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Barbara is a technology integration coach at two middle schools in Oakland Unified and shares some of the cool projects she is lucky to be co-designing. Project-based learning is the way to go.
There are design issues that make the game Angry Birds addictive for so many people. Barbara writes about using this game as a model to design learning activities.
Check out the module on Edutopia about Whittier School District in Georgia that used the strategies from High Tech High for project-based learning projects. Barbara adapted the ten tips on PBL and her ideas about PBL.
Barbara is working with several middle schools co-developing project-based learning activities. She details the process for a project on Global Climate Change.
Barbara wants to challenge you to do a pilot study comparing teaching strategies. One group teachers continue the same teaching practice. The other group students and teachers design the curriculum together. Students teach each other and create projects. Anyone interested?
Barbara updated a post from 2005 on Professional Learning Communities that she wrote on Rethinking Learning. She realized this is more needed now about the guiding principles and the importance of trust and collective learning.
Creativity can happen if teachers let go. Allow students to brainstorm questions about the concept. The teacher is a co-learner with the students and facilitates the process.
The job market is tough but there are ways you can stand out in a crowd. This list to learn how to Brand Yourself is adapted from AARP for educators.
The Obama administration plans to change the Race to the Top legislation and reform No Child Left Behind. What does this mean for teachers and students? Barbara shares that assessment such as teaching to the test which teaches to each standard will need to change and questions what this will mean for teachers.
Barbara is going to the CUE Conference in Palm Springs and is presenting several sessions. She’s looking forward to connecting to people she hasn’t seen in some time.
