Why Schools Can't Be Run Like a Business

For those of you that are in states that are looking towards "pay on performance" or those that have repercussions for poor test scores, I highly recommend reading this article: http://ayearinthelifeofateacher.com/2010/03/31/why-schools-cant-be-run-like-a-business/

Ning is no longer free

As I've been checking out resources to use in the classroom, Walden University makes reference to Ning. As you may have found out, Ning is no longer free. However, you can apply for sponsorship to get it for free for three years. I've applied twice now and have not heard back. Frankly, I'm tired of waiting and have started looking for alternatives. I came across this site: http://www.jonbishop.com/2010/04/9-free-ning-alternatives-and-some-open-source-solutions/ that lists 9 free alternatives to Ning. I have poked around a few of them so far and found a couple I'd like to try. There is one that even supports Wordpress blogging integration. Hopefully you all find something useful there.

A Great Site for 3d Learning

Hey Everyone,

As many of you have probably read in previous posts, I am easily sidetracked when I am working on my Walden homework. Thankfully, my findings are often quite useful. I figured I'd share tonight's since it directly relates to 21st century learning.

This blog: http://www.karlkapp.blogspot.com/ is an excellent source of information for using 3d eLearning. Programs can range from Second Life (yes, I was even surprised to see the educational benefits of Second Life) as well as 3d Virtual Scavenger Hunts.

Let me know what you all think!

Brett

Power Teaching / Whole Brain Teaching

As I was writing my application for this week, I figured I would share with all of you one of the classroom management strategies that I use when I end up with an overly energetic class. This also works well for students that may have behavior issues. Or, you may want to do it because it is just plain fun!

The strategy was called "Power Teaching" and is now refereed to as "Whole Brain Teaching." It was developed by a professor named Chris Biffle. You can get pretty much everything you need to use this method off of his WEBSITE for free!

Below is a video of it being used in a college setting. However, this is effective PreK-Adult. I have tested it 4-8 personally, and my wife uses it regularly in her 3rd and 4th grade rooms.

Will the iPad be a game changer?

With Apple's release of the iPad today, I have a feeling this could really revolutionize not only the tech gadget world, but also our classrooms. For the cost of a decent iPod touch, you can now surf the web, read a book, download apps, all on a device the size of a laptop screen, and not much thicker either.

How could this benefit our schools? First of all, these things hardly take up any space at all. With our movement into Web 3.0, or "Sky Computing" everything can be done online without software as it is. Even files are stored safely online now with Google Docs.

With the option to purchase a dock and keyboard, I can certainly foresee these devices replacing the laptop carts or mobile labs.

What's your opinion?