Podcast Series: Innovations in Education

Explore the full series of eSchool News podcasts hosted by Kevin Hogan—created to keep you on the cutting edge of innovations in education.

In the Footsteps of History Announces Their Newest Immersive Learning Game

New York City, NY – In the Footsteps of History, an adventure-based educational platform is proud to announce the release of its newest immersive learning game, In the Footsteps of Matthew Henson, which was made in partnership with 3D experts, Ultisim.

This learning module illuminates the remarkable journey of Matthew Henson, an African American explorer who achieved a monumental feat in the early 20th century by becoming the first person to reach the North Pole. Despite this groundbreaking accomplishment, Henson’s name is often overshadowed by that of his better-known companion, Admiral Robert Peary.

 “My family and I are so proud to see my great-grandfather’s legacy being carried forward in this way, says Aviaq Henson. “It’s truly inspiring to see how his adventures and discoveries are being shared with the younger generation. It’s such a good reminder of the importance of passing down these untold stories.”…Read More

Why experts say now is the time to assess your district’s edtech use

Key points:

For much of the past 12 years, Casey Rimmer sometimes felt like a “dream killer” when it came to the edtech tools used in her district. As the executive director of curriculum and instruction for Union County Public Schools, a district of over 41,000 students outside Charlotte, N.C., she was often tasked with letting teachers know why a potential new tool wasn’t approved for use.

Lately, though, the district has flipped the script. Now they ask teachers to check the tool’s data privacy policy and age requirements when making a request, so they have a better understanding of why a tool is—or isn’t—a good fit. When teachers feel part of the discussion, it often leads to productive conversations, she explains. …Read More

As states adopt science of reading, one group calls for better teacher training, curriculum

This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters.

Wisconsin is creating a new literacy office and hiring reading coaches. Ohio is dedicating millions to a curriculum overhaul. Indiana is requiring new teacher training.

Dozens of states are moving to align their teaching practices with the science of reading, a body of research on how children learn that emphasizes explicit phonics instruction alongside helping students build vocabulary and knowledge about the world. But a national policy group says many states still have significant work to do to ensure strong reading instruction.…Read More

How I’m making learning more engaging for my gifted students

Key points:

Keeping gifted students focused and engaged in learning can be challenging. They complete tasks quickly, are often motivated to dig deeper into a subject, and are prone to boredom if not sufficiently challenged. This can lead to disengagement, especially for gifted students.

To better support my gifted and talented students, I have integrated the Talents Unlimited approach into my classroom practice. The Talents Unlimited approach to education was created by Dr. Calvin Taylor, who researched the thinking skills people need to be successful in the world of work. Specifically, the Talents Unlimited model identified the following five key thinking abilities that lead to success: Productive Thinking, Communication, Forecasting, Decision Making, and Planning. Nurturing and expanding these talents can help students develop creative and problem-solving skills.…Read More

Agency and self-direction: Giving students a voice

Key points:

Social-emotional skills are fundamental for success in school and in life. But how can we ensure that all students learn these valuable lessons so they can have positive relationships with each other, support one another and make good decisions?

Empowering students to take charge of their own social-emotional development through self-directed learning and assessment can pave the way for better relationships, improved well-being and enhanced academic achievements. For this to be effective, students must have  a voice in their social-emotional skill development, enabling them to reflect on their skills, leverage their strengths, recognize opportunities for growth, and identify their support systems. …Read More

Are microschools the future of education?

Key points:

This article originally appeared on the Christensen Institute’s blog and is reposted here with permission.

Microschools have become a hot topic over the last few years. Their big appeal is that they promise to do a better job catering to students’ and families’ individual needs and interests. But right now, they only serve about 2 percent to 4 percent of U.S. students. So, could microschools eventually become the new normal in schooling?…Read More

Leveraging student data to improve IEPs

Key points:

Educators generate and collect student Individualized Education Program (IEP) data daily. Because of the number of stakeholders involved in the IEP development and implementation, student data sets may exist in case files, spreadsheets or several software programs.

Some school leaders are fortunate enough to house their data in systems where IEP information can be ingested, disaggregated, and managed in a way that paints a clear picture. But more often than not, leaders need more time, better processes, and the appropriate tool to manage data in a way that reveals critical insights.…Read More

65 predictions about edtech trends in 2024

As we wave farewell to 2023, we’re looking ahead to edtech trends in 2024 with optimism for education as a whole.

Moving away from the pandemic, educators still grapple with learning loss and academic disparities and inequities.

In 2023, a new popular kid in town, better known as AI, dominated headlines and prompted debates around how students could abuse–and should use–the generative tool for learning. …Read More

65 predictions about edtech trends in 2024

As we wave farewell to 2023, we’re looking ahead to edtech trends in 2024 with optimism for education as a whole.

Moving away from the pandemic, educators still grapple with learning loss and academic disparities and inequities.

In 2023, a new popular kid in town, better known as AI, dominated headlines and prompted debates around how students could abuse–and should use–the generative tool for learning. …Read More

65 predictions about edtech trends in 2024

As we wave farewell to 2023, we’re looking ahead to edtech trends in 2024 with optimism for education as a whole.

Moving away from the pandemic, educators still grapple with learning loss and academic disparities and inequities.

In 2023, a new popular kid in town, better known as AI, dominated headlines and prompted debates around how students could abuse–and should use–the generative tool for learning. …Read More