Over the past decade, technology has transformed the way teachers collaborate, plan, and reflect, helping to alleviate the isolation many educators face. In her article “Professional Development Through Learning Communities,” Kathleen Fulton highlights how the same technological tools that create learning communities for students can be applied to foster professional growth for teachers. These learning communities, supported by both human […]

In an age where information is readily available at our fingertips, you might think we already have enough tools to access the content we need. Tools like RSS feed readers, such as Pageflakes, are widely used, but how often do you actually get the time to sit down and read through all those feeds? If you’re not doing it as […]

Will Richardson once shared, “I’ve learned more in my four-plus years as a blogger than I have in all my years of formal education.” He wasn’t referring to blogging as a classroom tool, but rather as a personal and professional development resource. And he argues that it has been a more effective learning tool than his traditional schooling. But how […]

The music industry has long been at odds with file-sharing networks, fighting to maintain control over how music is distributed. For years, industry leaders turned a blind eye to the fact that those sharing files via platforms like BitTorrent were also among the biggest music buyers. However, it seems the tide may be turning. Edgar Bronfman, head of Warner Music, […]

The landscape of social networking in education is undergoing a fascinating shift, and the possibilities it brings are far more impactful than many realize. While platforms like MySpace and Facebook have often been associated with recreational use, their early dominance has led to a stigma that has overshadowed the transformative potential these tools can have in educational settings. The Power […]

In Episode 32 of Innovative Teaching Moments, we take a closer look at Socrative, the web and mobile app that’s making formative assessment easier, faster, and more engaging for educators and students alike. Spoiler alert: we’re big fans—and not just because it’s free! What is Socrative? Socrative is a user-friendly platform designed to help teachers gather real-time feedback from their […]

Welcome to an exciting exploration of gaming’s transformative role in the classroom! In Season 3, Episode 21 of Innovative Teaching Moments, we dive into how games are redefining learning, blending creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking into educational experiences. Whether you call it “gamification” or just plain “serious fun,” one thing is certain—this trend is changing the way we teach and […]

For nearly a decade, the computer programming class next door had a glaring absence—girls. In all those years, only one female student ever stepped into that classroom. A deeper look revealed this wasn’t an isolated issue; it reflected a national trend. According to a New York Times article, “Where The Girls Aren’t,” in 2001, over 19,000 boys took the Advanced […]

For nearly a decade, the computer programming lab next door had a noticeable trend: no girls. Over ten years, only one female student ventured into that classroom. A deeper dive into national data reveals a persistent gender gap in technology education. In 2001, the Advanced Placement (AP) computer science exam saw over 19,000 boys participate but only a little more […]

In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, integrating cutting-edge technology into the classroom can transform how students learn and engage with the world. From space exploration to 3D design, here are some innovative tools and programs that inspire creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration in education. Discovering Space with NASA’s GAVRT Program NASA’s Goldstone Apple Valley Radio Telescope (GAVRT) program offers students […]