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

RATL | reading about teaching language

Spring Quarter June 13, 2013

In this digest of articles, you can 1) borrow great tech 'needs analysis' questionnaire items for your students, teachers and yourself,  2) learn how to make simple animations, 3) explain Bloom's Taxonomy more effectively, and 4) be part of a great discussion of the merits (or demerits) of using learning styles in the classroom. Enjoy! -roger dupuy

Article No. 1 

"6 Great Tech Question Charts for The 21st Century Teacher and Student  Educational Technology and Mobile Learning"

This article has a series of questionnaire-type questions for you to find out more about your students' and teachers' understanding and use regarding technology. There are six sections, so there's room to pick and choose. These questions could be used to create your own 'needs analysis' questionnaire. It is a great read for you if it only informs you of your own behaviors regarding your patterns as you interface teaching and technology. -RD

LINK: http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2013/04/6-great-tech-question-charts-for-21st.html

Article No. 2

"A Keynote (Mac's Powerpoint application) Animation Tutorial."

This is a 5-minute video teaching you how make an animation using your keynote presentation software. It's pretty easy, but there are a lot of steps. There could be a little confusion as the voiceover asks you to have an 'animation template' created. All this means is that you need to create a NEW keynote file with the title 'animation template'. It's also a good video for a different reason: it's a good tutorial. She uses an iMovie template for the flying transitions. -RD

LINK: https://vimeo.com/64513862

Article No. 3

"14 Brilliant Bloom’s Taxonomy Posters For Teachers"

The name says it all. You can give your students some really cool bloom's taxonomy visuals. -RD

LINK: http://www.teachthought.com/learning/14-brilliant-blooms-taxonomy-posters-for-teachers/

Article No. 4

"The Myth of Learning Styles" (by Mo Costandi)

Was Gardner wrong? Was he misunderstood? Here's what you might want to do: 1) read the article, 2) then read the comments to the article that follow.  Some commenters react with their 'gut instincts', others, like Jen Lillianstein's comments, logically point out flaws she sees.

What's your take on learning styles? -RD

LINK: http://thinkneuroscience.wordpress.com/2013/04/11/the-myth-of-learning-styles/