Posted on

How to Keep the Humanity in Online Courses

If you have ever taken or considered taking an online course, you are well aware of some of the challenges and criticisms that online courses face. Some consider the fact that there is no physical, literal classroom a disadvantage. Others consider it an advantage. When taking an online course, it is true that there are no students in the desks next to you, and that there may be hundreds or even more than a thousand students participating in the same class. The lack of a physical classroom, however, does not have to be a disadvantage. One advantage of online courses …

Continue reading “How to Keep the Humanity in Online Courses”

Posted on

The Ten Characteristics of Teachers Who Successfully Use EdTech

Technology is changing the landscape of teaching and learning. Textbooks are being phased out, makerspaces are becoming increasingly common, and communication between teachers and students has never been easier or more abundant. Technology is unavoidable, and while some teachers may still feel hesitant about the changes that are coming fast and furiously in the wake of these advancements, most teachers want to embrace the potential. Teachers that are successfully integrating educational technology in their classrooms are beacons for their peers – and there is much they can teach us. Teachers who are successfully using technology to grow their students share …

Continue reading “The Ten Characteristics of Teachers Who Successfully Use EdTech”

Posted on

All You Need to Know About Buying Virtual Reality Headsets, Goggles, and Glasses

With virtual reality being one of the biggest trends to hit edtech in years, educators need to know as much about this technology as possible. As a matter of fact, education futurists are predicting that this technology will be instrumental in the future of education, right up there with personalized learning. In a previous article, we provided our readers with a list of the best virtual reality games on the market. As a follow-up, this article will teach them all they need to know about virtual reality headsets, goggles, and glasses. The first thing that you need to know is …

Continue reading “All You Need to Know About Buying Virtual Reality Headsets, Goggles, and Glasses”

Posted on

What Are the Drawbacks of Using Virtual Reality in K-12 Schools?

Virtual reality is a hot topic in K-12 education, and many futurists are calling it the next big thing in edtech. In response to this, we wrote, “What Are the Benefits of Using Virtual Reality in K-12 Schools.” In that article, we listed all of the benefits of using virtual reality in the classroom. Since we never like to be accused of reporting one side of an issue, we decided to explore the other end of the virtual reality coin. Yes, you guessed it; in this piece, we will list all of the drawbacks of using virtual reality in K-12 …

Continue reading “What Are the Drawbacks of Using Virtual Reality in K-12 Schools?”

Posted on

Pass or Fail: Effective Retention Polices – The Chicago Case

pass or fail

In this multi-part series, I provide a dissection of the phenomenon of retention and social promotion. Also, I describe the many different methods that would improve student instruction in classrooms and eliminate the need for retention and social promotion if combined effectively. While reading this series, periodically ask yourself this question: Why are educators, parents and the American public complicit in a practice that does demonstrable harm to children and the competitive future of the country? The goal of retention policies is to ensure that students who move to the next level of learning have mastered the required knowledge and skills. The accompanying exemptions …

Continue reading “Pass or Fail: Effective Retention Polices – The Chicago Case”

Posted on

What Are the Benefits of Using Virtual Reality in K-12 Schools?

Virtual reality is one of the biggest trends in education, right alongside makerspaces. However, if you ask the average educator what the benefits of using VR in the classroom are, many would draw a blank. Why? Because a lot of educators literally jump on the bandwagon of the newest technologies without doing their homework. In the end, their students suffer. If you are an educator who currently uses or wants to use virtual reality, but don’t fully understand its full capabilities and benefits, then I am talking to you. Not to fret, if you keep reading this article, you will …

Continue reading “What Are the Benefits of Using Virtual Reality in K-12 Schools?”

Posted on

Pass or Fail: Did you Know that State Policies Impact Retention Rates?

pass or fail

In this multi-part series, I provide a dissection of the phenomenon of retention and social promotion. Also, I describe the many different methods that would improve student instruction in classrooms and eliminate the need for retention and social promotion if combined effectively. While reading this series, periodically ask yourself this question: Why are educators, parents and the American public complicit in a practice that does demonstrable harm to children and the competitive future of the country? The state you live in determines retention policy and procedures. Do you think state level mandates are a fair and appropriate way of addressing the challenges we face …

Continue reading “Pass or Fail: Did you Know that State Policies Impact Retention Rates?”

Posted on

Pass or Fail: Retention and its Roots in Early American Public Education

early American public schools

In this multi-part series, I provide a dissection of the phenomenon of retention and social promotion. Also, I describe the many different methods that would improve student instruction in classrooms and eliminate the need for retention and social promotion if combined effectively. While reading this series, periodically ask yourself this question: Why are educators, parents and the American public complicit in a practice that does demonstrable harm to children and the competitive future of the country? Today’s practice of retaining students is a far cry from what took place in America’s earliest public school classrooms.  Before assessing the American education …

Continue reading “Pass or Fail: Retention and its Roots in Early American Public Education”

Posted on

Pass or Fail: Goals of the U.S. Education System- Then & Now

pass or fail

In this multi-part series, I provide a dissection of the phenomenon of retention and social promotion. Also, I describe the many different methods that would improve student instruction in classrooms and eliminate the need for retention and social promotion if combined effectively. While reading this series, periodically ask yourself this question: Why are educators, parents and the American public complicit in a practice that does demonstrable harm to children and the competitive future of the country? In all our perceived infinite knowledge and resources, is it possible the Founding Fathers had it right, in terms of education objectives? Thomas Jefferson, like James Wilson, also …

Continue reading “Pass or Fail: Goals of the U.S. Education System- Then & Now”

Posted on

Pass or Fail: The Evolution of American Public Schools in the 20th Century

evolution of public schools

In this multi-part series, I provide a dissection of the phenomenon of retention and social promotion. Also, I describe the many different methods that would improve student instruction in classrooms and eliminate the need for retention and social promotion if combined effectively. While reading this series, periodically ask yourself this question: Why are educators, parents and the American public complicit in a practice that does demonstrable harm to children and the competitive future of the country? How did we go from one-room schoolhouses to hyper-segmented classrooms? In the 19th century, one-room schools were the norm. Some evidence does support the …

Continue reading “Pass or Fail: The Evolution of American Public Schools in the 20th Century”