How Digital Tools Are Connecting Teaching And Learning
June 15, 2011
In science and math classes across the country, digital tools are being used to conduct experiments, analyze data, and run 3-D simulations to explain complex concepts. Language arts teachers are now pushing the definition of literacy to include the ability to express ideas through media. This report, "Multimedia Transformation," examines the many ways multimedia tools are transforming teaching and learning as schools work to raise achievement and prepare students for careers that require increasingly sophisticated uses of technology.
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: Virtual manipulatives, seen here, in software by DreamBox Learning, are able to provide the same benefits as physical manipulatives with less of the mess.
The math world is bursting with technologies that visualize concepts, adapt to students' strengths and weaknesses, and align with state academic standards.
Ian Quillen, June 13, 2011
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8 min read
Artwork created by Aubrey Arneson in Kevan Nitzberg’s class at Anoka High School. Digital tools are being used in classrooms to create art, music, and films.
Digital tools can be key to engaging more students in art and music and preparing others for careers in those fields.
Katie Ash, June 13, 2011
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8 min read
WHITEBOARD LESSONS: Sandra Simoneaux uses an interactive whiteboard to teach math to her 3rd and 4th graders at Parker Elementary School in Oakland, Calif. Ms. Simoneaux says she uses the whiteboard in one manner or another for 90 percent of her daily teaching. The board allows her to connect students to digital content on the Internet.
Experts say educator skill is the key determinant of the impact that interactive whiteboards have on student learning.
Mary Catherine O'Connor, June 13, 2011
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7 min read
Dominique Miller, a senior at the Science Leadership Academy, edits a multi-camera shot in Final Cut software for Rough Cut Productions, the school’s videoproduction company.
HISTORY COLLABORATION: In Ken Halla’s Advanced Placement U.S. Government class at Hayfield Secondary School in Fairfax County, Va., students use netbooks to work on a federal budget project.
Students can now review thousands of perspectives from key historical figures faster and more easily than ever before.
Katie Ash, June 13, 2011
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8 min read
STUDENT BLOGGER: Jose Arroyo, 18, above far right, gets help from teacher Ted Nellen during a Cyber English class at Edward A. Reynolds West Side High School in New York City.
Teaching students to read and write with depth and understanding should be a high priority no matter what approach is being used, experts say.
Katie Ash, June 13, 2011
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10 min read
SCIENTIFIC MODELING: Jeff Piontek is the principal and founder of the Hawaii Technology Academy in Waipahu. The K-12 high-tech charter school uses 3-D modeling and works with experts in the field to help students understand complex scientific concepts.
Schools are incorporating computer simulations and 3-D modeling to help students visualize and understand complex concepts.
Ian Quillen, June 13, 2011
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8 min read
Krysta Randolph, 17, a junior in Advance Placement U.S. History class, starts up a netbook during a joint session with seniors in Ken Halla's AP U.S. Government class at Hayfield Secondary on May 23 in Alexandria, Virginia.
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