Have digital portfolios come of age?

It’s one of the longest-running promises of edtech: Have students provide proof of work online. Get better assessment results. Provide students agency and enable them to express themselves creatively. Take teaching and learning to the next level.

For the most part, we’re still waiting. But not Gary Heidt, who leads the Innovation Lab at Perkiomen Valley HS in Pennsylvania and is a champion of a tool called Unrulr. In this conversation, we discuss the implementation and impact of Unrulr in his classroom, where he tries to focus on creating a more human and reflective learning experience. Joining us was Aaron Schorn, Head of Growth and Community at Unrulr to detail how students can document their learning moments, create exit ticket reflections, engage in discussion boards, and build larger learning journeys.

Here’s a link to a blog post that dives deep into Gary’s experiences when it comes to documentation and Unrulr. And here’s a link to the portfolio that Uses Unrulr public links throughout to tell the story of one student’s project journey.…Read More

Ulster BOCES Earns Prestigious ‘Deeper Learning Designation’ from Deeper Learning Global

NEW PALTZ, NY – Ulster BOCES is thrilled to announce that it has been honored with the prestigious Deeper Learning Designation from Deeper Learning Global (DLg). This recognition affirms the Ulster BOCES commitment to fostering innovative and transformative learning experiences for educators in the region.

Deeper learning is a pedagogical approach that encourages students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and communicate clearly. It goes beyond traditional classroom methods to prepare students for the challenges of the modern world. Ulster BOCES recognizes the importance of equipping educators with the tools and knowledge necessary to instill deeper learning principles in their classrooms.

“We are incredibly proud to receive the Deeper Learning Designation from Deeper Learning Global,” said Dr. Jonah Schenker, District Superintendent at Ulster BOCES. “This recognition reflects our mission of cultivating a community of educators who are passionate about nurturing deeper learning principles and creating transformative learning experiences for our students. We look forward to continuing to expand our commitment to deeper learning principles.”…Read More

Abbott Elementary and a push for Black educator representation

Each year, we share our 10 most-read stories. Not surprisingly, many of this year’s Top 10 focused on equity, edtech innovation, immersive learning, and the science of reading. This year’s 8th most-read story focuses on the need for more Black educators–especially Black male educators.

Representation matters, and when students have educators who look like them, it does wonders for their learning experience. At ISTELive 23’s opening mainstage event, featured speakers sat down for a chat about the challenges around representation and getting more Black educators—particularly Black male educators—into classrooms.

Director of ISTE Certification Carmalita Seitz sat down with Joyce Abbott, the inspiration behind Abbott Elementary’s name and a recently retired educator; Tyler James Williams, 2023 Golden Globe winner for best supporting actor as teacher Gregory Eddie on Abbott Elementary; and Sharif El-Mekki, CEO of the Center for Black Educator Development to discuss just how much representation matters for students and teachers.…Read More

The power of AI in education: Enhancing instructional coaching for student success

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Last fall, ChatGPT, an AI-powered language model, became the subject of widespread discussion, from lighthearted memes about robots taking over to genuine confusion about the capabilities and implications of AI. While we have come to understand this technology better, there still remains hesitancy and caution surrounding AI and its integration into education. A prime example was the New York City School System, which had prohibited students and teachers from accessing ChatGPT’s website on school computers.

This hesitation is understandable, as any new technology brings about both excitement and trepidation. However, it is essential for educators and instructional coaches to embrace emerging technologies like AI, as doing otherwise would mean doing our students a disservice. By integrating AI into the classroom, we have the opportunity to enhance teaching practices, coaching conversations, and ultimately support student success in innovative and meaningful ways.…Read More

The secret to good teaching? Teamwork

This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters.

Twelve years ago, when I left a career as a lawyer to become a history teacher, my vision of what a “good teacher” looked like was shaped in part by movies, such as “Stand and Deliver” and “To Sir, With Love,” which depict teachers who overcome institutional dysfunction to connect with students and inspire them to achieve their potential.

Watching “To Sir, With Love” was even a course requirement in my teacher residency program. It was with great trepidation — knowing that I could not live up to this model but wanting to do my best — that I took my job teaching social studies at a small public high school in the Bronx.…Read More

5 ways to use edtech to engage shy students

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Engaging shy students in K-12 classrooms can be a rewarding challenge, and edtech is a valuable tool in creating inclusive and interactive learning environments. Many educators are merging one with the using, discovering strategies to use edtech to engage shy students.

By leveraging edtech tools, teachers can foster participation, build confidence, and provide tailored learning experiences. …Read More

Pinecrest Academy Utilizes Rise Vision for Dynamic Digital Signage

Rise Vision, the #1 digital signage software, is excited to announce the release of its newest case study featuring Pinecrest Academy. Pinecrest Academy, an independent college preparatory Catholic school in Georgia, uses Rise Vision using modern technology to enhance communication across their campus. This case study highlights how Pinecrest has successfully implemented digital signage to communicate with its student body population.

Digital signage is great for communication but only if it’s being used. In the case of Pinecrest Academy, there were countless missed opportunities to increase communication and engage with students with their previous digital signage software. The software was not being used and there were blank TVs on the wall.

Championed by the IT Manager, John Huynh sought a digital signage solution to improve communication in Pinecrest’s common areas and hallways. His intent was to make the most of the displays the school had and ensure the management was user-friendly. The user-friendliness and cost-effectiveness made Rise Vision digital signage software an attractive choice for their school. With Rise Vision, Pinecrest can now use digital signage for almost everything from sharing photos, to advertising and promoting events, sports games, and clubs.…Read More

Current Trends in Education

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In the dynamic landscape of K-12 education, several trends are shaping the way students learn and educators teach. From personalized learning and technology integration to a focus on social-emotional well-being, these trends reflect a commitment to preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century. K-12 tech innovation news headlines make it clear that embracing these trends is an essential step in making sure students are prepared for personal and professional success.

It’s important to note that educational trends are always evolving. But looking at 2024, here are some current trends in education:…Read More

K12 cybersecurity threats to your school can be lowered-here is how

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The school bell is about to ring in another academic year, and as children pull out their lunchboxes and teachers decorate their rooms, schools continue to face an onslaught of K12 ransomware while also grappling with perpetually insufficient budgets, legacy IT, and under-staffing concerns.

The increased level of connectivity in today’s schools means richer opportunities for learning and community, but it also puts at further risk the financial data, personally identifiable information (PII) and other sensitive information that educational institutions hold.…Read More

Everything you need to know about AI in education

Key points:

Since its launch in November 2022, ChatGPT and AI in education have dominated conversations in the media landscape and within the industry. A key conversation focuses on weighing its benefits versus risks, and many education institutions have been quick to implement bans on the technology altogether for fears of plagiarism in written works. Here you will find everything you need to know about AI in education so you can determine for yourself.

As technology evolves, industries must evolve alongside it, and education is no exception – especially in an era where students heavily and regularly engage in technology and its applications. Instead of being afraid of the unknown, educators and leaders should navigate these changes with curiosity and an open mind and embrace the shake up the education industry has been waiting for. ChatGPT in education can be the answer we’re looking for in our search for the ideal, personalized student experience–and ultimately student success.…Read More