9 Actions + Policies Necessary To Embrace Cell Phones for #MLearning + #BYOD

While interest is growing in the usage of mobile devices in school, a report on learning with mobile devices and social media tells us administrators still struggle with key concerns. Nearly half of principals identify teachers who are not trained in how to use mobile devices for instruction as the number one barrier. Teachers cite student distraction as their top concern of mobile use in the classroom.

Here are nine actions we must take to make responsible and educationally beneficial use of cellphones and other student devices a reality in the classroom.

I want more »

Teacher Advice to Students On Social Media Use

Educators who incorporate social media into the work of students must ensure responsible use. I asked members of The Innovative Educator group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheInnovativeEducator) for their advice to students when it comes to using social media responsibly. 

Here is what they said. 
I want more »

Screentime - Focus On Quality, Not Quantity

There’s a lot of debate about screentime for youth. Not only is it important for teachers to be familiar with the research, but Holly Flanders, CEO of Choice Parenting reminds us that parents, nannies, and any childcare provider must also be armed with accurate information. Flanders was recently quoted in the New York Post explaining why misinformation and misunderstanding can be a problem. “Most nanny relationships fail after a buildup of small issues that explode into something beyond repair.” The same holds true for parent-teacher relationships.

So what should the adults raising our youth know about screentime?  It may not be what you think.

Unlimited screentime is fine... if used responsibly.

I want more »

The Hottest Posts Everybody's Reading

Here’s the roundup of what's been popular on The Here’s the roundup of what's been popular on The Innovative Educator blog. Below you’ll see the top posts along with the number of page views. I hope there's something that looks of interest to you.  If it does, check it out. If you’re inspired use one of those icons below the post to share it with others and/or leave a comment.

Entry	Pageviews
7 Innovative #EdTech Practices You Can Implement a... Mar 15, 2015,	7399
7 Must-Haves for Teaching + Learning with #BYOD #B... Mar 22, 2015,	6216
7 Ways Social Media Has a Role in Education Mar 18, 2015,	3842
10 Reasons Cell Phones Should Be Allowed In School... Aug 24, 2010,	2589
Finally! Research-based proof that students use ce... Feb 16, 2013,	2073
Finally - Laptops More Affordable Than Back to Sch... Mar 29, 2015,	1893
8 Real Ways Facebook Enriched Ms. Schoening’s Firs... Jul 15, 2010,	1816
#Student Wisdom: Tech Doesn't Always = Innovation Apr 1, 2015,	1594

My Books on #EdTech + Learning Alternatives

If you love The Innovative Educator blog, you may like some of the books I've written on the topics of technology and learning alternatives. The books hit upon some of my favorite topics including how to turn technology from weapons of mass distraction to tools of engagement, how to harness the power of technology to strengthen the home school connection, and alternatives to learning for those students that are struggling in a traditional school setting.

Each book provides practical tips, advice, and real experiences from students, staff, and parents. Check out the images below for a sampling of what you will find.
I want more »

If You Haven't Paid Your Respects to Paper, You Should.

It’s time to get ready for the death of paper.  I know you love it. I know it helps you think better if you can just write on paper. I know you love the smell and the feel of paper.

Get over it.

It’s dead. Stop killing trees. Stop wasting time and MONEY.  Stop saying we can’t afford to get tech for every kid so we need paper. That’s a lie. We can get a Chromebook that will last three years for $300 bucks.  That’s $100 a year per student. In places like New York we pay about 10k per year for students, but it’s not even about the spending.  We’d spend more than that in all the paper books, textbooks, printing, ink, printers, and MORE!  Getting rid of paper saves us money.

No more paper.  No more books. No more teachers giving dirty looks at students who embrace digital devices for learning.

I want more »

#Student Wisdom: Tech Doesn't Always = Innovation

Fifth grade student Marissa McEvoy shares an important message for classmates, teachers, and parents:

“Technology doesn’t always equal innovation.”

In her speech to various universities and organizations Marissa tells us innovation means “changing something for the better.” When it comes to using technology in school, she is right on target. For example, in many cases interactive whiteboards neither make learning more interactive or better. Word processing can slow down, rather than enhance the writing process, barely reaching the bottom rung of the SAMR model. Just having and using technology does not mean we are doing something better. 

Marissa shares one of the most important ways we can innovate with or without technology:

I want more »