How will schools ensure they are ready for what the future may throw at them? What will need to be considered when planning for the use of Digital Technologies in schools post-Covid? These are the questions that are most pressing right now, not only for me, but for many organisations and government bodies. To this …
As educators around the globe prepare to take a well earned rest over the summer months, some are already starting to consider what education and training will look like in a post-inoculation world, which we refer to as AC (After Covid). The past fifteen months has witnessed an increase in the use of digital technologies …
Looking Ahead to a New School Year – Planning for a Blended Future Read More »
Connectivism: a basic overview In previous posts, and indeed in numerous other places, it has become more apparent than ever that teaching and learning have had to change. Yet, even before the pandemic, society and technology were continually changing the education landscape. ‘Connectivism; The Learning Theory for a Digital Age’ by Siemens published in 2005 …
Due to the low 30Cs temperatures of early fall in Virginia and with the school air conditioning not operating at full capacity, many Albemarle High School teachers would leave their doors open which would allow a sneak peek into their classrooms. One particular day, I passed by the open door of the computer science teacher …
Rubber ducks, a US Air Force sergeant, and my introduction to cybersecurity in schools. Read More »
Learning for our students Universal Design for learning is a framework, a mindset, a way of reaching, engaging, and empowering all students. It is defined as a “research-based set of principles to guide the design of learning environments that are accessible and effective for all” (CAST). Before we explore some of the UDL Principles in …
Relationship Building Relational development can be considered a vital component of effective teaching and learning, indeed one that has an impact on learners’ motivation and achievement (Niemi & Hotulainen, 2015). Some argue these relations are built through positive social interactions with peers (Cemalcilar, 2010). However, moving to online learning has reduced the opportunities for learners …
Emulating Social Interactions Online: A simple idea! Read More »
We recently passed the 1 year anniversary when education moved online. During the past 12 months schools, further education and training organizations and higher education has moved to a remote instruction model. With learners, of all ages, now returning to education it is time to look ahead and consider what comes next, After Covid. While …
A perfect combination? Is there ever such a thing! What I’m here to tell you is that a particular tool that I’ve tried out, Nearpod, addresses some of the principles of universal design for learning and can be used as a tool for assessment. Is it perfect? Absolutely not, but I’m here to show you …
As we approach the Halloween Break and another lockdown period, the focus of many in our society is on the wonderful job our schools are doing. The first phase of Covid-19, from March to June, has been defined by many as Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT). This phase showed the resilience of schools to continue school …
A New Reality for Formal Education We are now 5 weeks into a new reality where schools, colleges and universities are closed and learners, of all ages, are learning from home. During this time education providers have responded to this crisis by attempting to provide supports to their learners, so they can continue to learn …
