Blended Learning

Here is a link to a very recent (posted 7/16/2012) blog by C. M. Rubin.  She interviews two representatives from the Innosight Institute about blended learning.  They describe the term "blended learning" and its four different models.  The flex model seems intriguing.  Each student has his/her own "office" space (like a big business office full of cubicles) with his/her own computer and takes online classes.  There are break out rooms around the perimeter of the building where teachers can pull out small groups.  Supposedly, students become self-motivated to reach their goals.  The Innosight people say that the beauty of this system is that computers are able to do what computers do well.  Humans are freed up to do what humans do best.  Check out the link and let me know what you think.

Here is a video from Edutopia about a charter school in Houston, TX that is apparently having a lot of success.  They school has a longer school day and longer school year.  It looks like they have a young energetic staff that isn't micro-managed by the administration.  Also, they have two hours of planning time per day.  I taught in an elementary school near this location for several years, and can identify with the challenges this school faces.

Here is a LINK to an article about a new service where:

AP offers subscribers music through Audiosocket

The global news organization is going to offer licensing rights to original music provided by Audiosocket's platform, making it easier for users to add music to videos and other projects.

I heard about this app for iphone that can be used to record a student reading for a set amount of time.  I could use this when determining reading fluency for my special education students. Click here to download the free app.

I just finished my podcast on Audacity.  It sure took me a long time to get it done and posted to my Wiki.  I used the story board from the digital storytelling assignment to sketch out what I was going to say on the podcast.  Have a great weekend.

Geez... Another attack on public education.  Click here to read an opinion piece written by Andrew Coulson    of the Cato Institute.  Mr. Coulson claims that since 1970, the public school workforce has nearly doubled while the number of students has increased only 8.5%.  I know the Cato Institute is a libertarian think tank with a limited government policy, but those numbers are shocking.

This interesting Article from the Detroit Free Press relates that many students think school is too easy.  What do your think?

Here is a link to a Detroit Free Press article about Suttons Bay Schools thinking outside the box in dealing with budget deficit.  Very interesting.  I hope they break the record!

I have used Khan Academy for review and really think he does a good job.   Here is a lampoon of Khan by a couple of math teachers..  Not bad

Happy 4th of July everyone.  It is so hot here in Michigan, I'm looking to jumping off the pier into cool Lake Michigan after I cut the grass.  Anyway,  here are 12 videos about Web 2.0 tools from VideoAmy at Edutopia.

I found this current, interesting New York Times article about using Youtube in the classroom:  The article also has links to other relevant sites.