How Teachers Can Gamify Science

BY MATTHEW LYNCH, Tech Edvocate

Gamification of all subjects has become increasingly popular in K-12 and higher education. The introduction of games and technology into the classroom provides many unique experiences for children that enhance subject area knowledge. Gamification is the process of adapting elements of game-play to other activities, like learning a new concept, to foster engagement with that activity. There are many subject areas that can be gamified; however, games can be particularly helpful when teaching students science-based lessons. Educators can use two primary methods to gamify a particular subject or curriculum. Teachers can incorporate science-based games into their curriculum, or they can find ways to create a game-like experience within the structure of the coursework. The first method, adding games into the curriculum, can be easier for teachers to incorporate into lesson plans.

http://www.thetechedvocate.org/how-teachers-can-gamify-science/

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from Educational Technology http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et/?p=23694

9 EDTECH TOOLS TO TRY

BY MATTHEW LYNCH, Tech Edvocate

As the edtech industry grows, so should our curiosity to try new products. EdSurge, a website that matches teachers’ needs to Edtech product has over 2,000 Edtech products in its Product Index. This staggering number represents a fragment of the number of edtech products that are on offer to educators and administrations. So, if you are interested in incorporating a new product into the classroom or just curious about what is on the market; here are “9 Edtech Tools to Try.”

http://www.thetechedvocate.org/9-edtech-tools-to-try/

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from Educational Technology http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et/?p=23679

The state of the campus IT professional

by Jarrett Carter, Education Dive

Campus Technology released its annual earnings and job satisfaction survey of IT professionals at colleges and universities, revealing interesting trends about perceptions of job security and campus investment. The average annual IT salary was more than $77,800, but earnings among professionals at public institutions remained the same from the prior year, while private institution employee earnings increased by more than $8,000. An overwhelming majority of surveyed professionals reported satisfaction with their jobs and a positive outlook on the future of the industry, but 13% of professionals believe that IT is in slow decline at their institutions, and cite departmental budget constraints as the top area of dissatisfaction.

http://www.educationdive.com/news/the-state-of-the-campus-it-professional/435441/

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from Educational Technology http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et/?p=23669

The 4 Common Characteristics of Personalized Learning

by Leila Meyer, THE Journal

Over the last decade, technology has radically altered the way we live, work and communicate, yet many schools continue to follow the industrial age model of education established more than 100 years ago. Personalized learning presents the opportunity to shift education by tailoring the learning experience to an individual student’s needs and interests while helping them gain the knowledge, skills and experiences they need to succeed in college and career, according to a new report from iNACOL. The report, What’s Possible with Personalized Learning? An Overview of Personalized Learning for Schools, Families & Communities, aims to “inform schools, families and communities about the potential of personalized learning and empower them with ways to support the shift to student-centered learning.”

https://thejournal.com/articles/2017/02/03/the-4-common-characteristics-of-personalized-learning.aspx

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from Educational Technology http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et/?p=23659

New law aims to keep expelled students from falling behind

by SHARON SALYERKARI BRAY, Everett Herald-Net

Generally, students who have been suspended or expelled cannot be on campus during normal school hours. When possible, though, the district tries to get them on campus after school for instruction, Taylor said. This may be limited depending on the offense that got the student suspended. Teachers or administrators also can meet with students at public locations such as the library. Students in the Arlington School District can log on to an online system to get homework or parents can get the information from teachers. If students don’t have access to the internet at home, they can drop by their school to pick up assignments, said Kathy Ehman, assistant superintendent. “With the new law in place, we’re looking at alternatives,” she said. “You’ll probably see a lot more in-school interventions, but have some adult there to help support them.”

http://www.heraldnet.com/news/new-law-aims-to-keep-expelled-students-from-falling-behind/

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from Educational Technology http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et/?p=23644

A third of UK parents say their kids are better off learning how to use computers than reading

by Pakistan Daily Times

A third of parents think it would be better for pupils to learn how to build a website than the works of Shakespeare, a survey found. A study claims a pushy 44 percent of UK parents believe it more vital for their youngster to learn digital coding in school than a foreign language like French or Spanish. While shockingly it also found 33 percent even claimed teaching kids computer skills was more enriching for their education than studying English Literature. Yet the research, from digital learning provider Open Classrooms, showed parents secretly and constantly worry about technology’s influence on their offspring. Nine in 10 parents fear for their children’s safety online while 43 percent admit their kids spend more time on their devices than with their family.

http://dailytimes.com.pk/infotainment/29-Jan-17/a-third-of-parents-say-their-kids-are-better-off-learning-how-to-use-computers-than-reading

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from Educational Technology http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et/?p=23624

Education initiatives move forward

by Del. Kirk Cox, Progress-Index

I am also carrying HB2311 that creates the Online Virginia Network aimed at providing a new pathway for students to complete a college degree. The bill establishes an online consortium of classes from various state universities. It is a one-stop shop for scheduling, registering, and taking online classes. Higher education institutions in Virginia have focused primarily on enhancing enrollment, retention, and graduation rates in pursuit of preparing a highly skilled workforce for the Virginia economy. The same emphasis needs to be directed toward identifying those individuals with some college credit, but who have not attained a degree. Dual enrollment credits provide a great opportunity for students to begin working on their undergraduate degrees while still in high school.

http://www.progress-index.com/news/20170129/education-initiatives-move-forward

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from Educational Technology http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et/?p=23614