RATL: Reading About Teaching Language No. 2

Winter 2014
Curated by Roger Dupuy


No. 1

10 Technology Mistakes You Don't Want to Make

We like to read top 10 lists. Here's one on teaching and technology by Kelly Walsh. 

Most of these are common sense, but I really like No. 9:

Be vague or unclear with technology based assignment instructions:

Be vague or unclear with technology based assignment instructions: Make sure your instructions are clear and precise – for example, if you tell students “post ____ on the Internet” but give no guidance as to how or where, you are asking for potential problems and confusion. Similarly, if you say, find ______ on the Internet, students may be exposed to inappropriate content, or simply get distracted."

She offers a link:

http://www.emergingedtech.com/2014/02/10-teaching-with-technology-mistakes-you-dont-want-to-make/


No.2

Hemmingwayapp.com

This web-based application (which means you need to use a internet browser to use it), allows you to paste in any text, and then it analyzes it in the 'spirit of Hemingway',  which I guess that means something good.  Seriously, you have to try it out if you like to write. It has an algorithm that parses your text and offers suggestions for revision. It's like a kindlier and gentler and more subtle than Microsoft's 'grammar correction' function. It color codes your texts and offers suggestions. It's pretty cool and FREE.


No.3

A New Technology Cheat Sheet for Teachers

This is a nice infographic defining current tech terms influencing education. If something interests you from this list, let me know and I'll resource you.

Check out the Link below:

http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2014/02/a-new-educational-technology-cheat.html


Finally...


No.4

Show Your Work

Austin Kleon's new book: "Show Your Work" by Workman press is already phenomenal. Its subtitle says: "10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered"

I was a fan of Austin Kleon's approachable, no nonsense approach to things. His first book: "Steal Like an Artist" has been a New York Times Best Seller. It's a gem.

This book helps anyone who is doing good work take the next few steps and get discovered. I work with a whole bunch of innovative, dedicated, creative teachers. This book is for them.

Here's the Amazon link: http://amzn.com/B00GU2RGGI


That's it for this edition of RATL.

Thanks