then use these classroom dollars to “buy” privileges or items that the class designed beforehand.

Class Party Planning

You can also let your students take charge of planning an event, like a class party or a school dance, with a fixed budget. It’s best to guide them as they need to allocate funds for venue, decorations, food, entertainment, and other expenses.

Class Cooking Challenge

It will be a lot of fun if you challenge your students to have a cooking challenge where they’ll be given a set budget and a grocery list (draw lots). So, they need to research prices and plan a shopping list that stays within their budget.

This will be a great hands-on activity where they get to experience how their moms at home do it almost every day, budgeting and then preparing good food.

There are more ways where you can engage, challenge, and let your students experience firsthand what budgeting and holding on to money really means.

Involving Experts: Guest Speakers

You can invite financial experts to excite and challenge your students, like known financial advisors or bankers, to speak in class. A seasoned banker’s real-life stories about banking, their success accounts, and other achievement stories could make saving, investing, and credit scores more relatable.

It’s a way of giving students first hand insight into some financial concepts. And interacting with experts will show money’s real-world impact, boosting understanding and engagement. Your students are sure to remember these lessons better and for a long time.

Endnotes

It may not be easy, but as a teacher, some tips and tricks up your sleeve are part and parcel of the job. By devising engaging, fun, but 100% educational activities, you can share what it really means to “handle money” in real-life situations, whether good or bad.

With these insights, you’re on your way to teaching future financiers the fundamentals of financial literacy in a more effective manner.

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How Virtual Information Sessions Are Changing K-12 Education

Virtual information sessions are reshaping K-12 education. How? For starters–making it more inclusive, effective, and dynamic. Read on for more ideas from the Ask a Tech Teacher international team:

How Virtual Information Sessions Are Changing K-12 Education

K-12 education is undergoing a digital revolution. Schools across the USA are embracing virtual information sessions to enhance learning experiences and streamline communication. No longer bound by geography, students can access diverse resources and personalized support while parents can stay connected with teachers effortlessly.

As we explore this transformation, it’s clear that the future of education is not just digital—it’s dynamic, inclusive, and limitless.

Virtual Information Sessions: Transforming Accessibility and Engagement in K-12 Education

With virtual information sessions for K-12 education, schools can now leverage digital platforms to connect with students and parents efficiently. These sessions, powered by advances in AI tools and video conferencing technology, provide a wealth of resources that were previously unavailable.

For instance:

Teachers can offer real-time feedback and customized learning plans tailored to individual needs.
Students can gain access to diverse materials, making learning more interactive.
Parents can stay informed about their child’s progress without needing physical meetings.

This shift enhances accessibility for all parties involved, fostering a more inclusive educational environment where knowledge knows no bounds.

Personalized Learning Experiences Through Virtual Platforms

Personalized learning has gained momentum with the advent of virtual information sessions. These platforms enable teachers to analyze student performance data effectively. This helps them craft bespoke lesson plans that cater to individual strengths and weaknesses.

Utilizing AI-driven analytics, educators can monitor progress in real-time, offering timely interventions where necessary.

Students benefit from tailored assignments and feedback suited to their unique learning styles.

Parents also appreciate the transparent communication channels, as they stay updated on their child’s academic journey without delay. The result is a more engaged, motivated student body ready to tackle complex challenges confidently.

Expanding Educational Resources Beyond the Classroom

Virtual information sessions have dramatically broadened the scope of educational resources available to students. With digital access, learning is no longer confined to textbooks and classroom materials.

Teachers now integrate multimedia content like interactive simulations, virtual labs, and expert guest lectures from around the world. This diverse range of materials enriches the curriculum, sparking curiosity and deeper understanding.

Students can explore subjects more thoroughly through online libraries and databases. Such extensive resources empower them to conduct independent research and develop critical thinking skills essential for their future academic endeavors.

This shift towards a resource-rich environment revolutionizes traditional education methods.

Bridging Communication Gaps Between Educators and Families

Effective communication between educators and families is crucial for student success. Virtual information sessions provide a seamless solution to bridge these gaps.

Parents can attend virtual meetings at their convenience, eliminating the logistical challenges of in-person appointments. This flexibility ensures they remain actively involved in their child’s education.

Teachers can share progress reports, address concerns, and collaborate with parents more efficiently through these digital platforms. Real-time updates via messaging apps or video calls keep everyone informed and engaged.

By fostering stronger relationships between schools and families, virtual information sessions enhance the support system surrounding each student, leading to better educational outcomes.

Enhancing Teacher Collaboration and Professional Development

Virtual information sessions don’t just benefit students and parents. They also transform how teachers collaborate and develop professionally.

That can go beyond K-12 education. For instance, professionals who decide to enroll in a master of arts in teaching program can make use of virtual information to enhance their learning.

And within K-12 education and beyond, educators can participate in online workshops, webinars, and peer discussions regardless of geographical constraints. These sessions facilitate the exchange of best practices, innovative teaching methods, and cutting-edge educational research.

Teachers also gain access to specialized training programs that address specific needs within their classrooms. This continuous professional development enhances their skills, ensuring they remain effective educators in an ever-evolving landscape.

Such collaborative efforts foster a supportive community among teachers, leading to improved instructional quality across schools.

The Takeaway

Virtual information sessions have reshaped the K-12 education landscape, offering numerous benefits that extend far beyond the traditional classroom. These advancements create a more inclusive and effective learning environment for all stakeholders.

Key advantages include:

Increased Accessibility. Students and parents can access resources and participate in educational activities from anywhere.
Personalized Learning. Tailored lesson plans and real-time feedback cater to individual student needs.
Enhanced Resources. Multimedia content enriches learning experiences.
Improved Communication. Stronger connections between educators and families support student success.
Teacher Development. Online professional development opportunities keep teachers at the forefront of educational innovation.

As technology continues to evolve, virtual information sessions will likely become even more integral, driving further improvements in how we educate our future generations.

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https://forms.aweber.com/form/07/1910174607.htm

Incorporating Monthly Giving Projects into STEM Curriculum: Inspiring the Next Generation of Philanthropists

Adding monthly giving projects to STEM classes helps students learn important skills like problem-solving and teamwork while also teaching them to care about their communities. For example, my class once built a website to raise funds for a local animal shelter, which taught us web development and the value of helping others. Sound interesting? The Ask a Tech Teacher team has ideas on how to incorporate giving into your STEM curriculum:

Incorporating Monthly Giving Projects into STEM Curriculum: Inspiring the Next Generation of Philanthropists

STEM equips students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovative skills vital for their future careers. But what if we could also use STEM to inspire the next generation of philanthropists?

Incorporating philanthropy into education is a noble endeavor. Some may even argue that it’s a necessary one.

As educators and society recognize the importance of nurturing well-rounded individuals, monthly giving projects are gaining traction within STEM curriculums. These initiatives enrich the educational experience and inspire students to become lifelong contributors to their communities. Let’s get into it. (more…)

How Cloud Security Empowers Online Learning Platforms

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Cloud security boosts online learning by protecting student data while they share their thoughts and submit their assignments. It builds trust so everyone feels safe using the platform. Check out these ideas from the Ask a Tech Teacher team on how this newest game-changer in education will energize online learning platforms:

How Cloud Security Empowers Online Learning Platforms

The number of people using online learning platforms nationally is expected to reach over 63 million within the next five years, and they’re undeniably convenient for students and educators alike. But in leveling the playing field in terms of providing access to learning resources, they also throw up new concerns from a security perspective.

Cloud-powered solutions hold the key to keeping online learning platforms free from the threat of being abused by malicious actors, and here’s a look at how this plays out. (more…)

My Sis is Visiting–I’ll be Dark June 8th-17th

My wonderful sister is coming to visit from Indiana. Our plans: walk, read, cook, talk, Peloton tread, pet the dog–sounds fun, doesn’t it? I can’t wait.

See y’all in ten days!

How to Help Students Run a Genius Bar

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From the Ask a Tech Teacher team: ideas on a student-run genius bar:

How to Help Students Run a Genius Bar

Modeled after Apple’s popular tech support stations, a Genius Bar in a school setting is a student-run help desk where peers provide tech support, advice on digital tools, and assistance with various tech-related issues. Teachers play a crucial role in guiding students to run this service effectively, ensuring it becomes a valuable resource for the entire school community.

By providing the necessary support and structure, teachers can help students develop leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills through the Genius Bar. (more…)

June is Internet Safety Month

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June is National Internet Safety Month, thanks to a resolution passed in 2005 by the U.S. Senate. The goal is to raise awareness about online safety for all, with a special focus on kids ranging from tots to teens.

Here’s a short list of internet cautions I got from an online efriend a few years ago. I reprint it every year because it covers all the basics, avoids boring details, and gives kids (and adults) rules to live by:

Not everything you read online is true

It used to be anything we read in print was true. We could trust newspapers, magazines and books as reliable sources of information. It’s not the same with the web. Since anyone can become published, some of the stuff you’re reading online isn’t true. Even worse, some people are just rewriting stuff they read from other people online, so you might be reading the same false information over and over again. Even Wikipedia isn’t necessarily a reliable source. If you’re researching something online, consider the source. Some poorly written, random web page, isn’t necessarily a good source. However, if you find a .gov or .org site, the information has a better chance of being true. Always look at who owns the website and whether or not they have an agenda before considering whether or not certain information is true.