Best Site Blog - Academic Learning Coach

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Socratic by Google Lets Students Demonstrate Thought Process

3/29/2020

Socratic by Google promotes metacognition by encouraging students to think about how they can solve a problem or answer a question, rather than give up in frustration

Instant answers plus explanations outweigh cheating concerns

Pros: Links to explanations and resources can really aid student understanding and provide valuable learning opportunities when teachers aren't accessible.

Cons: There's no guarantee kids are going to use this app to learn; some will just want quick answers.
Bottom Line: Used wisely, this reference tool has the capacity to amplify learning and aid students on their own time and terms.

Toynk Toys

LampLess, Teach More

3/29/2020

LampLess, Teach More

The feel good benefits of a LampFree projector solution have been enjoyed for some time. Cost reduction in replacement lamps, greener footprint without the need to dispose of the old lamps, time and workforce savings and mercury-free tech makes everyone feel they made a smart choice in AV tech. Not only do these new projectors offer a bevy of pros when it comes to eco-and-cost savings, the latest of these laser/led hybrids have made the jump into 4K for added clarity and detail.

With inclusion of a 4K DLP chip, the tech projects images of 8.3 million pixels to mirror true color and accurate nuance of the content to draw in tech-savvy students. These days, displays are spinning like giant phones, casting the latest TikTok vids sans black bars by simply flipping a projector on its side—when it comes to impressing in the classroom, the bar has certainly been raised.

Class, Interrupted

Sometimes the most impressive accomplishment in tech, is the one not noticed. When a teacher flips a switch on their lamp-free projector and continues to teach the class using dynamic video clips, multi-layer visual models, casted screens from students showing their projects from their desk — there are no oohs and aaahs, no round of applause. It simply works, and the class goes on.

However, for the teacher who has worked over their weekend preparing the perfect lesson— enhancing learning with plans for inspiring live shuttle launches or scavenger hunts using realtime watering hole feed direct from the Serengeti— only to have that flick of a switch end in a warm up delay followed by the dread flicker, pop and darkness…nothing is simple. It may start with a few minutes fiddling with wires, remote control batteries flying on the off-chance they are to blame, as the class starts getting restless. Recognizing the likely reality — that a lamp has blown—is chased by hastily assigned reading to keep the kids busy. Calls to the office, calls to IT, a teacher’s aide pulled in to oversee things while the educator is pulled away to check the supplies of replacement lamps to no avail. At best, the day’s lesson plan has been derailed and over lunch hour someone comes in to replace the lamp (certainly without students present if the lamps include mercury). At worst, the proverbial closet shelf is empty and the experience is pushed back for the days-to-weeks’ wait as a new one is shipped out, or scrapped entirely in order to stay on schedule.

True Cost

When it comes to choosing tech, there is more to consider than a number on the price tag. One big budget concern is ongoing maintenance costs. Not only do LampFree or hybrid projector options nix the need to buy additional replacement lamps, they also eliminate the costly process of replacing lamps — time needed for ordering, shipping costs, blocking time in the classroom for installation, man hours with an experienced installer. These costs all add up. In fact, “soft” costs can add up to 20% to the bottom line. While this is certainly a consideration for budget-minders, for most teachers the biggest cost is one that doesn’t show up on an excel sheet— learning lost.

LED Projector cLICK: $2,488.00

And the Winner Is…Tech’d Out AV Does a Victory Lap

3/29/2020

ProjectorCentral’s 2019 Best of the Year Award

Casio’s Superior XJ-S400UN LampFree boasts the unbeatable combo of innovative offerings and an impressive price point. The projector is outfitted with next-gen mercury-free LED and Laser hybrid light source. The R-Hybrid Light Source produces clear and brilliant colors, but keeps the budget and eco-friendly service life of up to 20,000 hours without the need to change a lamp.

"Casio's hybrid laser/led solid-state light source offers the low-maintenance benefits of any laser projector, but in an exceptionally compact form factor here that's said to be among the smallest in its 4,000-lumen class," said ProjectorCentral editor-in-chief Rob Sabin. “This, combined with affordable pricing and the company's exceptional suite of ES convenience and sharing tools for educators, prompted our ProjectorCentral 2019 Best of the Year award."

Bonus for the classroom user, Casio’s Educational Solutions collab package offers an Auto Input Search so teachers can start class quickly by simply plugging the PC into the projector. One Click Connection allows wireless projection by simply clicking on the dedicated icon for each classroom on your device— perfect for shared space situations as each educator can maintain dedicated access for their lesson plans. Wireless PC/Projector Remote Operation and Moderator Function let educators choose between displaying their own screen, or sharing the work of any connected student—with up to 40 devices connected to the projector at one time and up to four devices on-screen simultaneously.

casio projector cLICK :$979.00

School Closure Support Resources from BrainPop

3/29/2020

The need for distance learning is quickly becoming a reality for millions of students as schools around the world close temporarily due to the coronavirus.

The need for distance learning is quickly becoming a reality for millions of students as schools around the world close temporarily due to the coronavirus. Meeting the challenges of teaching and learning remotely requires being flexible, having vision, and thinking creatively about how best to support students.

BrainPop has a webinar, resources to make assignments, build assessments, and manage student learning remotely. In the webinar, they outline integrations with various Learning Management Systems, such as Google Classroom and Canvas, providing suggestions for both synchronous and asynchronous approaches to online learning.

Recognizing not all students have access to technology at home, BrainPop provides guidance for developing equitable lessons that are effective whether completed on or offline.

Here are links to the BrainPop materials:

Custom Star Map

Virtual Learning with Quizlet

3/28/2020

Quizlet

Flexible study aid supports learning at home, at school, and on the go
Pros: From personal study sessions to game show-style competition, Quizlet adapts to your situation.

Cons: May require extra teacher supervision/moderation; user-generated content isn't always reliable or appropriate.
Bottom Line: A quality study tool for learning and memorizing facts; extensions to support higher-level thinking would be a nice addition.

TextNow Android Download

Share the (real) News with BBC iReporter

3/7/2020

BBC iReporter

Spot real stories, dodge fake news in cheeky media literacy sim
Pros: Gameplay is silly and fun, and it takes critical thinking and media literacy savvy to succeed.
Cons: Students probably won't want to play it more than once, and teachers will have to come up with context-setting and reflection activities on their own.
Bottom Line: A refreshingly modern way for students to explore how to filter and interpret info and media during breaking news events.

Apple iMac Computers In Stock! 728 x 90

GameSalad Guides Kids in Digital Game Design and Creation

3/7/2020

GameSalad

Great interface, flexible publishing options make game-making a snap

Pros: Empowers kids with the ability to custom-create games; amazing online support.
Cons: Full features (including publishing student-created apps) require a pricey subscription fee.
Bottom Line: Engaging interface and tutorials will empower budding game designers, but the price tag could be a deal-breaker for tight school budgets.

YogaOutlet.com

Thomas Paine's Common Sense

3/7/2020

Thomas Paine, author of Common Sense, was born January 29, 1737. Read about the rhetorical touches Thomas Paine employed in this pamphlet which galvanized colonial thought about breaking away from Mother England.

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