Twitter to replace the neverending PD days?

Check out this new post on the HechingerEd blog:

HechingerEd Blog | Can Twitter replace traditional professional development?

 I like that PD development could become more instantaneous via applications like Twitter and Facebook. Reaching out to the education community in real time about real issues in my classroom seems like a much more useful way of honing my skills as opposed to those 6 hour professional development days. While PD days often times cover interesting topics, it sometimes feels like learning in a vacuum - talking about things out of context, just to talk about them. Talking about things that COULD happen can't be the most effective way of expanding a teacher's repertoire... I'd much rather hear from someone who is going through the same issues as me. I'd think having that insight could be a much more valuable resource!

The Great Digital Divide Debate

Another interesting article on my go-to blog of choice, the HechingerEd blog:

HechingerEd Blog | Online tests and the digital divide: Will poor children be left behind?

This post relates to what came up the very first week of my 21st Century Skills class, expecting technology skill sis all well and good, but not all students have access to computers! Unfortunately not everyone has access to computers in schools, or at home. How are these students expected to have the same level of information and technology literacy as students with more widespread access? It is an issue that is going to continue to plague us as we head toward the next big revolution in our education system.

Interesting Math Site

I just came across an interesting site after reading an article on how professional development may be changing... (The HechingerEd blog keeps me in the loop of all the goings on in the world of education.) This blurb by Sarah Garland caught my eye, so I had to check out the site:

One new program that presenters promoted, LessonSketch, uses cartoon simulations to demonstrate teaching skills, complete with thought-bubbles hovering over cartoon-teachers as they instruct cartoon-students. Unlike in a real classroom, the simulations can offer “Choose Your Own Adventure” options, where the teacher might make one choice and face a series of classroom consequences, or make another with a different set of outcomes.

The site seems to be more user friendly than Kahn Academy, but is limited in topics. If you teach math, or know a struggling student, the site may be worth a visit!