Tag: virtualreality

We all know that excellent innovations fail. A large reason for failure is because the innovation never reaches the point on the innovation curve beyond innovators and early adopters in the diffusion of innovation. Malcom Gladwell (2017) describes the tipping point as “that magic moment when an idea crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire.” It is extremely challenging to predict when educational models are going to reach that so called tipping point. This is because educational systems are inherently complex with multiple factors that affect adoption. While the primary focus of blended learning is the classroom (physical and virtual); the policy, training, awareness, and professional development around this type of learning need to be examined as important factors to consider when exploring the tipping point.

It is helpful to look for a model to help explain the diffusion of innovation. Everett Rogers developed the diffusion of innovation model to help explain why and how something fails or succeeds. According to Rogers, there are five factors to consider when exploring where innovation is at in relation to the diffusion. These factors are the trialability, relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, and observability. We will look at each of these in the context of blended learning. Think about each of these factors in relation to blended learning and if the so called tipping point has occurred.

1. Trialability

Teachers and administrators need the opportunity to tinker with blended learning in a low-risk environment. An essential feature of trialability is the potential to pilot various blended models and software. Blended learning companies that do not have a 30-day trial fail to offer the chance to play with minimal consequences.

2. Relative Advantage

This point speaks to the benefits of a new innovation over previous models. In this case, blended learning is purporting to replace strictly face-to-face or online learning. The benefits of blended learning include flexibility, focuses learning outcomes, and student-centered learning environments. It embraces technology and promotes flipped learning.

3. Compatibility

Compatability centers on alignment with existing values and attitudes. It gets at the root of what is valued in education. Blended learning needs to be viewed as consistent with the fundamental axiological beliefs of educators to gain traction and approach that all important tipping point. If we consider the education of all students as the central value of teaching, then blended learning designed to the benefit of students should be consistent with those current values.

4. Complexity

The tipping point of blended learning in relation to complexity refers to how difficult it will be for teachers to understand and use effectively. Previous research around educational technology shows that it is often not optimally used. Professional development will be a key component of reducing the complexity of blended learning and maximizing potential.

5. Observability

An innovation that cannot be observed will likely fail to go beyond early adopters. It is crucial for teachers to be able to observe teachers embracing and using blended learning. Finding innovators and early adopters that can model best blended learning practices will be critical when looking at the adoption curve of blended learning. Setting up a peer observation program or something similar to the ID2ID program can help relate the initiative to classroom practice.

So is blended learning at a tipping point? According to Web Courseworks, blended learning in some capacity has passed that tipping point. Technology has fostered an environment where this type of learning is possible. In K-12 environments, blended learning is much more common than online learning. Blended learning is less dependent on policy than fully online learning. While informal blended learning has indeed reached a tipping point, a formalized definition and program focused on blended learning has yet to occur.

 

According to recent studies, learning a second language staves off the effects of Alzheimer’s and dementia by an average of 4.5 years. Results from the American Academy of Neurology show that learning and speaking another language increases the number of neural pathways in the brain which prevents the onset of progressive memory loss.

Learning a different language also improves the speaker’s attention span, ability to solve problems, think logically and work creatively. Plus, knowing a second language doesn’t hurt when you’re traveling overseas or looking to impress a potential employer.

So why don’t more people tackle the challenge of learning Spanish or French or German? Many believe their ability to successfully learn a second language has diminished and, if you’re a working professional, it’s likely you’re pressed for time.

Whatever your reasoning, say Hola to seven apps that make language learning easier and scream Adios to tired excuses.

1. Duolingo: Duolingo is a free app that turns language learning into a game more addictive than Words With Friends, Tetris, and Candy Crush combined. Earn points for right answers, race against time, and strive to beat your personal high score. The app also places advanced learners into the appropriate level and allows users to choose their commitment in desired minutes per day (5 through 20). Taking a hint from Snapchat, Duolingo users earn streaks for every day they’ve spent practicing. Not just a fun game, Duolingo includes speaking, listening, translation, and multiple choice challenges into each lesson while boasting an off-the-charts success rate.

2. Babbel: If vocabulary is your personal path to fluency or you’re more interested in a basic understanding of everyday words, Babbel is the app for you. The app uses four different techniques – Sound Recognition, Picture Recognition, Spelling and Fill in the Blank – and focuses heavily on word repetition and sentence completion. Users can also set benchmark goals to track progress and personalize their experience.

3. Memrise: Memrise may not be as user-friendly or widely-known as Duolingo or Babbel, but it’s still a great (and free!) language-learning app. Memrise uses an original method for language learning and vocabulary building: Instead of having users blindly memorize words, the app puts words into sentences with similar sounding words from your mother tongue to build natural mental connections. Memrise also uses images that sound like the word overlaid with the unfamiliar word itself (photo of a dove for dov’è) to give visual learners a leg up.

4. busuu: busuu is a language learning app that specializes in helping users understand the context of words and phrases. busuu primarily uses quizzes as an educational tool while presenting learners with the same word in varying contexts – a technique many language learning apps leave out. If you find yourself surrounded by native speakers, busuu is at your disposal for a pocket-sized context dictionary.

5. HelloTalk: HelloTalk is an interactive language app like no other. With over 100 languages to choose from, including Japanese, Korean and Chinese, HelloTalk connects users with native speakers for real practice and personalized tutoring support. With HelloTalk, you’re not just memorizing flashcards and spelling words, but practicing intonation with human help at your fingertips. Native speakers are available to answer any questions learners have throughout the process. Additionally, the text-to-voice feature allows users to listen to the audio of texts they’ve sent or received for constant language improvement and understanding. HelloTalk: the app that talks back.

6. HiNative: This app is a free Q&A for learners with specific questions in mind. Like HelloTalk, HiNative connects users with native speakers to receive feedback on written work, ask contextual questions, receive instant and accurate translations and, with the audio feature, check pronunciation.

7. Rosetta Stone Travel App: When you think language-learning edtech, Rosetta Stone is probably the first brand that comes to mind. We’ve all seen the commercials and walked past pricey bundles of Rosetta Stone courses. But did you know they’ve got an app perfect for learners-on-the-go? This pocket-sized approach with a built-in guide book has everything that makes the original version successful; industry-leading speech technology, images, customizable settings, and opportunities for repetition, repetition, repetition.

Whether you’re looking to add a line on your resume, travel abroad, increase your circle of international friends, reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s or simply feel smarter, check out these language learning apps with a track record of bilingual success.

Kui Xie, The Ohio State University and Nicole Luthy, The Ohio State University

For decades, textbooks were seen as the foundation for instruction in American schools. These discipline-specific tomes were a fundamental part of the educational infrastructure, assigned to students for each subject and carried in heavy backpacks every day – from home to school and back again.

The experience of students is much different today.

As a scholar of learning technologies and a director for outreach and engagement at Ohio State’s College of Education and Human Ecology, we’ve seen how technological advances and an increase in digital curriculum materials have hastened the move away from textbooks.

Does all of this technology spell the end of traditional textbooks? And if so, is that actually a good thing for students and teachers?

Standards and the decline of textbooks

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan’s National Commission on Excellence in Education released “A Nation at Risk,” which put a spotlight on school quality and accountability for student achievement. By the mid-1990s, the academic standards movement had picked up steam, spurred by “Goals 2000,” the Educate America Act of 1994. In response, states and local communities drafted guidelines to indicate what students should know at each grade level.

With these guidelines, educators and policymakers began to question teachers’ reliance on textbooks. Education organizations examined textbooks not only for their accuracy and quality, but for their alignment to academic standards. Where once student success was marked by the end-of-chapter test for whatever textbook each school happened to use, success was now measured by how well students met standardized grade-level learning objectives. Different textbooks might produce different levels of knowledge and understanding from students, but the new standards were common across an entire state.

Increased access to digital content

With the rise of the internet and the proliferation of online content, teachers have found new sources to support student learning.

Recent studies report that student-computer ratios in most U.S. schools have reached 5:1 (five students per computer), with almost all teachers having access to at least one computer in their classroom. One-to-one laptop programs, which provide every student with a computing device, have spread across multiple states.

To support these initiatives, schools have access to a wealth of free and premium content designed specifically for a K-12 curriculum. Most textbook publishing companies have launched digital platforms; in fact, several have transformed their core identities from traditional textbook publishers to learning science companies or digital education companies.

Much of this digitized content has blurred the definition of a “book.” Digital lessons can present information through dynamic, interactive features like simulations and videos. Digital textbooks can also provide support features that just aren’t possible in a print textbook: students can highlight text, search for content, change the font size or use text-to-speech audio.

Teachers are also looking outside the world of K-12 education to support their lessons. Content freely available on the internet (including digital collections by the Smithsonian, Library of Congress and NASA) has created new opportunities for teaching and learning. Teachers can make classes more dynamic, more accurate and more customizable to meet the personalized learning needs of individual students.

Challenges in the digital world

But it’s not all good news. Schools are also confronting new challenges brought on by digital content.

Textbooks are relatively easy to use. The same is not necessarily true for digital resources, which might require technological expertise – on the part of the teacher or an in-school specialist – to implement well. Moreover, teachers’ beliefs about technology integration are still barriers for adopting digital content in classrooms.

There’s also a question of cost. Well-equipped schools are eagerly “going digital,” often reallocating their textbook budgets to purchase these materials. However, a lot of schools struggle to cover the costs of making the transition. Similarly, some schools, specifically those in rural communities, find it difficult to access wireless or high-speed internet services needed for digital learning: In 2016, 39 percent of rural areas lacked broadband internet.

How to choose digital content

Infrastructure and technological know-how aren’t the only obstacles. Digital education resources also vary in quality, and selecting the right content can be a major challenge for schools.

That means that a teacher’s ability to evaluate and select digital content becomes an important requirement for digital learning. Teachers need to be able to find the right resources for their lessons – and make sure they’re high quality, aligned to standards and compatible with existing tools. Without these skills, teachers struggle to integrate technology and digital content with their own teaching methods.

Most teachers rarely get the opportunity to learn how to evaluate, select and integrate digital resources into their classrooms. Professional development programs and resources from educational support organizations can help teachers make the transition to digital content.

While these resources exist, not enough teachers are able to take advantage of them. Our research indicated that the majority of teachers rate themselves low when asked to indicate their knowledge and skill in digital content evaluation.

Embracing digital

So, do we still need textbooks? Yes. But the composition as well as the role of textbooks is changing. They’re becoming more digitized, more open, more affordable, more dynamic and interactive, and more frequently updated.

Schools are buying fewer textbooks and are more often using them only as classroom or library reference materials or to teach special topics. Many school districts are shifting funds from their textbook budgets to purchase devices and digital content, but are making changes incrementally and replacing books with digital content based on their 3- to 5-year curriculum adoption schedules.

Meanwhile, the proliferation of technology tools and resources has transformed the learning landscape. The shift from print to digital has given students and teachers access to content that exceeds the quantity and quality of a traditional textbook. With these advances come more engaging and exciting ways for students (and teachers) to learn.

Kui Xie, Cyphert Distinguished Professor of Learning Technologies; Director of The Research Laboratory for Digital Learning, The Ohio State University and Nicole Luthy, Director of Outreach and Engagement in the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement, The Ohio State University

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

Nathan Fisk, University of South Florida

In today’s media-rich world (or media-saturated, depending on your view), one rarely has to look far to find parents concerned about the ways that kids engage with technology. Recently, managing “screen time” seems to be on everyone’s mind – particularly during these summer months when kids find themselves with more time on their hands.

As someone who has spent the majority of my career studying kids and safety online, I get a lot of questions from parents about screen time. My response? There’s a lot more to digital media consumption than expert advice about hourly limits.

Where ‘screen time’ comes from

The idea of “screen time” initially gained traction in 1999, when the American Academy of Pediatrics suggested that parents avoid smartphone, tablet, computer and TV use for children under two and limit such use to no more than two hours for children over two, adding hours as kids mature. While the American Academy of Pediatrics relaxed these guidelines somewhat in 2016 (expanding their policies to include positive digital media use and suggest family media plans), the core idea of screen time remains largely unchanged.

Despite the allure of easy-to-follow rules that address parental concerns, screen time recommendations have drawn increasing criticism from a wide range of experts.

In the academic world, the science supporting screen time recommendations has major limitations. Lab-based studies don’t always translate to the complexities of real life. More often than not, screen time studies demonstrate connections between problems with well-being and media use; they don’t demonstrate that one causes the other. For example, while research suggests that there’s a connection between screen time and childhood obesity, that could just mean that kids who are less active are more likely to be obese and spend more time in front of screens. The research does not suggest that screen time causes obesity.

Screen time today

As our media practices have changed, and adults themselves have begun to spend more of their time online, the idea of screen time has not quite kept up with the times. The world is increasingly saturated with all kinds of positive, interactive media experiences – for children and adults alike. Ideas about limiting screen time assume all screen experiences are equally negative for kids and that they’re replacing positive offline activities.

Yet, we know that kids do all kinds of positive things with digital media, often in ways that support and are supported by “real life” activities – in ways similar to adults. They go online to hang out with friends, catch up on events and seek out entertainment and information, just like anyone else.

In my own work, I’ve argued that some of the problems that parents have with kids and technology are, in fact, not about technology at all. With each generation, kids have been increasingly restricted from going outside on their own. With fewer private spaces to be a kid, we shouldn’t be surprised when kids turn to social media apps to hang out and socialize – and get upset when we stop them.

What looks like a “waste of time” or an “addiction” is often just everyday hanging out.

So what should parents do?

How, then, can parents get a handle on their children’s media use? As always, it’s complicated – and no expert advice should trump the real, everyday experiences that parents have with their own children. That said, there are some general guidelines that can help.

First, parents should get away from ideas about time and focus more on the content, context and connections provided by different kinds of engagement with media. There’s a world of difference between spending a few hours playing games with close friends online and spending a few hours interacting with hate groups in an online forum.

Second, parents should ask real questions concerning the well-being of their children, independent of their media use. Are your children healthy, socially engaged, doing well in school and generally happy? If so, there’s probably no need to enforce hard restrictions on technology. If not, it’s best not to rush to conclusions about the inherent evils of technology. Have a conversation with kids about what they’re doing and what they think the rules should be. Unilaterally cutting kids off without understanding their problems can often make things worse.

Finally, parents should remember that there’s no substitute for a meaningful, supportive relationship between parents and children. With a stable, trusting relationship, even negative experiences online can become positive learning experiences. In my many years of working with families, I’ve learned that if you already care enough to be worried about digital media, you’re probably already “doing enough” to protect your kids.

Nathan Fisk, Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity Education, University of South Florida

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

Personalized learning can seem like a daunting task for educators. Finding the best way for each individual student to learn can seem both too complicated and also unnecessary. However, when approached with the right mindset, personalized learning can be accomplished somewhat quickly. The goal is to help each student succeed in a manner best suited to their unique ways. Here are five personalized learning strategies for teachers to be aware of.

1. Project-based learning

Project-based learning moves the focus from rote memorization to understanding complete concepts. It gives students a chance to choose a topic and dig deep to find answers. The project can be an extended question, a unique challenge, or an interesting problem. Once a topic has been chosen, students use a variety of resources that could include online research, reading articles, or even interviewing people to complete the project. The end goal is to learn more; students are evaluated less on their results and more on their processes. It is a great way for students to personalize their learning journey.

2. Different writing approaches

Writing can seem like an annoying task for some, but if all students are exposed to are essays, then this can indeed be the case. Instead, offer students different ways to express themselves in writing. Numerous websites offer free blogging platforms which can be a great way for students to express themselves. Poetry, in its different forms, is another excellent writing tool. Even mixing pictures with words, as in graphic novels, can be a creative outlet for students. When students are exposed to different writing styles, they can find ones that work the best for themselves.

3. Classroom design

Gone are the days where a class consisted of rows of desks facing a teacher. Instead, class design is thought out more to meet the needs of diverse groups of students. Not all students can sit still for extended periods of time; include standing platforms or exercise balls to allow for better concentration. Add movement to classroom design so that there are different spaces for different subjects. Comfortable chairs for reading time and natural light from windows provide optimal learning environments so that students can better focus on the task at hand.

4. Personalized learning plans

Personalized learning plans are at the heart of learning strategies. This may be the most complicated strategy, but it is the most important. Begin at the start of the school year by getting to know each student. If possible, consult with their parents or guardians as well as previous teachers. Find out what has worked in the past and what hasn’t worked. Communicate with your student so that both of you are on the same page. Once a plan has been established, be sure to meet regularly to stay updated on the progress that is being made. Adjustments should be expected to be made.

5. Continued assessment

Assessment can and should come in many different ways. There are different types of assessment, and these should be used throughout the school year. One important aspect that is often missed is how a student has progressed when compared to their previous academic performance. Tools like pre and post tests measure a student’ progress and do not compare them to other students. With different types of assessment, teachers can be better aware of individual results.

Can you think of any additional personalized learning strategies? We know we didn’t cover them all.

The traditional model of teachers lecturing in the classroom and students completing practice and homework on their own is changing. Instead, students are learning on their own and using the classroom as a place to dig more deeply into what they’ve learned. This model, known as the flipped classroom, is gaining popularity thanks to the rise of EdTech.

How does the flipped classroom work? Students watch lecture videos or complete readings at home. The following day in class, the teacher clarifies anything students didn’t understand. Students then collaborate with the information to answer questions, complete projects and do other activities that used to be reserved for homework.

The flipped classroom provides benefits for students and teachers alike. Teachers spend more time helping students with the content they don’t understand. This means more one-on-one help for students and less time listening to boring lectures in class.

How can you establish a flipped classroom? Thankfully there are tons of edtech tools that will do the heavy lifting for you, and also walk you through the process. In this article, we will discuss 87 edtech tools that are perfect for the flipped classroom.

1. PlayPosit– Allows you to create interactive videos for your flipped classroom.
2. EdPuzzle– Create excellent videos for your flipped classroom. Comes with amazing editing tools.
3. Screencastify– Screen recording tool that creates dynamic videos for the flipped classroom.
4. TES Teach with Blendspace– Develop basic videos for your class. Unfortunately, it does not allow you to create interactive videos.
5. Verso– Allows you to elicit feedback from the students in your flipped classroom. Easy to use.
6. ClassFlow– Allows you to create dynamic presentations and assessments for your flipped classroom.
7. Prepmagic– Provides students with science simulations that promote learning.
8. Codecademy– The site contains a large cache of science simulations.
9. Khan Academy– With over 40,000 interactive Common Core aligned practice questions and over 10,000 videos and explanations in math, science, and more, Khan Academy is the perfect app for students of all ages to study.
10. Edheads– Awe inspiring simulations deliver superb science content.
11. PhET Interactive Simulations– Large repository of science and math simulations.
12. NOVA– Amazing science videos that would be perfect for the flipped classroom.
13. Redbird Mathematics– Adaptive math resources for flipped or blended classrooms.
14. Ted-Ed– Premade educational videos that can be used as supplemental instruction.
15. BrainPOP Jr.– Quality educational videos a blessing for teachers.
16. Brightstorm– Video lessons for kids who need help with their homework.
17. Matygo – A solution for flipping your classroom.
18. HippoCampus– Presentations and lectures that can serve as supplemental instruction.
19. Virtual Nerd– Video tutorials that can help you flip your math classroom.
20. Edheads– Awe inspiring simulations deliver superb science content.
21. WeVideo– Quality editing site makes video creation simple and collaborative.
22. Animoto– Make cool video slide shows with simple, flexible features.
23. GoAnimate for Schools– Produce professional grade animations with this easy to operate tool.
24. Explee– Create cool, engaging whiteboard animations with Web-based tool.
25. iMovie–This is one of the most popular video-making apps, and it is only $4.99 for iPhone and iPad.
26. Zaption– A tool that turns online videos into engaging lessons.
27. G Suite– The ability to collaborate on Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, and the rest have been very helpful for not only group projects, but also facilitating flipped classrooms.
28. Video Mixer Pro–This app claims to be “the most simple and easy to use the app for merging videos and audio.”
29. Chalkup– Brilliant LMS tool that facilitates classroom discussion and collaboration.
30. Noodle – Online learning just got smarter.
31. Education Elements – A trailblazer in the area of blended learning.
32. Schoology – Comprehensive learning management tool.
33. Coursekit – Basic, yet powerful learning management system.
34. Time to Know – Online learning and teaching platform.
35. Haiku – A simple, yet robust
36. eLearning Brothers– Helps anyone develop game and courses for online delivery.
37. 2tor – Allows you to deliver traditional lessons online.
38. K12 – Online learning for K-12 learners.
39. Memrise – Online learning platform.
40. Comment Bubble– Video-response tool that allows you to give students simple feedback.
41. GoSoapBox– Simple, easy to use web-based clicker tool gives instant feedback.
42. PollFlipgrid– Ask questions, spark introspective multimedia responses with outstanding tool.
43. GoClass– Give powerful interactive lessons to kids via their mobile devices.
44. EverywhereTodaysMeet– Simple online conversations allow teachers and their students to communicate outside of the classroom.
45. Piazza– Cutting edge Q&A tool facilitates discussion and develops critical thinking skills.
46. ClassTag– ClassTag is a cloud-based app that helps schools engage parents in their community and improve the quality of family support in education
47. ParentSquare– Multipurpose communication tool promotes parent involvement.
48. Athena’s Workshop– Texting platform for students, parents; has additional classroom features.
49. ClassPager– Send basic text reminders and surveys to students’ cell phones.
50. MURAL– Message boards that help kids collaborate.
51. Engrade – Bring all of the stakeholders in education together.
52. Goalbook – Allows all of the stakeholders in education to collaborate.
53. tGlogser – A must have multimedia system for educational stakeholders.
54. Celly – An app to tries to perfect school communication.
55. Noodle – Online learning just got smarter.
56. Education Elements – A trailblazer in the area of blended learning.
57. Schoology – Comprehensive learning management tool.
58. Coursekit – Basic, yet powerful learning management system.
59. Time to Know – Online learning and teaching platform.
60. Haiku – A simple, yet robust
61. OpenStudy– An online tutoring and studying app.
62. Brightstorm – Affordable test prep and free tutoring.
63. Student of Fortune– Online tutoring and homework help.
64. StudySync – Elearning that inspires scholarship.
65. Skillshare– Helps people learn anything, anywhere.
66. Coursera – Free courses from the world’s best universities.
67. Udemy– Elearning classes taught by experts.
68. eLearning Brothers– Helps anyone develop game and courses for online delivery.
69. 2tor – Allows you to deliver traditional lessons online.
70. K12 – Online learning for K-12 learners.
71. Memrise – Online learning platform.
72. Duolingo – Free access to online language learning.
73. WizIQ – Elearning resources.
74. Mingoville – Learn English online.
75. Sophia – Online learning platform for learning new skills.
76. Spongelab– An online learning community for the field of science.
77. eduFire – A learning community that happens to be online.
78. BenchPrep – Online test prep.
79. Magoosh – Online test prep in the form of a personal tutor.
80. The Education Arcade– A collection of online learning games.
81. Edmodo– Platform that facilitates communication between educational stakeholders.
82. Remind– Is a free way to instantly text students and parents from your phone.
83. Video Editor AndroMedia– Only available for Android devices, this free app is a “fully featured video editing program for creating professional looking videos in minutes.”
84. Get the Math– Learn how to solve real-life algebra problems with diverse crew, delightful videos.
85. GeoGebra– Make, share, and modify math models and simulations.
86. Mathspace– Individualized, step-by-step math coaching challenges and adapts.
87. Math Open Reference– Bare bones collection of math simulations.

Did we miss any?