Clay Shirky author and professor of media studies at New York University, recently penned a guest article for the Washington Post sharing why he decided to ban technology in his class.  He explains how it was challenging to be more interesting than the devices. The following quote captures some of his thinking:  "The practical effects of my decision to allow technology use in class grew worse over time. The level of distraction in my classes seemed to grow, even though it was the same professor and largely the same set of topics, taught to a group of students selected using roughly the same criteria every year. The change seemed to correlate more with the rising ubiquity and utility of the devices themselves, rather than any change in me, the students, or the rest of the classroom encounter."While banning might be a good idea for the "sit, listen, discuss, repeat" style of teaching, for the rest of us, not so much.  The disengaged classroom Shirky describes brings to mind the scene from the 1985 comedy "Real Genius" where eventually most every desk had a tape recorder and eventually the professor also gives in and replaces himself with a reel to reel to deliver his lecture.I want more »

This summer my department partnered with technology companies (such as PBS Learning, Google, and SMART Technologies) that provide resources used and loved by NYCDOE teachers to provide an innovative professional learning experience. The goal of the program was to create and connect teachers across the district who are power-users of the same resources so they could become area experts supporting others back in their school and districts.What was terrific about the partnership is that these companies really came to life with real people building relationships with our staff to support them and help them grow. In the end it was a win, win. The participants loved this type of learning. Our partners enjoyed the new connections and communities they were able to build and they will be expanding this work to other districts as well.  Here are six tips for SMART professional development opportunities.I want more »

Guest post by Michelle LoucasNo one enjoys boredom. It is an uncomfortable state, leaving one to cast about for relief. If you Google "boredom" and "school," you will find numerous entries about the boredom "epidemic" in our schools and oodles of "boredom-busting strategies" to eradicate this outbreak.  The essence of these cures is to "surround them with wonder"-- make schooling more entertaining so that kids will stop fidgeting and absorb what the teacher is saying. Examining the "boredom epidemic" in schools and its supposed remedies, it appears that both students and policymakers believe that the curriculum is to blame for the mind-numbing ennui. Nikhil Goyal, teen author and lecturer, explains, "When I was really young, I adored reading… However, I have never enjoyed any of the books I have read in school. None. The dullness of some of the books I have been assigned by my teachers has drained the life out of me and my peers." With the curriculum to blame, it is natural for a student to resent it and spend energy ignoring or subverting it at every turn.  The number and variety of ways that students do so is, ironically, an impressive display of their ingenuity.I want more »

School has been underway for more than a month. This is when back to school seems like a distant memory and it's time to celebrate learning as units of study come to a close. If you are ready to do just that, try musical shares. It is the brainchild of myself and a colleague from Common Sense Media, Tali. It is a marriage between musical chairs and speed dating. It is an engaging and interactive activity you can use to wrap up a professional development program, class, or unit of study. We did this for Graphite Accelerated Educators in August and it was a blast!  If you're looking for a fun new way to celebrate and reflect upon learning, check it out. I want more »

If students want to run for office, run a business, or change how things are run where they live, work, or play, they need to be savvy users of social media. This starts with having a positive online reputation. I had the opportunity at Tech Forum New York to speak with four Innovative educators (see below for faces and end of article for names) from elementary, middle, and high school as well as a district administrator about how to best prepare students.  Below is their advice.  How can you ensure your students are well Googled by the time they graduate?I want more »

If you're in a school where students have access to technology they have amazing learning tools at their fingertips. While equity and access is wonderful for students, teachers must know how to harness the power of these devices. If they don't, these tools of engagement can turn into weapons of mass distraction. Check out the slides below for some ideas. Have ideas of your own? Please visit the presentation at http://tinyurl.com/textingideas and fllow the directions for sharing.

Guest Post By Matt ShufroEditor's Note: Too many schools are not smart when it comes to interactive whiteboards and other projection devices. This is a smart and insightful look into what projection device might make the most sense classrooms. Over the last ten years, smart boards have become mainstays in K-12 classrooms.   Many educators believe this interactive whiteboard technology enhances classroom learning with increased student engagement and focus.  However, one of the downsides of this technology is the cost-per-implementation, which can be thousands of dollars per installation.   Fortunately, today there are less expensive alternatives that offer similar functions.  In some cases these substitutes offer unique advantages over existing smart board technology.  Budget conscious decision-makers should evaluate all available options before moving forward with a purchase.   Comparison: SMART BoardsPromethean interactive whiteboardsApple TV/iPad combination with AirPlayDocument CamerasChromebook with ChromecastI want more »

Google has just launched their brand new redesigned education website.  You can check it out at http://www.google.com/eduHere's an overview of what you'll find.Google for Ed 101 (in 101 seconds)TestimonialsHow to go Google at Your SchoolProductsDevicesProductivity toolsClassroom, gmail, docs, etc.Class contentTeacher-approved apps, books, videosTrainingGet trainedGet CertifiedHire a trainerResourcesNews + EventsGet SocialConnect with other educatorsGoogle GroupTwitterLocal Google Educator GroupsPrograms for educators and studentsGoogle Science FairComputer Science Summer InstituteGoogle summer of CodeCode JamMaker Camp

Used effectively, social media can provide one of the most meaningful and powerful learning platforms available. Yet, in many cases, we don't have conversations about recommended practices and practices that teachers may want to reconsider. These conversations are important if we want to support others in dipping their toes (or diving) into these waters.   Below are some conversation starters about social media use. These may be helpful for educators to discuss and consider how teachers are engaging where you work. As you review this list, know that this is not the same old do's and don'ts list. Times are changing. Out with "don't talk to strangers" and in with "considering ways to help students in engage responsibly with strangers online to build their learning network." Take a look at the advice below. Do you agree? Disagree? Why? What's missing?I want more »

Well into the 21st century, most schools acknowledge that for students to be prepared for college and career, they must have equity and access to technology. Providing technology resources is more than purchasing equipment and delivering it to a school. As we've learned from numerous other districts who've gotten this wrong (east coast and west), district-wide technology purchases can be a godsend or a disaster.  Here are some recommendations for schools or districts that are allocating dollars toward technology.I want more »