The following post is an excerpt from EdTechTeacher CEO, Tom Daccord’s new blog: tomdaccord.com. In a few weeks, I will be instructing the EdTechTeacher “Teaching History with Technology Workshop” for the 16th straight year. Lately, I’ve been thinking about changes in technology since I first began leading the workshop and implications for teaching and learning. […]
4 Must-Use Video Apps to Encourage Reflection on the iPad
Want to learn what Ben is up to? Follow him on Twitter @Mr_Sondgeroth While completing my undergraduate degree in history education, I recall having to submit a written reflection after completing every lesson. I also remember being somewhat annoyed at the process and questioned the purpose of reflecting back on my work after already completing a lengthy […]
Are You Innovating or Simply Changing? 6 Essential Considerations
The following post is an excerpt from EdTechTeacher CEO, Tom Daccord’s new blog: tomdaccord.com. “Innovation” initiatives have become the rage in many schools and districts. Some have hired an “Innovation Director” and others have created an entire Innovation department. Others focus on innovative pedagogical approaches, such as Design Thinking. Yet, it appears that few schools […]
Challenge-Based Workshops: Moving Teachers From Discomfort to Empowerment
The following post is an excerpt from EdTechTeacher CEO, Tom Daccord’s new blog: tomdaccord.com. Does the following seem familiar? “Okay, everybody, click here. Now, everybody click here. Now, everybody click here. Now, everybody read along with me. Now, everybody watch me.” Boring, right? Through the years I’ve seen many stand-and-deliver workshops where the presenter stands […]
Creating a Community of Change Agents at the Inspired Learning Convention
Last week, I had the privilege of keynoting the first annual Inspired Learning Convention in Mendon-Upton, MA. Whereas many schools and districts talk about the need for innovation, educators in Mendon-Upton use the concept of inspired learning. As I wrote in a post on EdTech Researcher, I like this definition as it places the focus on the […]
“But I Don’t Have Time!”- Escaping Constraints That Thwart Teacher Innovation (Part 1)
The following post is an excerpt from EdTechTeacher CEO, Tom Daccord’s new blog: tomdaccord.com. “I don’t have time.” It’s teachers most frequently cited reason for not trying a new pedagogical strategy. At least it’s the reason I hear most frequently from middle and high school teachers who say they have no time to innovate because […]
5 Google Search Tools and Strategies to Cut Through the Clutter
We use search engines each day to help us search for information. Our biggest hurdle is the amount of information we need to sort through to find exactly what we want. Knowing how to effectively and efficiently search is part of being informationally literate. Teaching students to locate, evaluate and effectively use this information should […]
Schools & Random Acts of Innovation
The following post is an excerpt from EdTechTeacher CEO, Tom Daccord’s new blog: tomdaccord.com. “Few individual schools sustain random acts of innovation over time.” -Stanford researcher Linda Darling-Hammond In schools across America, administrators and teachers are making forays into innovative practices such as design thinking, makerspaces, and personalized learning. These initiatives are often undertaken by well-meaning educators who […]
Building A Shared Vision: A Critical Step in Leading Teachers
The following post is an excerpt from EdTechTeacher CEO, Tom Daccord’s new blog: tomdaccord.com. Many principals and other school leaders believe it’s their duty to create a vision for their institution and to relay that vision to their staff. Many work extremely hard to craft meaningful and engaging goals for their community. Yet without a […]
Nurture Your Innovative Teachers (or suffer the consequences)
The following post is an excerpt from EdTechTeacher CEO, Tom Daccord’s new blog: tomdaccord.com. “Dysfunctional schools become even more so because thoughtful teachers avoid working with colleagues who are marching the competition.” -Linda Darling-Hammond Recently I had extended conversations with two talented, dedicated, and innovative teachers who are attempting to transform teaching at their respective […]