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.

4 keys for unlocking student curiosity and critical thinking

Key points:

As an educator, I have always been fascinated by my students’ innate curiosity. From an early age, they have an insatiable desire to learn. Anyone who spends time around young children will find themselves peppered with questions, questions, questions! “Why is the sky blue?”, “Why do my fingers get wrinkly in the water?”, “Why do dogs wag their tails?” This natural inquiry can be a powerful force for education. So, it’s a little disappointing when modern teaching tools and strategies ignore–or subvert–this incredible curiosity.      

Education doesn’t have to be guided by rigid definitions and practices. We can make a transition from linear, hierarchical teaching into a richer, more experiential way of learning.…Read More

5 ways to teach like a pirate

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Learning is a dynamic process, one in which learners must be actively engaged. However, studies suggest that a significant percentage of students feel disengaged in their learning, posing a challenge for educators. As teachers strive to adapt their instructional methods to nurture student curiosity and drive deeper student engagement, the principles outlined in Teach Like A Pirate offer valuable insights. 

A few years ago, I read the book Teach Like A Pirate by Dave Burgess, and the ideas resonated with me and changed my perspective on instructional practices. In his book, Burgess emphasizes the importance of Passion, Immersion, Rapport, Ask/Analyze, Transform, and Enthusiasm (P.I.R.A.T.E.) in teaching. Central to this approach are the hooks – strategies that captivate students’ attention and foster excitement for learning. Here, we explore five effective hooks I’ve shared with the educators I support that are inspired by the book, along with specific examples of their implementation: …Read More

How to help students build critical success skills

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This article was originally published by SREB and is reposted with permission.

Communication, teamwork and problem-solving are clear priorities among success skills that employers seek, according to a new report by the Southern Regional Education Board.  …Read More

Navigating cultural diversity in American education

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The tapestry of America’s history is arguably woven with threads of multiculturalism, reflecting a nation that has embraced diversity since its inception. In many ways, the history of multicultural education runs parallel with the history of the United States, because we have been an ostensibly multicultural nation from the very beginning.

Within the educational landscape, the concept of Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) has emerged as a multifaceted approach that aims to promote equitable excellence and validate the diverse experiences of students. CRT refers to a student-centered approach that seeks to validate and affirm students’ diverse experiences and contributions. By creating bridges between students’ knowledge and classroom content, educators who employ CRT practices aim to affirm identities and values. Furthermore, educators who employ CRT extend learning beyond the classroom, thereby fostering community engagement and service learning to enhance students’ critical consciousness regarding social justice and racial inequalities.…Read More

How to weave video game principles into the classroom

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Student engagement is vital for any educator throughout the length of a course. The unfortunate reality is that a great teacher only has control of a student’s environment for a short period of time. When a student goes home, they are inundated with many other potentially more engaging activities. In the last few decades, the main attractor for many students have been video games. Video games have become so mainstream over the years that children are just as engaged watching the games on streaming services like Twitch as playing them. The challenge posed to educators is how to gamify coursework that students can play, enjoy, and learn.

The most successful video games have a stratified reward system that rewards players at spaced intervals while the player works towards a goal. The best way to explain this is by looking at a successful game–let’s use World of Warcraft as an example. Players progress through levels toward the end objective while, along the way, completing objectives and earning in-game equipment. At the same time, the player can work and collaborate with other players to defeat more difficult challenges. This is analogous to the education system on a much more condensed time scale. There is an end goal in mind, achieving the maximum level or graduation. This is completed by working through objectives that, in education, are various courses: algebra, history, English, etc. Students earn grades as they complete objectives and even collaborate with classmates on projects. Understanding how the education system is similar to games is vital to redesigning an education-based learning system that would be more engaging for students.…Read More

2024: The year of generative AI

Editor’s note: This story on generative AI originally appeared on CoSN’s blog and is reposted here with permission.

Key points:

As we step into 2024, the educational landscape is just beginning to feel the transformative shift brought on by generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI). This year marks a significant milestone in integrating advanced AI technologies into educational practices, heralding a new era of teaching and learning. Gen AI is set to revolutionize the way we approach education.…Read More

Key strategies for education leaders to boost morale

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In the current educational environment, there seems to be extremely high levels of staff stress, burnout, and generally low morale. In education, where the success of students is intricately linked to the motivation and dedication of faculty and staff to go the extra mile, elevating employees’ well-being is not only a humane thing to do, but a crucial component of improving employee morale.

As a new assistant principal, one of the tasks delegated to me was to manage the staff recognition program. The school had historically recognized one or two faculty for outstanding work at the end of the school year. These faculty were generally nominated by their department chair or one of the assistant principals. There was a need for more widespread recognition.…Read More

Summarized transcription versus real-time captioning: What’s best?

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In recent years, the education sector has rapidly adopted captioning, driven not only by its positive impact on comprehension and inclusive learning but also by the necessity of adhering to accessibility standards and providing accommodations for diverse learning styles.

While K-12 schools and higher-ed institutions have spent considerable effort adhering to accessibility standards (and should be applauded for that effort), one in four lawsuits in education center around accessibility. Thus, the focus on captioning–a requirement in K-12 and higher education–has intensified.…Read More

Friday 5: Tracking AI in education

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It seems as if we hear about AI in education every day, if not every hour. AI’s rise in popularity has brought with it questions about ethics, skills students will need for workplace success, and how to balance negatives with positives when it comes to teaching with this new generative tool.

Here are five insights around AI in education:…Read More

AI in Education

Key points:

  • AI holds much promise for the future of education
  • AI tools can offer personalization and targeted interventions
  • Discover more about what AI in education holds for teaching and learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing education with innovative approaches to teaching and learning. AI in education is used to enhance personalized learning experiences, streamline administrative tasks, and provide valuable insights into student performance. AI-powered adaptive learning platforms analyze individual student strengths and weaknesses, tailoring educational content to meet specific needs. Intelligent tutoring systems offer real-time feedback and guidance, promoting a more interactive and effective learning environment. AI also assists educators in administrative tasks such as grading, allowing them to focus on personalized instruction.

As technology continues to advance, the integration of AI in education promises to optimize educational outcomes, promote inclusivity, and prepare students for the evolving demands of the digital age.…Read More

How Will Artificial Intelligence Impact the Way We Teach?

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Artificial intelligence is poised to revolutionize the way we teach, introducing transformative changes that will redefine pedagogical approaches. From personalized learning experiences to streamlined administrative tasks, AI in education is reshaping the traditional landscape.

This paradigm shift not only enhances teaching effectiveness but also empowers educators with data-driven insights and innovative tools. As AI becomes more integrated into education, it challenges traditional teaching methodologies, paving the way for a future where teaching is dynamic, adaptive, and personalized. Let’s explore how AI is set to impact the very essence of how we educate and prepare students for the challenges of the digital age.…Read More

How AI will be Used in Education

Key points:

Artificial intelligence is poised to revolutionize education, offering personalized learning experiences, innovative content creation, and efficient administrative support. As technology advances, AI in education becomes increasingly pivotal, transforming traditional teaching methods and preparing students for the dynamic challenges of the future.

How is AI used in education?

While many may cite disadvantages of AI in education, AI is employed in various ways to enhance learning experiences, foster individualized instruction, and streamline administrative tasks. Personalized learning is a key application, as AI algorithms analyze students’ performance data to customize educational content, ensuring tailored approaches that cater to diverse learning styles. Intelligent tutoring systems leverage AI to provide real-time feedback and guidance, assisting students in grasping concepts at their own pace.…Read More