A collection of the most useful, tactical, and actionable information educators are using to help grow Australia’s education to the frontline of the world. 1% at a time.
This is where the K2AV team does the ground work to find the most practical information that educators can apply, ponder, and discuss to move the needle 1% further next couple of weeks. So here they are:
Unusual website improving student focus, and creativity –
The world is filled with products and innovations designed to increase distraction and multi-tasking, this unique and unusual website titled The Most Dangerous Writing App helps reverse that, even if temporarily. With the premise that you set a certain time limit (or word count) and you must continue writing for that period of time, if you don’t it deletes everything you’ve written…forever. Quote from a teacher “I also gave them a pep talk on pushing through the sticky first 60 seconds. You could literally hear the moment that their brains started to flow.”
Positive initiative improving female participation in STEM –
She Flies uses drone training as the launching pad (pun!) to engage more women and young girls into the world of STEM. Using drones to help girls soar in STEM is the mission statement of Dr Karen Joyce and Dr Catherine Ball’s program and their online learningcentre has resources that teachers can use in the classroom to drive this further.
Most debated education article –
Evidence Shows Students Still Learn More Effectively From Print Textbooks Than Screens.
A book educators are loving –
WHEN by Daniel Pink. A book about timing reveals insights like – if you want students to perform better at a test set them the test in the morning, if you want to ask for a raise make sure it isn’t at 2:55pm, the most important meal of the day is lunch not breakfast. Not written with educators in mind as the target audience, however educators being the type that gravitate towards routine, structure, and cutting-edge data, this book has resonated with them. Numerous positive reviews by teachers who have applied the information and even shared it with their students. Drive, also by Daniel Pink is another educators’ favourite on how to motivate others.
Most shared education article on Facebook: Melbourne school’s experimental teaching concept –
Grouping students by ability instead of age. A secondary school in MelbourneTemplestowe College has implemented an experimental approach of giving students free reign over course load and level they believe that suits them after they’ve completed their study of four core units in Year 7. Year 8 onwards they are free to assign themselves as they like. And as anticipated, this isn’t being given the thumbs up by all experts, yet the school’s Principal is strong in his belief to rebel against the system.
A quote to inspire you for the week:
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
We like honest no-holds-barred feedback. As the largest classroom technology provider to education in WA, our goal has been to help grow education in Australia to the frontline of the world. This newsletter, our podcast, and our book has been our means of sharing information that can help do that. Let us know what we could/should do better.
