Blog Archives

Would you send your student to the same high school you attended?

12/4/2013

Think About It: My students always express ideas they hope will be implemented on campus to improve the school day :) The younger set begs for longer recess, middle school wants to be taken to overnight field trips, and high school longs for off campus lunch privileges.
In The Classroom: I had a chance to spend a little quality time with the Juniors and Seniors in my tech lab. I couldn't resist asking what they truly think about their high school experience. I was impressed and a bit surprised at the responses. Andrew's response was priceless :) Hope you enjoy unfiltered honesty from a group of kids I adore.

Free Resources to Teach Digital Skills and Web Literacy

12/2/2013

"This space, both physical and virtual, is a place for you to collaborate, hack, invent, share, create, make and do. You have been given the tools you need to get started, but where it goes is up to you. The world is your platform. "
- Laura Fleming

Think About It: One of the very best elements of research is to stumble upon a resource that is completely brilliant...but hardly embraced by the larger population. While reading through the current trends on Flipboard I came across The Web Literacy Standards presented by Mozilla. This free resource maps competencies to identify skills that are important to pay attention to when reading, writing and participating on the web map are the core focus of technology integration into the core curriculum. The Web Literacy Standard is made up of three strands: Exploring, Building and Connecting. In turn, each strand is made up of several competencies. Each competency is comprised of a number of skills. Definitely a refreshing alternative to the tried and true curriculum I have written over the last few years. My students are excited to move into global collaboration with peers and mentors who sincerely strive to create a genuine and committed culture of innovation.

Should I encourage their engagement...knowing what I know?

12/1/2013

Not everyone I know thinks this is such a good idea. The best answer wins a gift card as incentive to help me find out.
Let me begin by explaining the purpose of this post. Engagement :) I know my kids love the freedom of expression on Facebook to create a unique voice. I want to effectively transfer my students mastery of engagement with their audience on Facebook into the classroom. I want students to use the same creative methods and tools used to create well written media they post on Facebook as a rubric for blogging or producing evidence of mastery of core subjects they are expected to explore with rigor all year long. What do you think? Should I post these "tips" as the new rubric for writing assignments!!?

Use at least 3 of these tips to make your project engaging!!!

Use a self explanatory photo for fun
Keep your idea concise - shorter post
Use emoticons to get a response
Preface your work with should, would, which and who to get a response (why is a loser)
Have your audience "like it" for a contest (think peer editing - final presentation)

Written by:
Alicia Roberts

I am blessed to be a mom of four amazing children, and an owner of a beautiful rescue puppy. I have taught for 20 years and am passionate about my calling as Principal at Bella Vista College Preparatory. I speak nationally about STEM as a Today's Learn Specialist for Grand Canyon University. Please feel free to contact me to inquire about STEM+ Workshops or Curriculum Design.
[email protected]

The Horizon Report is focused on emerging technology and its applications to K-12 education.

NGSS HUB

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

Asked to stimulate ongoing thinking and inquiry
Raise more questions
Spark discussion and debate
Asked and reasked throughout the unit (and maybe the year)
Demand justification and support
"Answers" may change as understanding deepens

Teach 2 Inspire ®

Would you send your student to the same high school you attended?

Free Resources to Teach Digital Skills and Web Literacy

Should I encourage their engagement...knowing what I know?

Written by:​Alicia Roberts

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Written by:
Alicia Roberts