Most Clicked SmartBrief on EdTech Stories
1. New site resembles education-focused Pinterest
SmartBrief on EdTech | May 24, 2012
A new product, Learnist, allows users to take educational content from websites such as YouTube and Wikis and post them to a board -- similar to Pinterest. The format of the site, according to its creators, helps to prevent against misinformation found on websites, such as Wikipedia, and still give users access to the resources they need. Mashable (05/23)
2. Are tablet computers a game-changer in education?
SmartBrief on EdTech | May 23, 2012
The growing demand for tablet computers -- in particular Apple's iPad -- and forecasts that the cost of such devices could decline give added weight to predictions that tablets could be a game-changer in education. Perhaps the biggest draw of tablets is the multitouch interface, which allows users to interact more with the screen objects. "The more senses we can engage students in using the better," said Vineet Madan, a senior vice president for McGraw-Hill. "If there's a molecule on the screen, they can touch, pinch, zoom, spin it around on their fingertips." District Administration magazine (06/2012)
3. Opinion: The right and the wrong approach to education technology
SmartBrief on EdTech | May 23, 2012
Education technology can be used to develop "creative agency" classrooms in which students use devices to collaborate and innovate, or they can further the traditional "factory" approach to education, offers Justin Reich, a fellow at the Berkman Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University. In this opinion piece, he writes about the successful integration of technology, which he says upends traditional learning and moves away from the assembly-line approach to education. Education Week (premium article access compliments of EdWeek.org) (05/23)
4. Are children obsessed with technology?
SmartBrief on EdTech | May 29, 2012
In Australia, parents and experts have observed that children -- and even adults -- increasingly are becoming consumed by technology. Many parents say the use of devices, such as the iPad, is near obsession. "The million-dollar question is whether there are risks in the transfer of real time to online time and the answer is that we just don't know," said Andrew Campbell, a child and adolescent psychologist. Sydney Morning Herald (Australia), The (05/29)
5. Technology enhances, doesn't replace great teaching
SmartBrief on EdTech | May 25, 2012
Technology can change schools, but it can't replace great teaching, writes Brandon Busteed in this blog post about The Atlantic's recent Technologies in Education forum. Like technology, which can engage, inspire and individualize instruction, the best teachers establish relationships, inspire students and get to know students individually, Busteed writes. "Simply put, great teaching is about emotionally engaging the learner in a way that is individualized," he writes. Huffington Post, The (05/23)
6. Digital technology use is more common among educators
SmartBrief on EdTech | May 25, 2012
A recent report finds teachers, principals and administrators use smartphones and tablet computers more frequently than members of the general public. However, principals and administrators use the devices more frequently than teachers and librarians. The reason, researchers say, could be that principals and administrators have greater personal access to the devices -- which influences their habits at work. Education Week (05/24)
7. Human flying squirrel proves physics is just as good as a parachute
SmartBrief on EdTech | May 24, 2012
A British daredevil secured himself a place in the record books this week when he jumped from a helicopter and glided 2,400 feet, landing on a row of cardboard boxes without the help of a parachute. Instead, 42-year-old Gary Connery relied on physics to guide him to safety by wearing a specially developed wing suit that created enough drag to slow his gliding speed down to 50 mph and his vertical falling speed to 15 mph in the moments before he landed. Telegraph (London), The (05/23) Popular Science (05/23)
8. Calif. school to require students to have iPads
SmartBrief on EdTech | May 25, 2012
A California high school will require all students to provide their own iPads or rent them through the school beginning in the next academic year. Students will use the devices -- which cost $20 a month -- in class and at home. Officials say the curriculum will be compatible with all versions of the iPad to allow families to provide older models they might already own. Orange County Register (Santa Ana, Calif.), The (05/24)
9. Opinion: Student's language skills the real tragedy of bullying video
SmartBrief on EdTech | May 25, 2012
A high-school student in New York initially was disciplined following complaints about a fake Facebook account and fictitious YouTube video she made telling the story of a young girl who commits suicide. Jessica Barba was suspended for five days for the project, which she completed as part of a school assignment. However, the writer of this piece suggests there should be consequences stemming from her poor use of grammar and insufficient language skills. Time.com (05/25)
10. TED's YouTube videos find a way into the classroom
SmartBrief on EdTech | May 23, 2012
Videos available online through TED-Ed's new YouTube channel typically feature a subject-matter expert discussing innovations and inspirations related to the topic. While TED's venture has generated excitement, educators say it is still unclear how valuable the resource is and how the videos should be used. "I see them as a valuable inspirational tool," said Aaron Sams, a high-school chemistry teacher. "It's by no means a comprehensive understanding. It's a good introduction." KQED.org (05/22)
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