For many of the 4.5 million English Language Learners (ELLs) in U.S. elementary and middle school classrooms, learning and understanding the language of mathematics can be a challenge. Supporting ELLs requires a commitment to a shift in practices which involves the entire school and also branches out to the community. Michele Dawson, Senior Director of Instructional Technology in Compton Unified School District, CA; and Kelly Urlacher, Senior Curriculum Designer at DreamBox Learning, had a conversation of essential approaches for supporting these students in “Key Strategies to Making Access and Equity a Reality for ELL Students.”
STEAM lessons offer educational benefits beyond technological literacy, such as collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. Educators who incorporate STEAM into the classroom are preparing students now for jobs that don’t exist yet by giving them confidence in problem-solving, noted Dr. Azadeh Jamalian, Adjunct Assistant Professor at Teachers College, Columbia University, Head of Education Strategy at littleBits. For many educators, though, blending STEAM with traditional subjects can still seem daunting. During the edWebinar “Bringing Hands-On Coding and STEAM into Your District or Classroom,” Dr. Jamalian offered attendees insights into four key factors that can support successful STEAM integration.
Augmented reality is emerging in the education space as a tool for motivating children to learn. Using this 3D technology can help students significantly whether they’re struggling to learn reading or math, or just to engage. Cynthia B. Kaye, CEO and Chief Zoo Keeper at Alive Studios, discovered this technology while in search of a way to support her own two ELL children. She discussed the benefits of using augmented reality in the classroom in “Engaging Early Learners with Augmented Reality.”
edWeb.net is excited to announce that Square Panda will host PreK-3 Digital Learning, a free professional learning community on edWeb. Through this community and edWebinars, Square Panda will support preK-3 educators as they navigate the rapidly changing world of edtech and the needs of early readers.
Many schools and districts are prioritizing the adoption of digital content and curricula, but the challenges of effectively evaluating, selecting, and implementing solutions still persist. However, with the right tools, technology can improve student achievement and empower educators. In “The 21st Century District’s Framework for Evaluating Digital Curriculum,” Dr. Tim Hudson reviewed important steps in finding the right digital curricula for your students’ needs.
edWeb.net is delighted to announce that 7 Mindsets, the national leader in mindsets-based social and emotional learning (SEL), will be hosting Mindsets for Social-Emotional Learning, a free professional learning community on edWeb. Through the community and edWebinars, 7 Mindsets will provide educators with an online space to communicate and collaborate on ideas and resources within the critical and growing topic of social-emotional learning.
edWeb.net is delighted to announce that ClassLink will be hosting Technology in Schools, a free professional learning community on edWeb. Through the community and edWebinars, ClassLink will provide district administrators, school leaders, and all educators with an online space to share ideas, examples, and resources that relate to integrating technology effectively in schools.
Research indicates that due to a heightened interest in visual materials combined with strong visual processing capabilities, many individuals with autism are attracted to and benefit from using technology. From devices, to apps, to smart home implementations, technology can help improve daily life for those on the autism spectrum immensely, and software and devices that are currently in development offer great promise for the future. In a recent edWebinar, Christian Karter, MA, Educational Technology Specialist at Monarch Center for Autism, reviewed the benefits of some of this helpful technology.
Early intervention: it’s a common mantra for any student with learning difficulties, including dyslexia. But as Terrie Noland, National Director of Educator Engagement for Learning Ally, pointed out in a recent edWebinar, those services are not consistently available to students across the United States. In “Dyslexia: Hidden Costs and Money-Saving Techniques for Districts,” Noland makes a case for front-loading the funding to shrink the learning gap at an earlier age and offers cost-effective solutions to help students engage in their education.
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) has become more prominent as an effective approach to interdisciplinary learning. However, implementation is not as simple as following a new curriculum or purchasing materials. During the edWebinar “STEAM: Innovations That Solve Real World Problems,” Cheri Sterman, Director of Education, Crayola; Lucie Howell, Director of Learning and Engagement, The Henry Ford; and James Wells, Innovative Teaching & Learning Manager, Crayola, explained the movement’s genesis and offered strategies for a successful transition.