Volume I, Issue 11 (November 10, 2006)

Best Practices in Teaching, Learning and Technology
We all know that technology is a field that is constantly changing. One of our greatest challenges is figuring out where to begin. I've recently discovered a couple of sites that have "best practice" videos available for viewing.

Best Practices in Technology Integration - In conjunction with a PA state grant (ACTS), these videos take you inside actual Pennsylvania classrooms to see how technology is being used to enhance student achievement and address standards. The library emcompasses different curriculum areas and includes descriptions of the process as well as explanations from the teachers on how new instructional practices were developed and how their new environment was managed.

Edutopia Documentaries and Interviews - These videos are from the George Lucas Educational Foundation site, Edutopia. Videos in the "Documentary" section include topics such as Geometry, project-based assessment, and media literacy. There is also an "Interviews" tab with educational leaders such as Howard Gardner and Grant Wiggins speaking about the use of technology, particularly within assessment processes.

Sometimes all it takes is seeing learning in action to inspire us to try something different. Hopefully you'll have some time to take a virtual visit to classrooms that are effectively using technology as a tool for learning.

Image source: http://www.stage-gate.dk/default.asp?sg=dk-stage-gate-best-practices.html

Randy Ziegenfuss <rziegenfuss@stsd.org>
Chris Smith <csmith@stsd.org>